Quick note:
Forgive the longer-than-usual pause between blogs, I've been stomping roaches for the past couple of days.
What I mean is, our site was overrun with spam of the lewd nature. Almost a thousand posts within a two day period. It was relentless. I was hoping our dot-com peeps would handle the business but I was concerned about losing some comments from you all and didn't want to get into that mess again regarding censorship and whatnot.
For now, those spammy links are sitting in the comments column to the right of this page. No matter how tempting they may be, don't do it!
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So Shawn Marion is the latest star to go public with his interest in a change of address. What is going on there in Phoenix? Fiscally-restricted ownership, that's what. They'll be a two-star team soon and those stars will be Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. These rumblings have been ongoing and therefore I believe Marion is sure to be moved during the season and almost certainly before the trade deadline.
Now this dude would look good in a Knicks uniform playing at MSG. The ultimate highlight film on the ultimate highlight stage.
But before we start throwing packages of Knick players together to match Marion's $16.4 million pricetag for this season (he has a $17.1 million player option for next season, which, if he's still in Phoenix, right now you have to assume he won't exercise), we already know from reports that the Lakers (Lamar Odom) and Utah Jazz (Andrei Kirilenko) are front-runners.
However...
If you're Phoenix, do you want this guy in the West? We thought the same about Kevin Garnett and it proved to be true when Glen Taylor pulled out of a potential deal with the Lakers before the Celtics deal heated up again.
If you look to the East, Philadelphia will have a lot of cap room after this season, which is enticing for Marion, who wants out because he has yet to get a contract extension at the price he wants (read: more than $17 mil). If Philly can somehow hang on to Andre Iguodala and still make the Marion deal work, they'll have a heck of an athletic duo on the wings (and the Atlantic Division will get even tougher than it already has become).
From the Knicks point of view, there isn't much of a match at all. You'd have to find a combination of $16.4 million in players that the Suns would want. Start with Malik Rose ($7 million) because he is an expiring contract after next season. Add the expiring contracts of Fred Jones and Dan Dickau, who combine for about $6 million. You're still not there. Perhaps the Suns would want Renaldo Balkman ($1.2 million), if you believe the rumors that they were planning on drafting him if the Knicks passed him up in 2006.
But is that really a good trade for the Suns? Shawn Marion, an all-star talent, for three expiring contracts and Renaldo Balkman?
Only if the Suns are really looking to cut salary instead of acquiring talent-for-talent. Certainly it's worth a call, Mr. Grunwald.
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The judge yesterday said he expects the jury to begin deliberating on Thursday, which leaves just enough time for a verdict. Training camp opens on Tuesday and I've been wondering who would run camp if Isiah Thomas had to remain in New York. Actually, I'm also wondering what happens if the jury decides in favor of Anucha. Does the NBA do it's own investigation into the situation or do they go with the decision of the jury? If Thomas is found to have sexually harrassed a team employee, there is some thought that the NBA - concerned about public criticism - might weigh in on this in some way with a suspension. Or do they just let Isiah go about his business coaching the team with the feeling that his debt -- whatever the result of the case -- was paid via the court system.
(I'm checking with the NBA on this -- so far "we don't comment on pending litigation" is the only statement I've received -- and doing some research to see if there is any precedent. The most recent civil suit against someone with the NBA we know of involved Kobe Bryant and that once Kobe settled his civil case with Katelyn Faber - the girl from the Colorado hotel & spa - that was the last we heard of it. I do know that there is another sexual harrassment case in the works involving another NBA team. The Memphis Grizzlies have been named as a co-defendant along with the team's engineering director, Carl Howard Parker, in a $3 million suit filed by an administrative assistant named Breshetta Clark. That suit was filed in August.)
a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/herb.jpg">
Despite the judge's optimism, should things carry over into next week, you have to guess Brendan Suhr and Herb Williams take the lead during practice. Not the best way to start the season for a team that desperately needs to get off to a good start. I doubt it will be as much of a distraction to the players, but you like to start your season of hope off on the right foot. And not get plantar fasciitis when you land.
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OK, we gotta lighten it up around here. While surfing through YouTube, I found this old clip of Q-Rich, who made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live a few years ago when Q was with the Clippers. Shows off his personality. Lots of giggles in this one.
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Watch out for that spam! Stomp the roaches!
Comments (88)
Alan,
You called them roaches, I called them ants in the previous blog stream. Good lookin' out.
KFL
IF WE TRADE DICKAU JONES ROSE AND BALKMAM FOR THE MATRIX THAT WILL BE 4 FOR 1 WE CAN STILL ADD H20 AND DKNICK WE WILL COME OUT OF THE EAST..
LETS GO NICE AND NASTY....
Who cares about the Matrix? We don't need him for 20 mil. It's crazy. He is not a franchise player. At 10 mil maybe but not at 20.
Davonn I'm with you on 50+ wins next season. A lot of people don't realize what a great get Zach was. Even with HOF numbers last year people don't give him enough credit. Our biggest problems last couple of years was at PF and as much as everybody loves Lee he was no answer at PF. But now we have a beast at PF in Zach and its going to be a completely different game. I'm telling you there is no answer for Zach and Eddy in the whole of NBA. Shaq and Mourning are the only duo that can make a game of it. The Knicks are gonna be awesome for years to come. LGK
I don't know if NY will/should make a push for him but the matrix is the kind of long, athletic, multi-talented, multi-position player that Isiah seems to like.
...boy does that kid have an ugly jump-shot for an all-star though.
The funniest thing about Quentin Richardson was Bill Walton.
Ugly jump shot? Is "jump shot" another word for "face"? Marion looks like Sam Cassell with hair.
just workin the espn trade machine again.........Matrix for Jones, JJeff, DD, Nate and Chandler works #s wise. Thats 5 for 1 and allows us to keep DNick and maybe sign a feel good player like Houston for locker room glue. Who better to work on DNick's jumper than AH20???
This scenario also works cuz the cap conscious Suns get 2 expiring contracts, a defensive stopper they will need after ditching K Thomas and losing Matrix, Nate who they would've taken anyway had they not traded his rights and a rookie SF for the future at a great price. I don't know about you guys but I'd take him for that package.
I know this aint gonna happen y'all, just pipe dreamin' on a wednsday afternoon.
You guys are on crack. Marion isn't worth that much. He's had Amare and 2 time MVP Steve Nash and they still havent made much noise in the West. Marion is not a clutch performer on the offensive side of the ball. His defense is great but I just don't see him fitting in here. Plus, I like Balkman and Lee too much. Marion would take their minutes. Then again, we'd probably have to trade one if not both of them to get him.
No thanks.
Hey BARF, u never answered me yesterday....
Who does Ewing have bad blood w/ at the garden ? Dolan, Zeke, or Herb (i think they are still good friends) ?
Chandler could be better then Marion with more power in a year or two why would you give up on him so soon? And no way I give up on Nate either.
WOAH! Timeout! We are talking about Marion here. Not that good?!? I know I've posted about him before, numerous times, but allow to promote him once more. He is AMAZING! If he were on the Knicks he would immediately be our best ALL-ROUND player. Please tell me what evidence you guys are using to say he is not worth it? Look at the numbers, he is a freak in every category. And for those of you "the numbers don't say it all" types, his intangibles are even better. Ferocious defense, great weak-side help, hustle plays all game long, and no bitching when he doesn't get to put up tons of shots. This guys is the answer even more than Artest. We should be willing to trade the FARM for him!
BARF- I usually agree with your opinions, but not on this one. He had Amare and Nash last year, but the year before Amare was out, and the Suns still were beasts out West. Marion was a huge part of that.
John Q- the trade scenario may work, but no way do the Suns do that. There needs to be at least one impact player coming back to their squad, and I'm guessing they'd want D Lee or Balkman, or probably both, before they'd want J-Jeff.
And at the risk of being crucified by fellow Fixers, I'd do it! I would much rather be able to keep one of Balk/Lee, but if the only way to get Marion is to give up Balk and Lee (and then the expiring contracts), so be it!
Please look at his stats guys. Then when thats not enough, check out his clips. Then read some of his quotes. Then quotes of his teammates. This guys has been the MOST underrated player for YEARS!
Ok, I said my piece. Now let me have it.
Starburyfan, yes his jump shot is hideous looking, but it works, even sometimes from 3. Reggie Miller didn't have pure form either.
@ Rush
I just saw your post after I posted. Needless to say I disagree there too. If Chandler had a chance to be better than Marion in just a year or two, he would have been the 3rd pick of the draft no question. Just because Marion doesn't get the credit or the highligh reels, please don't overlook his talent.
Not giving up Nate for him!?! The fact that Marion is a perennial all-star must mean something to you right?
My bad, I was out sick yesterday so I wasn't around but I caught up reading last night. The bad blood I was referring to was between Isiah and Ewing. I'm no expert or anything but it was brought up here before. MJ and Ewing being good friends and MJ having problems with Isiah. Then Ewing being the head of the Players Association during the player's strike that one year and Isiah Thomas criticizing Pat saying something like "when I was heading up the PA, I wouldn't have let the situation escalate the way it has"...then Pat having words back or whatever. Again, I'm not sure but I know they aren't exactly "tight". Hope that answers your question.
Yeah, rush. Marion doesn't have any abilities that Balkman, Lee, Jeffries and Chandler can't develop. He's a great player and I'd like to see him on a good team but not the Knicks. He's not known to be an intimidator and he's not clutch on offense. Plus, he doesn't play SF although he is one.
One of the biggest problems in Phoenix is that he's a 'tweener. He plays PF but he's really a SF. I think if you put him on a team with 2 other big guys (Curry and Zach) Marion will be in the way. The Knicks are now more of a strength oriented team. Stephon, Curry, QRich and Zach are as strong as they come.
If the point of a GM is to put a player in a situation where the players are likely to succeed, I'd put Marion on a long, athletic, up and down team. Not on a rugged half court post heavy team.
Just bloggin.
Hey Adam L
I wrote that before reading yours so if anything sounds our, its not my fault and its not intended.
I like Marion. I agree he'd be out most well rounded player. I just dont think its a good fit. Especially for the money he gets/wants.
No way Matrix in Gottam.
We don't need him, as we'll have a more half-court game with Z-bo and BigMac Curry.
I think Balkman could be better them him. And his salaries (and salaries proposes) are shameing.
As I said Adam, just pipe dreamin'. I'll put down the pipe now. lol.
Adam L
Just read your Balk/Lee for Marion support and I want to let you know that I threw up some of my lunch. Now I have to re-chew it and swallow. Gross!
Thanks to you.
That's my comment. I can't believe you Adam. I'm so ashamed.
LoL
Nah, for real, that's crazy. Marion's 29.
I'd rather watch this team grow together. I'm happy with everyone.
The reason I like Artest is because he's automatically going to feel at home and wanted here. He's an intimidator as much as he's a leader on the court. I like those qualities most. The fact that he goes both ways (no homo) offense and defense is icing on the cake. I'm looking for an enforcer. Marion's good on defense but Stoudemire is the enforcer on that squad.
I'd rather see Marion on the Lakers so Kobe can shut up.
By the way, Adam, I agree that Marion was a big part of Phoenix's success but I remember that's when Boris Diaw stepped up, Raja Bell emerged and everyone was going ga-ga over LeAndro Barbosa.
So yeah, Marion is the glue, the steady contributor and the do-it-all kind of guy. But Phoenix's success revolved more around the fact that everyone stepped up and D'Antoni used his bench. I'm not taking away Marion but he's more like Ben Wallace than he is Chauncey Billups or Rip Hamilton. And if you ask me, Balk and DLee already have the hustle dept on lock.
I could see the Nets trying to package a deal for Marion that surrounds Richard Jefferson. That would be a pretty lethal trio with Carter, Marion, and Kidd.
BARF- you're hysterical. I laughed out loud on that one.
Yeah, I know, almost all of you disagree with me. I should probably take that as a hint that I'm wrong. But, um, not on this one. I'm sold on Marion. I'm curious what Alan would have to say, for sh*ts and giggles. Maybe I overshot myself saying Lee AND Balkman, I got caught up making a point. But I am still on the fence, it would be very hard for me to turn that down, to be honest.
"Marion doesn't have any abilities that Balkman, Lee, Jeffries and Chandler can't develop."
Marion is one of the league leaders in steals AND blocks each year. Due to his across the board stats he is one of the best fantasy players out there (2nd only to KG). How could you really think that our SF's could so easily develop these abilities? Again, Marion is a perennial ALL-STAR! He does not have pedestrian abilities that can be duplicated by anyone who happens to have the same physique. His is blessed to be one of the best players in this league, and is widely recognized as such. Chandler or J-Jeff could become a player of Marion's caliber? What?
(by the way, I'm LOVING talking about on-the-court hoops related stuff agian, finally)
Fixers,
I'm not buying on SMarion. I do not covet OTPs. I'm going to war with our horses subject to IT moves.
To Mr. Grunwald:
Put the phone down Glen. Let Phoenix choke on the "veil of hypocrates" which they unfurled on the night they and lil' Anthony piled on your boy IT saying they did not covet Balkman. You know Brendan and IT did the due diligence on Lee AND then Balkman so you guys knew what you were doing. Don't be surprised if IT tells you to "Get the F outa here with that Marion mess." But then again, he's your boy so you already know not to bring that mess to him.
(O&B, you inspired that lil' scenario)
STEADY AS IT GOES. Stay the course Fixers. I know, I know, I know, ya'll just bloggin'.
KFL
I think renaldo balkman would be the peerrfffecctt marion replacement.
in theory, i would say that chandler is too but i havent seen him play in the nba yet, so i dont wan tto jump the gun.
renaldo is a poor mans marion.
well, except that i don't think he could bang with bigs as much.
but who knows, maybe.
ok I like Balkman too but lets not get carried away and say hes a poor mans Marion. Not even close. Balkmans style is most like JYD. Hands all over the place, always on the ball disrupting plays and causing havoc. He doesn't have Marions jumper (admittedly ugly but effective) or alot of his offensive weapons. He may end up being a much better defender but will never produce on the O like Shawn. Just my oppinion.
For the hell of it, I've decided to put some stats together. No, stats do not tell the WHOLE story. And in all fairness, the results support your claims over mine. Based on rookie seasons alone, maybe Balkman can become a Marion-like player. Maybe.
Balkman's rookie numbers per 40 minutes:
12.5pts, 11reb, 1.8ast, 2stl, 1.8blk, 1.8to
Marions's rookie numbers per 40 minutes:
16.8pts, 10.7reb, 2.3ast, 1.3stl, 1.6blk, 1.6to
Other than points where Marion has the edge, and steals, which goes to Balkman (wow!), they are pretty even numbers.
Who knew?
Does it change my opinion? Not at all. Look at the rest of Marion's career. While I do believe Balkman has the 'potential' to become a Marion-esque player (I love the Taz), Marion already IS that type of player, with at least 4-5 good years left.
To continue the argument though, why not trade Lee for Marion then? Lee brings hustle and rebounding (don't say he brings D). Well, we Zach brings a ton of rebounding now, and Marion would fill in there with Lee gone too. In terms of hustle, I think Balk and Marion would take care of that too. So, why not?
*disclaimer*
I full recognize that any talk of willingness to trade David Lee is nothing short of blasphemy and sacrilige in our KFFL circles. Am I being too much of an instigator? Just bloggin here, and I don't want to be castrated like Everrett.
Some links:
Balkman's stats:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4148
Matrix stats:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3332/career;_ylt=AgrLwHRAXIjJ_5p4G.NQtm2kvLYF
I brought up trading Balkman and Lee for Marion on the last thread. I would make that trade, it would make us instant contenders in the East. And who cares about the salary, we're already over the cap, and there's no reward for being under. Plus there is no way even if we were under the cap, that Lebron or Wade would come to NY. They'll use NY as leverage for mega deals they will sign with their respective teams.
Q Rich is the key man. When he was in LA he was very agressive to the hoop Slashing & Dashing, with Phx he was the 3 point league leader. WIth the Knicks he has rounded out his game by being a lock down defender. Tell me what can the MATRIX bring thast the Knicks don't have right now. Fixers be careful what you wish for. This is an A league team (all quiet's kept) we have here. I will bet you that no team was really looking forward to playing in the garden (Even though Denver did talk some smack, they brought some and got some Ha Ha). Our guys need to stay within the system and play with each other. More talent is not what we want we need these guys to understand each other, to feel where each other is thinking. This is the first year that I can remember that the team as a whole came together and practiced as much as these guys prior to camp. COME ON NEXT WEEK. I CANT WAIT. SOMEBODY BRING ME BACK TO EARTH
@ Adam L:
"Castrated like Everrett!" LMAO! Don't worry about that your making a basketball related point "just bloggin." Everrett (RIP) was trying to test the knowledge of the fellow fixers on the bloggesphere. He ended up choking on his keyboard as it was inserted in his mouth.
I agree with the chorus regarding not trading for Marion, they've all made good points which would be a waste to repeat here.
@ Steady:
Glan my insight is having some effect on this site. How goes your visit to the cradle of humanity?
@ Starburyfan:
No apologies needed,... were not inquisitors (ala Everrett) here. Your just stating your opinion regarding what place non-basketball related matters should have on this blog, amongst other things. I love (no homo) your loyalty to the Knicks. We all share that in common on this blog.
Fixers:
Any over unders on who will get cut? I really hope its not D-Nick. We'll see.
Lets Go Knicks!
If we want Marion point blank we will have to give up Lee, expiring contracts and Balkman is not enough. A combo of Lee, Rose, Jones, and Dickua along with another young player(Nichols or Morris) could probably make it happen...As Knick fans thats something we must seriously consider. With the addition of Zach, Lee became some what expendable whether fans like it or not. Lee is essentially a power forward, who u would rather not see at the 3 or the 5... So his opportunity for extended minutes are slim, while Marion is a legit 3 who can play the 4...
The biggest question mark this year for the Knicks is the 3. Will Quentin remain healthy all year? With Marion, Quentin's health is no longer as much of an issue. As much as I dig what Lee does the Knicks could use a defensive minded, less injury prone, athletic, rebounder, 3 point shooter, at the small forward more than a great back power forward... And Marion can still back up Zach...
Something to think about...
"Chandler or J-Jeff could become a player of Marion's caliber? What?"
Thats a real bitch thing to say Nuche(no sexual harassment). You know I don't make silly statements like that. Chandler and Jeffries are not that caliber of player. I know. You know. Cool. But the four of them: Balk, Lee, Jeffries and Chandler are good players of the same variety as Marion. Marion is 29. Jeffries is 26, Lee is 24, Balk's 23 and Chandler's 20. Balk led the team in blocks with less than 20 minutes a game. He dove all over the floor, stepped into passing lanes for steals and he's only 2 years into the league. I wouldn't want to see him explode in Phoenix and sit here watching Marion buckle under the pressure of the NY Media and all its scrutiny.
Marion's upset over things the Phoenix media has and has not said. He's upset about how underrated he is. You think he'd get over that here in NY?
I dont think so. He's friends with Kobe. Let him go there and replace Odom. I'd like to see that pairing. You put Marion alongside 2 big boys like Zach and Curry and he'll get squeezed out like pimple pus. After a year of being the 3th or 4th option on offense, he'd be upset again. Forget it. I don't even think that scenario is a stretch, IMO.
He buckles under the pressure in Phoenix and you think he'll succeed in a program like NY? This team has sucked for a long time. You think Marion wants to be the 3th or 4th option on this team?
A trade is not just for talent. You got to make it fit. I just dont see how he fits unless we trade some of our favorite Knicks.
I just read where you compared stats. I respect that you saw that the stats supported my claim. Nice. Actually, I can further make my claim by stating that Marion had double the minutes that Balkman has had. To me, that means that he had the much more time to develop confidence. I think when Balkman gets that kind of burn, that kind of confidence, he may be the most interesting pick of Isiah's. The sky's the limit.
You could trade away all of our SF's for Marion and still wouldn't come up to his salary number. That's saying something too...
He doesn't stylistically and monetarily either. I just wouldn't give up DLee or Balk. And everyone here should know that I was the one leading the "trade DLee for Artest" crusade the way you are saying trade them for Marion. I pulled back cuz I'd like to see them all in action for a full season before we go off trading one of them for a guy "who's already there". Still, with Artest, my main reason to back off the trade request is because he may end up coming here next year. If Seattle can trade away Rashard Lewis for nothing but a trade exception than what's to say Sacramento won't do that with Artest.
Sign him to a "big number" contract then trade the "big number" to us in exchange for the opportunity to use that "big number" on a trade that will yield more than one player...with another team.
IMO, thats the best case scenario for every party. Sac gets a huge trade exception and we get our guy and an East "bad ass" dynasty.
My over under is J James !
If he is OVERweight we should throw him UNDER the bus and cut his "big snaxx" azz !
@Adam L,
I'm with you on Marion. If we only have to give up those expiring contracts and Balk or JJeferies, NOT LEE. That's a GREAT deal. The problem is, I think Phoenix will want more to help them THIS season,maybe. Included Balk and JJefferies then ask for Marion and Cash.
@St_George
You ask "what can the Matrix bring that the Knicks don't have right now"?
Answer: A proven All-Star at the 3 spot. One who can block shots (please check stats for EC and Zach on shot blocking=.6/gm TOGETHER).He will help our interior defense (most feel EC/Zach are poor defenders). His UGLY jump shot will help clear space the paint for our Bigs( Balk,Lee JJeferies all are not good jump shooters outside 10 feet. Q will be able to play more 2, which will help on "D"(Crawford is not a great defender, could use him off the bench).Then I am sure the writers (outside of us Bloggers) will pick us higher then 33-49.
Just to rub your nose in it...I'd prefer Q-Rich at the 3 spot over Marion. He's not a bitch (no ABS) like Marion in the press.
BARF
I do agree that the trade would be bad IF he is going to come with an EGO. But, if he just wants to win and can do a Steph07(sacifice 4 team) it could work. I just think we need more "D"/shot blockers on our frontline............Just Bloggin'
I agree with BARF's contention about the player needing to fit the team. Also Marion and AK47 are making the same sorts of squeel, that they're not getting sufficient play on their respective teams offense.
With our offense shifting to a power pased offenses b/c of Nice and Nasty, the Matrix'a numbers would get crunched here. Also youth is on the side of the 3s in our rosted. Lastly I would like to wait it out and see what progress has been made by our 3s. Who knows we may find out in preseason if any of them have developed a mid range game.
Yep unless Big Snaxxs is in shape and showing some this preseason, he out to get the ax.
DNM,
Thanks for starting the thread about trading Balkman and Lee for Marion. Cool, heh? When you typed your blog, did you know about the terms of LBJ's deal with Nike whereby he gets a MAJOR kicker (coins) if he plays in a market like NYC?
Adam L,
Wayda beat da drum and miss da beat. Don't worry, Just bloggin' covers us all.
St_George,
Great post. Q is Quint-essential. He does whatever is required. Funny how he came here and struggled to hit the side of the barn after being the 3-pt champion the previous year. Coachable as all get-out! Proof is that last HOF coach never threw him under the bus. He delivers that which is requested of him (sit? OK).
On another note, I shared your previous formulation about how a loss disrupts your whole demeanor, mood/ outlook. Have you reached the stage where you're getting professional help? As a rational person, I'm concerned that I may need to explore that option for myself. Maybe being affiliated with the Fix could cure all that ails me following a NYK outcome. I'm serious ya'll--I HATE to lose and will HATE it most if our side and Stern don't flip the NBA script so that we can have the ship this year or soon thereafter. We've oki-dokied for far too long.
KFL
This fantasy team sh*t has to stop.
What's up guys. It's been a long time, shouldn't have left you...
Why does everyone think that if a star wants to be cut loose, send him to the Knicks?
WE DON'T NEED MARION. $15 mil., inconsistent defender. Great player, but can we afford another $15 mil? We do have a limit.
If we need a premier defender, its Artest. Peace has been on it for a while. Great defender, steals leader, rebounds well, and can shoot from the PERIMETER.
If we can't get Artest, we have Jeffries/Balk/Chandler.
It would be nice to win a championship in '08. But it would be smart to BUILD a champion in '08.
We won 33 games last year. This ain't EA Sports.
Steady,
Just saw your posts in PR. Hope you were postin' with more than fixers! LOL
Orange & Blue,
Still on this side until the weekend. We do that for one another here. You see how the just bloggin' is taking off. It allows posters to cover the KK after typing it (LOL).
Harlem,
Your absence was missed. Hit da ground running rey. I too wish that the Fantasy League/EA sport musings would stop.
I suppose some cats here say the same things when they have to endure the diatribes/soliloquys/soap box psychobable that this poster is often inclined to type. It's almost like the vegan story--the vegans are perplexed by nonvegans and the nonvegans are perplexed by frail vegans. At least we can cover it by saying Just bloggin'. And no ______, I AINT startin' none about vegan-nonvegan preferences.
KFL
Harlem,
Believe it or not I was until BARF got me straight and then I did what George once advised DVJ to do. The El San Juan is off da chizzle. After that, I was postin' with mor than Fixers. You know what's good.
KFL
I'd rather cut cats than trade for marion. Let's see what we got and develop players and chemistry. Then finally be legitimate players in free agency in two years for a change. I hope the matrix heads to Utah just to get Kobe heated.
Steady
How good is your spanish? Or more important your Salsa?
D L T,
My Spanish is mas o menos--mejor con una cerveza. My salsa is up and coming pero I've got da merengue DOWN. Three months in Cuenca, Ecuador did me a world of good--but for the treatment of the indigenas which repulsed me.
KFL
@ DLT Knicks
Thank you for your post at 4:34pm. I couldn't have said the arguments better.
Steady!
What were you doing in Cuenca, and when? I was there hitting up the CEDEI program, in October 2005. It was my starting point for an 8-month adventure around South America that took me to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil (for carnaval!) and back again. Sickest time of my life.
Cuenca rocked. That ice cream spot near the cathedral is still some of the best ice cream I've ever had.
And the ladies. Oh, the ladies.
Things are starting to turn the knicks way.
LAst year after the AI trade Philly was one of the more improved teams in the league. They played the Knicks tough. Atlanta also played us tough as did Charlotte. These teams seem to be the real up & comers of the east. It will be interesting if their development continues. The Knicks have their work cut out for them because these teams are where we were last year (Hunggry). Though folks are still talking up the western division teams the east seems to be where the power pendulum is now swinging. Funny thing is the east has been winning its share of championships even though they were the weak division...go figure. I wonder what the starting line-up is going to be in the pre season? It would be great to see fred Jones show the garden fixers what he is capable of. It will be nice to see Mardy and N8 work or DDkau. Can JJ get back his mojo? Chandler says he want to be rook of D year. QRich thinks this will be his best year. Just let camp begin rat now
Hear have some caster oil, I mean Hateraid.
Nothing like the good old guillotine and witches burning post in sportswriters world.
If some of you guys think artest would be a good fit for the team, I wouldn't so quickly disqualify Matrix from the discussion, he is a defensive specialist in addition to being one of those all-over the court type players.
I don't think we *need* Marion right now, but I do think IF we are considering Artest for defensive reasons we should also consider the Matrix.
Adam L. He's an effective field goal shooter, no doubt. over 50% over the last few years. But the shot is da-yum ugly. miller's was unothodox, but with Matrix, it is a miracle every time the shot goes down. no disrespect to the 5 time all star. he can play. so can artest. so can ak-47. so can balkman. these are all good players at different parts of their careers. balkman's upside is relatively unknown. he looked great in summer league, who knows what he's added to his game since then. Look what D Lee came back and did in his second year.
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yo alan, got any pics of Kathleen Decker the intern? the one marbury be boning in parking lots (Ali G voice).
you seem to have the hookup with all the other pics on your blog.
before all the self-righteous chime in I have to add the disclaimer that i'm kidding around y'all.
but seriously, who's got more pics?
Hey guys if anyone wants to brush up on their Spanish, their are Spanish language articles in ESPN. Mostly translations of the articles in English but good practice nonetheless.
I posted a picture of Decker from the NYPost in the Previous Alan Hahn entry.
I know all the trade speculation is "just bloggin" but I'm very intent on waiting to see what unfolds in preseason play. I want to see if it gives us a glimpse any possible improvements made by our up coming players. From there we might start to speculate. Off course one could also say that we have untill the trade deadline to figure out what players will likely be protected from trade talks and which will be open to trade speculation.
Starburyfan
Here is one picture
And another one.
Here's some local online mags take on the upcoming Knick season.
http://www.bucketsmagazine.com/knicks-preview/#more-1404
I'm surprised that a writer has us at 500, which is a departure from the other reviews I've glossed over. Me I still think a record of about 44-47 wins is possible. But maybe that's whishful thinking.
thanks DLT. you got the hook up!
yo O&B
nobody expected the warriors to get to the second round, yet they did. I'd much rather think about new york being that kind of team than a first round casualty--or even worse, a lottery team as others have often said.
I remember when it was no one ever thought we could get any major talent to come to New York. You know, too much pressure, no talent on our team to match, overpaid scrubs. Now, every rumor begins has IT's name on it.
I remember when we got Marbury. That deal started the process of reversing our reputation as a place for talented ballers.
We're getting there. It takes time to reverse a low-talent, high payroll, "no-real-coach" team.
I believe in "the general." The wins are coming.
You guys though Balk/Lee were good, wait until Chandler/Nichols start to shine. Who's ABS?
For the grammar specialists/proofreaders:
I'm sorry; it's 10:45. Good night.
36 DAYS TO CAMP!!!
Harlem,
ABS is either ALL BS or Anucha Brown-Sanders--depends on the context.
Starburyfan,
Now that you looked at the pics, what do you say about those choppers on that intern. You'd think da teeth would get in the way of da drink. Just bloggin'.
KFL
Thank you, Alan – after a miserably tough day of work . . . that Q video was my first serious yuck all day. It was much appreciated. Haven’t been able to keep up as much lately, but I get the impression you’ve handled yourself with dignity even though you’ve been in the crosshairs lately – mostly unwarranted, from what little I’ve been able to read. Keep up the excellent work. The funny thing is, I get the impression you’re doing exactly the opposite of what you’ve been accused of (catering to criticism). I have a hunch you continue to call it exactly as you see it. And that’s all we can ask. When we don’t agree . . . you’ll hear about it, but you don’t need me telling you that. And as long as everybody keeps it civil . . . and treats everyone with the same respect they expect in return . . . we’re in for a great ride this season. Think about this: This blog was a great read during the dog days of August, when NOTHING was going on that wasn’t generated by a few trade rumors and some very fertile imaginations.
Think about how cool it’s going to be when there are actually some basketball games being played.
PS – of everyone involved in this sordid trial, it seems to me the person with cause to sue is Kathleen Decker, after her PRIVATE life was dragged through the courts and media for reasons I still can’t understand. I’ve been staying pretty objective, but this doesn’t seem to help Ms Marketing a whole bunch.
By the way – I forget who asked . . . but my favorite Knicks game: during the Knicks/Pistons 1984 first-round series I’ve written about before. When Bernard AVERAGED over 40 for the series. I had a great seat for one of the home games. Foul line, about basket-high, at the Knicks offensive basket in the 2nd half. Bernard must have come downcourt 10 times in a row . . . planted himself about 15 feet away, then . . . popped, drove, spun . . . it didn’t matter . . . they all went in.
That Decker girl should consider herself lucky to get what she got from Starbury and a decent job to boot.
@Fixer's
Don't be throwing any axes at AH's butt. Trane might get decapitated.:)
For what its worth, an article about Marion that holds him in pretty high esteem
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Marion
Not that one man's opinion means anything.
Marion sometimes went overlooked in the Suns' dazzling display. Nash has been the centerpiece in their broadband offense, with two MVP trophies to show for it. Stoudemire made first-team all-NBA last season. But two of the most memorable Suns plays over the past two seasons involved Marion, and you probably don't even know it. He grabbed the offensive rebound that led to Tim Thomas' shot that let the Suns pull out Game 6 against the Lakers in the 2006 playoffs. And he chased down the offensive rebound and set up Nash for a 3-pointer in the Suns' big regular-season statement game against Dallas last March.
Marion has hit some 3-pointers here, thrown down some dunks there, and played defense everywhere, guarding point guards to post men. Sometimes he feels unappreciated, but he said, "I do get love."
He sure gets computer love. This past season, the folks at 82games.com created a formula to determine the defensive player of the year, crunched the numbers and came up with Marion.
Four years ago I had the No. 1 pick in an online fantasy hoops draft and was all set to take Garnett (in what turned out to be his MVP season). But I couldn't get logged in and the computer selected for me. It picked Shawn Marion.
He does a little bit of everything. The knock has been he's never been the master of one thing, the franchise guy. If he joined the Lakers, he wouldn't have to be. Marion knows Bryant still would be the guy taking the bulk of his shots. Marion could wait in the corner and throw up that funny-looking jumper when Bryant found the middle too clogged. He would upgrade the Lakers' athleticism quotient and help them defensively
For what its worth, an article about Marion that holds him in pretty high esteem
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Marion
Not that one man's opinion means anything.
Marion sometimes went overlooked in the Suns' dazzling display. Nash has been the centerpiece in their broadband offense, with two MVP trophies to show for it. Stoudemire made first-team all-NBA last season. But two of the most memorable Suns plays over the past two seasons involved Marion, and you probably don't even know it. He grabbed the offensive rebound that led to Tim Thomas' shot that let the Suns pull out Game 6 against the Lakers in the 2006 playoffs. And he chased down the offensive rebound and set up Nash for a 3-pointer in the Suns' big regular-season statement game against Dallas last March.
Marion has hit some 3-pointers here, thrown down some dunks there, and played defense everywhere, guarding point guards to post men. Sometimes he feels unappreciated, but he said, "I do get love."
He sure gets computer love. This past season, the folks at 82games.com created a formula to determine the defen