This Knicks team is a pretty tight-knit group, which is something that carried over from last season. Like in any family, guys will have disputes and see the faults in each other, but they'd never reveal such things to outsiders.
Unless, you regularly steal a man's toiletries. Then it's on.
Malik Rose is the oldest sibling. He has the sage advice and perspective. He also has the best stuff. That's why everybody is always sneaking into his locker to snag a bottle of skin lotion or whatever it is he has in that magical squeeze bottle of skin goodness. The anti-ash creme of the gods in an NBA locker room is akin to an iPod in the subway. Show it off too much and you're likely to get jacked.
Whoever took my lotion and brush put it back!
This was Rose barking in the Knicks locker room after Wednesday's preseason win over the Sixers. He made sure to be near Nate Robinson's locker when he made his announcement. Nate was in the midst of packing up his stuff and conducting an interview with yours truly, who, as you all know, has gone from disciplining this dog with a rolled-up newspaper to driving his bandwagon.
Nate, a notorious culprit, quickly grabbed his toiletries bag and pulled out a bottle of lotion.
"Sorry!" he yelled, which caused the locker room to break up in laughter. "I accidentally...accidentally.."
Rose smirked with that "Yeah right" kinda look. Seeing what I saw, I couldn't resist.
"For the record, Malik," I said out loud, "the zipper was closed!"
"It was!" Nate then confessed. "I accidentally put it in there, Malik. I'm sorry. I took it so I wouldn't keep going into your locker!"
* *
You can't deny the difference in Robinson this season. Another reporter was interviewing him as I arrived at his locker and they were discussing his improved play. Nate said, "I don't know the word for it, but it's just different."
"The word you're looking for is 'focused'," I offered.
Nate nodded. "Yeah," he said. "It's been fun."
Speaking of fun, if you watched the game you might have seen Nate pay homage to Quentin Richardson (who didn't play because of a mild ankle sprain) after he hit his second three-pointer in the fourth quarter. For those who don't know, Q-Rich has this trademark three-point celebration of bouncing his fists off his forehead and flashing three fingers. He used to do this with teammate Darius Miles back in the day when the two were on the LA Clippers.
Q loved that Nate did it. "That's my little brother," he said after the game.
“I used to see him do it when I was in high school," Nate said. "I used to love it, he used to be one of my favorite players, he and Darius Miles.”
Q has never revealed what the symbol meant and when I asked him last night he said, "Nah, I'm taking that to the grave."
Maybe Nate would give up the exclusive if I grabbed Malik's lotion out of his now-vacant locker.
"He told me," Nate said, "but I can't tell."
* *
A lot is being made of Isiah Thomas' noticably dour mood when addressing the media. He has been uncharacteristically low-key and short with his answers. He's also resorting to offering cliches.
For the many faults we in the media have found in him, the one part any reporter had to appreciate was his willingness to answer your question (even if his answers were sometimes convenient or contradictory). Isiah would always be engaging and considerate.
No one knows what to make of this recent turn of events -- was he told by Dolan to be low-key? is he fed-up with the negative coverage? -- but I'm somewhat conflicted. As a member of the media, you would prefer the smiling, laughing and talkative Thomas.
But there is also the perspective that, after what he went through with the sexual harassment case and the fallout from that (has Al Sharpton ever publicly announced a result of his protest call against Thomas and the Garden?), why should we expect Thomas to be in a great mood? If he were all smiles and chatter, you know there would be some people who would question how serious he took the trial and the results of it.
* *
Eddy Curry picked up three offensive fouls in the first half, all against Calvin Booth. Calvin freakin Booth. One was because Eddy literally shoved Booth aside. Another was a charge that Booth drew as Eddy tried to muscle his way to the rim.
Is it a lack of respect from officials, who allow opponents to pound on Curry and then call him for the foul when he pounds back? The Shaq rules haven't applied to him so far, but that could be because when Shaq was looking for respect, he dished out some serious punishment, not just a mere shove. Once Eddy takes it upon himself to manhandle people and make opponents always wondering when Eddy might snap is the time he'll start getting that respect.
It sure is easier to say than do, however.
* *
Jamal Crawford today is unvieling a newly renovated "Crawford Library" at PS 58 (East Tremont) in the Bronx. Jamal's foundation has worked with the school since last year along with the non-profit group, PENCIL, in a $75,000 project that has given the school a desperately-needed upgrade to its library program.
"I made a promise to Principal Gunn last fall when I first partnered with the school through PENCIL,” Crawford said in a statement released by his foundation. “The state of the school’s library was unacceptable, and we agreed that the students deserved far better in order to get excited about reading and learning. I’m confident they will take full advantage of what this newly renovated library has to offer.”
Comments (33)
I know it is only two preseason games but it is very pleasing how team seemingly has an agressive defensive attitude as well as a share the ball mentality. Hopefully that can carry over to the regular season. HOpefully when they take a hit (string of losses) they remember these last two games and stay focused on the price.
Z BO is a serious beast. HIm for Frye is highway robbery!
As always, Alan, your blog features unique info that is not carried anywhere else, and you author stuff that is fun and interesting to read. Thank you.
A couple of notes:
--Although I don't expect to ever happen on IT's watch, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the Knicks would be better off with Curry traded. Randolph is a much better offense post up threat (because he can also jump out and hit an outside shot) and he is a better passer. Also, the team is quicker and more creative with Curry on the bench. Most importantly, Curry is an awful defender and the team is much more stout defensively when he is on the bench.
--I agree with you that IT has no reason to be upbeat and communicative with the press. First of all, he should be suffering from all the negative info he's heard due to the sexual harassment trial. In many organzations, he'd be fired for this conduct. Secondly, the press has beat him up unmercifully (before the trail) so what incentive does he have for being open and honest?
"Nate was in the midst of packing up his stuff and conducting an interview with yours truly, who, as you all know, has gone from disciplining this dog with a rolled-up newspaper to driving his bandwagon."
Did you just compare Nate to a dog? not cool.
Alan,
Just wanted to say the Fix is exactly what a blog should be, giving us the stories behind the headlines from your privileged position.
I am a long-time British lurker who fell in love with the Knicks on a trip in January and has been besotted ever since (you know love is blind, right?)
I am learning, daily, about the sport, the club and it's rich history and your insight educates, informs and entertains me enormously.
Thanks for all the 'edinfotainment!'
Watched the game In 60 again late last night (I keep missing the games at the regular times), and it's worth noting that NYK is surprising people with their new-found defensive intensity. Clyde, in particular, mentioned his surprise at ZBo's ability on defense (but hey, Garnett told everybody this week and Zach is backing it up).
The bench squad seems committed to showing that old-school Tenacious D - a good sign. And they're getting it done even without Balkman The Disruptor in the lineup.
I'm happy to hear that Balk has been cleared to get back to work. If the bench squad keeps up the level of D they've shown so far and Balkman gets back into the mix, they will put The Fear into whoever they face on a given night.
The hand lotion story was a good one, Alan. You just don't get background like that anywhere else in new York.
"why should we expect Thomas to be in a great mood? If he were all smiles and chatter, you know there would be some people who would question how serious he took the trial and the results of it."
this is why this is the best NY sports (not just Knicks) blogs.
The comments seem to be based on the same things that we as fans see. Not some writer with an agenda like they are still pissed that LB was fired. (as in the self proclaimed Ameica's best sport writer in the NY hoemetown paper M.L.)
Nate has matured. We all saw the talent. With Jones, Collins and Nate ready, maybe the search for a Marbury replacement after next year is already complete. Curry looks like someone who missed camp with a arm injury. He'll be okay. That second unit with Lee, Nate, Jones, Collins and soon Balkman will be game changing
Alan, the Knicks just cut Nichols and by default, are keeping Jerome James on the roster. This is a very typical Dolan/IT/Knicks move and it shows why they are doomed until both guys are gone:
--Ego over smart decisions. They signed that horrible player, and they will not admit a mistake and cut him.
--Compound poor decisions. Yes, James was a bad decision. Cut him and move on. Trade a future second for Nichols. Cut him, and lose the pick. Trade for Jordan. Then cut him. Stupidity reigns at that place.
Sometimes, I really hate this franchise.
David,
Im stating to think that way about Curry.
I keep trying to convince myself that Curry will be able to improve on his many deficiencies. The question with Curry is how good will he be at his zenith? How much of his potencial will be realised before he starts to decline physically?
Here is one reasonable move that would make the knicks eastern conference contenders right now.......
Curry for Tyson Chandler straight up.
The Knicks need for a player like Chandler is obvious(He will be defensive player of the year within the next 3 years).
Curry's low post presence would complement David West very well and he would quickly develop a symbiotic relationship with Paul.Plus they have Peja to hit open shots(If Curry can get it to him out of the double team.)
Am I being realistic or would the Hornets never do it?
Luckberger, I love the idea of Chandler for Curry. But its not a question of whether the Hornets would do it (they might) but clearly, IT has wedded himself to Curry. He won't trade Curry for Kobe apparently, so he won't trade him for anyone. It will be his undoing I believe. Curry's plus/minus, despite all the scoring, is among the lowest on the team.
David,
Nichols is gone? Where did you hear that?
some other knicks beat writer is reporting it on his blog.
that is frustrating.
Prediction: the Knicks will finally make it back to the playoffs this season, and Nichols, on their opposing team, will hit a game-winning 3 against them to knock them out. jerome james will watch this unfold in a suit.
Don ADO,
The Knicks announced the cuts this morning.
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/48747/20071025/knicks_waive_nichols_and_jordan/
Alan,
Now you know why Isiah has been bitter and in a bad mood.
Dolan didn't let him keep his suprise of the draft. He didn't want to cut Jerome as it was too expensive. 18 million + 18 million in luxury tax. Can you blame him?
I still say that Isiah should have cut Jones as Balkman has the defense and the athleticism that Jones has but brings to the table Rebounding as well. DNick offense is special. I saw him in practice in Syracuse. AWESOME.
He can easily be a sleeper like Gilbert Arenas.
Fixers,
D Nick was a throw in for the ZBo for Frye trade. it would have been even more of a steal had he been a good boy and went to Europe for a year. We all know that this was the agreement and you can't fault IT on this.
Now it's Zbo for Frye and a second round pick. Who thinks it's a bad trade?
David,
Thanks for the link.
Pardon the language, but that sucks, even though I've been saying that Nichols wouldn't make the cut ever since he refused to go to Europe.
Why in the world didn't Zeke try to trade these guys and get something back for them instead of just cutting them? The only reason I can imagine is that the 30-day trade restriction (on Jordan, at least) would have prevented this.
But still. They couldn't have traded Nichols for a future pick or something?
And we get to look forward to another season of Big Snacks taking up two spaces on the bench. Great.
Here is a great article printed yesterday in the New York Sun by John Hollinger criticizing MSG for some of their decision making in handling situations like that of D. Nichols:
http://www.nysun.com/article/65123
I was reading that Mardy Collins revealed that the heavy workload of training camp caused a setback in recovering from his offseason knee surgery.
Now, where have heard something like this before....
Did we just lose Kobe Bryant or something...Nichols is a fine player but he was a late pick for a reason.
As for Jerome James , we can't trade him to anyone and buying him out will just cost us as he WILL be picked up by another team and foul Curry 6 times a game.
We have a good team , let's be happy with these cards and play this hand to see how we make out. I'd love to see a dream roster of allstars 1 thru 15 on the knicks but that is not logical.
Isiah is trimming the rotation to 9 players , which means you wont see Malik Rose, Jared Jeffries, or Jerome James , so to all who complain about these players constantly ,THEY WONT BE IN THE REGULAR ROTATION ANYWAY.
David Lee would be in the starting line-up if he had a Jumpshot like Oakley , that is why he comes off the bench but, HE STILL GETS STARTERS MINUTES SO STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT LEE'S PLAYING TIME.
My only concern is the guys who play , stop worrying about the 2 JJs , when Balkman Returns you'll see 1 less JJ in the rotation.
The deeper you go into any teams bench the more the talent level decreases, not just the knicks bench , EVERY TEAM'S BENCH HAS A STIFF, A BAD CONTRACT AND AN OLD GUY WHO NOBODY WANTS SO STOP COMPLAINING and rejoice because the knicks still have the deepest and most exciting bench in the league after Dallas and the Suns.
Eddy Curry missed some camp time due to his shoulder injury so that has set him back a little , I see him catching on by the season opener so RELAX DOUBTERS , JUST LIKE YOU SHOULD HAVE RELAXED AFTER THE 40 POINT LOSS TO BOSTON...We will be fine.and Nichols will be back after a stint in the D-league.
Hey Alan,
I know you hear this all the time but it can't be said enough " you really got the best blog in the whole of NY- there aint none better in all 5 boroughs." I found your blog over the summer and read it all the time and you really do bring a positive vibe to Knick nation.
That said, I think Legend hit it right on the nail. All Knick fans should take it easy. This years team will be just fine. Yes, we did lose a good shooter in D-Nick but I think the guards we have now will do a good job of hitting the outside shot. The addition of Z-bo takes a lot of pressure off the guards and that will help them make better decisioins as far as their shot selection. Once E-Z start to dominant the paint like they should, teams will start double and triple teaming the knicks which will leave our guards wide open. I dont care what player it is, if given a wide open shot will hit it. I cant wait for our first game.
All of you who are calling Isiah IT have COOTIES, now grow up and start talking basketball.
Chandler is not as good or strong as Curry and that would leave us with 2 power fowards and no center.
Isiah drafted this team, Isiah coached this team so he gets the props for them playing D, just like he absorbs the crap for the blowout in Boston.
Venom said
"The comments seem to be based on the same things that we as fans see. Not some writer with an agenda."
Great comments Venom. Some of you should watch with your eyes instead of doing what your told and repeating it. Unless Lupica and Lawrence are in your heads and your weak minded enough to let them in.
I'm not complaining about Lee's minutes. I just would rather let Steph and Jamal get a few more shots and let LEE start and fed them rebounds. Our starting lineup is all scorers. I like that, but LEE is a bruiser. Let Q and Jamal fight it out for the starting role. I just think LEE should start
Alan,
The lotion as ipod simile brought a smile to my face. There are few things worse then being caught out on the street looking ashy.
In highschool myself and a friend were the only darker skined pupils in a first period english class and our morning ritual was inquire which one of us had the lotion, which we called the "potion".
On the Nichols/James issue; if we cut James we lose a lot of size and some experience on the front line...if Curry gets in foul trouble or gets hurt are y'all really comfortable with seeing R. Morris for extended minutes? Nichols is a nice player but we have more depth at his postion.
P.S.- Alan, you have to let us know what kind of "potion" Malik is using, maybe he could even get a sponsorship like Clyde and Just for Men.
Peace.
Predictions from DOUBTERS!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-NewYorkPreview0708#
Knicksome...i just checked it out and had a good laugh at the morons who can't judge by what they see only by what they hear.
All knick fans should visit that link and copy it and paste it to their word program and send it to these jerks when the knicks win the division.
Alan,
I wonder if Curry's fouls, and his comment about not allowing himself to be pushed around, is related to the incident at his house this summer. It isn't a stretch psychologically to go from being a victim of a crime to feeling that you will never allow someone to take advantage of you ever again.
Back in the 90's I met Dave Checketts, and tried my best to explain how my skills as a clinician would be of value to the Knicks. Checketts didn't get specific, but said that the team had that avenue covered. I hope Eddy is getting help if he needs it.
Hey guys, there's a new guy to hate.
You regular Fixers know that I have never been one to blast the media or buy into any conspiracty theories. But go to ultimateknicks and you will have seen a new blog recently from Adamek at the Record. This guy makes Berman and Isola seem like #1 Knicks fans. Its despicable, and I had to let him know it.
What was the top highlight of season?
5-9 Nate Robinson blocks 7-6 Yao Ming
25%
LeBron James soars over Tim Duncan
18%
Dwight Howard catches the game winning alley-oop
18%
Rasheed Wallace hits a game winning half court shot
14%
Spectacular Play by Dwyane Wade
12%
Mo' Pete with a Hail Mary clutch shot
5%
Jamal Crawford gives his best Reggie Miller impersonation
5%
David Lee with the game winning tap in
2%
Chris Quinn penetrating in traffic
1%
Anderson Varejao with a nasty put back
0%
from everyones favorite nba site we see that 3 of the top 10 plays of last season belong to the knicks, for those who think Isiah is the worst , notice that his pick-ups are involved in those highlights. Including the #1 highlight.
Not bad huh!!!
It's easy to say he made the right choice when you see it working but a visionary see's it before it happens just like the folks who loved isiah in the beginning like lupica ...
Lupica's column from Dec 23, 2003:
"The Knicks hired a star yesterday in Isiah Thomas. The problem is that a star like this now runs the team instead of plays for it. It is why one of the best small men in NBA history takes on as big a job as he will ever have: Trying to make the Knicks matter again.
Are the Knicks better off with Thomas than they were with Scott Layden? Yeah, they are. Thomas once drafted Tracy McGrady out of high school for the Toronto Raptors. Right there, he has a better draft record than anybody the Knicks have had since the late Dave DeBusschere drafted Patrick Ewing.
"'Listen, people have strong opinions about Isiah," Pistons coach Larry Brown said yesterday. "I like him as a guy, I think he's a terrific evaluator of talent, I think he was a better coach in Indiana than people give him credit for. I think he'll do a good job for the Knicks
THAT WAS NOT THAT LONG AGO PEOPLE, SO WHAT HAPPENED.
HARD TIMES IS WHAT HAPPENED and when the going gets tough you find out who your real friends are just like in real life relationships.
I'm still with you Isiah, so when the Champagne is bubbling and the knicks are winning a title , it will taste sweeter to me and the unspoken few than it will for the Lupicas who will jump back on the band wagon but by then To Heck with 'em.
If David Lee turns into a bust does that mean we wasted a pick on him when we could have gotten some other player.
You can't predict greatness (Jordan was picked behind Olajuwon) anymore than you could predict a monumental failure (SEE the ny mets).
ALL YOU CAN DO IS WAIT AND SEE...
which website is that?
mr. hahn, your latest column show that you are not an objective writer but a follower. that being said, what do you think this question ladened team will do this year? i know how the knicks will do with minimal injuries. very well. they should exceed their expectations. keep fueling the fire like your contemporaries. alan hahn is the beat writers "slick willie", you got the lingo, the kayne, the ashy larry and yada yada going and like my boys from back in the day 3rd Bass would say and this sums you up mr. hahn, pop goes the weasel the weasel. pop pop goes the weasel. holla!!!!!
@ legend
"THAT WAS NOT THAT LONG AGO PEOPLE, SO WHAT HAPPENED."
I'll tell you what happened, the owner and the coach have conducted themselves in a manner that has disgraced one of the greatest franchises in sports (and if I need to explain what they have done, well, then you just don't get it.).
And don't David Lee was the 30th pick, blah, blah, blah.
No one doubts the coach's eye for talent; but being the coach/gm of one of the proudest franchises in sports encompasses far more than evaluating talent.
Gee, you should write on the Times Op/Ed page;
High Times that is.
Losing Demetrius isn't the worst thing in the world. But there is no doubt we lost a talented player. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that Jerome James or Malik Rose will never give the Knicks any quality minutes for the rest of their stays here. Alan, great blog man but I know your partial to Rose. He's a great guy with a great work ethic. But at what point does his lack of ability outweigh his locker room presence? We all point to James but Rose could have been cut as well. As long as I dont see him in any games I will be fine though. As well as Fred Jones has played how many minutes is he really going to get on this squad. That's another spot we could have cleared. My final question is about Crawford. What is the love affair with Crawford? He can't shoot. Larry Brown fell for it and now Isiah. Does anyone realize how many last miniute shots he took and missed? Why is he the final option? I hope we try to move Crawford. Robinson has improved vastly and deserves big minutes this year. Crawford is a liability right now. His only positive attribute right now is the slight level of esp he has with curry. It's amazing to me how difficult these guards find it to get the ball inside. The old Knicks were so good at getting the ball to ewing. these guys suck at it. they turn it over at least 5 times a game just trying to get it to curry. i apologize i had to vent. it was my first post and i had a lot to say. I dont mean to be overly negative. I still think we got a nice squad. Just had to say my piece. I hope Allan responds.
"Jamal Crawford today is unvieling a newly renovated "Crawford Library" at PS 58 (East Tremont) in the Bronx."
And to think that I believed Jamal Crawford could lay only worthless bricks. My compliments, quite sincerely, to Mr. Crawford for his efforts at PS 58. Nice job, very nice. Mr. Crawford performed a fine service to the community and I applaud him for it. (Now if we could just teach his alter ego, Pop Gun Crawford, owner of a career .401 shooting percentage, that he need not shoot every time the ball reaches his hands.)
"No one knows what to make of this recent turn of events -- was he told by Dolan to be low-key? is he fed-up with the negative coverage? -- but I'm somewhat conflicted. As a member of the media, you would prefer the smiling, laughing and talkative Thomas."
Al,
The lawyers did it.
Attorneys representing Isiah Thomas, found liable by a jury of his peers on several charges of workplace sexual harassment, have filed an appeal seeking to have his decision overturned. Hence, Zeke The Workplace Power Freak has been told to shut up. You should know that. C'mon, ditch Home Improvement and watch Perry Mason reruns.
"Eddy Curry picked up three offensive fouls in the first half, all against Calvin Booth. Calvin freakin Booth. One was because Eddy literally shoved Booth aside. Another was a charge that Booth drew as Eddy tried to muscle his way to the rim."
Lazy Eddy lives to commit offensive fouls and the corresponding turnovers that go with them. Last season, Lazy Eddy had the fifth highest number of fumbles in the NBA (Fat Zach ranked 13th) and a pathetic 0.23-to-1 assists to fumble ratio. Put another way, Lazy Eddy fumbles the ball more than FOUR TIMES for every assist - i.e. passes back out to the open wing when facing a double-team on the block - he dishes out. Fat Zach averaged 3.2 fumbles per contest and a 0.68-to-1 assist-to-fumble ratio last season. If history holds to form, that's seven fumbles per game this season from Zeke's two round mounds in the paint.
Some other assist-to-fumble ratios by the big boys last season:
Chris Bosh 0.98-to-1;
Carlos Boozer 1.14-to-1;
Tim Duncan 1.22-to-1;
Weed Wallace 1.35-to-1
Kevin Garnett 1.53-to-1;
Lamar Odom 1.66-to-1
In short, Lazy Eddy remains almost four fumbles waiting to happen. Every game. On Wednesday, Lazy Eddy just fumbled to form.
Oh, Al, by the way, you wrote about "toiletries?"
Toiletries?!?!?
Don't you realize that if you address this topic, you will leave nothing for Starburyfan and the rest of the Certain Alleged Supporters of the Knicks (CASKs), some call them Possettes, to discuss on their INfamous website, LoveZekeOrDieSukkah? Al, you may just have deprived several dozen CASKs/Possettes from obtaining their Magic Decoder Rings for several weeks.
Without toiletries, what will those find upstanding youngsters discuss on their website?
Al, have you no shame?