I've been following the Knicks this year for several reasons. First, they hired a coach in D'Antoni that has brought a fun Euro spread offense to the NBA. Second, the Stephon Marbury saga should happen more often. Third, the local media coverage is great. And, finally, they are playing for 2010 in 2008, and they are not apologetic.
I thought the Knicks had a lot of talent last year, but Isaiah was a disaster, and the team had no direction. For anyone who thinks coaching in the NBA doesn't matter, this season may be hard to explain. While they have taken advantage of a soft schedule, the philosophy, energy, and results are completely different than the dud they were last year. Coaches in the NBA are enablers, whether it leads to better or worse play.
Not that I like the undue attention an overpaid Loser gets, but too many teams are hijacked by bloated player contracts in a players league. It's about time a team makes a decision based on heart and not expenditures. Marbury quit on D'Antoni in Phoenix, which has not been forgotten. Word on the street in New York is that Stephon may be more talented than Duhon, but he is a ball-hog loser. He'll be moved or rot on the bench before he stifles the offense, and infects the whole team with me-itis.
I've got both the New York Times and Daily News on my quick links list, and their guys are as good as it gets.
Last night the team traded its leading scorer, second best scorer, and best rebounder in exchange for Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley ... and it was a great move. While Harrington and Thomas fit the run-and-gun style, the reason for the trade was to clear space under the cap for the 2010 free agent class that includes Wade, Bosh and King James. Screamin' A reported last night that the space available would be enough to sign two max contracts! I don't know much about the cap, but that would make the Garden rock again.
Side Notes:
Go Blue
How do the Utah/BYU alums watch the game if it's on the mtn network. Is that even broadcast in California?
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