The Knicks Fix

The response to our first mail call was overwhelming. I think I developed carpal-tunnel syndrome and I plan on suing.

Enjoy.

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Henry wrote:

Alan,
Is there something Marburry could be doing to cure his tendinitis? Maybe some pool training or a personal trainer. I'm sure traveling around the country selling his shoes will not benefit the Knicks next year. Also do you think the Artest talk will pick up again once Dickua and jones contracts become available to trade?

Alan’s reply:
There really isn’t a “cure” for tendonitis other than rest. His style of play puts a lot of stress on his legs and knees and after 10 years, tendonitis is to be expected. Stephon said on his recent blog that he is working out despite the tour. I remember asking people last year during his tour what he was doing to work out while traveling. One person who traveled with him said he did a lot of shooting and basketball drills.
As for the Artest stuff, I can see things heating up later in the summer. I don’t think either team is in any hurry and you’re correct to consider the rule that prohibits the Knicks from trading either Dan Dickau or Freddy Jones within 30 days after acquiring them. However, I have reason to think Jones will be a Knick. Isiah has history with him and his defensive ability will help in the Knicks backcourt.

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cossucks wrote:

Great call Alan. Its obvious to most people that Marc Berman crossed that line a long time ago. Why doesnt anyone call him on it?

Alan’s reply:
There are plenty of things that go on in the press room that will never get printed. I make my little comments to vent, I guess. It’s not all beers and cheers on the road in this business. All I’m saying is sometimes you hear about people who are good guys who really are selfish and deceitful and then there are others who you’re told to avoid because they are said to be arrogant and negative and you find they are true professionals and passionate reporters who pass on the Kool-Aid.

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Eli wrote:
Great Blog Alan, I really enjoy reading it whenever you post.
I have a couple of questions that I have been wondering about, maybe you could shed some light
This was especially highlighted around the NBA draft- newspaper writers and internet writers(chad ford,chris sheridan, etc...) constantly quote their "inside sources" when revealing trade rumors. Who are these inside sources, are there really GM's and higher ups who reveal these trades to people such as chad ford? For some reason that doesnt sounds right. If they do really do this, why would that be? Is it because they want to see the public's opinion? Any insight that you have would be greatly appreciated.
While covering the knicks I am sure that you have your favorite and least favorite players- who do you find to be the most genuine and down to earth knicks and who do you find to be the most aloof and arrogant? Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry strike me as real nice guys, I'm wondering if how these guys seem on the court is how they are off of it.
How has the feedback been regarding the knicks draft around the business? From a fan's point of view, Chandler looks like a real quality basketball player, dare I say he reminds be of a Ron Artest type player with his physique and defensive abilities. Nichols looks like a great shooter, kind of like Steve Smith.

Thanks, i look forward to your answers in the mailbag

Alan’s reply:
Thanks for the kind words Eli. Everyone in this business has their “inside sources”. It’s something you’re always trying to develop and cultivate. Sometimes it can be a coach, an assistant coach, a scout, a GM, sometimes a team president. Sometimes it’s even a team owner. Most people rely on agents, too. Agents are always listening for trade buzz, especially if it involved or affects a player they represent.
These kinds of things get out for various reasons. You’re correct to assume that sometimes a GM might float a trade idea to a reporter to see how it gets played. Sometimes a team will allow a rumor to perpetuate (see: Artest and the Knicks or Kevin Garnett to Boston) with the hopes it can turn fiction into a reality.
Hey, this is pro sports. It’s entertainment. We’re not giving up national secrets. This stuff is all the game-within-the-game. It’s what makes it competitive.
And yeah, Jamal and Eddy are genuine guys. I like dealing with them. I’m cool with just about the whole team, really. Everyone has their good days and bad days during a long season.
It’s too early to really gauge how the Knicks did at the draft, but as I’ve written, I think Isiah did a great job grabbing Demetris Nichols from the Blazers. This kid is a natural shooter. Chandler has a good foundation and, with the right coaching and attitude, he can be a good NBA player. I think people around the league expect the Knicks to be a playoff contender next season.

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david wrote:
Alan, your blogs and articles are the best writing about the Knicks, period.

If you were to predict (and I know this is just a guess), how do you think the Knicks will get down to the 15 man roster limit?

Alan’s reply:
Thanks David. I think Isiah would love to make a 3-for-1 trade (i.e.: Artest). But if there’s nothing out there to be done, I can see him making a harder decision at the end of training camp. It’ll be an interesting camp if it comes to that. Talk about competition! Jerome James had better get on his Total Gym this summer. There will be a lot of pressure on Nichols to make a strong case for the roster, or he might be asked to play in a minor league such as the ABA or CBA, or go to Europe for a better paycheck. You know Nichols would prefer being a 15th man on the Knicks to any other option. Like I said, it’s gonna be very interesting. I just wish the Knicks let us watch practice because it would be fun to watch.
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Kenneth said:
Alan, if the Knicks roster stayed the same what do you think will be the starting lineup and what would be the order of the substitutions coming off the bench?
I know the roster can't stay the same and they need to get down to 15 players but when they do I mean

Alan’s reply:
Right now, here’s what I have penciled in:
PG Marbury
SG Crawford
SF Richardson
PF Randolph
C Curry
Key Reserves: Guards: Robinson, Collins, Jones, Forwards: Balkman, Lee, Jeffries, Center: Rose
Deep Bench: Chandler, Nichols, Morris

To me, that’s the team. Good, energetic bench and the kids there as well to learn and experience the NBA without pressure.

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Aazaz said:
Stephon's recent behavior is very consistent with a manic phase of bipolar disorder. Elated or irritable mood, excessive spending sprees, distractability, heightened interest in new activities and people, grandoise delusions of exceptional talent, making grand plans for the future, delusions of exceptional mental and physical fitness, psychomotor acceleration and increased sense of well-being, and so on. Good for him, I suppose, as long as he doesn't get too depressed when this all settles down for him.

Alan’s reply:
Whatever they prescribed for him, I want some too baby.
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Steady said:
Alan,
Dave H is going to be someone's next HC--what a JOB he did this summer! For how many years is he signed up?
Do you foresee OUR Knicks team with 2 IDs? What do you think about a scenario where the Orange side starts out and plays East Coast-half court ball, walking it up and going right to left and left to right on post-ups with occasional treys and mid-range jumpers from QR, RA, or SM? On the Blue side, they could bring simple mayhem--the all energy team with DL and RB in for the hustle and N8 or MC running the point.

BTW, I'm not sure that SM was comparing his impact of going over to Italy similar to DB's recent. I think it can be interpreted favorably as an example provided to show a star athlete from one country going to another as an ambassador for the sport or to expand his marketability and reach (impact). We all know that SM is human and like all of us, with foibles. Pointing out this perspective is similar to those who critize him for saying that he thinks he's the best PG in the game.
KFL

Alan’s reply:
I never had a chance to talk much with Dave Hanners (the Knicks keep a lot of their people away from the media and frown on chit-chatting…very paranoid culture over there at the Garden) but when I got to talk with him at the summer league and watch him work, I agree. He’s a Larry Brown guy who came in last season, so I think he’s got about three years left. Not sure he’s part of Isiah’s inner-circle, tho, but I only say that because Dave is an LB guy. Phil Ford, another LB guy, was encouraged to look elsewhere and took a job with Charlotte.
You’re right about the two identities that the Knicks can have this season with the lineup. Thanks for your opinion about Stephon.

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Darren wrote:
Alan:
Why were we not in the running for defensive-minded SFs Desmond Mason or James Posey? Q will be hurt when we'll be fighting for playoff position and it is my belief that we will suffer the same defensive breakdowns in crunchtime situations that felled us last year. Either could have been had in a 2 for 1 sign-and-trade. What gives?

Alan’s reply:
You make a fair point, Darren, though I don’t know if I’m a huge fan of Posey and I don’t know if Mason is better than what you have on the bench in Balkman (especially after this summer) and even in Jeffries (he’s better defensively than we saw most of last season). But I think the defensive-minded SF you’re asking about would be Artest, if Isiah can make it happen. As for Q and his back, this surgery is supposed to have cleared up the problem that had been plaguing him. So maybe he will be healthy come playoff time. Now, will the Knicks be in the playoffs come playoff time? That’s the bigger question.

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Don wrote:
Alan,
What happens if Isiah is found guilty of sexual harassment? Does Dolan cut him loose, and if he does, would Herb get the opportunity to run the team, or do they go outside of the organization (I'd like to see Kiki get the GM position, even though Grunwald could take over.)?

Alan’s reply:
Great question, Don. I wonder how this will play out. It starts in September, a month before camp opens. One thing to keep in mind, Dolan is also a defendant in the suit, so if Isiah is found guilty Dolan might have sympathy. I think you can turn the team over to Herb if it’s in mid-season, but there is too much here to get into for a hypothetical situation. Remember, Jeff Van Gundy is a free agent!

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Sunil wrote:
Darren,
Why would we sign desmond mason for the midlevel when we have two guys who do what eh does for rookie pay. (very cheap rookie pay)
Alan,
Who polices the press ?
There don't seem to be any repurcussions for misleading or outright false reporting ?

Alan’s reply:
Sunil, I would say you as readers police the press. You decide what paper you want to read in the morning and what paper you avoid. What reporters you put your faith in.
In this business, if you’re a phony, it shows like a cold sore, homie.

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jys22 wrote:
Right, that comparison is irrelevant and a bit out of the blue to me. Anyway, at least Steph's acknowledging that his days in the NBA might be over. Kudos!
Next thing you know, steph will probably say how much he loves harry potter...LOL

Alan’s reply:
OK, call me a spoiler, but I got an advanced copy of Deathly Hallows and in it Harry Potter wears Starburys.

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Adam L wrote:
Assuming that our roster doesn't change other than shedding the final 2 players, would you rather see Q at the 2 or 3? Would your opinion change depending on personnel? Seems to me Q is an ideal 2 offensively, but may have trouble guarding the 2's on defense. I'd like to see him start at the SG alongside Balkman, and hav Jamal and Lee off the bench together, but I recognize that probably won't happen. Why amd I right or wrong in wanting that?

Alan’s reply:
You go ahead and want what you want. It’s July, man. Plug it into your NBA2K7 and see what it does for ya. I think Q is the 3, however. I think Jamal is your starting 2. He and Q know how to feed the post very well, which will be important. Let’s not get too carried away with Balkman. Dude needs to show me he can hit a consistent J before I started talking about starting him. He’s instant energy off the bench. Perfect place for him.

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stopmikelupica wrote:
Alan,
I slightly disagree with you on the Beckham/Marbury thing - as a soccer fan, I think they are quite similar. Beckham you can definitely argue is way higher profile celebrity in the UK (and the world) than Marbury. If that was your point, then I agree with you. But in terms of actual talent, Beckham was an All-Star level player for a while, but was also tremendously overhyped and overrated, because of the British media. His rep benefitted from playing in the UK, which has been starved for a soccer savior since the 50's, and marrying an equally big name. Skill wise, he probably is similar to Marbury, and the transition down to American soccer is very similar to the transition to Italian basketball, which is probably Marbury's point.

3. How do you see the Atlantic Division shaping up this year, with all the moves the Celtics, Raptors Knicks and Nets have made?

Alan’s reply:
Man you put a lot of thought into the Marbury-Beckham thing! It’s a theory, I guess. As for your questions:
1. I read as much as I can that is Knicks-related. I’m not in the business of promoting other websites, especially competitors of Newsday, but it’s safe to say I’ve seen and read just about every Knicks-related blog and website out there. Especially in my first year, I felt it was important to gather up as much info and perspective as I could.
2. I don’t see Morris having a big impact early in the season, especially with Zach Randolph on the team. Zach will eat up a lot of minutes and then there’s David Lee, who also will get minutes at the 3-4-and-5 spots.
3. I think the Celtics improved and, if they can just stay healthy, should be better. I was surprised the Sixers didn’t do much to improve. I don’t know if their improved second-half means anything, so it’s hard to judge them this season. Toronto, to me, is a team on the rise. I love what Bryan Colangelo is doing there. The Nets are going to remain tough and it’ll be between them and Toronto for the division, with the Knicks right on their heels.
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Trane wrote:
There has been a lot of debate on these blogs over Isiah’s record and job-performance. In general, he appears to have a very favorable approval rating among the regulars who frequent the various blogs. Some have been more critical. My questions are:

2. Where are you on a possible trade for Ron Artest? Is it feasible? Do you consider it a good idea? How far would you be willing to go (who would you be willing to trade) to make it happen?

Alan’s reply:
You are right, Trane, the opinions on Isiah are mostly at extremes. Some people are fiercely loyal to him, no matter what. They feel media criticism of him is based on racism. I love getting those emails. I think Isiah is a good coach. He’s in his element there. He knows how to reach players. Motivate. Create the us-vs.-them mentality. He also does a good job late in the draft in finding useful players. But trades? Signings? Disastrous.
Regarding Artest, I think it’s both feasible and a good idea. As I wrote in a blog last week, if you’re the Knicks, you go for it. Artest does bring a lot to the table, as long as his off-the-court stuff doesn’t become a distraction. I think this is the right time in his career to bring him to New York. I would not trade David Lee for him, however. With the overabundance of guards on the team, I think you can make one expendable.

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Rob wrote:

Gilbert's blog is on NBA.com.

Alan’s reply:
My bad, Rob. I said ESPN.com. Extra sprints for me after practice.

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Scott Kurant wrote:
Marbury should do the knicks a favor and opt out of his contract now and play in italy this year. As a person he seems like a good guy, but as a player he has never been on a winning team. So far in his career the Nets got better when he was traded to the Suns, and the Suns got better when they traded him to the knicks. His answer to the question as to whether he will make Zack Randolph a better player tells it all about him. His answer was that Randolph is going to make himself a better player. Jason Kidd would answer, absolutely yes.

Alan’s reply:
Stephon tried last season to defer to Curry, but while his game definitely transformed for a while there, his personality will always be that of a guy who believes he should be the man. You can’t change the tiger’s stripes.

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MODI wrote:
Those who say Marc Berman "crossed a line" in journalism are dead wrong. It is other journalists who DON'T report Marbury's off-court behavior that have crossed the line. It is those journalists who report on the slightest infraction with the law who have "crossed the line." Perhaps this lesson should be taught in journalism school. How come we rarely hear journalists "professionalism" being taken to task for covering off-court incidents with zeal.

Alan’s reply:
You are depressingly misguided, Modi. Our job is to cover the Knicks and their players. But we’re not here to idol worship nor are we to trade objectivity for access. You should be wary of any media outlet that gets too cozy with an athlete or a team. You have to wonder if their relationship with the player or team compromises their ability to tell you the whole truth.
We all covered his foray into the Starbury brand with the proper amount of attention. We’ve all given him credit for his genuine intentions. As for your comment that we cross the line for reporting “the slightest infraction with the law,” are you suggesting we just ignore when a pro athlete breaks the law? Whoever you are, you need to seriously reconsider your argument my friend.

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Director wrote:
Allan,
Great Blog, great work keep it up.
I don't think it's Zach and Curry with the problem of playing together. I think it's going to be them two versus the guards. Marbury has his sights on maintaining that 20pts and 8 assist career average, Nate does not even know how to pass the ball to a big on the post, Craw never seen a shot he didn't like a Q wants this to be his breakout year.
Now you have Curry and Zach who are useless on the offense because they don't set pics and they will rarely see the ball on the block. We all know they are useless defensively.
Zach and Marbury will go at it and it's team turmoil all over again.
Your thoughts on this potential Guards vs Bigs conflict due to lack of leadership.

Alan’s reply:
Thanks. I think you’re making a rash assumption of Q’s intentions. I think you also underestimate Crawford’s development as a player last season. He showed a lot more ability to pass and set up Eddy before his injury. And, yeah, he can fill it up.
I wouldn’t be so confident in the Curry-Zach thing until we see it on the court. Randolph has a reputation for dogging it during a play that is not called for him. Will he make good, hard cuts to the high post or set a good screen, even though the ball is going to Eddy? Or will he glaze over?
I don’t see Marbury fighting for the ball. I think he’s accepted the idea that the offense will run through the post. Steph will have the chance to get his points off that, but for the most part he showed last season he can exist in an offense that doesn’t revolve around him.

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BARF wrote:
Hey Alan. Cool idea with this mailbag thing.
Here's what I got so far.
How successful do you think Q's back surgery was? Do players come back from that? What do you expect, a recovered Q or an early retirement waiting to happen?
[It is my opinion that he is the single biggest key to the Knicks success next year. He and he alone assuming contributions from everyone else remain similar to last year]
The popular topic is the E-Z Pass connection. Personally, I don't see much mystery there. We know what we have with those players and we know what we lack. On offense, the key will be spacing, unselfishness and a willingness to follow every shot for a rebound. On defense, how do you think the duo will be successful?
They are both wide bodies and can occupy enough space to defend the post adequately. Are there enough dominant post players at the Center and PF position where we should be worried?
We still will have trouble with quick footed penetrators because of the lack of shot blocking and help defenders. Is there a defense the Knicks could run that would take the pressure off from Curry and Zach?
You think Marbury has more than 2 years left on those knees? You think he'd give up on the idea of playing in Italy to re-sign for an MLE? Or will he pull a Beckham- sign for an absurd amount of cash money and take his deteriorating body to a place that knows no better and just wants the publicity?
You think MSG's media policy will lighten up when the team starts winning or when the reporter's learn to kiss more butt?
I am from the camp that believes acquiring Artest would put us into the elite category. How far do you think the Knicks will go WITHOUT Artest?

Alan’s reply:
I already gave you my take on the Eddy-Zach thing. It’s a matter of teamwork and will Zach buy-in. Will he make hard cuts when the play is for Eddy? Will they learn how to pass out of the post when they are doubled? It’s not going to happen overnight. This might take a half-year or so to figure out.
You are dead-on about the quick-footed penetrating guards. Neither of the bigs are quick or have defensive reflexes. That’s going to be a big weakness and I see teams like Toronto shredding the Knicks with drive-and-kick attacks. It’s just a matter of hitting those open shots.
Stephon knows his body and knows how it works in the NBA. I don’t see him accepting a backup situation en route to retirement. So the Italy thing isn’t that out of the realm of possibility.
The MSG media policy is something I debate with them on a daily basis. And since I’m not in the business of kissing butt, I guess I’ll lose out on the objectivity-for-access trade-off.
I think without Artest the Knicks should be a playoff team. With him, they could contend for the East, however I have to add an asterisk to that comment because I don’t know what you’d lose off the roster to get him.

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Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York wrote:
Alan, I enjoy your blog and I have been promoting it to a bunch of my friends. Your are balanced and thoughtful in expressing your view and sharing your observations. Good stuff.
I am interested in your take on the status of Sports Journalism in New York. I find it quite interesting that you believe Berman has crossed the line, especially since the need for content has long blurred any line between Journalism and news.
I suggest that your old school view is absolutely no longer reflected in New York sports reporting which is far more opinionated, personality driven drivel.

With that said, I pose the following questions to you:
1. How do you feel about the state of sports journalism today?
2. Where did you go to journalism school?
3. How do you feel about the abilities (and work prooduct) of your fellow New York Knick beat writers particularly, Frank Isola, Howard Beck, Mike Lupica, and Peter Vescey?
4. What writers inspired or encouraged you to write sports journalism?
5. Where do you think sports journalism in New York is headed and will we, the fans, ever be able to regain faith in journalists or rely on journalist to enhance our enjoyment of the sporting experience?

Alan’s reply:
Thanks for promoting the blog, LINJLNY, the check’s in the mail. As for my so-called “old school view,” it’s just how I was taught by some mentors here at Newsday. And I’ve learned along the way how you can be used and put in situations where you are expected to “play the game.” You make mistakes and you learn from them and know what not to do. Some people just allow themselves to be used and have their credibility trampled for what might be the minor scoop of the day. But what does it get you tomorrow?
Anyway:
1. I’m not someone who’s been around long enough to give a critique of the business of sports journalism today. But let’s just say I agree with some of the things you said.
2. I have a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Long Island University-C.W. Post.
3. I don’t know Lupica or Vescey on a personal level, so I have no right to comment on their work other than to say I grew up reading both of them. Howard Beck is a pro’s pro who I enjoyed sitting next to at every home game. We had a blast. He also has put in a lot of time covering the NBA and knows a great deal that he was kind enough to share. Isola is like a big brother to me. He went out of his way to show me the ropes this year and introduced me around to the many people he knows in the NBA, from coaches to GMs to players. Frank takes a lot of heat from some fans because he is critical, but trust me when I say there is no one on the beat with more passion for the Knicks than he. We don’t agree on everything – he never hesitates to get on me about things I write – but we both have a strong sense of what the Knicks are supposed to be. And being happy after a 33-win season is not it.
4. Lupica used to write for Newsday and I grew up reading him. I admired a lot of the Newsday hall of famers, such as Steve Jacobsen and Joe Gergen and Jan Hubbard. Helene Elliot and Pat Calabria. Steve Marcus is someone I consider my mentor in the business. Can’t say I was a fan of Jayson Blair.
5. I think sports journalism has changed dramatically with the arrival of ESPN and the internet. It used to be the sports pages were the only place to get behind the scenes of your favorite team. I still believe beat writers are your closest connection to the team. Perhaps the blogs will humanize it again, like in the old days, when a writer would tell you the game story as a story instead of just stringing inane quotes together.

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Well, that’s it for this edition of the Blog Mailbag. We’ll try it again later in August. As for now, I’ve got some major construction going on at my house – long story – in the coming weeks. I’ll have to live out of my laptop for a while and steal a wireless signal from one of my neighbors until things at my place are back to normal. Peace!