Posting and Toasting

No Rose? Trade Down!

OTP — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:10:39 -0000

Okay, hypothetical here:

We get the 2nd spot in the lottery. Rose goes first to the Warriors (hey--it's my hypothetical, and I don't care if they only have a 1.7 percent chance of winning the lottery), and we're sitting at #2.

Do we take Beasley? Do we trade down? What do you all think?

Me: I say we trade down to the top 8 or so, pick up some assets (like getting our 2010 first rounder back, as well as the 2 2nd rounders we don't have), and take the best player available. Maybe we even get Seattle to bite and pick up a guy this year (Darrell Arthur?) that allows us to buy out one of our hulking behemoths.

Basically, I just want to start the conversation: what can we get in a trade down, and is it worth more to us than the second coming of Derrick Coleman?

Pringles and D'Antoni - Yes Sir!

Jim — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:47:28 -0000

I really enjoyed the Pringles picture to announce the hiring of Mike D'Antoni. In fact I'm incredibly jealous that I didn't come up with it. Meanwhile, I heard a lot of the concerns about whether he can function in New York and get a whacky roster to play well. But isn't the fact that the Knicks have talent lost in the discussion? At the very least D'Antoni is a good basketball mind that is respected around the league. That's half the battle. And I really think most guys in the NBA, perhaps Zach Randolph excluded, want to be coached. It has to be a step up from Isiah. Several steps up. Keep up the good work. As a side note, is there any chance that Stephon Marbury will be back in the mix? I could use a little more Yes Sir! in my life.

Who do you NOT want on the team next year?

THEWILLY — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:43:35 -0000

Changes.

Don't say the whole team, because no matter how much we all want that, it's not going to happen. So out of these options what do you think?

Personally I think it has to be Randolph. We saw how Steph played two years ago, changing his system and putting the team first; taking over when he has to. We also saw a new Eddy Curry two years ago who was able to hang with Dwight Howard when they went one on one, granted the defense is still not there. Q can still be that three point threat off the bench.

However, Zbo... am I the only one that can't stand when he gets the ball? He does his little pause, up down move, and even if he is fully covered, will still take the awful shot. I think his acquisition destroyed any chemistry that was made in the 06-07 season.

So what do you guys think?

Poll

Who do you NOT want on the team next year?

Introducing...the Leehawk!

Arichmix — Sat, 10 May 2008 21:24:59 -0000

via www.nypost.com

Yes, in this time of great change for the Knickerbockers, what with the spankin' new coach, the biggest news in my world is David Lee's flashy new mohawk. Apparently, it's some deal with his Vitamin Water sponsorship and the site they sponsored where you cut his hair and shit. I was kinda hoping for dreads myself. Full story/coverage on the link below

Full story/coverage of the event here

REPORT: D'Antoni Is Our Head Coach

JoshL — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:24:04 -0000

According to ESPNews, D'Antoni has accepted Walsh's offer, and will become the new head coach of the New York Knicks.

Wow...

OK, my official prediction: This deal is going to fall flat in the face of Walsh, D'Antoni and the Knicks. There's NO way D'Antoni is going to last in the Eastern Conference. I'd LOVE to be proven wrong, but the fact of the matter is, he's an offensive coach, and he's going to try and coach an offensive team in a defensive minded conference? It's not going to work, at all. I dare anyone to try and tell that ragtag bunch of guys that they need to shoot MORE! Ugh.

Avery Johnson as Knicks coach?

Starkstastic — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:39:15 -0000

(Editor's Note: Now that Avery's actually free, Starkstastic's diary from a couple days ago deserves another look. AJ as the Knick coach...what do you think?)

There has been no mention of this as far as I've seen. I think it's at least worth discussing, as Johnson's exit in Dallas seems likely. Mark Cuban and Co. were head over heels for this guy back in 2006 when the Mavs made it all the way to the NBA Finals, even taking a 2-0 series lead before the refs, ahem, Dwayne Wade and the Heat took over and won 4-2. We all remember Dallas's exciting, if not epic collapse to Golden State in last year's playoffs. Now it looks as if the same disappointing fate awaits Avery Johnson's club. Chris Paul has been unstoppable. J. Kidd has looked like absolute shit, something that makes me very happy. New Orleans looks younger, faster, hungrier, and even more talented. If Dallas can't get their act together the team may have to be blown up -- including getting rid of the coach. I anticipate a lot of you dismissing AJ as a solid candidate for his excitability and need for control issues, but the above picture of Johnson fisting Eddy Curry and the rest of New York's lackluster roster into giving a shit gives me hope for the future. All of the big personalities are not in the Knicks' long-term plans anyway, so who cares if player and coach end up clashing? Expectations are low, right? Primary objectives are to get under the cap while getting more competitive now, right? Why not Johnson? Don't get me wrong, I think several of the candidates already mentioned elsewhere could be nice fits. Mark Jackson is intriguing, and he has no shortage of praise from others who know him from around the league. Rick Carlisle is battle-tested and proven. I just don't feel an A-List coach is necessarily the answer. Herb Williams has great rapport with the players and within the organization; as a fan I would like to see someone from the outside coach so as to signify a complete regime change from Isiah. Even Paul Silas is an interesting wildcard because of his ties to LeBron. Obviously, Dallas is not done yet and there's no guarantee Cuban would fire his coach anyway. Even if this happens, New York could very well have found a coach already. All I'm saying is if Johnson becomes available and the Knicks are still looking, he should get a look. What do you guys think?

Marc Berman compares Donnie Walsh to Scott Layden

JoshL — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:17:17 -0000

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/04/jax_walsh_meet.html

"Walsh is acting a lot like Scott Layden did in his covert operations. And we know how well that reign went."

Umm... yeah, keep up the good "journalism" skills, Marc.

You know, it's not just the fact that he freakin' compared Donnie Walsh to SCOTT LAYDEN, but it's also just that, wow, he gets paid to write this crap?! Him and Peter Vescey both are embarrassing, but at least Vescey is hilarious in his lunacy.

This is just a rant.

JoshL — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:40:33 -0000

My apologies for the negativeness of the rant below.

But man, FUCK Erick Dampier. If anyone saw the game before, the Hornets were already losing the game by 10, and Paul went up to go for a lay-up, with barely any time to go, and Dampier feels the need to start shit and SHOVE Paul to the ground. Dude, your team is about to win the whole damn game, why the FUCK do you need to shove down a point guard who is a foot lower than you?! You're fucking seven feet tall, why do you want to start shit with a little point guard? Dude, you're not strong, you're not tough, you're not even a fucking good basketball player. You're seriously the fucking worst starting center in the LEAGUE right now. Jason Collins owned the crown of super suck before getting benched this year, and now it rightfully belongs to you, you foul prone, lazy, bad shooting, piece of shit. Learn how to play basketball, you asshole.

I mean dude, your team was fucking winning, why do you feel the need to start something with a guy ten years younger than you, and one foot shorter than you? Fuck you, man. Fuck off and leave. I'm sure Dallas will readily miss your five points, five rebounds, five fouls, and piss poor playing skills.

*Rant over*

Your First Round Playoff Predictions:

JoshL — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:28:27 -0000

Simple, just post your predictions on each first round series. I love these kinds of things.

Eastern Conference:

Celtics/Hawks: Celtics in 4. This is going to be a VERY easy series for the Celtics. The Hawks will not have any sort of way to stop the Celtics. I will be SHOCKED if they can even win one game.

Pistons/Sixers: Pistons in 5. The Sixers will probably snag game 3 at home, and then the Pistons will zombie their way through the Eastern Conference Finals.

Magic/Raptors: Magic in 5. Dwight Howard is going to wallop poor Rasho Nesterovic. The Raptors can only hope that Calderon plays like it's the first half of the season, and that Chris Bosh picks up his game. Other than that, they have no chance.

Cavaliers/Wizards: Wizards in 7. This is going to be a WAR. These two teams will push each other on the brink. If any team wins in less than 7 games, the games will be decided by 4 points or less. LeBron James is all the Cavaliers have. Can LeBron carry a team into picking up four wins against Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas? Not to mention, there's DeShawn Stevenson, and while he didn't show it in game 1, he can DEFINITELY bring big numbers to the table. Keep an eye out for Roger Mason, as well.

Western Conference:

Lakers/Nuggets: Lakers in 4. Merely a formality for the Lakers. I feel really bad, because I like the Nuggets and all, but unless they play ANY defense, they won't even get a pity victory against the Lakers.

Hornets/Mavericks: Hornets in 7. Another tough series, and it could really go either way. The inexperience of the Hornets might lead to the Hornets losing, but as Chris Paul showed in the 2nd half of game 1, he may very well be playoff ready.

Spurs/Suns: Suns in 7. Another tough series, and it also could really go either way. I just believe the Suns finally get their revenge on the Spurs.

Jazz/Rockets: Jazz in 5. No Rafer Alston, AND Yao Ming? Sorry Tracy, maybe next year.

So what do YOU think, what are your predictions on how the first round match-ups will go?

Knicks win tiebreaker

Seth — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:21:25 -0000

Doesn't really matter much, but the Knicks won a tiebreak with LAC, and will be fifth odds-wise in the draft lottery.

Tom Ziller explains:

It means little in a practical sense going into the lottery. For instance, Minnesota will have 138 combinations out of 1,000; Memphis will have 137. The difference is 0.1%. Where the real impact comes, though, is at the June draft. If the lottery holds everyone to form, Minnesota picks third, Memphis picks fourth, New York picks fifth, and L.A. picks sixth. The lowest Minnesota can pick is sixth; Memphis could drop to seventh. It's a bit of difference.

The lottery is May 20th. We wait with bated breath.

2007-08 NBA Year End Awards

JoshL — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:46:22 -0000

This should be fun. Pretend you're on the NBA's awards committee, who would you pick for the following awards?

Here are my choices:

Coach of the Year: Stan Van Gundy. Come on, who expected the Orlando Magic to be ANY good this year? I mean sure, Hedo Turkoglou has been just fantastic, but do you know of any other coach who would have the balls to call out Dwight Howard in public, enough that Howard would change the way he played for the rest of the season? Stan has been robbed of things one too many times, this time the Coach of the Year award should be his.

Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett. Major no brainer. Marcus Camby doesn't get consideration because no one else on his team plays any defense, making him the odd man out. Garnett makes everyone around him play better, even did the same in Minnesota. Remember when Stephon Marbury WASN'T as criticized as he is now?

Sixth Man of the Year: Travis Outlaw. I don't like Manu Ginobili. I hate him actually. Can't stand the guy. Just can't stand his dumb flopping, his clutchiness, just everything about him.

That being said, it's not because I hate him that I didn't pick him.

He's not a real sixth man. Come on now, how many sixth men do you know of that come into the game FOUR MINUTES into the game? He's not a sixth man if he plays more minutes than most of the starters.

Leandro Barbosa's numbers this year have horribly declined, so he's not in the running to me, either.

That being said, Travis Outlaw is great. He is instant offense, great defense, and brings tons of energy to the floor. His amazing play this year also helped the Blazers turn into a .500 squad, imagine that! That's why he's my pick.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Hedo Turkoglou. It's a toss-up between him and Mike Dunleavy, but the fact that Hedo averages more fourth quarter points than any other player in the NBA really gives it away. Hedo might not be like this next year, but he has certainly soaked up his moment in the sun. This year, the Magic will be a scary force in the playoffs.

Rookie of the Year: TIE: Al Horford and Kevin Durant.

Up until March, my choice was Al Horford. Horford has averaged a consistent double double for the season, and will be a monster on the boards in years to come.

But something happened, Durant finally figured out his role on the team. Up until March, all he did was shoot long jumpers. He is a god-awful three point shooter, watching him shoot and brick four three pointers a night was painful to watch. However, over the past two months, Durant has found his groove. He takes mid-range jumpers, drives to the basket, and rarely ventures outside of the three point line. His shooting percentage has gone up to a decent 42%, good enough for government work. All he has to do is work on his pitiful rebounding skills, and he'll be a major star for years to come.

Most Valuable Player: Chris Paul

Just because Kobe Bryant got robbed out of the award in the 2005-06 season doesn't mean he should win it this year. That excuse alone is a joke, and makes the whole thing look like a big sham, if that is seriously your argument.

Kobe really shouldn't win it this year. How different is he from last year? He's no different. The reason why the Lakers are in first place is NOT due to Kobe Bryant. It's because of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Let's look at the 2002-03 season. Remember when in the beginning of the season, Shaq was hurt for a while? The Lakers played with just Kobe as the star, and were just abysmal. It wasn't until Shaq came back, that they picked up again and were a force again. Kobe can't carry the team by himself. This year, where do you think the Lakers would be if not for the powerful centers they have?

Would we even be having this MVP discussion with Kobe's name in it?

The defense rests, your honor.

Changes look awesome!

Starkstastic — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:46:08 -0000

Nice work Seth. This is definitely an upgrade. Hopefully all these new distractions will take away from the pain of another 23-win season. Let's go Draft Lottery!!! If we don't get Derrick Rose, and end up with some brick layer combo guard like O.J. Mayo I'm gonna be pissed. Do you guys realize we had 13% of our wins in this last week of the season -- when we were supposed to be losing?!? This team is so frustrating.

Welcome to the new Posting and Toasting and SB Nation

clockwerks — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:43:34 -0000

(Welcome to the new P&T everybody! Go ahead and make an account and let's start the offseason in style. Our resident genius, Trei, will familiarize you with the new setup.- Seth)

Hey Posting and Toasting,

Today is the big day. We've switched your community over to the new SB Nation sports blog platform. My name is Trei, and I'm here to help you get adjusted to the new home we've built for you. If you have questions or trouble with the new system, post a comment in this thread and myself or one of the team (lovitt, sixfoot6 or odacrem) will try to point you in the right direction.

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Your New York Knicks Head Coach for 2008-09: Who Will It Be?

JoshL — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:19:48 -0000

With two games left in the NBA season, and the Knicks trying to finish one of their worst seasons they've ever had, Donnie Walsh has a lot of work ahead of him. Walsh has promised a lot of things, most importantly, progress. Something the Knick fans have been clamoring for for years now. Now almost five years into the Thomas regime, it's obvious that Walsh's first big decision is to get rid of the man who is still desperately hanging on to the notion that he'll still be around after this season. Walsh has promised that he'll have a "talk" with Isiah before he makes his decision, although the common theory is that Walsh is only doing this out of courtesy for Thomas.

So, when/if Isiah is gone, who will take over the coaching slot for the Knicks?

Let's play pretend...

Well, it's easy to figure out who the Knicks need. All you have to do is be even a slight improvement over Isiah and Knick fans will be happy. Take the team to the playoffs, and the coach will be treated like the messiah. Now though, who will be the coach of the franchise? Let's take a look at some candidates who might be in the running:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/SAO0GLcxfAI/AAAAAAAAAAs/fD110kOZLWI/s1600-h/322134.jpg

Rick Carlisle: Probably one of the best candidates based on how he's been with other teams. He's taken the Pistons to back to back 50 win seasons, taking them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003 (Fired only because Larry Brown came calling.) Another big plus is that he's a former Walsh guy. He was hired by Walsh, and was very likeable with the franchise. Then he takes the Pacers to 61 wins, making them an Eastern Conference powerhouse for the first time in years, and taking them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Then, the Brawl happens, and Carlisle still somehow gets whatever's left of the team to manage 44 wins, including a miracle run that almost takes them to the Eastern Conference Finals again. After a 41 win season, which was the first season without Reggie Miller for the team, Carlisle is somehow blamed for the Pacers downfall. Then, the Pacers have a disastrous year in 2006-07. Stephen Jackson, Jamal Tinsley, both have odd incidents that happen off court, embarrassing the once proud franchise. Bird trades away Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington for Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy, whom both flop under pressure. The Pacers finish the season 35-47, and somehow Rick Carlisle is blamed, and fired. Umm... OK? But anyway...

Carlisle would be a fantastic coach for the Knicks. Although anything is better than Isiah, the best case scenario would be for the Knicks to get Carlisle. Carlisle is a stickler for defense, something the Knicks desperately need and are lacking in. Carlisle is a great player's coach, and would probably be able to handle the ego's of various Knicks very easily. Plus, it'd be good news for Freddie Jones!

Chances: I'd say the chance of Carlisle becoming the coach is pretty likely. As I said before, Walsh is a big fan of Carlisle's style, and has seen the results Carlisle can bring to the table. Carlisle would more than likely give us the best shot of making the playoffs, and becoming legitimate in the East again. Of course, he wouldn't give us overnight results. It's going to take more than a coach to turn this team around. But I digress...

http://bp1.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/SAO0S7cxfBI/AAAAAAAAAA0/-FpAPDaYnPU/s1600-h/Mark+Jackson.jpg

Mark Jackson: An interesting candidate, nonetheless. Patrick Ewing fully endorses him, most fans say they would love to see him have a go, and Donnie Walsh is known for picking guys that have never coached before, especially players. Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas both come to mind, with Bird having MUCH more success than Isiah did. However, there are some things that hold "Action Jackson" back from being the coach:

He's unproven as a coach. While Walsh, as I said before, loves to hire guys who have never coached the game before, a lot of people like this have tended to flop as NBA coaches. Johnny Davis, Keith Smart, and Garfield Heard come to mind, among others.
Jackson might instead get a front office job with the Knicks. It has been rumored that him and another Knick alumni, Greg Anthony, could get the job as Knicks General Manager. It all depends on what Walsh does over the summer. My personal opinion is that Anthony would be a better job as General Manager, but Jackson would surely not do an awful job.
Jackson would more than likely be a player's coach, which could mean one of two things. Jackson will either be able to relate to the players very well, making the players motivated, or he'll be TOO lax, letting the players take advantage of the way he is. Maurice Cheeks is the PERFECT example of this. He was the coach during most of the infamous Portland "Jail Blazers" run, and let Chris Webber walk all over the franchise during his times in Philadelphia. Now, don't get me wrong, Cheeks is a damn good coach, who else could somehow lead the current Sixers to a mind-boggling 40 wins?! But he's a major pushover, and proof of that is in the way he's treated his players.

Jackson's going to go either one of two ways. He's going to either be a Nate McMillan, who takes no crap from anyone, or a pushover like Maurice Cheeks. Is the gamble worth it?

Chances: Jackson's chances, based on nostalgia factor, are also pretty decently high. Really, it all depends on if Walsh wants to lead the team to success right away, or wants to rebuild first. As compared to Carlisle or Skiles, however, I don't think he'll make it. And of course, if he does get hired, his success depends on how he treats his players.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/R_-ffhjfj1I/AAAAAAAAAAU/g3m7RLPYb0Q/s1600-h/Larry+Brown.jpg

Kidding!

http://bp2.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/R_-fxhjfj2I/AAAAAAAAAAc/zCYaXWwT13Y/s1600-h/2001-05-01-silas-ins ide.jpg

Paul Silas: My personal hopeful for the job. Silas has had two successful runs as coach, first in Charlotte/New Orleans, and then in Cleveland, being LeBron James' first NBA coach. Silas is very good with coaching young guys. Silas, a MAJOR stickler for defense (Being named to the NBA's All-Defensive Third team three times, and even being named to the First Team once, as a player,) would be perfect for the job. Silas is also very good at coaching young guys. He helped mold Baron Davis into the quick, defensive energy point guard that he is today. And while Davis may be trigger happy, his good defense is a surprise to many NBA followers. Silas can very much be accredited to that. Silas also brought the Hornets their most successful run as a playoff contender since the Bristow era of the franchise. He was oddly fired from his job with the Cavs during his second year, leading the team to a 34-30 record (Brendan Malone, his interim successor, only went 8-10.)

Silas is my personal favorite for getting the job. Silas would be great at teaching the young guys on the squad how to play defense, something players like David Lee and Nate Robinson desperately need to be taught properly.

Chances: Admittedly, Silas' chances at becoming the head coach are more than likely pretty slim. He's not as name-worthy as Rick Carlisle or Scott Skiles. However, he's my personal choice as to whom would do the best job as the coach of the Knicks. He brings excellent championship experience as a player, and his great job working with young guys to the table. However, expect him to be hired elsewhere, if the Knicks don't get him.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/R__Lxhjfj3I/AAAAAAAAAAk/VZ7ZNQDMEaM/s1600-h/herb-thumb.jpg

Herb Williams: The old standby. Herb is the only man remaining from the Jeff Van Gundy/Don Chaney era of the Knicks. Herb has always done a decent job when it came to coaching the squad. He also did surprisingly well with the team after Lenny Wilkens resigned. The latest news has stated that he is staying with the Knicks in the long run, more than likely still an assistant coach, though. Williams serves as an excellent mentor to the Knicks, and has been noted to have good relationships with every player on the roster.

Chances: Herb's chances, to me, are also very high. His experience after Wilkens resigned in 2005 will play a big factor in Walsh's decision on hiring ol' Herb or not.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_V4YRQ48iVuw/SAO0ircxfCI/AAAAAAAAAA8/_4Pfq--PgQk/s1600-h/skiles-thumb.jpg

Scott Skiles: The ultimate disciplinarian, Skiles has had two very successful, but one highly controversial, coaching stops in Phoenix, and later Chicago. He did admirably well in Phoenix, resigning after 2 and a half seasons, and later on accepting the job as head coach of the Bulls, replacing Bill Cartwright. At first, Skiles struggled, before the team made a complete turn-around, winning 47 games and finally looking legitimate again. Skiles' Bulls teams always were near the top in defense specific categories, even leading the league in opponent's field goal percentage in 2005-06. After a season that started off poor, and ended hot, the Bulls finally became an elite force in the Eastern Conference Finals, winning 49 games, and even sweeping the defending champion Heat in the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs. Everything looked great, and a lot of analysts were picking the Chicago Bulls to become a contender for the Eastern Conference crown, and even NBA championship.

However, Skiles is, like I said above, the ultimate disciplinarian, and that reared its ugly head just one too many times during his time in Chicago. From banning headbands, to getting into shouting matches with players during practice, to being brutally honest about the performance of his guys (He was once asked what Eddy Curry could do to improve his rebounding, Skiles replied "Jump.") And of course, if you're going to be brutally honest, some egos are going to get hurt, meaning some players are going to be sick and tired of you ripping them in the media, in practice, and during games. After a while, the Bulls just collectively stopped caring, stopped listening to Skiles, and just played like a bunch of zombies, starting off horrendously to begin 2007, before Skiles was mercifully fired on Christmas Eve.

Skiles is, to be honest, a good coach... sort of. Think about it, Doesn't Skiles sound so much like Larry Brown in so many ways? Yeah, remember how that worked out?

Skiles going to New York has "disaster" written all over it. Just imagine how Larry Brown used to feud with players, it'll be just as bad with Skiles. And the New York media, lovers of controversy, "he said she said" tomfoolery and fighting, will eat it all up with a spoon.

Chances: Unfortunately, Skiles has the greatest chance of landing the coaching position for the Knicks. He brings tons of experience, a great defensive mindset, and a no nonsense attitude, precisely the reason why he'll be the one hired, in Isiah's place. This is also precisely the reason why he'll be a complete disaster in New York.

One thing we know for sure, is that Donnie Walsh will definitely do whatever it takes to find the right man to coach this team in the 2008/09 season. That is, of course, unless Dolan forces him to stick with Isiah. In which, he'd be getting the last laugh, wouldn't he? But alas, it's fun to guess and see what's going to happen. My opinion is that Scott Skiles will be your head coach of the New York Knicks next year, although I would prefer to have Paul Silas, or even Rick Carlisle. Either way, this is going to be an interesting summer.

Knicks 98, Pistons 94

Barnesgasm — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:08:44 -0000

Editor's Note: Thanks to Mr. Gasm for doing the recap.

Look, bitches: one day, the Knicks will be a good team. And I'm going to say shit like, "you call yourself a fan? Well where were you during the Mardy Collins era?" and they'll be like "doing important things" and I'll realize I've wasted most of my life, but am still a morally superior Knicks fan. So I'm soaking in the shittiness in hopes it won't last long. (It will.)

Before the game was footage of Isiah Thomas at some sort of "Pistons at 50" shenanignans, where it became clear that Isiah Thomas wishes he was dead. He delivered a riveting speech to the Palace crowd, and, you could see the little thought bubbles in the MSG peoples heads like "oh my, it must be more enjoyable working there." When Isiah came out to give the speech, they showed a clip of David Lee and Jamal Crawford giving an uncomfortable clap. It looked like those videos of when Stalin went up to gave a speech and all the people in the audience were afraid to stop clapping because they thought the first person to stop clapping would get sent to a Siberian death camp.

Talking about David Lee, he was out, which I'm sure reignited the abandonment complexes of the other members of my long forgotten fantasy basketball team. I bet Mike Miller is curled up in the fetal position crying somewhere.

Arron Afflalo started, so, you know, the Pistons were psyched for this game.

Zach Randolph is the end-point for the KNicks first four possessions. Ahhh, the 07-08 season. Jamal Crawford gets hot though.

The star of the first half is Wilson Chandler, who goes 7-7 with 8 boards. Kid's legit. Good thing he didn't play all year. He showed a wide range of scoring possibilities, from jumpers to inside banger layups to an alleyoop.He finishes with 19 on 8-9 from the field.

Oh, booth is Gus, Clyde, and Pearl tonight. Their record: 2-0.

Quintin Richardson went no headband tonight, which is the first time I've seen that his whole career. Ohh, THAT'S why, Q. It was the headband. The headband is why. Quick, someone get Darius Miles on the phone! IT WAS THE HEADBANDS!!!!

Basketboner- Amir Johnson. Man, I love that guy. I stood next to him for about three seconds that time my friend who is friends with Renaldo Balkman took me back to the player's waiting area, and I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. He goes 5-6 with 14 and 2 blocks and 2 steals.

Talking about my FWIFWRB, as I abbreviate him, he thinks Randolph Morris has a bit of a, how do I say this, Keon Clark issue going on, and I'm not going to argue. He always seems a little out of it and uncoordinated. They didn't let Dolph spin for three quarters. What the fuck.

The Knicks defense was on today. Pistons shot 35 percent and 4-25 from downtown.

Want to hear something terrifying? I think Malik Rose has been modeling his offensive game after Zach Randolph's. Yeah, I said it. Now he gets it around 16 feet foul line extended and does the patented Z-Bo "stutter step fourteen times and shoot" gag, and he has been really, really, really, really ready to spot up when I watch him recently. He also took a Randolphian fader. Jared Jeffries also showcased his offensive game too.

Fred Jones might have the lowest dunk percentage ever. I've seen him blow 3 on the season and hit 2.

Whatever Renaldo Balkman had last year is completely gone. He missed three uncontested layups. It's sad to watch, because he really looked like a find last year.

The Knicks opened up a 25 point lead at the half that deteriorated to a close game at the end. In a cool gesture that nobody gives a shit, both teams ran their youngun squads out for the final minutes. This worked a lot better for the Pistons, who were carried by Stuckey, Maxiell, and Johnson while Walter Herrmann and Juan Dixon jacked up terrible threes, but anyway, they cut the lead to about 9 with under two minutes, and the Knicks kept turning it over and keeping the Pistons in the game. Then, up 5 with 40 seconds, Wilson Chandler, who really should be a good defender, you know, being athletic and huge, fouled Rodney Stuckey on a layup for an and-one.

Then, the Knicks had a fresh 24 with 38 seconds, up two. The Knicks hold for 19 seconds, and get it right where you want it with the game on the line: Mardy Collins. With a defender draped on him, Mardy did what he did best: hesitate, look around for a better shooter, and retreat. After a few dribbles backwards, he realized the time, and leaped sideways and flung up an OFF-BALANCED SHOT OF MARDY COLLINS-RELATED DOOM! As the clock expired, the ball rattled in, leaving the Pistons down 4, they tried a three, but Renaldo blocked it. Mardy "Xtra-Digits" Collins! Polydactyly up in this motherfucker! That, Detroit, is why we call him "That Guy Whose Shot is So Damn Ugly I Refuse To Believe He Has The Hands of a Normal Human Being." Or MC Lyte.

I think when Mardy Collins scores, the extra points that go on the board should be called "Mardy Collins' Extra Digits". Today, he had 4 on 2-6 shooting.

So, the Knicks split the series with the Pistons. Wait, what? That can't be possible.

Walsh on Mike and the Dog

Dachs — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:53:07 -0000

Q: When Dolan tracked you down, did you think you had another big job in you at this point in your career?
A: Originally, planning on retiring in Indiana. Last 8 months started to think I wasn't going to want to retire. Then thought I'd want to go to New York, my hometown, fix the situation.

Q: Concerned about what happened to Larry Brown possibly happening to you?
A: Yes, but I've been given autonomy, I'm being given the right to do my thing with this.

Q: Scared off at all though? Any pause or concern?
A: I thought about it b/c I know Larry too (laughter from the Dog), but when I met with Dolan he was very upfront saying he'll let me take over this, and gave me free rein.

Q: Has Dolan given you any edicts regarding keeping Isiah?
A: No. Not at all. What I told the press today, the way I do things is to sit down with a guy and meet with him, not just chop everyone's head off.

Q: Such a bad aroma around the Knicks, mostly blamed on Isiah, including the sexual harassment suit, thoughts on even if you wanted to keep Isiah it would be viewed as Dolan making you keep him?
A: That's a reality, based on what I've gone through today that's what it seems like it would be.

Q: Will Isiah complete the season and then whatever happens happens?
A: Yes, he'll finish the season as coach no matter what.

Q: You're gonna have a GM coming in, but will the buck stop with you?
A: Yes, just like in Indiana for the first 22 years of my tenure.

Q: Will you definitely be bringing a GM?
A: No guarantees. Has some people he's planning on talking to, and people who have called him.

Q: Do you get the idea Dolan will be patient to rebuild for a few years?
A: It's not going to be an elite team overnight, but we have to be competitive quickly, like I said at the press conference. Even if it's a good player we can't bring on any big contracts because we need to get cap space.

Q: This town and the fans and media now realize that we shouldn't have traded Ewing, led to all the cap problems, so people would probably be positive to that approach.
A: That's what my plan is.

Q: In Indiana, the disconnect between the fans and the players with all the gun incidents...
A: Well that's why we had to move some guys like Artest and Jackson, but if Jermaine/Jamaal were healthy this would be a playoff team.

Dog then says Marquis Daniels was in some trouble, Donnie interrupts him because that's not true, classic Dog moment.

Q: Were acquiring those problem players errors on your part?
A: No, they did what they did after we got them, we therefore traded them, but the guys we got back are playing really well, especially Dunleavy, if Jermaine was healthy this would be a good team.

Q: Your view of this franchise from the outside?
A: We've had bad basketball teams that haven't performed well, that has to stop.

Q: First thing you have to do?
A: Sit down and talk with everyone, since from the outside you don't really know anything.

Q: What about the last 8 games?
A: We're not tanking, just like Miami isn't, they're playing young players, to get them experience. There's something wrong with losing on purpose. Even though as Mike points out, and Donnie agrees, Spurs did that with Duncan.

Q: This is a great town, that wants to believe and have some hope quickly. What's your message to the fans?
A: That's where I'm going to devote my energy, to prove it to the fans that that's what I'm gonna do.

Q: Do the Knicks have any quality talent?
A: Yes, but they need the players around them, one way is the draft.

Q: 67 years old, 5 year contract. Do you have the fire in your belly?
A: Yes, I was never a consultant, I was there from 8 in the morning before anyone else got there, even Larry Bird, I was the CEO.

Q: What does it mean personally to be here?
A: Want to get them rejuvenated/back on track, back to the days of Ewing vs Reggie, fans were alive, there were great times here.

Q: Will fans have to wait until end of season for any big announcements?
A: Don't want to set any deadlines, but it could happen.

Q: No more strange media policies, so you and the players will be able to be on the air with us?
A: Yes, there were restrictive policies that I didn't see anyone else in the league doing.

Q: Did you talk to the commissioner before you took the job?
A: No

Q; Had you ever met Dolan?
A: No, not until a couple of weeks ago.

Q: Initial impression of him?
A: Very straightforward with me. Seemed very loyal.

Q: Did you talk to anyone, Larry Brown/Glen Sather, who had worked with him?
A: Yes, told he's honest to a fault, and very loyal, kind of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back.

Then they joke about not talking in so long since Indiana's been bad the last few years, Donnie says again he thinks they'll be good soon. He likes the Pistons over the Celtics, also not so sure about the Spurs as the best in the West, thinks Phoenix is figuring it out now.

Interview went from 5:35 to 5:53.

One GOOD thing Isiah has done during his Knicks run...

JoshL — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:13:20 -0000

From today's New York Post... the article is about a campaign to give Walt Frazier a shot at helping out in coaching the squad for defense. One part says, in reference to his commentary job:
"Frazier sensed three years ago the club was trying to phase him out but heard Thomas stood up for him."

Rest of the article here:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04012008/sports/knicks/clyde_to_the_rescue_104414.htm

Then again, it's written by Marc Berman. I refuse to believe it's an April Fools joke, because the perfect Berman April Fools joke would be for him to write a professional article like a professional journalist.

Intense Pain and Horror (thoughts from a knicks-heat game)

Barnesgasm — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:36:45 -0000

In case you thought there were no human beings depraved enough to watch the Knicks-Heat slugfest the other night... well, I was. You see, I was in Miami. Due to the fact that I was partying in the city where the heat was on, all night, on the beach, till the break of dawn (welcome to Miami! [bienvenidos a Miami]), I didn't write this earlier, or write anything on my blog for a week, but I did check posting and toasting about a million times with the limited internet I had to see if the Donnie Walsh shit was official. And while I have a soapbox, let me say I kind of approve, but think nothing will really change until the day James Dolan is out of the picture.

Anyway, I didn't see the whole game, but here is what I have to say:

Why hasn't there been more of a hubbub about how awesome it is that the Heat are allowed to have 17 players on their roster now? It's awesome, that's what it is. First, they signed Bobby Jones, who went on to lead their team in scoring with 15 one night. Then, they cut him the next day. Then, they were given a waiver by David Stern to add more than 15 players, since they were suiting up 7 guys a night. They signed three players:

Kasib Powell: Apparantly, can shoot the three. Is the third basketball player named Powell I would sign to an NBA contract, behind Josh, ex-Balkman teammate Carlos, and, oh, fuck it, Colin.

Blake Ahearn: Made the Heat the only team in the league with three short white guys in J-Will, Ahearn, and Chris Quinn. Normally, we take our whiteys tall, with few exceptions, so this roster is a unique moment in league history.

Stephane Lasme: I watched Stephane Lasme's entire career as a Golden State Warrior on league pass. He came in with 8 seconds left in the first half as a defensive substitution, and the guy he guarded didn't touch the ball. He got cut, like, two weeks later. I wrote a fucking enormous blog post on him on my site that I never published, which has been transformed into a long term project of mine to be fulfilled next basketball season. Can swat the shit out of any motherfucker who challenges him. Is Gabonese.

Apparantly, the Heat TV network is running a series on the history of the Miami Heat, since this is its 20th year as a franchise, and to promote it, they're showing a clip at halftime. AND ITS AN ENTIRE FUCKING SEGMENT ABOUT ALLAN HOUSTON'S RUNNER! Quotes (paraphrased, from what I remember):

"It just sucked the life out of us." Jamal Mashburn

"It just sucked the air out of our entire franchise. We felt like we had something going, and that just ended the momentum right there." Tim Hardaway (He's allowed on tv again?)

"That shot changed the entire history of the Heat franchise." Some commentator guy

"To lose to the same team three years in a row was really demoralizing." Alonzo Mourning.

Sounds too good to be true, but they actually aired this. And I watched it. And they kept showing slo-mo replays of the shot. I very nearly spontaneously ejaculated.

I really didn't pay much attention to this game at all, to be honest, but then I looked at the tv and the Knicks were up three. The Heat shot lights out down the stretch, apparantly, with Ricky Davis going 7-10 from three and Daequan Cook adding in 5 of his own. Ricky Davis hit the last three, all of them in Renaldo Balkman's face, by the way. I should note that I am a fan of Ricky Davis' facial hair, also, sometimes I think he looks like Tupac Shakur, and then I realize that he doesn't, and I don't say anything because I'm afraid of being called racist.

Apparantly, Joel Anthony's name is pronounced "Jo-el". You know it's actually just prounounced "Joel" but no self respecting person would allow their parents to name them "Joel Anthony". In a post-game interview, Jo-el is asked if he has noticed increased attention from his native Canadian press due to his playing time, and he says no and chuckles. Note to self: if you are ever asked to write a feature piece on Jo-el Anthony for a Canadian newspaper, shoot yourself in the head. That being said, there are two awesome videos of Jo-el Anthony on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOCHLT5kkXk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWwSZdAkkkY. Watch the second one. I can't figure out if it's sadder if that guy is actually a Joel Anthony fanatic or a paid actor. Or an unpaid actor.

Actual play in overtime: Fred Jones missed three, Jared Jeffries leaping offensive rebound over Daequan Cook and some other guy, Jared Jeffries elbows the living fuck out of Daequan Cook's head, who lies prone on the ground for the rest of the play, Jeffries misses a layup, Zach Randolph rebounds, bobbles it, puts up a lazy floater which has the living fuck swatted out of it by Stephane Lasme, rebound by Jeffries, Jeffries is intentionally fouled to stop play.

Ricky Davis hit the first three of overtime, and the Knicks went on to score about ten straight. The Knicks ended up winning by five or six points. Zach Randolph did most of the scoring, using his body down low against Lasme, Anthony, and Earl Barron, who couldn't do much to stop him. Statlines tell me Jamal (24 points), David Lee (16 and 15), Wilson Chandler (double double), and Randolph Morris (8 boards!) had some good games, but Zach Randolph won it for them in OT.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway, that's all I saw. It's sad we almost lost to this team, but we didn't, so it's cool. I know it helps the franchise to lose... but, quite frankly, I still enjoy watching the basketball team I support winning games. Sorry. KNICKS WIN!

No poll. This game deserved no polls.

Dolan likely to keep Isiah as head coach

JoshL — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:22:42 -0000

"Donnie Walsh's expected arrival at Madison Square Garden might not guarantee Isiah Thomas' exit as New York Knicks coach.

The New York Daily News, citing an unnamed source, reported Thursday that owner James Dolan's preference is to keep Thomas on the sidelines, even after he hires a successor to Thomas to run the organization."

Rest of the story here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3314942

... shit.

Oh well, not like it was a surprise or anything.

I just bought my #34 Oakley Jersey

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:20:11 -0000

As a tortured Knicks fan, I wanted to let everyone know that even though we stink right now, I've got some optimism. His name is Derrick Rose. Conference contention by 2008-2009 with him. We can dream. Anyway, for those of you that are still supporting the team, I have a ton of Knicks stuff (http://bigflysports.com/category/1472417001/1/New-York-Knicks.htm) and you can email me at cmaillet@bigflysports.com if you are looking for anything I don't carry.

Posting and Toasting

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Pringles and D'Antoni - Yes Sir!

Who do you NOT want on the team next year?

Who do you NOT want on the team next year?

Introducing...the Leehawk!

REPORT: D'Antoni Is Our Head Coach

Avery Johnson as Knicks coach?

Marc Berman compares Donnie Walsh to Scott Layden

This is just a rant.

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Your New York Knicks Head Coach for 2008-09: Who Will It Be?

Knicks 98, Pistons 94

Walsh on Mike and the Dog

One GOOD thing Isiah has done during his Knicks run...

Intense Pain and Horror (thoughts from a knicks-heat game)

Dolan likely to keep Isiah as head coach

I just bought my #34 Oakley Jersey