We Love the Knicks

The Lin-Side Story of Why Jeremy Lin Left the Knicks-Part 2

2012-07-22T23:46:00.000-04:00

Please read Part 1 first http://goo.gl/97BZr

The real-life Jeremy Lin story reads like a modern day Cinderella fable that is too good to be true! Who would have believed that a homeless, journey man and career basketball benchwarmer on the brink of being cut by his 3^rd team in a year would be given a last opportunity to play in New York? If that sounds made up, consider what actually did happen in this “Linderella Story.” Without superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, Jeremy Lin not only outplayed the likes of Kobe Bryant and beat teams with his passing, scoring and even last shot threes. Our hero galvanized a group of scrubs into the hotest team in the NBA, saved the faltering New York Knicks and led it into playoff contention before he was struck down by a season-ending knee injury! As the world watched this story unfold on TV, in newspaper headlines and on the stage of the famed Madison Square Garden, Lin became one of the most exciting success stories in sports history who is beloved around the world! Lin's fans idolize him to the degree that they would never believe him capable of doing any wrong. When midnight in this story struck, Jeremy Lin fans were quick to blame his ‘evil stepfather!’ Many feel James Dolan deceived Lin by bringing in Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton disguised as mentors to teach Lin. They feel Mr. Dolan imported them to replace Lin who was soon banished to a ‘bad’ team in Houston as his ‘wicked stepbrothers’ gloated!

No pumpkin or mice left in this story when the dust clears. In these two parts, I have endeavored to examine the wild accusation of Lin’s disheartened fans and to accurately separate the facts from the emotion. I welcome input from Jeremy Lin, the Knicks and the Rockets. I look forward to writing part 3 should they care to share their perspectives. So what is the truth? As much as people want to believe that it was all James Dolan’s fault and Jeremy Lin could never do anything wrong, this is not a fairy tale. In real life, there often is enough responsibility to be shared:

The AP and Sports Illustrated both reported “Jeremy Lin loves New York. He wanted to stay!” There is little doubt that New York adores Jeremy Lin and didn’t want him to leave. But I have to wonder if Lin really wanted to stay in the Big Apple, why did he work with the Rockets to help make a deal that hurt the Knicks?

“How can we be sure Lin worked with the Rockets in its shrewd plan to throw in a $15-Million poison pill that would cost the Knicks up to $60-Million in salary and Luxury Tax just for Lin in the 3rd year?” Lin agreed to a previous offer that the Rockets were required to honor. But this would not hurt the Knicks enough. An extra $5-Million bought Lin’s consent to void it and he signed the second offer that would!

“Maybe Lin never realized that his working with the Rockets and his signing the 2^nd offer would infuriate James Dolan so much that the Knicks’ owner would banish Lin for his disloyalty!” We are not talking about a low-IQ jock flying by the seat of his pants here. Although it is highly unlikely that the Harvard-educated Lin didn’t realize it, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Lin pays his savvy agent and expensive lawyers to protect him. They went over both offers with a fine-tooth comb. Surely, they would be considered incompetent and unprofessional if they didn’t anticipate that signing the 2^nd offer was likely to make Dolan irate and warn Lin of the consequences!

“Lin took a $5-Million gamble!” That makes sense. Rather than refusing to sign the 2^nd offer and settling for $5-Million less, the thinking could have been that If Knicks match great, but if not, Jeremy Lin is still getting an additional $5-Million to go to the Rockets!

“Lin’s ego was hurt when the Knicks went after Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton!” Unlikely because Knicks’ coach Woodson publicly announced we want Jeremy Lin back and he will be our starting point guard! The other PG’s were there to teach and back up Lin.

“Lin didn’t want to be in New York anymore!” That is also a strong possibility for a few reasons. Lin’s best friend Landry Fields had just left the team for the Raptors. Starting for the Knicks and the difficult challenge of getting Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire to play well together may have been too much pressure for Lin. Especially when he couldn’t accomplish it when both came back after Linsanity!

“Who can blame Lin for taking the money and running? Unless you assume that Lin is a 25-game flash-in-the-pan that is bound to disappoint, and I don’t, this would be a very short-sighted approach! Although Lin will get an extra $5-Million in the 3-year contract, that’s nothing compared to his potential career earnings had Kidd & Felton taught Lin to be an all-star! Although Lin could have lived very well on $20-Million while he was learning, without this training, Lin could ultimately lose $100’s of Millions!

“The Rockets really didn’t want Lin they just want to hurt the Knicks!?” No Houston really needed a point guard and hurting the Knicks is just a bonus! The Rockets wanted Jeremy Lin because they lost all three point guards! Unrestricted free agent Goran Dragic went to the Suns. Kyle Lowry was traded to the Raptors and they withdrew their qualifying offer to Courtney Lee. Adding Lin would not only give them a starting PG, it would also help Houston sell tickets, improve TV ratings and increase merchandising. The Rockets hope Lin’s addition would similarly build upon the Asian following that Yao Ming started and even make the Rockets more a desirable destination for Dwight Howard to choose.

“The Knicks will be terrible without Lin because those old guys need walkers!” Although I would have preferred to see the inexperienced 23-year-old Lin stay and grow in New York, the Knicks are much stronger at the point-guard position now. Felton and Kidd should be able to do what Lin couldn’t, get Melo and STAT to play well and together. The three Knicks new point guards may not be young but still have a lot of thread left on their tires. These savvy veterans are also good shooters who easily can help J.R. Smith man the shooting guard position until Iman Shumpart returns from injury. The addition of Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas also provides defense and depth, making the Knicks formidable! It is amazing how much the Knicks management was able to accomplish in the off season to make the team so much better – especially given so little cap room. Had New York also chosen to keep Jeremy Lin, its fans would be campaigning for Glen Grunwald to be elected as NBA GM of the Year.

“Wow the addition of Jeremy Lin will make the Rockets great again! Sorry in the tough west, the Rockets, as presently constituted, will have a difficult time to even make the playoffs – should Lin play great! If Lin, who only started 25 games in his NBA career, gets injured or struggles, Houston will have real problems to keep the Rockets from crashing!

Sadly, Knicks fans say goodbye to Jeremy Lin and wish him the best! He brought his great heart and courageous play to the Knicks and we will really miss him. Hopefully, Lin will grow into an all-star that matches his world-wide iconic reputation. That would be a fitting ending for our “Linderella Story!”

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The Lin-Side Story of Why Jeremy Lin Left the Knicks-Part 1

2012-07-19T22:14:00.000-04:00

The Lin controversy stirred up a hornet’s nest of anger and ire with fans divided in blaming Knicks, Rockets, NBA and even Lin for his departure from NY. This two-part article profiles LinSanity and uses fan’s concerns to separate the facts from fiction.

Jeremy Lin took an amazing journey from being homeless to an overnight world-wide icon! Jeremy Shu-How Lin, who at only 23 is one of the world’s most beloved sports heroes, was born in Los Angeles, California on August 23, 1988 and raised in Palo Alto. The Harvard graduate that went undrafted is the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. After being cut by the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets following his rookie year, the seldom-used Lin was picked up on waivers by the Knicks. In New York, Lin was so worried about his finances that he slept on his brother’s and Landry Field’s couches. Lin was reluctant to pay for hotels because the Knicks’ 4th-string point guard’s contract was not guaranteed and he was on the verge of being unemployed without severance pay.

Lin’s story reads as though it was a too-good-to-be-true fairy tale. The 8-15 Knicks were facing injuries to their point guards and those filling in couldn’t get the team to play cohesively. Figuring he’d take a final look at Lin before cutting him, coach Mike D'Antoni give the 23-year-old bench warmer his chance. Lin surprised everyone by leading the win-starved Knicks to a thrilling 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets and scoring 25 points. Lin was given his first NBA start the next game. He propelled New York to a seven-game win streak that included his out playing Kobe Bryant in an upset win against the Lakers. Named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Lin averaged 27 points and 8 assists. Lin’s 109 points was the most points scored by any NBA player in their first four starts since the 1976-77 season!

Lin rescued the struggling Knicks and LinSanity was born! Even when Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire were absent due to injury, Lin galvanized New York into playoff contention. Lin’s brave forays into the paint, potent scoring, timely steals and deft passes inspired LinSanity. Lin restored the excitement, joy and hope that Knicks fans had not experienced in decades. Jeremy Lin became a beloved and admired hero around the world. From a seldom-used scrub, he went on to become a world-wide icon that was featured on the cover of “Sports Illustrated” two weeks in a row! In his 25 games as a starter, Lin sold out every arena he played in, raised NBA TV ratings and sold more jerseys than virtually any other NBA player! On the road, fans cheered louder for him than for their home teams.

Mike Woodson declared Lin is our starting point guard and the Knicks will match any offer! So let’s examine the facts and fiction:

“Lin is the best point guard in Knick’ history and soon will become a super-star!”
Carmelo Anthony explained ''I don't think nobody really has an idea what his ceiling is,'' Although Lin must prove himself before anyone anoints him as the next Walt Clyde Frazier, Anthony stressed. ''What he was able to do for that little stretch that he played before he got hurt, he was at the all-time high, from a game standpoint doing what he was able to do, averaging 20 something-plus points, almost 10 assists. I'm ready to see what's next.'' In short, only time will tell how good Lin can become and if he'll ever be a star.

“Lin is a turn-over prone, 25-game flash-in-the- pan that was stopped by the Heat!” Although I agree Lin does need to learn how to handle the ball better, he has been very effective despite his turnovers-except against the Heat. The question that remains to be answered is will teams learn how to stop Lin or will he learn how to overcome stifling D? Lin would have had his best chance of learning quickly under veteran PG’s on the Knicks rather than being the only PG on the Rockets. That is Lin’s biggest loss!

“Lin is a shoot-first PG that was good in MDA’s style but is wrong for the Knicks because he never can play with Melo & Amare!” Although Lin has been a scoring point guard without the Knicks stars, it may be because Lin had to carry the scoring load in their absence. Lin is a smart player and had he been given enough time to learn from Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton, I have no doubt he would have learned how.

“Knicks never wanted to keep Lin, so they had to find a way to let him go!” Ridiculous! Lin is a smart, moral, respectful and humble guy who never gets into trouble and is well liked by Knicks’ management and teammates alike. He is an international-marketing and box-office gold mine who makes lots of money for the Knicks and produces lots of positive publicity for the NBA. Lin played very well before he was injured and works hard to make himself and his teammates better! What is not to like about Lin?

“If Melo wanted Lin he would have been kept!” This is another reach in my opinion. If Anthony had declared “I’ll demand a trade if Lin leaves,” perhaps the Knicks might have kept him. But why would Melo stick out his neck and risk both players being exiled?

“The Rockets made it financially impossible for the Knicks to match and keep Lin!” No! They made it difficult by back loading Lin’s $25.1-million contract with a balloon payment of nearly $15-million in the third year. Known as a poison pill, it could have cost the already over-the-cap Knicks as much as $45-million in luxury tax or $60-million total that year just for Lin. But since the Rockets are under the cap, they would have to pay Lin only a little over $8-million a year!

"Lin left the Knicks because it is the NBA's fault!" The new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, designed to penalize teams over the cap, makes it easy for under-cap teams to legally steal Restricted Free Agents! Why should the Knicks have to pay up to $70-Million for Lin's final year in salary and Luxury Tax and the Rockets can get him for only a little more than 8-Million? Ironically, this provision contradicts the spirit of Bird Rights, enabling teams to keep their own RFA's. The Players' Association just fought for and won binding arbitration against the NBA to get Bird Rights on behalf of Lin and other waved players.

“Lin who started only 25 NBA games in his career is a gamble not worth as much as $70M in salary + tax!” Although Lin’s unknown ultimate value and the poison-pill arguments might convince many NBA teams to pass on him, money is not why the Knicks let Lin go! Although Knicks are already capped out, Lin has Bird rights that enable them to match any offer to keep him. They could easily trade Lin’s $15-million expiring contact in year 3 to a team looking to gain cap space. If the Knicks did decide to release Lin in the summer of 2014, the new CBA's "stretch provision" would allow New York to avoid a one-time salary cap hit by paying him about $5-million per year for the next 3 seasons. Lastly, James Dolan spends like its play money, so why would that stop him now?

“Knicks said they’d keep Lin at any price! Why didn’t the-most-over-the-cap team in NBA history spend the money to keep him?” Under the new CBA, the Knicks could only pay Lin about $15-million for 3 years unless he got a higher offer from another team. They told Lin that they want him back at a price that would be fair to him. To do this, Lin was advised to test the market to see what he could get and the Knicks would match the offer! Woodson even declared publicly that Knicks want Lin back and he will be our starting point guard. Lin had originally agreed to sign the Rockets 4 year offer sheet of $28-million. Since year 4 was not guaranteed and at Houston’s option, the Knicks would have been required to pay only $19.5 million for Lin. So far, Lin did exactly what the Knicks told him to do. When the Rockets heard that the Knicks were going to match it, they ripped it up with Lin’s permission and offered him a new 3-year $25-million contract. Although it’s unclear whether Lin was the one who told the Rockets about the Knicks intention of matching the first offer or it leaked out, James Dolan was outraged that Lin worked with the Rockets to burn the Knicks. The conclusive proof was that Lin signed the 2^nd offer after agreeing to the first! Although the price of the second offer could cost up to $70 in salary and tax, the Knicks would have matched it – but Jeremy Lin’s working with the Rockets against the Knicks got James Dolan angry!

In part 2, we will disclose why Jeremy Lin chose to leave the Knicks despite his claim that he loves New York and wanted to stay, plus how adding Lin could help the Rockets land Dwight Howard.

Read Part 2 to Learn How Lin's Move Effects the Knicks & Rockets
As Well As What Was Lin's and Dolan's Roles http://goo.gl/BT045

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New Knicks or UKnicks?

2011-03-27T15:18:00.011-04:00

Without leadership & pride there is no hope for the UKnicks!

After losing six in a row and nine of their last 10 -- often due to a lack of effort, desire and testicular fortitude -- perhaps the post-Carmelo-trade Knicks deserve to be called the “UKnicks!”

Since the trade, our UKnicks have surrendered 12 of their last 19 games and have become as difficult to watch as any Knicks team during the last 10 years. In fact, six of their last nine loses were to losing teams. Our uninspired UKnicks often gave up huge first-quarter leads while even scoring as little as nine points. Somehow the UKnicks find creative new ways to inspire even the most offensively challenged teams to play as though they were NBA powerhouses! These humiliating losses included crushing defeats by such formidable teams as the Cleveland Cavilers (14-57), Detroit Pistons (26-47), Milwaukee Bucks (29-43) and Charlotte Bobcats (30-42).

The free-falling Knicks, who are now sporting a losing record of 35-38, have dropped to seventh place in the NBA’s East. With nine regular-season games left, the UKnicks don’t know when their losing streak will end or even if they will make the playoffs. Even so, our UKnicks do not appear to be very concerned about their record or inability to win games – even against the NBA’s weakest sisters. Perhaps they don’t feel any urgency because they have a 4 1/2 game lead on ninth-place Bobcats, or maybe it is because nobody on the UKnicks has shown the balls to step up and declare that he won’t allow them to have a fatal collapse into their 10th straight losing season. The only hope for the new Knicks is that someone will demonstrate the leadership and pride needed to keep them from being UKnicks!

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Did Knicks Trade for a Headache?

2011-03-21T13:04:00.016-04:00

Knicks Feel the Pain After the Big Trade!

The Knicks situation now reminds me of the saying “Why trade an upset stomach for a headache?” Before the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade, the Knicks (28-26) were competitive and beat the teams they were supposed to beat. They were a winning team that was a lock to make the playoffs. But they made a blockbuster trade where they broke up their team in an attempt to get better. But did they?

The Denver Nuggets definitely did get better after the trade. After losing Anthony, the Nuggets rank first in NBA scoring with 107 PPG and are winning more than ever. Denver also improved its teamwork as is evidenced by averaging 24.5 assists. Perhaps the biggest improvement for the Nuggets is on defense from allowing 105.2 PPG before the trade to only 93.3 since.

Although Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups definitely did upgrade NY’s talent level, now the Knicks often are a confused and desperate team that has a losing record of seven wins and eight loses since the trade just one month ago. The Knicks frequently are disorganized and lethargic, especially against sub-500 teams, where they have only one win and six losses since the trade.

Suffering a crushing 100-95 loss to the Bucks (28-41) at the Bradley Center last night, the Knicks (35-34) played the first quarter as though they were rehearsing for starring roles in a walking-dead movie. Unable or unwilling to score or play defense, the sleep-walking Knicks surrendered 32 first quarter points to the NBA’s worst offensive team, while finding only nine points drop into the hoop for them. Nine points established a new Knicks’ record as their worst first-quarter scoring in 55 years. Although the Knicks woke from its first-quarter blackout, even a combined 69 points from Stoudemire, Billups and Anthony were not enough to catch up. This humiliating defeat was the fifth in the last six games for the Knicks and the second consecutive loss to a lottery bound team. As a result, the Knicks have fallen from the sixth to seventh seed, behind the surging Philadelphia 76’ers. After the trade, the Knicks is a troubled team that is no longer certain of making the playoffs.

Although I intend to explore the Knicks problems and solutions in a future article, I have provided a brief summary:

Knicks Problems Since the trade:

· Exploding roster so late in season, leaves little time to develop chemistry

· Players are not yet comfortable with each other and the system

· Billups plays a slow-down game rather than D’Antoni’s up-tempo system

· Players try to adjust to new point guard’s system rather than fit into the old one

· Chemistry problems at both ends causes confusion & lack of direction

· Carmelo & Amar'e are 1-on-1 players who impede ball movement

· 1-on-1 play at crunch time makes it easy to get double-team stops Vs Knicks

· Plays down to the level of the competition & usually loses to weak teams

· Prone to slow starts that give even weak teams confidence and big leads

· Team often lacks effort & desperately fights back to try to make up big leads

· Poor individual & team defense on pick & rolls, dribble penetration & post ups

· The trade left team with a lack of height & insufficient attention to rebounding

· Weak bench lacks punch due to trading away so many good players

· Poor defensive coaching & leadership will make the transition-time even longer

Only time will tell if the Knicks trade will turn out to make them a contender or continue to be a headache!

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Knicks :07 Seconds or Loss!

2011-03-19T21:15:00.006-04:00

Billups & 'Melo: Get This Book for Knicks to Run!

While the Knicks trade for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups upgraded the talent level, it also did something unexpected and undesirable -- it changed the team's style. Before the 'Melo trade, the Knicks played coach Mike D'Antoni's Seven-Seconds-Or-Less free-flowing, run-and-gun offense that beat the defense down the court and hit the open man for easy baskets. By bringing Billups in as the new starting point guard, who is very familiar with 'Melo's one-one-one game, the Knicks inadvertently changed its offence to more of an isolation half-court game.

The problem is that instead of the new guys, Anthony and Billups, having to fit into the Knick's game, the old Knicks are being forced to adjust to the new point guards offensive scheme. That's why Amar'e, at times, plays as though he was the new guy and is being forced to grind it out more by going one-on-one. This makes it tougher for Amar'e to score, leads to his foul trouble that in turn causes him to ride the bench and play weaker defense when he returns. When Billups was injured, even though Tony Douglas is more of a shooting guard than a point, the Knicks played more fluently with him as the floor general. Amar'e realizing the problem, has called for the Knicks to return to a more up-tempo offense. However, it remains to be seen if Billups can play that style and Anthony will be willing to change his game to fit in.

Another factor that should not be discounted is that it does take time to adjust to three new starters and three superstars. It took Miami Heat one third of the season for their Big Three of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Cris Bosh to get used to each other. Even so there are times that they still look like the adjustment process is still not complete.

Only time will tell if the Knicks will get their :07 Second or Less act together or it will be :07 Seconds or Loss!

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Knicks Play Dead -- Blame D'Antoni!

2011-03-14T03:42:00.009-04:00

Knicks Should Not Lay Down Due to Lack of Effort!

The fact that the Knicks often do not concentrate on defence and rebounding is bad enough. But something needs to be done when they are permitted to play as though they don't even care and are routed by pathetic teams, such as the 12-53 Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers who lost six in a row before the Knicks rolled over for them. How can coach Mike D'Antoni explain losing all three games to the Cavs, the NBA's worst team? Or why the Knicks are constantly out rebounded and play defence that is often as porous as smoke in the wind?

Perhaps D'Antoni is unable to do much about the Knicks' lack of height since the Carmelo Anthony trade. And this coach may not be adept at teaching his players how to defend against pick and rolls or to clog the middle to prevent the easy layups, that happen repeatedly every game. As a head coach, he should be able to teach defence or at the very least, "the world's most expensive arena," after raising their already high ticket prices by another 49%, certainly can afford to hire a competent defensive assistant who can.

However, as defensively challenged as D'Antoni may be, he should not be forgiven for allowing his well-paid professional players to come out unmotivated and unprepared. If it was just one game, it could be excused. But it has happened all too often this season. There is no excuse for the Knicks team to just go through the motions and play as though they were a junior varsity team.

Mike D'Antoni needs to hold his team accountable to at least play with effort every game. If they don't, there needs to be consequences. Players need to know that if they don't play hard in games, they will have to practice harder, longer and more often to make up for their lack of effort. Conditioning exercises, such as running the stands, will not only build stamina, but will also encourage aggressive game play to win games and avoid tough practises. Bottom line, if coach D'Antoni can't motivate his team to play hard, he needs to be replaced with a coach who can. Hopefully the new coach will teach his team to play much better defence and that the Knicks should never play dead!

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Knicks Lovers & Haters Speak Up!

2011-03-09T18:20:00.007-05:00

This is YOUR blog, so take full advantage of the comments section, below, to tell us your thoughts about the Knicks

What are the NY Knicks doing right or wrong? What could they do better? Talk about matchups, keys to the next game, post-season prospects or anything at all. What articles do you want to read here? Who is (are) your favorite Knicks player(s) and why? Ladies, do you have a crush on a Knick player? Tell us who and why. Perhaps he will read what you say here. Our readers look forward to reading and commenting on what you have to say!

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NY's efense? Knicks Win When "D" Is Not Missing!

2011-03-07T01:11:00.008-05:00

Knicks Took the Fight Out of the Hawks with Strong "D"

The Knicks surrendered 119 points to the Cavs two days ago, but after stressing defense in practice, NY clamped down on the Hawks on Sunday in Atlanta to hold them to only 79 points. Despite a poor shooting game by Carmelo Anthony (14 points on 6-8 shooting), and playing shorthanded without Chauncey Billups, Ronny Turiaf and Bill walker, New York managed to hold the 5th place Hawks to a Knicks' season low in opponent scoring. Keeping the surging Sixers a half game back in the standings, the Knicks won the low-scoring game 92-79, behind strong second-half defense and timely fourth-quarter stops.

Carmelo Anthony got poked in the eye in the first quarter by Al Horford. It caused 'Melo to get blurry vision and an instant migraine. As a result he did not play the final 10 minutes.

With Anthony on the bench, Amar'e Stoudemire took charge and led the Knicks in scoring with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Landry Fields chipped in with 15 points and Seane Williams had four 3-pointers for 12. Six Knicks shot double-digits, while New York out-rebounded Atlanta 31-27. The Knicks point guards played solidly with Tony Douglas having 10 points, 7 assists and Anthony Carter also contributing 10 important points in only15 minutes. The Knicks shared the ball well with 23 assists. It was a team effort with the bench contributing, including even the seldom-used Roger Mason. Interestingly enough, Knick fans in Atlanta often drowned out the Hawks fans. In the end, all that could be heard was the repetitive roar of M-V-P for STAT as the Knicks cruised to a decisive victory!

What a difference a game makes. New York is now 17-2 when holding opponents under 100 points. The Knicks are an amazing team when they can find the "D!"

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Knicks Beat Heat, Why Not Cavs?

2011-03-06T00:21:00.004-05:00

Cavs Have the Knicks' Number!

Although it seemed like our New York Knicks finally made it to the NBA elite by defeating the Heat in Miami, after the 'Melo trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat NY a few days later by four points at MSG. That game was called a must-win payback game by the Knicks, so NY did not take it lightly. In fact, Cleveland has beaten NY in 11-straight games, including the last three without LaBron James. It didn't matter that Amare Stoudemire scored 41 points, Carmelo Anthony added 29 and NY had a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter -- the Cavs won by four, 119-115.

This is a fan discussion where you tell us YOUR opinion:
Post in our comments section, below, what you think the Knicks need to do in order to beat the Cavs. I look forward to do doing a follow-up article using your quotes and demonstrating that we have some of the smartest fans in the NBA on this blog! Perhaps the NY Knicks, Donnie Walsh and Coach Mike D'Antony might appreciate your advice too. Of course, by posting your comments here you agree to allow us to have free use of what you say in full or in part, as well as to use your name. If you don't want us to publish your real name use initials, a screen name or your first name and location. For example "Les from the Bronx." Lets have fun and help the Knicks!

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Knicks from Chumps to Champs?

2011-03-03T23:39:00.005-05:00

Will the Knicks Be Reaching for the NBA Cup Soon?

The Knicks are attempting to transform 10 years of failure into their third NBA crown ASAP. Donnie Walsh has done an amazing job in making the Knicks better. Is it a work in progress or are the Knicks ready to contend now, or even by 2012? The answer depends on who the real Knicks are? The team who beat the mighty Heat on its home court in Orlando or the uninspired gang that lost to the lowly Cavs just two days before? In order for the Knicks to win it all they can’t be up one day and down the next! Winning an NBA Championship or even going to the finals requires consistency and playing good “D.” Former winners of the crown, such as the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, Heat and Pistons have been able to outscore and stop their opponents with the game on the line.

Knicks Strengths:

The Knicks, who have been losers for the past decade, have taken two giant steps towards being competitive. Donnie Walsh and company have put together a team that is well suited for Coach Mike D’Antony’s speed-ball game and they acquired three superstars in Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Now they have three players who usually score over 20 points a game. Two are among the NBA’s top-five scorers and the third, “Mr. Bigshot,” is one of the NBA’s most clutch players. On any given night, any one of the Knicks Big Three can score 30 or more points and take over the game. For the Knicks that rank second in the NBA in points per game at 106.2, scoring is rarely the problem. The Knicks have also become an outstanding shot-blocking team this season. Knicks can play excellent defense when they maintain focus. They are excellent from the charity stripe, also second in the NBA. The team possesses strong veteran leadership, role models and willing mentors. Billups has even won a ring with the Pistons. Plus with three outstanding one-on-one players, the Knicks can play excellent half-court offense that makes them more competitive in the playoffs.

Knicks Weaknesses:

The Knicks three worst flaws are inconsistency, defensive lapses and weak rebounding. After blowing up the teams’ roster in the 'Melo trade and adding three stars and lots of new players, it will take time for the team to fully gel. It took the Miami Heat a quarter of a season to integrate its" big three. The Knicks' lack of height is another major deficit – especially since giving up 7’1” Center Timofey Mozgov 6’11” Forward Danilo Gallinari and the 6’8 but high-jumping Power Forward Wilson Chandler in the Anthony trade. The Knicks are allowing 105.5 points per game, which is too many.

Should the Knicks Load Up or D Up to Win the Crown?

Although superstars win games, adding a fourth is not as important as being able to play strong defense that stops other teams. Carmelo Anthony stressed that defense would be the most important factor in determining the Knicks' success. He explained that the Knicks do not have to have the best defense or even play it all game long, “we just have to be able to get stops for a few minutes at a time” to beat our opponents. For example, Amar’e's block of Lebron James' layup turned out to be the game winner for the Knicks against the Magic in Orlando.

How the Knicks Can Go from Chumps to Champs:

Get comfortable playing together after the trade
Be much more consistent
Pay attention to individual and team defense, especially at crunch time
Concentrate on team rebounding
Get back quickly and guard against giving up easy baskets

My Predictions:

I believe that it is only a matter of time until the Knicks become serious contenders. They're already showing flashes of greatness. However, they need to get comfortable with their new teammates and develop strong defense and consistency in order to become a force in the NBA. This does not even take into account that Donnie Walsh expects to have caproom for an additional max salary player. Imagine how much better they would be if they can only add Dwight Howard? I would be surprised if the Knicks got past the second round this year. However, Knick fans should be able to look forward to rooting for a serious contender in 2012.

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Magic’s “Superman” KO’s Billups!

2011-03-02T03:08:00.004-05:00

After being kneed, Billips doubles over in pain

What would the Knicks do if it lost Chauncey Billups? Mr. Big Shot had already scored 30 points before he was injured by Dwight Howard and forced to leave the game to seek medical attention with 2:13 to go in last night’s nail biter between the Knicks and Magic. When the game was on the line, Howard’s hard knee to the thigh of the Knicks’ newly acquired point guard ended the its chances of a win and assured that our clutch player would no longer go to the charity stripe, where he was unstoppable, hitting 18 of 20 free throws last night in Orlando. Although Howard's foul was intentional, nothing was called by the refs. Amar'e Stoudemire’s 30 points and ‘Melo’s 25 were not enough to keep the Knicks from losing by six once Billups went out, with 116-110 as the final score.

The hard-nosed Billups, who often plays through pain, explained "Of course I've been kneed a few times, but never this bad." Limping to the Knicks locker room with what Billups later called "a pretty deep contusion," he looked like he was in excruciating pain. Billips, who was concerned about the pain and soreness long after the game’s end said that he would decide if he was able to play against the Hornets after testing the leg on Wednesday. Update: He is expected to miss at least the next two games.

The 34-year-old Billups, who Denver insisted be exchanged for the eight-year younger Raymond Felton as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal, has been arguably the Knicks most consistent player in the four games since the trade. During that time, he has averaged over 23 points and six assists per game. We will see how difficult his absence will be for the Knicks in the next two games. Hopefully it will not be much longer.

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Miracle Away From 34th Street!

2011-02-28T01:07:00.005-05:00

Amar'e Blocks LeBron to Win Game! See YouTube video, below

As in the Vanessa Williams song Save The Best for Last, “Sometimes the snow comes down in June. Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon.” Last night the Knicks burnt the Miami Heat 91-86 behind Carmelo Anthony’s 29 points, a big block by Amar’e Stoudemire on LeBron James when the game was on the line and Chauncey Billips taking over the game in the fourth quarter with key steals and big shots. No wonder he is called Mr. Big Shot.

In a game that had a playoff atmosphere with as many cheering for the Knicks as the Heat, even LeBron James’ 27 points and Chris Bosh’s 20 couldn’t pull it out for the Heat on this strange night, where fans booed LeBron. The key was tough Knicks defense. It is said that if you can hold one of the Heat’s big three down, you have a chance to win. In a matchup that featured four of the league’s top scorers, the Knicks held Dwayne Wade to only 12 points. Ending each half strong, the Knicks went on a 16-0 run at the end of the first half and saving the best for last, the Knicks went on a 13-2 run to end the game.

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Can New-Look Knicks Take Heat?

2011-02-27T15:19:00.008-05:00

Just two games after the Knicks blew up its roster to get Carmelo Anthony and sent four of its top players to the Denver Nuggets, is New York ready for tonight's ‘Battle of the Superstars’ in Miami against the Heat? Chemistry is the problem when so many new players arrive to a starting lineup. It took the Heat a quarter of a season to gel into one of the top teams in the NBA after the arrival of its big three, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Since the Knicks got Anthony, Chauncey Billips and a bunch of new players with only 26 games left in the season, they do not have that luxury – especially if they want to win now and make the playoffs – much less go past the first round. Add to that that ‘Melo will be playing with a very sore right arm that he hurt in the last game. In fact, he was taking shots in practice only with his left.

Let’s face it; Miami is a formidable team and the Knicks’ Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony Chauncy Billips and company will have a nearly impossible task in tonight’s battle of the superstars. The Knicks chances of winning against the Heat this time are very slight, but Knicks fans can always hope. In any case, the real victory will come when the Knicks gel and become one of the best like the Miami Heat!

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Carmelo Anthony the Good & Bad

2011-02-26T06:36:00.013-05:00

How will the big trade shape the Knicks future? Will 'Melo and Billups make the Knicks competitive with Boston, Miami and LA or did the Knicks mortgage its future by giving up too much? This article will try to answer those questions.

By now, you now that the New York Knicks made a blockbuster 13-player trade with the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. It sent Danilo Galinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofay Mozgov, Eddie Curry, Anthony Randolph, 3 draft picks and six million dollars to those two teams for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. The Knicks unloaded two players they did not want in Curry and Randolph and got players back to make up the salary difference, but I doubt they would have traded for any of them if 'Melo was not included.

There is a lot of controversy about whether the Knicks gave up too much or even more than they had to for Anthony. It is said that Knicks owner James Dolan acting on advice from Isiah Thomas ignored Donnie Walsh's and Mike D'Antoni's pleas and gave the Nuggets just about everything they wanted. Knicks management did not want to trade Gallinary, who is a budding star or Wilson Chandler, both who are having their best season. Nor did they want to swap their young point guard Raymond Felton for the 34-year-old Chauncey Billups, who has turned out to be a major acquisition. But Dolan feared that Carmelo would sign with the Nets or re-sign with Denver rather than risk as much as twenty million dollars on the new collective bargaining agreement. Consequently, the Knicks owner even threw in Mozgov, the raw but talented 7'1" Knicks starting center. NY gave up four of its seven best players to make certain it got Melo. Lets examine whether it was worth it.

The Good:

Carmelo Anthony playing alongside Amar'e Stodimire should attract other superstars who will be eager to team up for a title run. Chris Paul toasted at 'Melo's wedding that he was looking forward to being part of the Knicks big three in 2012 when his contract expired to compete with the Miami Heat's LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Derron Williams who is so upset about being traded to the Nets that he has not signed an extension may also escape to the Knicks as may Dwight Howard. According to Donnie Walsh, the Knicks will have cap room for two more max players in 2012 so the sky is the limit!
The Knicks no longer have to beg stars to play here. With two superstars, the Knicks are now an attractive destination.
Carmelo is a scoring machine! There is no doubt that the Knicks got a great offensive player in Anthony. It has been said that Carmelo Anthony scores more easily than any player in the NBA. You only have to see him slice through a crowd on the basketball court as easily as a hot knife through butter to see that he has an amazing handle. With athleticism and agility he posts up using his ability to soar or he hits a fall back jumper that are nearly impossible to block. His speed and range is among the NBA's best.
The Knicks now have three go-to players in Melo Amar'e and Billups who can take over a game and score 30+ points. Now, if one is ill or fouls out the other two can still win.
'Melo and Amar'e demand double-team defence. Double team one and often you will leave the other open.
All three superstars are good passers. They will make teams pay for double teams by hitting the open man for easy shots and unguarded threes.
Now 'Melo and Amar'e will be able to score more easily while playing less time. Anthony and Stat have had to create a lot of their own shots by going one-on-one and they had to be on the floor in order for their teams to win. Now, both will be able play less and catch-and-shoot more, making it easier for them to score. Less playing time and easier shots will not only make them more productive, it will also lengthen their careers.
All three superstars are very consistent in their play and scoring. Unlike Galo and Chandler who had great games one night and disappeared the next, Amar'e, Melo & Billups come up big more often than not.
Chauncey Billups even at 34 is much better point guard than Raymond Felton. Known as "Mr. Big Shot." he has led the Detroit Pistons to a championship and the US Olympic Team to a gold medal. Billups is a great distributor and makes clutch shots. When the Knicks were having a bad game against the Cavs, Billups took over the game with 20 points in the fourth quarter and near perfect free throws (he's second in the NBA at 92%). He brought them within two points three times.
'Melo & Billups bring veteran leadership, toughness and an urgency to play defence. Both players know how to win and motivate their teammates by example and inspiration. Billups has a solid reputation for defence but 'Melo did play excellent D in the Olympics and emphasises that the Knicks have to be able to stop teams, at least for a few minutes in order to win.
The Knicks picked up two competent backups in the trade in point guard Anthony Carter and 6'9" forward Shelden Williams
The Knicks have added two role players off the waver wire. Center/Power Forward Jarred Jefries & Forward Derrick Brown have been obtained off waivers.

The Bad:

Some say that 'Melo and Stat are a bad fit and cannot play together.
Anthony is often defensively challenged.
Carmelo and Amar'e are 1-on-1 players who hold the ball too long.
Exchanging point guards will make it harder for players to blend.
Billups is 34 and prone to injuries.
After giving up 7'1" center Mozgov, 6'11" Galo, and power forward Chandler, the Knicks lack height and rebounding.
The Knicks bench is weak due to giving up so many players.
With only 26 games left in the regular season, it will take time for the team to gel and the new players to fit in.
The Knicks were unable to take advantage of trades for big men and a backup point guard because it had little left to trade.

Conclusion:
I feel that the Knicks superstars will find a way to work well together. It took the Heat 17 games. In my opinion this season is not that important, even if the Knicks don't make the playoffs. By next season, the Knicks should become competitive and if they add another superstar the following year they will challenge for a title. If so, adding Carmelo Anthony should be well worth the exorbitant cost!

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