Don't Be Fooled By Knicks' Fast Start
Knicks guard Jamal Crawford prepares to make a pass under defensive pressure from Jazz center Mehmet Okur in the fourth quarter. (Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr. / November 9, 2008)
The New York Knicks haven't celebrated a winning season since 2001, and I can't imagine that this dismal streak will end any time soon. Despite starting the season at 5-3, the Knicks don't yet look like a team ready to make a playoff run. Their lack of talent, leadership, and depth will keep Mike DiAntoni from creating the type of fast-paced offense that produced his success in Phoenix. The Knicks don't have a consistent 20-point scorer, and they aren't likely to turn things around with Chris Duhon setting the pace at point guard. And the defensive unit has allowed more than 105 points per game. Don't expect DiAntoni's coaching style to allow any improvement in that department.
The Knicks have been an absolute embarrassment to New Yorkers over the last decade. Their front office has made one bad decision after another. It has consistently overpaid coaches, traded for washed-up stars, and failed to draft a decent player. Stephon Marbury, the team's most talented athlete, is making over $20 million this season and has yet to play! I can't begin to imagine why the Knicks would invest so much money in a guy who has been a locker room cancer his entire career.
If the Knicks don't turn this thing around soon, the franchise will be in even more serious trouble. The Nets will eventually move to Brooklyn, so don't be shocked to see a lot of New Yorkers jump the Knicks bandwagon. I've gotten to the point where I can't bear to watch a single game. It's easier being a Grizzlies fan nowadays! At least those guys are used to losers. The Knicks are one of the richest franchises in basketball, located in the most sports-crazed city, and they play in the world's most famous arena. They have no excuse for failure. -Matan Cohen, Special to Bobby v. the World
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Comments: 1
Matan:
Many of your points are good ones. However, the Knicks are starting to turn a corner. D'Antoni and Walsh know what they're doing-as long as waste of an owner Jim Dolan doesn't interfere. They WERE laughingstocks with Dolan overseeing the inept, immoral Isiah Thomas.
As for Stephon: HE IS a cancer. Like Obama inheriting the financial crisis, the new regime gets Starbury, someone they clearly didn't want. Who wants a cancer on their team? The players can't stand Marbury, and if not playing him makes the team happier, great. They are clearly much less an embarassment than they were, simply because Isiah, the only man to run a league into the ground (the CBA) is gone.
This team plays hard. I agree about the defense, or lack of it. That's not D'Antoni's style, but it needs to improve.