The Knicks Fix

When it comes to the Knicks BT is the only one on the radio worth listening to.( other than Max Kellerman)
Would the Knicks be better served having Craw come off the bench or does his ability to score in bunches and his chemistry with Curry make up for his defensive deficiencies?

I think the starting five should be Steph,Q, Balk, Zach, and Curry.
Nate, Craw and Lee off the bench. Sometimes even Jeffries because of his contributions on the defensive end and his ability to defend multiple positions. He did lead a team to the NCAA Championship Game. Im not ready to give up on him yet.

What are your feelings on the starting five and rotation?

Brandon - I am a Marist graduate (1989), as I know you are. Do you think Jared Jordan will get a roster spot and will be make an impact inthe NBA within the next 5 years? Thanks.

Brandon Do you think Chandler will be in the rotation this year? What in your opinion is his long term upside?

i feel like nichols is getting his comeuppance, after refusing to go to europe for the year. might be petty but hey.

When has Isiah or Dolan done the "right" thing?

Thank God for BT!!!!You make my 2 hour evening commute go by fast, especially around basketball season. What do you think our chances are of sneaking into the last couple spots of the playoffs? Do you think they will ever get rid of Jerome this season?

BT (or Alan),

Can anyone get the name/information of Clyde's Bed and Breakfast in St. Croix? The future-wife and I have been hunting for this info for years now. She agreed to get married there if Clyde did the ceremony.

What do you think of Isiah tinkering so significantly with the lineup during preseason? I've heard a lot of people say that he is trying to see different looks, figure out who's going to play defense, etc. But shouldn't the preseason be a time when a team develops chemistry within the likely units?

It would be one thing if this team was a group of veterans that has played together for years and knows each others' game inside and out. But that's obviously not the case. Why waste time figuring out what Jared Jeffries can give you with the first unit if he's not even going to play with them?

Or, is the rotation really that much in the air? I feel like one of the biggest problems with this team in recent years has been a lack of cohesion, too many turnovers, ill-advised shot attempts, and everything else that comes with a team that is trying to gel, dating back to the Larry Brown regime and his insistence on starting a different 5 every game.

Given these problems, wouldn't it make sense to see a more consistent rotation in the preseason?

One last question: Do you think Isiah might actually draw up a play or two for last second shots this season, or do you think he will continue to let Crawford run down the game clock to 3 seconds before throwing up an ill-advised, off-balance, double-covered 3?

All this being said, I am optimistic about the Knicks' chances this year. Since this is my first post on the Fix I don't want everyone to think I'm some sort of hater. I like the talent level on the team, and I really think we have a chance to surprise some people this season. I just hope that we're able to maximize that talent. I have my micro-package tickets and I'm ready to see some ball at the Garden this year.

"And if your defense makes a mistake, then BAM!, Ewing dunks in your face!"

Brandon,
Can the Knicks sue, not pay or fire Jerome James, Just like they did Larry Brown, and others for breach of contract for coming every year to camp out of shape? Are there any rules/repercussions in the NBA preventing a player after signing a quarantee contract, from not getting into shape, not taking care of themselves physically or gaining weight? And lets say those things lead to an injury.. Honestly what protection does an NBA team have for these kinds of players, beside cutting them and having their salaries count towards the salary cap? Thanks...

Do you see having Curry and Crawford on the floor at the same time as a problem? Both are turnover prone, neither can play much defense, and both have a low basketball IQ. Shouldn't the offense run through Randolf?

How can you say the Knicks should do the "right thing" and cut Nichols early? The Knicks traded next years 2nd rounder for Nichols under the agreement he'd play in Europe. If he had gone with the plan he would have spent a few months being paid to develop his game and then been brought in with a role and a multi-year contract to play for the Knicks either sometime this year or next.

Instead.......

He retracted his agreement and fired his agent. He forced the Knicks to sign him for this season pushing them to either take him now or essentially forfeit next years 2nd rounder for nothing. His claim was that he wants to play in the NBA this season and if the Knicks can't find room for him then someone else will. Well now its time to put his money (literally) where his mouth is. If he is in as high demand as he believes then he will find himself a team and a contract whenever he is released.

If he can't thats his fault. The Knicks essentially waisted a pick because of his retraction and have every right to take every last second of the time before the deadline to try to recoup that pick. He should be embarrassed to have even made the request, he chose this situation and now he wants to have his cake and eat it too. Well now he can wait... and personally I hope he ends up playing in Europe!

** Sorry to dispute you Alan.. your blogs by far and away my favorite and I read them all!

*** Trade proposal that might fix this situation. Send Nichols, Jordan and their 2009 2nd rounder to Utah for the Knicks 1st rounder they owe them (as a result of the Phoenix trade). Utah has 2 open roster spots, both players would fit Utah very well. Especially Jordan, imagine the NCAA's leading assist leader two years running being mentored by Stockton, Sloan and DWilliams). Finally due to the conditional nature of the pick the Knicks owe Utah will either get (in a few years) a high non lottery pick, if the Knicks do good, or wait even longer for a 2nd rounder if they do bad. Seems like these 2 players and the pick might be better value anyway.... whats your take.

At least he's not Colin Cowdung or Mike "Sexual Harassment" Tirico.

Even better, he's not Skip Bayless or Stephen A. (Is for Flaming) Smith.

Or Mikey "Perpetual Victim" Greenberg or Stuart "Shakur" Scott.

Will the Garden crowd ever forgive Isiah Thomas or will we have to listen to the boo-birds all year long? It gives the knicks a disadvantage, as I watched the game I felt that the fans were waiting to boo the knicks.

Also , why does the New York Media hate Isiah so much?, is he the worst GM we ever had , is he a closet Tyrant.

Why is the media as a whole, so anti NYC? Regarding all our teams , football, baseball, and basketball.

main reason you don't cut Nichols right now: What if there is an injury?

but I am sure some of this is payback because the Knicks drafted him with the understanding that he would accept being shipped off to Europe for a year to hone his skills.

Then he renegged on that, hired a new agent, etc.

He tried a power play on the Knicks, and Isiah is now returning that dis-favor.

Who knows, maybe he'll make the team somehow (trade, injury, etc).

BT: The main problem that I see is that the roster duplicates its strengths and weaknesses. As much as I love David Lee, is there an option out there that might be available through a trade that could bring a shot blocking/rebounding beast to back up the front line as opposed to Lee, who brings energy and rebounding, but like Randolph and Curry, little D.

BT my man! You do great radio show. Keep doing it! All the best.

BT whats up with that Tirico show, it really sucks. I think you should take over that slot. It will be so much better!

Whenever David Lee is on the floor, the Knicks are more successful. He has the highest plus-minus on the team. Why is it then, that he only plays 25-30 minutes a game, rather than 35 minutes plus?

Hi BT! love your work! Do you think any of Knicks players will make the all star? What impact do you think Wilson Chandler will have this year? I like his game a lot, what player, past or present, does he compare to do you think?

Sup BT! Love your work man!

My Question is about Nate...
With the work he is putting in, do you think that he is capable of being the second coming of an A.Iverson caliber type player?

With Marbs on his way out...If consistent, will Coach Thomas retain N8 as the next Starting PG?

During the game with Boston at MSG, it seemed that N8 had a better handle of the team at point then Jamal when Marb's was on the bench...

What do you think?

Alan your Blog Rocks!

What five do you think Zeke will close out games with?

Seems like Marbury, Crawford, Balkman, Lee and Randolph would give them enough scoring options. And, while that unit is only OK defensively, it is very, very unlikely to give up an offensive rebound. Only problem is the backlash to leaving Eddy on the bench at crunch time. But, his poor free throw shooting and poor defense leave NYK vulnerable in late game situations.

Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Will Hanza - You nailed it re D-Nick. He backed out on an agreement and made a demand that a rook should not have made. And I'd say he probably ticked Zeke off pretty good. That is not an action without consequences.

BT - There has been a lot of talk here about bringing Artest to NY, but at least for now, that ain't happening. But Zeke still needs to trim the roster, and it would obviously be better for the team to get something back than it would be to just cut players and/or burn contracts.

So the question is this - if there's a trade on the horizon, who do you see Zeke going after, and who is more likely to be dealt?

Dave,

I was going to say it mess up what Isiah is doing to D Nick, but after reading your comment you changed my mind. And I like the trade of D nick and Jordan for our #1. But I'm still hoping Isiah fines some room for him. He seems like a player for down the road and Fred Jones had plenty of chances to make it in the NBA. Not to mention James is useless. Is there any chance of getting James medically retired?

Wassup BT?

I am a big fan bro. I listen to you on 1050 all the time. Keep it up man!

Rumors,
After an intense investigation, local Law enforcement has tracked down the $$$$ source of Knicksdefense.com.
Mark's Mother, Sister and Cross-dressing Father were the main source's of Capital to this dominate Knick blog enigma.

BT,

What do you think of a potential Nate-Stephon starting backcourt given Stephon's propensity to play better defense on shooting guards and the fact that Nate needs starters minutes?

Also, when everyone is healthy, what becomes of the three spot? I think we need Q because he can help spread the floor, he can defend and he can rebound. But for you, do you say Lee, Balkman, or Q?

BT,

What are the odds the Knicks play the type of defense needed to go far in the playoffs? Can Curry average more than 7 rpg and .5 bpg?
If Feb. rolls around and the D stinks, does I.T. pull the trigger on Artest?

Good morning Fixers. The spot with BT on ESPN Radio went well for a first-time, long-time. They had me on earlier than expected (10:40 p.m.) and we had a 10 minute spot. BT is a passionate Knick fan who is a good sport and is also excited about answering your questions. Remember, the deadline is midnight tonight. He plugged the blog several times, so shouts to the Fixers were heard loud and clear on 50,000 watts.
Re: D-Nichols - If Isiah is making it clear the kid has no shot, why be vindictive and keep him on the roster until the very last minute so he has less opportunity elsewhere? Bad karma always comes back to get you. My POV is to do the right thing. The kid never agreed to go to Europe, his former agent did without checking with the kid. Thus, the kid got a new agent. Perhaps that detail has been forgotten and I should have repeated it in the blog. My bad. Again, I don't blame Isiah for the move. He got the kid thinking of sending him to Europe. He knew he wouldn't have a place for him. So when the kid declined the Euro-plan, Isiah should have given him a short look and made the decision that Fred Jones was his guy. No one would have faulted him for it.
Catch you tonight before the game with a pre-game buzz, a little Fixers-vs.-Sixers night at the Garden.

Has Sharpton abandoned his boycott of the Knicks on Isiah's word, and what good would a boycott be now that the majority of ticket packages are already sold?

Last year, Dolan felt that this team made "visible progress." What is the success criterion for this season, short of which the team would be judged a failure?

If Isiah did wave him, is Demetris Nichols good enough to make an NBA roster right now?

BT is a good radio host. Great information and eneergy on radio. I was a guest on his Live at PLay by PLay a couple of years ago and he made me feel right at home.

My Question. Dolan has seemingly given Isiah a reasonable chance to turn this thing around. What do you feel is the criteria this season for keeping this regime in charge?

BT - Love your show and your enthusiasm in the Knicks pre-game stuff (especially when there wasn't much to be enthusiastic about)..

I'm excited for this season, and that the Knicks seem to have at least have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. But does this team - as it's structured with Thomas at the helm and with Eddy Curry as our franchise player - have an inherently low ceiling? Are there enough pieces here to together a perennial championship contender sometime soon, or would that take a complete management and roster overhaul?

With so many scorers, do you think it would make sense to add Q Rich's scoring from the bench and get Lee's rebounds and D as a starter. I was thinking it might give Jamal more shots. And there are only so many shots.

Do you really think Isiah Thomas sexually harassed Anucha by the hearsay that he said "I Love You"?

did sex harrassment thing is real old

jack,
did it occur to you that anucha might be a better liar than isiaih and as such she won the case

give it a rest

For those that missed AH on BT, here's the podcast:

http://espn-mp3-od.andomedia.com/stations/1367/071023_bt.mp3

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to answer these mailbag questions. As a life-long Knick fan (I never saw a championship, Hubie Brown was the coach when I went to my first game at the garden) this is always the part of the year where we all get excited and think the team is going to be better. My question is two fold, first, how much better do you think this group is? Second, how far off (if they keep the core group together) is this team from being a force in the east?

Alan - So you think the team should do the "right thing" and throw away a second round pick instead of trying to trade him or, as mentioned by others, hold on to him in case an injury or trade changes things?

The Knicks essentually paid money for someone because that persons representitive offered something the Knicks wanted which was a player with good potential that offered roster flexibility. The player elected to ignore the fact that he was barely even considered draftable by any team and backed out of the commitment that got him the job.

Nichols would have been traded for a second round pick if anyone wanted him and the fact that no one has offered that shows he has very little NBA value.

The Knicks purchased something that looks like it will only be an insurance policy. The idea that they should give up the only value in that purchase to be nice makes me question your competitive spirit.

I think we can all agree that if we end up making a trade Nichols has some value. Why just throw the money away to be nice? I appreicate the sentiment and hope you will contact me if you ever want to give away any of YOUR money.

What will Fred Jones's role be on this team?

Dave: With 15 guaranteed contracts, how can Knicks keep D. Nichols unless a trade of 2 for 1 is in the works. The only other possibility is that J. James undertakes knee surgery which puts him out for season and Knicks apply for "hardship" injury exception. I am not sure that is possible under the current NBA collective bargaining exception--unless 3 new injuries
suddenly develop. Another possibility is for Malik Rose to retiree and become Assistant Coach. Yet given Rose's productive showing against Boston on Monday night, he still has enough skill and energy left to help the team. Any thoughts on matter?
.

Tierney,

How do you explain ESPN's decision to downplay, and often not discuss, the ramifications of Knicks general manager and coach Isiah Thomas being found liable by a jury of his peers on multiple counts of workplace sexual harassment?

Is this merely a case of George Bodenheimer's usual Orwell routine?

Or does this indicate that ESPN does not want to address a topic, workplace sexual harassment, that has plagued its Bristol operation for 20 years? Mike Freeman in his marvelous book, "ESPN: The Uncensored History," detailed numerous instances of workplace sexual harassment at the self-proclaimed world sports leader in Bristol. Freeman noted that Michael Tirico, then merely a young talent with a wife and child and now a brand name at Bristol, served a 90-day suspension for several instances of workplace sexual harassment.

Does Bodenheimer fear a public airing of ESPN's during sexual harassment laundry and thus ordered every mouth in Bristol silent on this topic? Did Bodenheimer go Orwellian on sexual harassment at ESPN?

After all, Tirico now hosts Monday Night Football, handles play-by-play for the NBA, will oversee the first two rounds of the Masters next year, replaced Dan Patrick as host of the network's afternoon radio show, and has evolved, with George's considerable help, into the face of the network.

Does Bodenheimer now worry that his most marketable on-air entity will face Rudy Giuliani-like questions about his sexual deviances and violations of workplace standards, if not the law?

Tierney, as you're no doubt related to a certain New York Times columnist (it's well known that the sons of blue shields do not make it to Bristol all by themselves), has your job been threatened by Bodenheimer and/or other power bosses at ESPN if you comment on the Isiah Thomas sexual harassment situation?

Tierney, I do not expect you to answer any of these questions. Bodenheimer - and a certain Times columnist - simply will not allow it. Just wanted to get your denials on the record.

I don't post normally, but read the blog everyday. I have watched the last 3 preseason games and I am concerned with the Zach/Eddy tandem. They are both awful defensively (guards go to the rim uncontested) and seem to work better offensively when one of them is on the bench. I always thought the best option was to package one of them with other assets for Garnett, he can score, defend, pass and is a great leader. Since that was never a possibility, I think of Jermaine O'Neal as a guy that is a monster shot blocker, is intense, can pass better and does not clog the paint. The downside is that he is an injury risk all the time. What do you think? I think getting him and Artest for Eddy or Zach, Crawford, and some other young players/draft picks will give us a great chance in the East. A starting unit of Steph, Q, Ron, Zach and JO can compete with anybody in my mind, specially if we can keep Lee and Nate coming off the bench. Is the idea too crazy and do you think Pettrie and Walsh would even agree to such a trade? Thanks.

BT,

To follow up on Hani's question; do you see anything special in Wilson Chandler? Does he look like a kid who can have a strong offensive game in 2-3 years?

Has Isiah ever done your show? If so, did you ask him any tough questions? Who was the broadcaster Isiah threatened to beat down if he ever saw him? My apologies if it's you.

Is your show on ESPN or anywhere online daily? I'm transplanted out of the tri-state.

Mardy is class of '06, SON!

With players like Jared and DNic possibly being waived soon are there any players from this "deep" draft that could be a steal. I see Philly waived Derrick Byars, are the other "potential ballers" out there that could become available as well?

Why the heck do I still waste my time following the Knicks? Knick fan's should have a strike against Dolan/Thomas. Both so severely inept they are a match made in heaven or hell for us fans.

Brandon:

I feel that the best short and long term solution out of the roster logjam will be to buy out Jerome James (who is never going to contribute to the team anyway) and keep Nichols. This boy can shoot and he might eventually become a shooter in the Houston mold. If he does, he will greatly complement Curry and Randolph's inside game, perhaps even later this season.

However, I don't think Isiah has the guts to admit his mistake with James, especially after the trial. I will be very surprised if he does the right thing.

What do you think?

-Alibaba

Any word on Balkmans MRI yesterday?

Anything we can read from the silence?

JD,

Nice analysis on the defenseless pair known as Lazy Eddy and Fat Zach. Portland fans will tell you that Fat Zach's only defensive interest remains the retainer for his legal team. Lazy Eddy, as I've typed numerous times before, proved this summer that he could not defend either his family or his home. How do you expect Lazy Eddy to protect the Knicks' basket?

As for your trade idea, it's hopeless on two fronts. First, the Knicks have nothing that either the Kings or Pacers desire. Second, Ron Artest brings more legal, moral, and ethical problems to a team than Isiah Thomas, found liable by a jury of his peers of multiple charges of workplace sexual harassment, and Stephon Marbury, Born Again father, husband, and self-admitted under oath in a court of law adulterer. Ron-Ron is the Perp Walk For Life In Sing Sing waiting to happen.

Also, I see Sebastian Telfair cannot pry his butt off the bench in Minnesota. Expect to see Telfair, yet another Loser in the Marbury family, booted out of the league. On the bright side, Bassy can always latch on with a third division Italian team and, in a few years, deliver pizzas for the Coney Island Cupcake in Milan.

Mark, have you no love in your heart?

Billy,

Have the Knicks no playoff appearances under the regimes of Isiah Thomas, found liable by a jury of his peers of multiple charges of workplace sexual harassment, and Stephon Marbury, Born Again father, husband, and self-admitted under oath in a court of law adulterer?

Get to the playoffs, and you'll get heart.

Keep screwing up, and I'll vote to throw Zeke The Sexual Freak and The Coney Island Cupcake on a one-way boat to Italy and revoke their U.S. citizenship in the offing.

Maybe you could go over there and scout the area until we win enough for you to jump on the bandwagon.

Nah, that's a job for either the soon-to-be-unemployed Bassy or Marbury's relative who lost both his intern and his Knicks front-office gig.

if the knicks make one (realistic) trade this year, what is it?

jerod

I will give it a rest when all of you clones stop acting holier than thou?

Do you think David Lee could start at the 3 over Q?

Hey BT,

We have to find a way to keep D-Nice. He is a big time shooter and will be a good NBA player. He could be our Kyle Korver, which will open things up for E-City and Zbo down low. With the lack of consistent outside shooting throughout the league, D-Nice is an assest that we have to keep.

Who should the Knicks cut?

Knicks fan for life............Go NY, Go NY, Go!!!!

BT (or Alan)-- Last season, after the melee with Denver to the late February win at home against Miami (which was the beginning of the injury onslaught that capsized the season), the Knicks went 20-17 and snuck into the last playoff spot (maybe even tied for 7th). It looked like they had ironed out some early season wrinkles and were building chemistry. For the Knicks to play like they did during that stretch for an entire season, it would seem that a real leader needs to emerge. Someone to to make sure they don't play down to their competition. Someone to galvanize them when they are sluggish and to calm them down when they are too exuberant. A floor commander, but not necessarily a guard. When I think of who could play that role, Q and Steph are the only two players that come to mind. Malik Rose certainly can certainly be a leader in the locker room, but doesn't contribute enough to impact games. The likely candidate would have to be Q, but do you see anyone else stepping up and making it 'his team.' Or, will the Knicks still be void of a leader like they have been the past few seasons?

BT (or Alan)-- Last season, after the melee with Denver to the late February win at home against Miami (which was the beginning of the injury onslaught that capsized the season), the Knicks went 20-17 and snuck into the last playoff spot. It looked like they had ironed out some early season wrinkles and were building chemistry. For the Knicks to play like they did during that stretch for an entire season, it would seem that a real leader needs to emerge. Someone to to make sure they don't play down to their competition. Someone to galvanize them when they are sluggish and to calm them down when they are too exuberant. A floor commander, but not necessarily a guard. When I think of who could play that role, Q and Steph are the only two players that come to mind. Malik Rose certainly can certainly be a leader in the locker room, but doesn't contribute enough to impact games. The likely candidate would have to be Q, but do you see anyone else stepping up and making it 'his team.' Any dark horses? Or, will the Knicks still be void of a leader like they have been the past few seasons?

Alan,

Your blog just became infested, courtesy of Mark.

have you noticed a difference in the climate around MSG since the sex harrassment ruling? do you sense that some institutional integrity is being restored? i've read that Isiah is toning down all the bullcrap rhetoric he feeds the media, and now his responses to questions are very boilerplate, very benign, very safe. is he maturing as a GM/president?

yeah, baby -- just made the deadline!

Shack,

Nah, Isiah Thomas, found liable by a jury of his peers on multiple charges of sexual harassment, hasn't changed all that much.

Zeke's just farmed out his press intimidation antics to bronxboy, starburyfan, and their new website, LoveZekeOrDieSuckah.

What did Isiah do aside from being found guilty?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mark,

The Knicks appeared in the playoffs in Isiah's first year as GM.
OJ was found innocent by a jury of his peers, I suppose that makes him innocent. Mark you are simply a tool of the media

Dopes like you think it's a sign of brains to believe everything your told. Woman get custody 95% of the time. Do you think 95% of men are inferior child raisers than their wives. If your smart enough to prove your ideas and as superior as you pretend, you'll name a specific crime instead of using smoke and mirrors to show you have no argument and no case.

Freddy,

Yeah, Travis Henry, Shawn Kemp, and Evander Holyfield surely know a lot about children. Production-wise, that is.

Henry, 28, has nine children ... from nine different women ... in at least four southern states.

Holyfield, in 1998, announced that he has at least nine children out of wedlock.

Kemp only fathered seven children out of wedlock with six different women.

Impressive Hall of Shame numbers for these fine gents, don't you agree?

As to the jury system, we could discuss the Magna Carta, but that lousy document's only 792 years old and considered to be the foundation for the legal system and one of the most important documents ever written in the history of democratic government. Clearly, a nearly 800-year-old piece of paper would only get in the way of your argument.

By the way, could you remind me exactly what point you were trying to make. Thank you.

Class dismissed.

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