The Knicks Fix

Alan:

After watching the Knicks intently the past couple seasons, I am not convinced that this year's team will be able to fix some awful habits. Specifically, the "go down by 25 in the 1st half, only to rally in the 3rd/4th quarter and lose in the end."

I supported the Z-Bo acquisition and the rooks look promising, but why should I think this season will be any different, albeit with more offensive prowess? And were James Posey or Desmond Mason even on our radar this offseason?

Alan, why do you think that there are so many in the new york media who have such an aggressive and nasty way of writing about/covering the Knicks? What has caused them to cover the team with such a negative and angry tone?

I realize that this is a politically tough question to answer and if you are not comfortable, then my other question would be whether you think that Isiah Thomas will come to the realization that being tied to the hip with Stephen Marbury is not really good for Thomas' career or future?

Hi Alan,

Love your blog. My questions are related. What the hell really happened with DLee's injury (should I worry this will effect his future) and will the knicks make any changes regarding medical staff given "Misdiags" of Dlee, JJeffries and Crawford (any idea if other teams have these kind of problems?).

Ok Alan,
My question will be an easy one. Why do you have a picture of Doug Collins with a tool belt on in your biog picture? lol

Alan,
Maybe you should have also posted a rule: Don't do unto me what I would not do unto you--as in put a mike in your face/keyboard under your finger while I ask you to answer a politically charged (set-up) question. For crying out loud folks!!!

OOOPs, mike should be mic. Damn secretaries. S/he forgot the signature too.

KFL

How do you assess Isiah's performance as a coach? As a GM?

Alan,

As a spin-off of Lefty's question, what do you think about the Knicks medical staff? DLee's ankle/leg? Crawford's ankle (just after he scored the winning bucket the night before..I wanted to cry like Marbury when I got the news....)

That staff outta be evaluated for competency. They cost us the season, in my humble opinion.

You got the best b-ball blog in the world Alan, with the most knowledgeable fans in the world posting!!

In what is now an improved Eastern Conference (Boston, Charlotte should be better than last year. New Jersey, Orlando, Washington may be as good as they were last year) is it playoffs or bust for Zeke's regime?

What's Up Faithful Knick Fans. Bronxboy in MD claims you guys are the best Knick fans and the blog is off the fishessy...

Time will tell...Injuries have been a legitimate concern the last couple of years, and players have commented negatively on the medical staff...Nevertheless, if the players have committed themselves to winning, coming to camp in shape is a part5 of that process...Maybe IS will take it easy on them physically and focus on the mental aspects of the game...If they come in shape, be about the business of winning, drills and walk throughs is the way...Use the exhibition season to round into game shape...Oh please shoot plenty of free-throws...This is my frist time, probably not the last, and I wish all of you a splendin day...

Why would Isiah cut Dickau now? Why not hang on to that contract as long as possible? Does Isiah have the freedom to overspend on guys like he has in the past, or has Dolan cut him off? Do you think Kirilenko is available? Would Dolan OK spending $13M per year for four years for a role player (although he's a pretty darn good role player)?

I know that's five questions, but they're all related so I'm hoping you'll forgive my exuberance.

Alan,

Enjoyed the piece on Nate, as you say - we will see if his talk will be borne out on the court. I can't think of a better player for him to pattern his game after than Nash - I hope he continues with the film work.

My question is - are there any two for one trade scenarios out there? We've been handicapping Artest possibilities, but the fact remains we have too many guys and I'm in agreement with everyone here that Nichols should be on the roster. A Plains Dealer piece about Bibby drops Knicks and Mavs as two teams with extra men with which the Cavs might deal - is this just surmising, or has there been any talk with Cleveland? Even just wishing, I have a hard time coming up with any player the Knicks should bring in (not named Artest) who would even crack the rotation, with what we're willing to offer. And I can't think we are willing to give up players valuable enough to warrant getting an expiring contract in return, so what's the move?

Why is it that James Dolan was so pre-occupied with the Jets Stadium in Manhattan and not with the Brooklyn Arena when the latter is gonig to pose a bigger threat to Madison Square Garden then the former? How do you see the Brooklyn-Knicks rivalry playing out when they first move?

Is it possible for me to place a bet anywhere in the world that Jerome James will show up overweight and average less than 3 in all categories except DNP-CDs?

Great N8 article. Finally got around to reading it. As long as he keeps his eyes on players like Nash and Parker, I have no worries.

I'll get back to the mailbag questions later. Fav time of the month!

Hi Alan,
Even with a cut or two, how does Isiah find minutes for everyone? It seems that minutes will be tight for Collins and/or N8, and possibly up front for Lee and Balkman if Q is healthy, and getting time at the 3. Is there any way the rookies get any court time?
Is Jerome James a Big Mac away from the waiver wire?

Posey signs with Celtics:

http://www.nba.com/news/452991.html?rss=true

I'm sure you guys have seen this. Great pick up for Ainge, why would Riley let him go?

Welcome cooleyhigh. You will find this place cancer free and fertile for your b-ball values and NYK exuberance. We claim this blog to be top of the heap here. A number one! I consider all NYK and KFL Kings/Queens of the F'n hill until they prove otherwise. Our host is hip, has street creds and has come to agree on this principle that you surely applied since yibidee from jump street: Don't start none, won't be none.

Say Alan, what's good with the summer workout plan for our NYK ballers? What was the workout regimen/assignment given to the players at the post-season exit interviews? We already saw Jeffries, N8, and EC. What about the other fellas?

Do you think there's any truth to the notion that some players feign injuries in the NBA? For whatever the reason? I read an excerpt from "The Bus" where he admitted doing so to avoid being cut.

Lastly, did you toss dem keys to DVJ this weekend explaining why he had everyone chasin' him up and down the blog court on Saturday AND Sunday?

KFL

If Posey, Eddie House, and Pollard, are a a part of the 8 or 10 man rotation for the Celtics, they are in big, big trouble...They are definiely assembling the All Geritol Team---Ole gizers and world renowned losers...Their biggest concern is if Rando can't paly the point, who will?

@ Steady...

lol @ "had everyone chasin' him up and down the blog court on Saturday AND Sunday?"

We had DVJ "shakin' and bakin" in here more than a little bit this weekend, that's for sure.

He probably felt like he was bein' pressured from endline to endline, with no timeouts left, and nobody to pass the "pill" to....

Don't know if he'll want the "pill" anymore...

You still my boy, DVJ......

@ Cooleyhigh,

Not to mention that Rondo isn't a "pure" pg by any means.....

The pressure we'll be able to put on the Celtic guards is gonna be the reason for a lot of sleepless nights in beantown.

I definetly like our chances.

Like I already said on this site, or another...I don't remember. But if one if the "Big Three" go down for the celtics...they won't make the playoffs...I mean right now they are looking at one of the thinest benches in the league. Who on their bench can step up and start? Maybe Posey if he shows up in shape. I heard a rumor earlier in the year that Riley suspended both posey and Walker for being overweight. The Celtics are going to be one of the biggest disapointments in the league this year. The Knicks on the other hand are going to be one of the biggest surprises.
LGK

Alan,

We're all happy you're blog has taken off the way it has. thanks for hosting it.

my question is about the knicks organization. when i met fred kerber of the post (nets beat writer) earlier this year, he confirmed this, but I want your feedback on this.

many of us on this blog came here from another blog where the host always seemed to be b*tching and moaning about how badly the knicks organization treated him as a reporter. considering some of the personal attacks he and his cohorts published through their newspaper, it can perceived as a which came first, chicken or the egg situation, because unlike Iraq, we don't know who started that war. as knicks fans, the last thing we want to hear is about how some reporter is complaining because he no longer gets to sit courtside next to chloey sevigny but rather closer to us "common folk". Yes he did say that in so many words.

can you attest to this unjust treatment of the media by the powers that be at the garden? that is, have they ever been less than professional with you or Ken Berger? Incidentally, I'm not a big fan of Dolan, don't think the boy's done his homework when it comes to the subject of basketball, or the knicks, but with the franchise so safely in his pocket, I guess it doesn't matter if I like him or not.

people are starting to quote you alan.

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/26/was-francis-holding-back-n-rob/

I personally see Mardy Collins as our starting point guard of the future, but who knows what Nate would do with more minutes and a real point guard mindset.

Assuming a healthy Q and back to his old self, anyone of the starting five can make the all star team. Who do you think will represent the Knicks at the break this year? And who do you think will be the Most valuable Knick for the 07-08 season. Last but not least, are you brave enough to post a prediction of how many games the Knicks win and which seed do they finish in the Eastern Conference?

Thanks for a great Blog and good luck with the sink!!!!

Hey Alan,

How does your playoff bound 8 look in the Eastern Conference? The EC is much improved over last year...even with the Knicks improvements ...I still feel as if they are a bubble playoff team? Thoughts?

Thanks

Usually Very Optimistic Knicks Fan

"One question per customer. OK, one post per customer."

After less than 30 posts, we have five people who cannot read and obey the rules.

Steady 3
Bronxboy in Md 3
starburyfan 2
Willis 2
cooleyhigh 2

Alan

Good Blog...love bloggin'with true Knicks fan...some crazy ones too!

My Question: What do you think is our weakest position(pg,sg,sf,pf,or center) Why?.. and how/or who would improve it?(leave out Kobe).......Really is ONE question.

hey @sswipe, i mean follow directions, instead of telling people what to do, why not try learning how to read instead of making assumptions.

I only asked one question, made one comment.

I guess you have nothing better to do than play hall monitor in a place nobody asked you to play hall monitor.

Take your read and obey the rules mentality to whatever nazi blog you usually comment on and leave this one to people who are usually literate and respectful.

best regards,
starburyfan

Hey Alan,
Here is my mailbag question for you. I think my general question is about how much Isiah cares about this roster he has assembled via draft and trades. But I have a side question that goes along with it. We have known since the draft that Dickau and Jones couldn't be moved until the end of August. I found it peculiar that a week before, its written(Berman I think) that Dickau will be released. Do you think there is a chance that this was floated to maybe make Sacramento nervous and entice them to make a deal that was on the table for Artest? Otherwise, whats the point in letting that out?

Secondly, if Dickau is released,this seems to say that Isiah is fine with Collins and Nate as the backups. And if Artest doesn't come here, how much do you think it has to do with the fact that Isiah knows Nate(since his name is the one that always comes up in this trade) is working so hard to make himself better along with some of these other players showing up and working out all summer. I just get the feeling that Isiah feels like he is close to having something special and instead of gambling and bringing Artest in, he wants to ride with this group of guys he brought in. Not only to give them a chance to prove themselves, but he would get the satisfaction of knowing he drafted or traded for them and helped them all grow into this special group of players.

I know it's all a business at the end of the day, but just listening to Nate and Q and Marbury and Lee and Jeffries this summer, it just feels like everyone is invested in the team and in making themselves better to succeed under Isiah. They all sound hungry in other words. I would think that would make Isiah feel good and want to keep the roster as it is right now, minus Dickau and preferably a bought out Jerome James. Thanks for your time and keep up the good work.

"One question per customer. OK, one post per customer."

Alan's directions

"Take your read and obey the rules mentality to whatever nazi blog you usually comment on and leave this one to people who are usually literate and respectful."

Starburyfan's response

Question: Starbury, you consider Mr. Hahn, who established the directions, to be a Nazi? And do you view calling another individual a Nazi to be a respectful act?

Yo Starburyfan, "Follow Directions" has got Alan's back; nothing wrong with that.

in terms of respect on this blog, you come across as rude or surly, all bets or off.

The fact remains you tried to correct me when I didn't need correcting. I asked just one question out of respect for Alan. you'd know that if you'd actually read my post. see that's the problem here, I got upset because you're telling me about my post yet you didn't even read it. I don't know what you're doing, are you skipping over the words in lieu of counting question marks?

"can you attest to this unjust treatment of the media by the powers that be at the garden? that is, have they ever been less than professional with you or Ken Berger?"

one question. two question marks. it's called elaboration.

Alan:

If you believe in "second chances" and that Michael Vick should be given one, would you knowingly hire a convicted felon to work on your house or a law-abiding citizen?

Hey, Follow Directions/Mark learn to read man, Alan wrote "One question per customer. OK, one post per customer." This is the wrong blog to come to incorrect with attitude. Ignorance reveals itself very quickly here.

Hey, Follow Directions/Mark learn to read man, Alan wrote " A guidelines. . . One question per customer. OK, one post per customer." This is the wrong blog to come to incorrect with attitude. Ignorance reveals itself very quickly here. "Guidelines", not directions my friend.

Learn to read,
Respectfully, Alan does not need you to police his blog! We are Knick fans, and not Kindergarden age raising our hands! Alan requested one question each as a format, not a Blog by-law! Stop with the ignorance reference, or you'll be chewed up, spit out, and that is potting it lightly!

hey people...let's talk basketball...cus i'm sick and tired of feuds on knicks blogs...that's why i;m here instead of KK.

I'm with you KFFL,
Lets talk about the bench.
With our current Roster, Nate and Marty can bring up the ball, Lee, Balkman and Nichols/chandler will be our options! Yes I said Nichols, who in my opinion had a better summer league than Chandler and at 6'8 can be as just as effective as Chandler! Nichols can play some D too! If we don't make the Artest deal, Steph, Crawford, Zach, Curry and Jefferies seems the likely starters! Jefferies will be the X-factor this year, and if he comes to play, we are much better than we think! I'm not discounting Q, I'm just not counting on him either! It would be gravy for him to totally recover! Let me speculate, I believe Lee was more seriously injured than what we've been told. If thats the case, Than the second wave will be Nate, Collins, Nichols Chandler, and Morris! That my friends is in reality, a starting five for an Expansion team! Damn, we are stacked!

Alan, who do u think will get the most playing time as a back up guard this year if we assume stef and jamal are the starters.

So true, so good KFFL. As the life rule goes, "don't start none, won't be none!" Let me Fix my fixes since Follow Directions (as suggested by Grandmaster Flash) has opted to be a Fixer for Alan.

I considered myself Fixing for Alan @10:55 am and myself @ 10:57 am. My actual "ONE post per cusotmer" for questions came in @ 2:47 pm Alan, so if you want to wade through my fix/muck, just read that one @2:47 pm and answer if you want.

I think the guideline is important so that we don't get repeat questions and one person dominating the blog. Still and however, with that said, there are sources from within the NYKFL community that can answer these questions but opted to engage Alan as host. You should take a look at yesterday's blog exchange Follow. Don't worry KFFL, starburyfan doesn't linger on nonsense, we're moving on.

I'm not sure that people are limited from engaging one another in this blog as is customary in blogs. Should that be the case and if it is true that a busy blog with healthy and positive exchange among bloggers is not desirous here, then our gracious host will/should let it be known.

Say Willis? cooleyhigh? what is the defensive scheme do you envision our boys running next year? What defense have you found most useful in the zone friendly game today 2-1-2 or 1-2-2? NY Men in MD, in each case, who would be your 1? If I ask DVJ, he would say The Black Mamba. If I ask Peaceman, he would say Ron Ron. If I ask starburyfan, well you know the rest. I already read how you feel about Ron Ron cooleyhigh and Willis. Just some musings among the NYKFLs, Kings/Queens of the F'n hill.

KFL

Wow – not sure there’s a lot left to ask. I’ll lob you an easy one but for all I know, somebody’s already asked it.

Assuming the current roster, I’d like to see your starting unit and some guidelines for positions coming off the bench? (I know we’re not allowed to ask about Artest, but let me only point out that one of the many reasons I think it’s a good idea is that it solves other line-up, substitution problems because I would start Q and Steph in the backcourt and bring Jamaal off the bench.)

Anyway, thanks Alan . . . I hope the powers that be at Newsday are aware of the revolution this summer among Knicks blogs. You deserve it. (167 posts can’t be all wrong . . . )

Trane,
DVJ had the keys this weekend and he was doing doughnuts in the 'burbs (Newsday) parking lot on a snowy day--with all the ole geezers chasing him. That would explain a large portion of the 167 hits. Still, but for 2 or 3 from the other blog, the transformation is complete. I'm moving the sidebar conversations to and among us to AH's new post and leaving this blog entry to new queries/posters. Welcome to all the new Fixers.

KFL

Alan,

I've go one question, 33 sub-questions and one post. LOL.

During the next season what do you intend to do as a Knicks Beat reporter to continue to improve your coverage of the Knicks, to distinquish yourself from the other beat writers and to turn this opportunity into a telee commentary gig?

In your answer (sounds like a test question, huh?) can you give us the scoop on what relationships (that aren't going to be anonymous sources) you would look to develop on the team to get the best feel for what happens during the year; can you tell us whether Isiah Thomas gives you any special consideration, and if not, will you change his attitude towards you..

What a beautiful morning Gents! Steady, thanks for the question and inclusion. Accepting some of the defensive liabilities of the starting pound, some man, but mostly 2/3 zone with an emphasis on the three point shooters, make teams force it down the gut. Now the second team with its athletes should play 90 feet on the ball pressure constantly. Plus all sorts of trapping, mixing it up and forcing other teams to play thier starting pound more minutes. Giving us 24 minutes of the pound and grind, and 24 minutes of all out hell...Other than NJ & Toronto, the other Eastern point guards will wilt and their big men will drag...

You guys really go at it! Just reading all the posts on N8 topic and man, funny, funny stuff. The etymology of the word "athlete" could be explored further. Maybe the youngsters who are fresh out of college and still sharp with their research skills can do that.

Steady, nice as usual. I think through all of that stuff I read, the negative connotation of the word athlete was the most interesting.

BTW, the dreadful C's of the 80s had to be the least athletic of our generation.

But they won three times.

McHale, Parish, Bird. ESPN loves them, but can't show any of their highlights. Why? Wasn't flashy enough. They didn't dunk like Dominique or Dr. J, Larry Nance. But Knick fans: do you remember yelling at the screen "how the F*k did Ainge go backdoor and score an easy layup? Why did he go for that McHale fake? Or how about Parrish dunking with his left foot still on the ground? Ugly as hell, but they won. Not only did they beat the pretty teams, they made you get into a fight with your teammate. Because everybody knows, a layup destroys morale more than a hot shooter. And the 80's Celtics always had a high number of assists and layups.

I'm not a Celtics fan, but I had to go ol' skool against this athletic stuff.

I can remember many pretty players that couldn't hit a foul shot with the game on the line. I can remember looking in their eyes and they didn't have a killer look like Bird had. Bird didn't want to just beat you, he wanted to lynch you. And he did it often.

I'll take that over a 360 windmill any day.

Mr. Stern's new version of basketball (no touching, red carpet down the lane defense) plays a big part in this athletic debate. Older player had to drive to the basket with with an "escort" (one or two hands of the defender on their back or hip). That's a big factor and makes it virtually impossible to compare old and new players.

Oh Yeah! There was a sort of poetry in motion, or choreography to player movement and ball movement back in the day, when bbal was BBAll. Players were cerebral and the evolution of the game was a by product of the involution of thnking the game, verse just playing...

John Thompson borught Gtown on the scene and and created a sub-culture, roguh and tough psychy and brand of BBall urban kids could relate too becaused they played just like that on the playgorund, every inner-city kid wnet wow, and 90 Feet of Hell became the game of the day, and Thompson's coahing peers followed suit because thugball was the flava of the day for a long while, you need athletes as well as BBALL Players. Even Riley, afeter being the Maestro of the league's most prolific and orchestrated Fastbreak, when he join the Knicks went for it with the King of Gtown...(If you think back to those Knick Teams they were made up like the great Gtwn Teams)

Our homie Freddy Brown, went down to DC and joined a large group of Brothers that balled hard, got their degrees and changed the face of the game. Athletes verses Basketball players...Bird, Magic, Mchale, Alex English, Adrian Dantley, James Worthy, Gus Williams, Kareem, Isiah, Dr. J, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, Chris Mullins, David Robinson, Hakeem, Drexler, even MJ couldn't prevent bball from losing it edge of Finesse and skill to leapers and runners and freakish ability...If you watch this USA TEAM they are conbination of NOW and BACK IN THE DAY...that's why their killing everybody...

Alan,
My question is this, if YOU were Isiah Thomas, what moves would you make at this point to be competitive THIS year with the elite teams in the improved atlantic division? I know you're tired about hearing names in trade talks such as "Tru Warrior", but with the current roster I can't really see the knicks being competitive with the best teams in the atlantic division, let alone the rest of eastern conference...

The Knicks problem is too many of the same limited but talented players. They are good or very good at some aspect of the game. We need some well rounded players now if we want to make the playoffs in 2008. We need RON ARTEST. He can score and defend. I cannot wait for Lee and Balkman to develop an outside shot or become very good defenders. There are about 10 to 11 teams in the LEASTERN conference with a very good chance of making the playoffs. I am just tired of not having anything to watch on TV in June. I am more of a Knicks fan than a NBA fan. I watch almost every Knicks game the last 12 years. I don't care who we trade but get ARTEST.......imagine
Eddy
Zack
Ron
Crawford
Marbury

Bench
Front Court players:
Lee, Morris, Balkman, Jeffreys, Chandler, Overpaid James, Wash up Rose

Back Court:
Q, Robison, Collins, Nichols, Jones, Dickau.

The Trade should come from whatever combination of BENCH PLAYERS that would fit Sac-town needs.

All I care about is making the playoffs with a chance to go to the NBA finals!!!

Somebody please name me a lineup that the Knicks currently has that is better than this starting line up.

We will have a good bench with whatever combination of players that are left. If we Lee is traded then you can go get a back up power forward with rebounding skills anywhere.....P.J. Brown, Webber, Nick Collison, etc

Lets go Knicks to the playoffs....

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