The Knicks Fix

I know some of the fixers want jerome james for insurance reasons but the guy has got to go. I've never seen such poor work ethic from a professional athelete making millions of dollars a year. the people who play the game for free out on the hard courts show more fire and desire than James has during his tenure as a knick. It's like Jerome never left Seattle, cause we don't see him here.

with the roster problems as bad as they are (20 to 15) i'd like to think isiah will cut the right people.

BIG SNACKS!

Yes, Peace, there are huge holes in her story. But there are huge holes in MSG’s defense, as well. I’m angry because this should have been so unnecessary. We should be worried about Nichols and rotations now. Not this sordid nonsense. I can’t help thinking that Isiah was probably a little more colorful in his language than he’s admitting. I also have to believe this isn’t the first time Sanders has encountered any of this language. I don’t know what constitutes” too far” or “crossing the line”. But Sanders was no babe in the woods. I can’t help thinking she had her own agenda here and may have seen an opportunity to capitalize on a situation. The sad thing is, it’s also beginning to look like Isiah handed her one on a silver platter.

The courts says Isiah’s guilty and Sanders wins. I think they’re all guilty . . . and they all lose.

Starburyfan
I'm with you! Lets get Jerome James the hell out of here! I don't care if we pay him double to leave!He was/is a huge mistake and color him gone! Time to move on with the real players!

Trane
Lets face facts! I played Ball on almost all levels and the language in the locker room was not PG! Can you imagine BOBBY KNIGHT telling his players that their playing like a bunch of Marshmellos? Or saying Gee whiz fellas, we have to play better defense! I'm sure thats the exact way it goes around every hoop locker room in the country!

It is almost over -- the daily focus on "Sexual Charges In the City." Soon "we" will be able to focus on basketball. And with IT focused on the same and his team energized this is going to be a very exciting season.

I cannot write extensively like the stock market and what companies are good bets or not, but right now MSG is looking like a sweet bargin as the stock price takes a tumble. Seems like a good time to buy before the championship run.

I will wait to hear more about the verdict before I make a final comment about it and the appeals process. (Review my earlier comments and check out how close I got you to the verdict, although my sense of the evidence is that she had no case against Isiah. But for some reason, perhaps reading the papers between testimony, they believed her and did not believe Isiah.)

Willis, I loved your 11:30am breakdown of Stephon's spiritual trip.

African: Karma is a mutherfudger and it is guaranteed to happen when you least expect it. An unfortunate example is the condition of the Daily News blog. It is a clear reflection of the hate spewed by the newspaper and it can get worse.

Alan, that audio sounded like Malik Rose and not Stephon Marbury.

To those concerned about the press reaction to the trial. Yes, it will be a tough pill to swallow as they mention it all year long into the playoffs, but they were going to use it against Thomas no matter what the verdict was. This was a trial by media and the verdict was always going to be the same. If the jurors had decided against Anucha, it would have been because of dumb, sleeping jurors and lawyer shenanigans and Thomas would still be "liable." So I think the verdict means nothing in that regard and you should not feel worse just because they have the same ammunition to brow beat IT that they always had.

For MSG, silence is now golden. $11.6 million. Dolan made a bad decision based on his emotions. For him it was principle, but you settle these cases. I repeat my earlier statement that a trial is not about the truth -- it is about a jury deciding what is the truth.

Given that there will be an appeal, I wonder if we get to here about the jury's decisionmaking process. I for one am interested in what they saw to make them ignore much of the evidence as I read it.

My next post will be a pure bouncing basketball post. Hooray.

What a surprise...Big Snacks is right where we need him.

He should donate his salary to a cause dealing with giving children free healthcare that are currently without.

It'd be fitting since he is paid 7 figures to be a trainers test dummy.

Cut the losses already and trade this mop. Maybe Atlanta (who has the dumbest GM not named Kevin) would be foolish enough to take him on for something.

"But for some reason, perhaps reading the papers between testimony, they believed her and did not believe Isiah."

My sentiments exactly.

"An unfortunate example is the condition of the Daily News blog. It is a clear reflection of the hate spewed by the newspaper and it can get worse."

true, true. It was predicted by several bloggers throughout the year last year. Read the archives and be educated. The exodus was predicted.

I just copped a squat in the bathroom and listened to the audio clips. for some reason, i though they would be longer. not that i'm complaining, but i'm just saying that the dude who runs the portland blog has been posting like 5 minute conversations with coaches and players for a while now. hey, alan, please do not take this as a dude trying to tell you how to do your job but we need more content. in the midst of the season, i doubt there will be tons and tons of audio content but while we are dying for a sip of knicks content please let it flow. i'm sure those interviews were longer. i especially want some more curry the way christopher walken needs more cowbell.

hook a brother up please

Lives:
Good piece. What most don't realize is the power of the media. This NYC media has created such a hostile working environment for Isiah, I wish he could sue.
I'm not suprised by the verdict. It tells you the state of the city.
Most have no clue as to what's going on. If you ask them today who would they prefer to invite to dinner; Jeffrey Dalmer or Isiah Thomas, they'd say Jeffrey Dalmer.
That should tell you the power of the print. We've got to be conscious in this time.

I'm not sure on the spelling but when my ol' man heard the verdict he said, "The masses are asses!" Same people that voted for Giulianni. Looking forward to more training camp updates. Thanks for the escape Alan.

Isiah has to get rid of this big mac james...buy him out and bring in D-nice and somehow get H2O in the mix.

Fixers,

Back to Ball. Curry appears to be 20lbs lighter. Curry is ready to take the next step. There were several guys concerned about his conditioning. Zach will show that he and EC can play together. The key will be the perimeter D.

Alan how does Mardy Look? Is he moving w/o a limp? How does Q look w/ his vertical? Does the back appear ok? Is Lee completely healed? Does Crawford show any effect from his injury? Where is the info? Jordan, who cares! Wilmont, Russell they will not make the team. Give us the skinny!! Screw "Fantasy Trading", (Artest for Big Snacks,& little Nate, blah blah blah). It is time to drop the "Fantasy" and deal w/ "Reality".

African-Karma can take years, but it does happen. The hypocrites & parasites will receive their due.

Peace & Blessings.

alan,
did zach randolph look like he was in shape today at practice?

my girlfriend just texted me. ABS is getting 11.6 million dollars for all this.

Sorry if this was already posted. I don't have time today to stay as in-tune with the Fixers. (which sucks because this is a day I'd love to keep up).

But, here is a long truehoop article with opinions on Steph and why he may be the way he is. Very insightful, and although its someones opinion, its written respectfully and fairly.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-121/Searching-for-Stephon-Marbury.html

What do y'all think?

This just in ESPN says the nba will not fine or penalize I.T.....so let the knicks championship begin!

"I'm in OK shape. I'm going to get a lot better once I get practices in." -Zach Randolph

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10022007/sports/knicks/knicks_a_freak_show_but_not_a_.htm?page=2

Please get rid of Isiah and Marbury- two losers who are awful at their postiions. And Dolan is the biggest idiot of the bunch!

Ok, Jeff. Good idea. I'll be sure to pass that pertinent information along. Enjoy your stay here.

Statesman

I'm really excited about the 20 lbs Curry is said to have lost. The quickness will really help him on d.

I wish we could see some pics of him (or just one pic). Oh, how I hope MSG will record and post practices like the T-Blazers website is doing.

starburyfan

the only thing worse than being broke is knowing that you have 11.6 million bucks coming to you but you have to wait for an appeal. and another appeal.

BARF

pictures of curry from media day:

http://www.msg.com/photogallery.jsp?galleryID=89&photoID=883

doesn't look like too much of a difference for Curry or Randolph in terms of conditioning. The noticeable difference is in crawford, he put on 14 pounds and it shows. hope the "feline quickness" wasn't lost with the gain.

As predicted, Dolan & company will likely appeal verdict, especially if dollar amount awarded by jury is deemed excessive. If nothing else, an appeal provides the rationale to the league and to many ts fans that “it ain't over till it’s over” or “until the fat lady (or at least U.S. Supreme Court) sings.” In the meantime, we can only hope that Isiah is permitted to do his coaching without further distraction.
He can always say "no comment” to inquiries since the
case is pending appeal.

Listening to the Knick players reaction, it is clear from Crawford, Lee, Q, N8 and Marbury, that they want to play for Zeke and have their eyes on the prize: a high playoff spot and contention for a championship. I am pleased that Isiah is heading to training camp. Let’s move on play
basketball.

As for "Big Snacks" James, the only reason to keep him
is the 6 fouls he can provide against some of the larger
centers: Shaq and Bynum. Otherwise, he is pretty much
useless, and is only there because of the large salary that
no other team wants to absorb, even for a number 2 draft choice. I would much prefer to work with the "rookie" Morris and see him develop his game. Big snack best begone soon.
KFL

Barf,

I agree that Curry should be better on D. I also believe that the fewer lbs, will help his rebounding and reduce his fouls,(he gets a lot of fouls when he's tired). I think the combination of EC and Zach will surprise people. A good friend lives in Portland, and he stated that Zach can and will hit the jumper from the free throw line, in addition to posting down low. He said Zach can hit the face-up jumper. He did say that once Zach gets the ball hedoes not give it up. This could be a problem. W/ EC and Zach, you can't start Jeffreys, because you need the outside shot. Q, will play the 3, and until Mardy is fully healthy Crawford at the 2, Steph at the point. When Mardy is healthy he goes to the 1, and Steph to the 2, w/ Crawford off the bench.

Peace & Blessings

Hey fixers:

I also got the same report on ESPN that according to NBA Spokesman, Tim Frank, the current league disciplinary policy does not encompass cvil litigation.

This is consistent with Alan Hahn's take that not punishment will follow the outcome of this trial.

Starburyfan & LNJLNY

Also I think the 11.6 million dollars will only be the portion of the punitive damages that ABS will recieve. Judge Lynch will determine the amount for compensatory Damages. I agree with your take LNJLNY that the plaintiff's lawyers were able to convince the jury that their version of events was more likely than that of the defense. Of course I believe that was the wrong conclusionand achieved wiht a little help from there friends-- the NY media.

African:

From where I'm from originally the media have been refferred to as the 4th power, b/c of the influence they can wield in shaping public opinion.

Fixers: My take, and afterwards it will all be Knicks basketball, is that the Players have given their explicity support to Isiah, and will rally around him. Just remember when the media was ripping the Team after the altercation with the Denver Nuggets that the team went on the winning streak that brought them into the playoff hunt. This team has determination it will rally around Isiah, and Isiah by appealing IMO is showing to this teamt that he is not content to allow adverse results to stand. Lastly, the appeals process will not get as much media attention b/c it is not a trial rather it is a review of aspects of the decision that are challenged as being unsound flawed etc.

I'm with BARF, I'd like to get the content in longer duration. Also I was wondering if Alan can do a mail bag with questions we would like to pose to particular players.

Go NY GO!

Post - up Prince

I hear you on being able to use 6 fouls against KG, Shaq or Jermaine O'Neal, but the thing about Jerome, as a knick he hasn't played in a game long enough to commit 6 fouls. If he's in there for five minutes he's waiving to the bench to come out the game for a breather. This time last year he was telling the press "I'm going to be used for emergency purposes only," at the beginning of the season?

Which poses this question: how can jerome james continue to be plagued by injuries if the man is not balling? He's not balling in the offseason, I deduce from his shape coming into camp, he's not balling as a knick, just look at his stats, so I don't get it, how does he get these "injuries" to begin with?

forgot to throw starburyfan a quick thanks. i saw those pics. crawford shows more bulk in his shoulders (always had bigger shoulders than the rest of him) and his chest, for sure. he's so quick that even if he lost a bit, he'd still be much quicker than most of the SG's he had to guard.

Curry doesnt really show.

And whoever thinks Zach Randolph looks out of shape has never seen him play. He looks like he normally looks. I know bermy said it but that's like the pot calling the kettle black. although, if you want to know if someone is out of shape, who would know better than Chub McGruff himself.

nah, Zach looks good (no homo). He's never been mistaken for Kevin Willis so it'd be stupid to think he'd show up looking like that.

dlee sounded all mature on his audio clip. could be a tv analyst after he stops playing...in 20 years.

Kobe's a pathological liar and is caught on tape.

Quick, someone sue him and collect 11.6 million. They got Isiah with less evidence, so...you never know.

Peace – again, exactly right. This ain’t the Vatican. Where it gets tricky, of course, is when you actually have to draw a line between street-talk/humor and genuine harassment. I’m glad I’m not the one who has to do that. It must be very difficult. Obviously, the jurors thought IT came down on the wrong side of that line. Frankly,I still don’t know. I don’t know how much this little parade of witnesses actually proved. Again, I think it showed ugly sides of BOTH of them, more than it proved any of the charges. Was she probably in it for a quick buck? Probably. Did Isiah provoke her? Probably.

But MSG pays off enough no-good basketball players that you would have thought they would have decided 1) to keep this off the front pages and 2) end it as quickly as possible. I understand the moral argument for wanting your day in court . . . but which is better for the team? To drag out an appeal? Or put it behind them and move on?

Do they have a right to appeal? Of course they do. I just wish they would bite the bullet. Let’s face it, no matter what happens in ANY court of law … there’s only ONE way Isiah and MSG are going to put all the bad publicity behind them in this town. . . and that’s by winning. I believe he’s put together a team that’s got an excellent shot at doing just that this year, so I wish he’d concentrate on that for a while . . .

A lot of W’s can make almost all bad publicity go away . . . in a hurry.

I am so totally disgusted that a group of people felt that her situation warrented 11 mil I am convinced there is no hope for humanity. The idea that a he said she said is converted into that kind of a judgement is inexcusable and shows the pathetic state of the population.

Screw the fouls! We don't want an oscar meyer weiner like James poisening a group of hard working players.

Hate to be so ineloquent, but I've been saying unwaveringly on this blog:

Jerome James is a 7' crook stealing with both hands. A bum. We should escort him to Alaska Airlines and lob him in the luggage rack and sent his ample arse back to Seattle.

Addition by subtraction.

He is a crook, a bum, a swindler.

Repeat - JJ is the only Knick in history that I wish would implode on the bench and disappear.

A whole summer eating Big Macs and you can't hit the gym three times a week?

He doesn't have 6 fouls to give. He is foul.

Over.

I'm just a fan, but here are the 15 I think should make the cut.

1. Stephon

2. Quentin

3. Jared Jeffries

4. Zach Randolph

5. Eddy Curry

6. Mardy Collins

7. Jamal Crawford

8. Wilson Chandler

9. Renaldo Balkman

10. David Lee

11. Fred Jones

12. Malik Rose

13. Randolph Morris

14. Demetris Nichols

15. Jared Jordan

I know some of you guys will disagree with me, and I respect that. Sorry to Nate and Jerome James. Who knows who Isiah will choose to keep, anyways?

FIXERS

The bballs have been rolled out, the whistle has blown and our JOURNEY together begins in earnest.

Statesman

Thanks for the shout out, and my sons wedding was really a cool thing...I hope those that have not had that opportunity yet. will share the same with your chidren, and for those that have, you know what I mean. And your right, it was a mellowing experience. BUT!!!!!!!

Starburyfan

Sorry to hear about your ankle, and my man we're cool and I appreciate you taking the time to read me out. Thanks for the photos too and I just feed off of your passion...

AH, thanks for the postings, your article in Newsday, and the audios which were quite revealing. Now that the circus is over these kats can bunker down, get focused, and thrive off of the US against ther WORLD mentally their coach will light within them...The competition at practice should be real intense, and that's a positive, although with so many players coming off injuries and all of the unofficial practices, these guys should be raring to go. And, I know FIXER was surprised by the news on our man Jerome. He is who he is..At least he's consistent...LOL

Now I know my man Rush didn't think I would let his azz of the hook, if so he was sadly mistaken. RUSH, you heard me, I definitely don't have speech defect and I certainly am not suffering from any typing cramps or carple syndrone. Put your money where your mouth is or do you need me to loan you the G. ANYTIME ANYWHERE ANYPLACE...If you have to pump yourself by deflating others, we're talking HOT AIR...COME SEE ME, I"LL BE WAITING...Mr. P. A. M. I'm your huckleberry. Like our girl Lauryn Hill said, "how you going to win
when you ain't right within, COME AGAIN..."

I look forward to experiencing this season with all of you Good Brothers...(you 2 Rush)

By the way starburyfan,it was my achillies...But it is stronger than ever, go figure...

FIXERS, let's keep ZBO's grandmother in our prayers...

Keep it POPPIN

emac2

My sentiments exactly. How in the world does a b*tch walk in a "locker room" and claim the environment is conducive to sexual harassment?

This is a scary precedent. $11 million, and what did she have that DIRECTLY correlates to harrassment? Where's the e-mails, witnesses, etc.? Where are her written complaints to Dolan, board of directors? Does the jury ask to review evidence? No, they ask for his testimony. What happened to UNDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE? This sh*t is like Entertainment Tonight holding court!! She had no case! Her accusations against Marbury was pure DECEPTION, a smokescreen, and the public bought it! This was a witchhunt! Why can't a black man operate with a "chip on his shoulder" in New York without the press trying to destroy him?

What about ESPN offices? Why isn't the press trying to destroy them? There has been several cases of real sexual harrassment, including REAL PROPOSITIONS!! There has been several stories of the HOLLYWOOD environment in Bristol!

I'm with you Isaiah! Stand tall and fight this b*tch!!!

Talk about atrocities committed..

How a jury found awarded that gold-diggin'@##@# 11.6 mil has to go down as one of the biggest heists in history without a weapon being used....

But just wait and see, fellas...

This single event is going to spearhead one the greatest turnarounds in Knick history.

I checked out the links you cats so graciously provided, and I get the feeling Isiah's crew would run through a ring of fire wearing gasoline soaked uniforms for him.

We're gonna see a lot of passion and "fire and desire" as Clyde would say.

How they responded after the Denver fiasco is gonna pale in comparison to what you'll soon witness from this young group.

This season is gonna special...I can assure you of that.

We shouldn't let JJames walk away easily with $18 mil (we already have ABS this year and countless others which did that).

I think Isaiah should publicly humiliate this guy. Use the press, force him to play hurt, leave him on the court when he asks to come out. I would treat him like a BIG KID. What does Isaiah have to lose? Take the frustration out on his ass, because that is the one signing that is making him look really bad.

We need a big man. We got to try a little bit.

There are several fathers on this post, right? You can't kick that one bad ass boy of yours out, can you? No, you have to try to mold him into a man. Some get it early and it's like you're on autopilot; others make you force them to military school. Isaiah should put Jerome James through serious boot camp down there in the sticks.

@ Cooley...

Good to have you back with us "postin' up", fella.

@ HarlemBoyinMD

I agree wholeheartedly with your feelings on the verdict. How they bought that "hostile work environment" thingy is beyond me. I feel your rage jumpin' off the page...but not to worry. Someone in here mentioned a thing called Karma...it's powerful...and it's coming to an exec near you.

Bronx,

I'm fired up. Got to calm down. She didn't even have to prove a case and she got him.

I blame the defense team too, because that was ASININE to put Isaiah on the stand! Did they think the jury would say, "you got a point there Isaiah." No. He lost the case because HE TOOK THE STAND AND FELT THE NEED TO "KEEP IT REAL." I love him, but that was dumb! Like the Sopranos say, "YOU GOT NOTHING!" His attorneys should be disbarred for stupidity! There was no reason to place him on the stand because there was nothing to counter!

"There are several fathers on this post, right?"

And you know this...it applies to daughters as well..

@ HarlemBoyinMd..

Sounds like you're all for whippin' Snax into shape.....lol

Seriously...make that fugga earn his money. If he doesn't have enough respect for himself and his profession to be self-motivated enough to do the right thing...

Then you do if for him, Zeke. Even if it kills his arse. Enough of his shyt is enough. It's time to get serious and get busy.

If James is not ready by Nov. 1, Isaiah should try void his contract (and take him to court if necessary) for failing to live up to his contract and faking injuries. He ain't hurt and everyone knows it. Besides, we're going to need that $18 mil to pay ABS, her attorneys and his attorneys.

Grammar/spell check: "indisputable"

Hard to type emotionally.

Such double standards in America! Anyone remember the FIRST GULF WAR? Well then you remember the New England Patriot owner makinng a Joke on national TV about the woman reporter in the locker room? He stated what does the female reporter and Iraq have in common? They both saw the size and power of the Patriot missles! DiD she get 11 million for a sexist comment/ harrasment for that? No! It's a double standard here in America!
I hope Dolan brings in the heavest of heavy weights for this appeal and would also do a through background check on the entire jury! I believe Thomas is innocent! Annucha brown has to be in some record book to be the uglyest woman to ever win a sexual harassment case on earth! I know there's not enough Alcohol in the world that would make any of us look twice at her at 3:00AM in the morning! Maybe Mitch Lawrence sober, but none of us! Money diggs dirt up on any and all, time for Dolan to dig deep!

Alan, I encourage you to focus exclusively on basketball from here on . . the case has been decided, there will be appeals, negotiations, discussions and its frankly boring to basketball fans. If Dolan/Isiah could be tossed out, great, but that's not going to happen. So, tell us:

--how does David Lee look, is he back to his old self?
--does Curry look to be in shape and aggressive?
--does Q have his athletic ability back after back surgery?
--do the rookies look like they can stick . . .Chandler, Nichols, Jordan?

Good night Fixers.

Starbury Fan. I I I...did you write that Nate should be dropped and jared Jordan added to the team. Listen man Nate is great and this teram will soon carry his personality. There is no way IT cuts N* cause he is great. YA Got Dat. Now J.James must be lines up and shot.. I mean dropped

St_George

I agree with you that Isiah won't drop nate over Jared Jordan, but that was my own personal 15 from one fan's point of view.

it is not really a prediction, because there are many cases for keeping different players despite roster redundancy/deficency. I just hope Isiah picks the 15 that get us the most wins, if nate will get us the more wins, I'm all for nate.

why did I leave him out of my own 15? it wasn't because of his unique talent, it was because I don't think nate is a true point guard. i know the summer league was a showcase for his maturation as a distributor... also I can't forget what happen to channing frye his rookie year. that was an accident, but it was very hard to watch in person, especially since Channing was having a rookie-of-the-year season until that night. nate can be a wild player, i don't think anyone that's watched him on the knicks would disagree with that. if isiah wants to pound the ball inside, as he has said, he needs a guard who is going to pound the ball inside. nate doesn't have the passing lanes that some of these longer players like mardy collins and fred jones have.

i know a few knick fans that hate on nate since the brawl, I disagree with them. I actually think he's one of the most exciting players to wear a knicks uni in years. I like nate, but how do you go from 20 to 15 and keep everybody?

may isiah choose the winningest 15 knicks to go to battle with.

somehow I missed the news about ZBO leaving practice to be with his grandmother. I'm sorry to hear it and hope she gets well soon.

St_george

in the game where the knicks beat the sixers with a 3-pointer by nate, allen iverson said of nate "the sky is the limit for him." I agree with that. I just think Nate would be his best as a starter playing the two position, not a position that is available to nate at this time. would love to see what nate would do if somebody game him the keys the way isiah have given crawford the green light to do whatever he wants on the court.

Starburyfan: I am with you on all fifteen with J. “Big Snacks” James gone. However, I think the NBA rules allow team to carry 15 plus 1 on injured reserve (Balkman). I wish Alan or someone could verify this point. Thus, 15 + 1 would enable Walker
Russell Jr. or Roderick Wilmont to make the team. Once Taz is healthy, another likely injured player goes to IR list. In this manner, 16 players (if I am correct) can be carried all season.
I noticed that Brian Green is not on training camp team roster. Green played well in Las Vegas Summer League and may find a spot on another team. He has solid all-around skills and showed great intensity in Vegas. Competition for 15th spot in training camp will be interesting. Of course, a trade for Artest changes all bets.
KFL

Starbutyfan: I just noticed you left off N8. He makes team, with 16 spots available, leaving W.Russell and R.Wilmont out. If more room is needed, I think it may be time to buy out Malik's contract and make him an assistant coach.
KFL

Starburyfan,

interesting 15, and I can see where you were headed, but like St. George, in the end N8 will make the squard because his talented is so rare and you eluded to that in follow-up posts.
Intriguing...A case could be made...Let's see if someone agrees...

Peaceman and Harlemboy, I feel you from both perspectives. Although, there appears to be a POST IMUS Phenomena...Brothers are getting jammed on the regular and we've got pundits and politicos and reporters saying and doing all knid of shyt...Go figure. Just chew on it bit, brown bag it and upper room it...HMMMM!

Bronx, thanks for the shout. I missed ya, but you're back and I'm digging ur view on some thangs.

JJames is cracking me up...He is a piece of work...

Keep it POPPIN

Prince,

Thats a great idea. Malik would make a good defensive coach. He could teach Eddie how to "pull the chair".

Jerome (overpaid, out of shape)James makes me sick with his lack of effort and unprofessionalism. We need to treat him like the fat pig he is and boo the heck out of him until he retires or start earning his outrageous salary. I get nauseous thinking about is work ethic and his fat KFC eating ass.

He is by far the most overpaid, unprepared athlete in the WORLD. The Knicks and the NBA should take him to court for stealing money($30 million contract). He has done absolutely nothing of significance to earn more than maybe a plane (jet) ride back to where the hell he came from.

I hope he just don't show up so we can cut him. I would really hate to see us buy him out at say $14 million, because we would just be doing exactly what he wants.......to make money that he doesn't deserve. He would then be able to permanently sit his ass on the sofa while the maid feed him fried chicken.

Jerome (overweight, fat ass)James, if you ever read this blog, I want you to know if you start working hard and you are a still a member of my favorite team.....I would be your biggest fan. But for now, I can't stand your slow as molasses, overgrown and uninspiring ass. You make me sick!!!

Anyway, enough of that BUM, I hope to God we make the playoffs so I can have a good time during the season.

Thank you Alan for doing an unbelievable job covering the Knicks. This blog has become my first stop to know about my team. You are the BEST and I am a FAN. Big up to all the FIXERS that helps to keep this going.

Knicks fan for life and the BIGGEST Jerome James Hater. GO NY, GO NY, GO

Starburyfan are you saying that Nate should either start for us or get cut in favor of Jordan? Are you OK?

rush:
we have jamal and q, we don't need another two guard. nate would be better off starting on another squad. what's inconsistent about that?

Jerome.James

–noun

1. an affable arsehole

2. a modern day hole ass

3. a stealthy thief

Preach zdiddy.

Fixers -

Please pardon my degeneration into the deepest of the mire, but JJ is an Emerald City hick who thinks he can spinmeister hardened NYers.

The man does not want to play; to exert. A training camp injury EVERY year. And he is the first to smile and muck up for the camera.

Sure -- I would too if I legally stole $30MM, and hey, people like me.

Zeke should be mad enough after all this ABS debacle to just don't give a shyt any more and get that amiable loser outta here on roller skates.

Then tend to the legit talent at hand.

zdiddy brings up a good point, you guys think the players ever read this blog, nypost's or nydailynew's blog?

Fixers:

At least MSGNY is showing little bits and pieces of the knicks play at training camp. I know it's not much but it's better than nothing.

Starburyfan:

What do you think of making this blog more interactive by trying to get Alan to get the players to do some Q&A's with us here at the blog?

Didn't the post let Marbury Blog? Why can't Alan let some of the Knicks do some guest blogging during the preseason. It would be a great way for us to do some mail bag question type interaction. What do the fixers think?

I knew some of you guys would object about my knick picks, that's why I wrote a disclaimer effectively saying "this is what I do" obviously I've no power with the knicks and its up to Zeke to do what he thinks is best for the team.

Historically, Nate is a shooting guard, that's what he's been in his two year career. even his college coach at washington deflected questions by gus johnson when asked about if he is a point guard or a two guard during nate's rookie campaign. He recently got better at passing in 2007 summer league, so maybe he's muggsy bouges 2.0 this year, who knows? That was my hope for nate when isiah traded for his draft rights, a defensive juggernaut that can run the offense and push the tempo of the game whilst averaging 2 steals a game.

Good players work on their game and nate is a good player. they've been trying to make him a better distributor since he came to the nyc.

When I see nate, I see a natural scorer, and his potential will remain untapped until he consistently gets over 30 minutes a game to see what he can really do. I tell you all this right here and now: there aren't 30 minutes available to him right now the way the roster is set up. You got Steph, Jamal and Q all in the back court--all have plans set on major minutes so it will be hard for nate to break 21 mpg which is what he's been averaging over the past two years as a knick.

I don't think Isiah would cut him, but I do think Isiah would try to trade him in a package to get artest.

for those who love nate, don't fret, he'll probably be a knick in 2007.

O&B
that would be really cool but that's up to alan. also, don't think dolan grants his players that much media freedom.

Starburyfan

Agreed especially with all the mess over this summer. Knicks management might want to pull the reins in a bit tighter on people access to the team. Still if the questions are limited to basketball related questions, such an interaction could help facilitate some goodwill. Well who knows.

Anyway here yet another NBA season preview. It's supposed to be a mock review,... just bugging on the teams in the league.

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/ublanj/2007/08/27/Not_Another_Team_Preview_Previewing_the_Fans_of_Each_NBA_Team

Anyway watch out for my jocular masterpiece on Sheisty Hiests at MSG

Good night my brother from another mother.

nite O&B

catch you fixers tomorrow.

Playoffs 2008! LGK!

Nice to hear everyone talking basketball. To begin I dont say much just mainly I like to read what you guys write. If it was up to me I would have gotten rid of Jerome James last year. Lots of size great potential but he rather eat burgers, Mc donnalds all summer long than be in shape and ready to play the game we all love. He gets paid plenty of money to at least come in shape. Did any one see him sneaking a few burgers in his jim bag. Isiah should learn from his mistakes #1= Protect lottery picks when trading for a player #2= Make sure that when a free agent is sing that he meets some requirements like be in shape to get paid. Most of his injuries I bet are due to the Burger business. By the way did any one see him at the Coney Island Hot dog contest. I bet that there he would have gave it all he had. I can agreed to even letting him play he sucks that bad. I want the knicks to win games. I dont think is a good Idea to let Nate go. He is like a spark plug when you need points in a hurry just put him in. Any team will like a guy like that. His problem is size. He should be a true point guard in that boddy but in his mind he is a shooting guard. I dont see any player out there stoping him one on one on a break. He is freak of nature. We see guys like him playing street ball not in the NBA. But im glad that he is in my team. I wont say nothing about JJordan if he has skills we will see it in pree season. I wont knock him down, never see him play. I wont compare him to no one. Lets give him a chance. At the worst we send him to Europe or release him. Guys lets be real to get Artest we have to give up talent. The kings will never take Jerome McburgerJames in any package that we might put toghether. Now if they want to include Bibby, I will be willing to trade Marbury. I think we have enough players to score And I see Bibby an upgrade at that position. But then here we go into fantasy land again. Im sure that Isiah will do something before The regular season starts but from what I think I know about him it wont be anything that any of us is even thinking about. #3 Stay away from people that are Gold diggers he should be smart enough to say the right things. Todays world you can't trust no one. Dont put your self in a position to say or do the wrong thing. Be in your place at all time dont catch your self wondering around it would only get you in trouble. Later for now

Welcome Rey T. Good to have you. If I may offer a friendly suggestion: ignore any complaints about writing long essays, but if you do, help a reader out by not writing in a solid brick and putting those great thoughts in a form more pleasant to the eyes. Bricks hurt more than words.

Plus there are a lot of people on this blog who agree with you and need your supportive comments to be read.

Truly Welcome.

Speaking of essays Ese,

Good 2007-2008 Gentle Fixers. CBSSPORTS.com NBA has hit the newstands. The local version has Marbury, mouth wide open, on the cover and my favorite story, a ranking of 200 players inside.

The mag offers the following Atlantic Division order of finish:

1. New Jersey Nets
2. Boston Celtics
3. Toronto Raptors
4. New York Knicks
5. Philadelphia 76ers

CBSSPORTS.com Mag offers the following Eastern Conference 2008 Playoff predictions:

Miami
Chicago
Detroit
New Jersey
Cleveland
Boston
Orlando
Washington

Knicks Players were ranked by position against their peers as follows:

Point Guards

#15 Stephon Marbury (behind Steve Nash, Gilbert Arenas, Kirk Hinrich, Mike Bibby, Mo Williams, Leandro Barbosa and Raymond Felton.) Ranked 14th last year. According to the mag, “[n]o longer the elite scorer he once was, he’ll have to adjust to his new role as floor general first, scorer second. His ego seems to have softened a bit, but it is still a detriment to his overall appeal. The less he talks, the better he sounds.”

Shooting Guard

#21 Jamal Crawford ( behind Kobe, Wade, Tmac, Carter, AI 1 and AI 2, Monta Ellis, Stephon Jackson, Ricky Davis and Larry Hughes). Ranked 36th last year. The mag opines that “Isiah Thomas was able to revive his career in 2006-07 by giving him the ball plenty. He responded well to the added responsibilities and bounced back from a slow year under Larry Brown. He knows how to put the ball in the basket if given a chance.”

Small Forwards

#7 Ron Artest (Just Bloggin’)

#26 Quentin Richardson (behind Artest, Kapono, Diaw, Battier, Luke Walton, Danny Granger, Mike Miller, Bruce Bowen and Caron Butler). Previously unranked. “He’s an above average finisher and a very solid rebounder but can be very erratic with his efforts. He’s capable of scoring 30 one night and 6 the next. Such spotty efforts limit his ability to take on a larger role, but he is still a very useful option for the Knicks.

Power Forwards

#11 Zach Randoph ( behind Nowitzki, Garnett, Boozer, Bosh, Marion, Antawn Jamison, Al Jefferson and Lamar Odom) Previously ranked 14th. “He was traded to New York in the offseason, which will probably alter his game now that he is sharing teh post with center Eddie Curry. Last year in Portland, Randolph deserved an all-star berth after averaging 23.6 points and 10.1 rebounds. His stats might fall off slightly, but Randolph knows how to score.

#20 David Lee ( behind Zbo, Haslem, Drew Gooden, Chris Wilcox, David West). Previously ranked 32 as a small forward. “Last year the prevailing thought was, “Who is David Lee?” After averaging 10.7 points and 10.4 rebounds as a reserve, everyone knows now. He will come off the bench again this year behind starter Zach Randolph, but Lee will be a candidate for the sixth Man award because of his skills.”

#34 Channing Frye (Just bloggin’)

Centers

#11 Eddy Curry (behind Dwight Howard at #1, Stoudemire, Ming, O’Neal, Camby, Okur) 2006-07 ranking was 17th, “Curry had a career season last year. He set career-highs in points (19.5) and rebounds (7.0) and also started 81 games for te first time. Curry’s stats will probably decrease with the Knick acquiring power forward Zach Randolph, but he will still remain a top center in the NBA.”

Have A Great Day!

Randolph Morris = six fouls.

Civil Action

Madison Square Garden v. Jerome James

Docket #LGK-NOW-2DAY

COUNT 1:

Theft

COUNT 2:

Depravation of Services

COUNT 3:

Intentional Infliction of
Emotional Pain

COUNT 4:

Tortious Interference with Championship Play.

Pack him up, pay him off, send him home. Ask ABS to share the tab. (LOL) Later.

Maybe we can find some good out of this injustic! Lets play some ball New York! Lets set the NBA on fire! Let just not win games, lets destroy everyone we face by double digets! Lets make Zeke the Eastern conference Allstar coach! We are on a Mission, lets go do it!

Lives:

Inspirational passages as always. I think I just found Jesus.

I'm on the Artest bandwagon officially.

Geez, Johnette Howard really lays it on thick today.

While I agree with her re Dolan's stupidity, her characterization of Steph rings false.

'ZOMG!!! Ballers curse!' What do these people expect - a Sunday school class??

Roll out the Fainting Couch - Ms. Howard's got her a case of the vapors.

Fixers,

I hate to be contrary(it's not my style), but why devote the negative energy toward Jerome James!!! James is James. Did any of you guys expect a different James? Were you guys expecting the 2nd coming of Wilt? Seriously who counted on James being a big contributor to the Knicks this year? Who put James on their 'Fantasy Team"? Other then Peaceman & Davonn (LOL), who traded James straight-up for Artest?, or was it Kobe?

Why waste this energy in the Universe? Let's save it for the Celtics, Bulls, or the Hall of Fame coach once he stabs Cheeks in the back, and is coaching the 76ers. Attacking Jerome James is the equivalent of attacking Iraq to get back at terriorist. An easy target, but it does not help our cause. I assume this is frustration from the ABS-decision. WINNING CURES ALL ILLS.

"Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind... what we sow is what we reap"

Peace & Blessings

Statesman,

You have a point, but I don't think anyone here actually bears any ill will towards James as a person - it's as a player that is where we have problems with him.

I'm self-employed, but back when I was working for The Man, if I was being paid a good wage, my boss would expect me to come to work in good shape to get the job done. And I would honor that requirement, despite the fact that I wasn't pulling down anywhere near $30 mil.

Jerome's gotta earn his pay, and showing up out of shape and 'injured' ain't helping. He's just clogging up the lane, and not in a good way.

I reiterate my call for NYK to send him packing with a buyout - but not an extravagant buyout, because he's done precious little to earn one.

Nothin' personal, strictly business.

"Thomas also is clear of any possible discipline from NBA commissioner David Stern. League spokesman Tim Frank said, 'Our policies do not encompass civil litigation.'"

Alan, I understand that your articles must have a standard format. But your "voice" sounds like the trendy media there. The mention of NBA sanctions against Thomas is illogical (civil case), but trendy, as you seemed to follow the rest of the media with this thought process.

Let's take the accusation against Thomas by ABS as fact, hypothetically. She says he calls her a derogatory name. Should the NBA punish every executive for use of this language? Slippery slope. Yes, I'm sure it sounds ridiculous to you. So why are you and the rest of the media inferring that a penalty from the league is the next step in this case?

The verdict did not rule against Thomas individually. Rather, it ruled against the improper environment at MSG. Why are you media guys implying that the NBA should fine him.

I think we all know that media inference is a major influence in our society. It forms public opinion. Statements such as this one supports inference and I hope you would deviate from that.

Did anyone catch the ABS interview this morning on GMA?
I had to look into her eyes and I saw what I thought I would see. She could not look Robin Roberts in the eye. While replying to questions, her eyes were all over the room! That's a tell-tale sign of someone being deceitful. On the contrary, I saw Anita Hill yesterday, and her eyes were fixed on the interviewer when answering questions.
That tells me a lot. Karma baby! Karma!

Harlem,

I think Alan referred to the
(possible) sanctions from the league because it's been an ongoing question here.

But I fully agree that the NYC media is trying their hardest to fan further outrage over this story, exhorting everyone to get their outrage on.

The bottom line is the jury has spoken, the judge will rule on compensatory, the check will be cut eventually.

The pernicious devils of the self-righteous media should remember that their profession demands objectivity and stop inciting due to their own personal grudges or agendas.

Or maybe they changed that 'objectivity' thing since I went to j-school - there sure doesn't seem to be much objectivity left in the media nowadays.

(Sorry for chewing up the bandwidth in here - had to wake up early this morning and I'm not up to speed with the work thing just yet.)

Don ADO,

The "ongoing question" is what I am referring to. This question evolved from various sources as they reported the case and the verdict. I think AP was the first with this statement. ESPN does this constantly. They like to ask what is the next step, or the opinion of the public. It is dangerous and irresponsible reporting. It turns readers and viewers into sheep, unable to decipher information on our own, told what to think of the information.

I have a problem with that, obviously.

Harlem,

I'm right with you, believe me. The media's job is supposed to be to inform, but they seem to be taken with the idea that they can actually form public opinion in how they frame news stories. CNN, Fox News and the networks do it as a matter of course now.

It ain't right.

And as has been noted here repeatedly, the NYC media in particular (with maybe the sole exception of Alan's blog, which is why I'm here) have a huge axe to grind with this organization. They keep bemoaning the fact that the NYK organization is crap (and as far as the front office goes, I really can't disagree), but the net effect is that it cements the narrative with the public, and the ones who will ultimately catch the brunt of it will be the players.

I've had enough pious outrage from the media regarding this story, and I wish the sports media in this city would just STFU and talk hoops - but they don't seem capable of even doing that. Every story about the Knicks is prefaced by either the 'Crazy Steph' meme or the 'dysfunctional team' meme.

It's not the team that's dysfunctional. The balls have not even been rolled out for the season yet. But the media in this town seem intent on poisoning the well, and even if NYK comes roaring out of the box with 10 straight wins at the top of the season, they'll still have one or another accusatory tag hung around their necks.

Insidious. Unfair to the team, unfair to the fans. But sadly, it is what it is and it will continue.

(Climbs down from soapbox, and welcomes another Fixer to climb on.)

African,

I wish I could've seen that interview w/Robin Roberts. I would've been looking for those same "tale-tell" signs. Hopefully I can catch the tape of it a little later.

That Karma thingy is somethin'.......we reap what we sow.

Now on to basketball!!!