The Knicks Fix

Well done Fixers. Loaded up another bag of Mail. I spent the flight from New York to San Antonio working on answers and finished it off this morning.

Let's get it on...

Posted by ScottD | December 31, 2007 19:41
Alan,
Do think had Larry Brown coached the Knicks without Isiah being the gm, that they would have improved by now?
I believe that Isiah stuck up for the wrong guy when Larry started breaking down Stephon.
I know that his techniques may not always have been what everyone would wish for, but, I truly believe had Larry stayed in NY and Isiah had been let go that we would have witnessed more growth.
Remember how Jamal reeled in his game that season?
Well happy new year to you and yours, and now that we have fixed our houses, let's hope that James Dolan fixes his!

A: Scott, that’s a hell of a way to start off this mailbag. Excellent question, observation and point. A lot of what Larry tried to do we’ve seen Isiah following, from his attempts to change Stephon’s game into that of a traditional point guard to his frustrations with Eddy Curry’s game to the roulette of lineups. I didn’t cover the team during Larry’s season, but one thing everyone knew about LB was he always broke things down in his first year, then started building them back up in the second year. He had a plan and has used that plan throughout his career to some undeniable success. Isiah seems to constantly change his plan, usually without warning. It’s led to a great deal of confusion for everyone involved, no one more than the players.

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Posted by J Dolan | December 31, 2007 19:44
Alan:
Do you miss the Islanders beat ?

A: I miss a lot of things about the beat, from the proximity of the practice facility to my house to the passion of the game and some of the great people I met along the way. But this is my beat now and my new passion is to see this thing through until the glory years are back. Or, at least, a playoff series? I just want to know what curse it is that I bring to these franchises I cover. If you’re a Yankees fan, make sure to beg Newsday to never let me near that team.

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Posted by Jeff | December 31, 2007 20:18
What was the point of Isiah polling the players about whether Marbury should play the next game after Marbury went AWOL only to then go against his team's wishes and play him?
If, I mean when the Knicks don't make the playoffs yet again under Isiah, is there any chance he is gone? If so do you see the Knicks bringing in someone like Jerry West to rescue the franchise?
Thanks Alan. Keep up the good work.

A: Your first question is impossible to answer. I’m not sure Isiah could answer it. There are some fuzzy details about the poll by the players on Nov. 14. I’m still trying to figure out if Isiah instructed the players to vote or they took it upon themselves to do it and then went to Isiah with the results. No one seems to want to talk about it anymore.
As for Isiah – and I’m sure we’ll be addressing this throughout the mailbag – my feeling is he lasts the season and then a change is made. I don’t see Jerry West as the savior. That’s a few years too late.

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Posted by Itzallgud | December 31, 2007 21:28
Alan,
Given the struggles with Curry and Ben Wallace, the fact we need rebounding and defense and the Bulls need low post scoring. Doesn't a trade for Wallace with Curry and Jerome James going to the Bulls make sense? It works in the trade machine and all we are really out is paying an extra 5 million that third year for Wallace. Kinda like trading my crap for your crap but seems like it helps each team more then it hurts. What do you think? Or do you think we should be shopping Randolph instead of Curry? At least last year it seemed like the players started understanding how to play together in the middle of the season. Seems like Randolph has messed that flow up this year. Thanks for your time.

A: I think Ben Wallace is on the downside, though he has played better since Scott Skiles was fired. You’ve got to do better than adding payroll for Eddy Curry. I love it when you guys work the trade machine. This ain’t a fantasy league. That’s not a good trade for the Knicks, even if it does mean getting rid of Jerome James. Think about it, you take that extra year for Wallace and use it toward your buyout for Jerome instead of adding a player who is clearly breaking down. Sorry, I’m not a fan of that kind of a deal at all.

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Posted by Anthony | December 31, 2007 21:29
Hey Alan,
Do you think the Knicks have the assets to land a bonafide star, even if Isiah puts the entire roster on the block? Also, if the main problem with the roster are the immovable contracts, why then did Isiah sign certain players for so much? Was there really such a big market for guys like James and Jeffries?
Keep up the great work. Best Knicks blog on the net.
Sincerely,
theonlyknicksfaninnewhampshire

A: Thanks for the blog props, Anthony. Love knowing we have a Fixer up there in New Hampshire. There was no market for Jeffries, he was a restricted free agent and the Wizards let him go. The Knicks basically bid against themselves for Jerome James. I can only wish Newsday uses this approach when it’s my turn to get a raise.
To answer your main question, no, I don’t think the Knicks have enough assets to acquire a bona fide star player, unless that star player is on a team that needs to move his contract. The closest you may come is to see if Memphis would be interested in taking Eddy Curry and Malik Rose’s expiring contract for Pau Gasol. It works on a few levels – Memphis could use a low-post scorer to compliment players such as Rudy Gay and the young guards, Gasol plays a perimeter game and is a good passer, which would work with Zach Randolph, who has played with this type of big man before (Sabonis and Rasheed Wallace) and Curry’s contract is actually quite affordable for the Grizz, especially considering he’ll likely exercise his options because he won’t make much on the open market right now – but the first hurdle is getting Memphis to have interest in Curry. Outside of Gasol, if you’re talking about something on a KG level, Isiah needs to find a friend like Danny Ainge has in Kevin McHale.

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Posted by Rey T. | December 31, 2007 22:24
Hi Alan. I have a few ? Do you think Isiah is trying to coach the knicks into the draft cus It does not look like he is trying to get us a play off spot. Maybe he wants to land the #1 draft pick and then have a better season next year and make him self look like an genius. Why dont the Knicks try to trade Eddy Curry for Pau Gasol. He is abaillable. A better defenssive player, plays harder all the time. I think the fans would love him. He is a poor man Kevin Garnet. Zach has played pretty good always rebounds well and is not shy to put it up. With Gasol in the midle I think it would work better than with Curry. The knicks need to give the young guys time to develop. We have been getting killed by double diggets points play the young guys. Q Rich has to go to the bench, come off the bench. Let the rookie Chandler star I think with time he can become a good player. We also need a point guard Like Andre miller. We should see what it would cost us to get him. He is a pass first point guard. We would be a better team with him. If we can get a good player for our expiring contract or better some draft picks. Isiah is not playing him anyway. I also think we need Balkman to play everyday I think that injury set him back. Marbury is a good player but I can see that he is not playing hard. I think he gave up allready. He does not want to play for IT so one of them has to go. To me it would be both. Maybe I stay with Marbury and let his contract expire and come off the books. I think If we get a different coach Ron Artest would come over next year and our starting small forward. If we get Pau Gasol I would ask The kings about him. Q Rich has to be our of the bench Shoting guard. He is too small to play Small forward. The knicks are getting killed on that spot.. So with that said what do you think About Curry for Pau Gasol. See about Andre Miller. Send Q Rich to the bench, See about Ron Artest if not play The rookie at small Forward. Happy new year....

A: Dude! We’re on the same wavelength! I just offered a Curry-for-Gasol scenario and the very next question BAM, there you are with the same thing. Great minds think alike (or we’re both completely nuts). I never want to say a player has given up, but Marbury does look like he is holding back a little bit. In his first game back in two weeks, he looked pretty strong. His usual moves to the basket, but something was missing. Maybe he knows his time here is up and he’s just waiting for the day to come. I think Balkman is what he is, a situation player. I’m not sure you go with him in a consistent rotation, but someone needs to be working with this kid on his jumper and on his game prep. Right now he just goes out there and plays. I would stay away from Ron Artest at this point. I don’t know how adding him to this mix makes that much of an improvement. Why commit to something like that when you realize you need to revamp?

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Posted by Loki1963 | January 1, 2008 00:27
Happy New Year Alan,
James freaken Dolans new years resolution should be to fire Isiah. Start the new year fresh. Put that loser out of his misery. He has no clue and enough is enough. He brought in all these bums and he has no one to blame but himself.
So stop trying to put it on Marburry, Curry and anyone else he picked them he blew it, end of story. It's a new year let's go in a new direction.
GO KNICKS.

A: From your keyboard to Dolan's blindfolded eyes, Loki.

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Posted by Don | January 1, 2008 00:58
Happy New Year Alan,
1.) Do you take on bad contracts to purge the roster of Marbury, Curry, etc.? Does the potential to forge some cohesion and team play outweigh the negatives of bogging down the salary cap (once again)?
2.) Are the Knicks willing to add to the public relations nightmare, and trade D. Lee?

A: Hey Don. 1.) Hell no. Let the Marbury contract end on it’s own or buy it out. That would be cheaper than adding more bad contracts. Curry is tradable if that’s what you wanted to do. 2.) Hell no, again. Unless you’re adding him in a trade for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett or Jesus Christ. D-Lee is a guy you keep because if you ever do become a good team, he’ll be that much more valuable off the bench in that role.

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Posted by Trane | January 1, 2008 01:16
Alan – I realize a question like this forces you to speculate wildly. But as fans, we’re flying blind. And if nothing else, you’re one-degree closer to the principles than we are.
Just read the posts. A lot of people are incredulous that Isiah still has a job – either job. Lately there has been speculation that he’s trying to get fired, so he doesn’t walk away from all that money. On the other hand, I’ve read numerous suggestions that Dolan wants Isiah out, but is praying he’ll quit, to save the money. Neither rings true to me. Isiah may be a disaster as GM and coach of the Knicks but unlike his team, this is a guy who was pure heart and will-to-win on the court. This is a guy who scored 25 points in the 4th quarter of a playoff game in LA with one ankle falling off. I don’t see him as a quitter. As for Dolan, we know he’s willing to just write a check when he wants to get rid of somebody.
Sorry. My question: Do you have any sense of what Isiah’s relationship with Dolan is like these days? Is it even possible that he still could have the owner’s support and confidence?
It’s hard to imagine how decisions are getting made over there. I guess I’ve seen it lately as a kind of bunker mentality – them against the world. They’ll show’em. That sort of thing. It can’t be based on the state of the franchise – with the trial, the bad trades, the record and worst of all, a team with no heart. Could they possibly still think some adjustments to the starting line-up will turn this thing around? Is there any sense of how much worse things would have to get to warrant getting rid of Isiah?

A: Trane, I’m sorry to say, but I really have no idea. No window into that relationship. Dolan is very guarded and puts up a solid front. The few glimpses we get to see after games, Dolan generally looks upbeat when he parts with Isiah in the hallway. Usually a smile or a handshake. It’s hard not to buy into the theory that Isiah won’t quit and Dolan won’t fire him and so it’s a stalemate over financial motivations. But you’re right, no human being with any common sense can look at this situation and believe it’s one day going to be all right. All I can say is the longer this goes into January, the more you have to accept that Isiah will be in place through the season. Maybe, just maybe, a post-season change will then happen.

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Posted by George | January 1, 2008 01:58
Just keep losing. It's for the best now.

A: Play for the ping pong balls, baby. Then start stitching up the Derrick Rose jersey. Or . . . maybe Isiah knows of a “sleeper” no one else is talking about. Cover your eyes!

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Posted by Tizzle | January 1, 2008 02:50
What is my best option for catching one of the players for a photo? I'm gonna be at games Houston through to @ New Jersey. Arriving early any help or not really? Also, is it easy to get to where Walt is 'greeted and seated'?
;)
P.S I too have wondered about Ben Wallace/Eddy Curry trades, any chance? I hope not. Curry is playing poorly, but Wallace is looking pretty lame too.

A: Get there early, like 5 p.m. Get into the building and go near the court during the pregame shoot-around. That’s your best bet. As for Clyde, he’s quite approachable. If you can get near the court, you should be able to get him to stop for an autograph. If only we could get him to step into a time machine.

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Posted by Tod Lautenberg | January 1, 2008 05:11
What trades are coming Up?
Will Van Gundy be the next coach?
Is Isiah ever going to be fired?

A: None
No.
God only knows. Check that, I’m not sure He knows, either.

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Posted by MAK | January 1, 2008 08:18
ALAN:
HNY '08 2 U & Da Family...
* If it's up to you and based on who's available out there:
A) Who woud you hire to coach this team and why?
B) Who would you hire to GM this team and why?
* Non-NYK. In your opinion, if 10 players have to be added to the 50 Greatest, who would they be?

A: Thanks MAK, right back atcha. Let’s approach this in reverse order (and I’m glad you asked…)
I’d like to have Greg Anthony in for an interview and see if he can blow me away. I’m not into retreads. Not into Kiki or The Logo or stuff like that. Jerry Colangelo is, of course, the exception, but I don’t know if he comes here to work for James Dolan. Bryan would be crazy to leave Toronto for this mess, but he might be lured for the right price (tho what cost would it mean in compensation – i.e.: draft picks?).
As for coach, of course I’d leave that up to whomever I hire. But it might be worth checking with Van Gundy, just for the heck of it. Not sure that’s worth a redux, but you have to make the call. A JVG disciple, however, Tom Thibideau, is definitely on the call list. He’s getting a lot of credit for his job as a Boston assistant and is a terrific defensive coach. He was on the Knick bench and knows New York. And you want to get him before someone else does. You have to give Herb Williams an interview because he deserves it. Name me a college coach worth a call. Most of the good ones aren’t cut out for the long-term NBA season. Guys like Billy Donovan are apt to burn out at midseason. You can’t go there.
Whomever you hire, you have to insist Patrick Ewing comes as part of the deal. You know if that happens Oakley isn’t too far behind.
I'll have to get back to you on the 10 players added to 50 Greatest. That takes more thought that where I am at 30,000 feet.

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Posted by BAZ | January 1, 2008 09:39
Alan-during Marbury's absence I always read that the "organization" talked to him daily. But did any of his teamates reach out to him or check up on him? Thanks.
No new contracts in trades that extend beyond 2 years, and we must get young guys in return as well. Those that have not shown their true potential yet, i.e. Francisco Garcia, Brandan Wright, etc. The goal should be to be under the cap with young guys and draft picks.
Once you get there fire isiah because I don't if free agents would want to play for him now. He might be losing his "players" coach reputation.

A: I regularly asked players about Marbury and most of them said they’ve tried to reach out, send text messages or called. But they were curious about his extended absence. People are different, but players agree that when you’re mourning, you tend to want to be surrounded by your teammates. You feel protected by them and you can get lost in the game. But we don’t know what Marbury was dealing with at home, with his family. Being the main breadwinner, Marbury is now the leader of his family after his father’s passing. That’s a great burden.
But I find it curious that Isiah, the coach of the team, his neighbor and supposed mentor and “father-figure” – the man who made his dream come true by bringing him here in the first place – seemed to detached from Stephon at his greatest time of need. Very curious that whenever we’d ask about him, Isiah would give short, dismissive answers. That he would admit he didn’t talk much with him. It tells you how much that relationship has disintegrated.
Garcia is starting to show improvement under Reggie Theus, but I’m not in love with his game. Wright is a project. I agree, though, that fans would be more patient with a young team that was under or at the cap and, at least, worked hard. No one is impatient with a lack of talent, they are impatient with a lack of effort.

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Posted by Julio | January 1, 2008 12:04
How is Randolph Morris playing in practice? Can he run the floor? Can he become another Camby-type player? If so, do you think he has a chance to get some playing time?
For a stretch during the season, Nate Robinson sat for a long while, was there any reason for this?
How come Renaldo Balkman's minutes have been up and down?
When do the contracts expire to the starting 5 (Curry, Zack, Q Rich, Jamal, and Steph
Thanks alot and have a great new year

A: Julio, Randolph Morris another Camby-type? I should give you a break here, because no one has really seen him play much. But the little I’ve seen is clearly not a Camby-type. Juwan Howard without a shooting touch, perhaps, if that’s a clear enough description. He’s a big body, solid and strong. Right now, all he’s been used as is a practice dummy for Eddy Curry. Not much developing going on with his game. I like him, though. Had to give him stuff about Kentucky losing to San Diego at Rupp. He shook his head and says he wishes he could go back to help them. Maybe he should have stayed, but that NBA paycheck that arrived this week will put those thoughts to rest.
I can’t explain what Isiah did with Nate. As I’ve said a million times on the blog, Nate put in the work this offseason and was not properly rewarded. He was supposedly the best player in every practice, but Isiah never showed him the confidence in games. Sure, he’s a knucklehead out there sometimes. He can fall too much in love with his own shot and get sloppy with the ball, but he’s still so raw. A good coach would have put a lot of time into this kid from the start and groomed him. If Nate is anything, he’s coachable. But he needs constant supervision. Going back to the Larry Brown question at the top, there is a part of me that thinks Nate might have developed quicker had Larry been here. Isiah just has no patience for his mistakes. I can’t believe he actually went with Mardy Collins over Nate when he benched Marbury in Phoenix. Even Mardy knows he wasn’t 100 percent physically at that point of the season.
Balkman I addressed earlier in this mailbag. I’m not sure yet what he is at this level. Right now, however, until he starts putting time into the critical facets of his game – shooting, ball-handling – he’s someone you use in specific scenarios that call for defense or going up-tempo.

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Posted by Kilolo | January 1, 2008 12:54
Now that it is obvious that we are tanking the season and Isiah will stay, will the Knicks be the most agressive sellers at the trade deadline?
Who will go?
Will they shop for a superstar, expiring contracts or young talent?
Who would they pick at the lottery?

A: Dump, dump, dump. But the NBA trade deadline doesn’t work like the NHL one used to, when it was a day of rampant movement. Trade Deadline Day in the NHL is a fun event for fans. I loved being in Canada on those days, flipping between TSN and Sportsnet and following the coverage. Awesome. In the new era of the salary cap and in the NBA the luxury tax and all of the restrictions, you just don’t see that kind of movement. It’s so much harder to move salaries. It’s even harder to move salaries of players who are overpaid in comparison to their skill level. The Knicks, unfortunately, have a lot of that right now.
Lottery-wise, I guess the early bet is Derrick Rose. Gotta get a PG, I think.

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Posted by Pat | January 1, 2008 13:42
Alan,
Im 28 do you think I will ever see the Knicks win a championship assuming I live a normal life? Cause this stuff thats going on now really sucks...... Are the Knicks smart enough to draft Derrick Rose if they get the shot? He clearly is the guy the Knicks need most.

A: Pat, I’m 36 and the best I can claim is being 2 when the Knicks won their last title. I’ve seen them reach two NBA Finals in my adult life and I wonder if that is the best I’ll ever see. But have faith. Remember how pathetic the New England Patriots franchise was at one time. Remember how bad things were with the Mets in the early 1990s. Worst team money could buy? I think we have a contender.
Let the college year play out before we start anointing the player the Knicks need most in the draft, but Rose definitely tops the list right now.

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Posted by Pete | January 1, 2008 13:53
Alan,
Do you get to see the Knicks practice at all? Do they actually work on offensive sets or defensive principles? Do they have a play book? Not being sarcastic - just wondering how far off the disorganized 1 on 1, off-balance shot style they play is from what they work on in practice. Is Isiah THAT bad of a bench coach, or does the poor organization run deeper?
Keep up the great work and Happy New Year

A: Pat, I wish I could watch the team practice. We could actually see what the hell goes on. I was always curious about the training camp workouts, which would last 2 hours in the morning. I was told they had a night session, but it’s a myth because we’re never allowed to attend. During the season they go on average for 60 to 90 minutes. Shoot-arounds barely last 30 minutes. I mean, I understand the season is a grind and all, but my college coach put us through more work than that. And we had to go to class all day! I want to know what he is teaching, how he is teaching it. I think it would be good for the team to have public practice because if there are players dogging or not paying attention, we’ll all know. We’ll also know if Isiah isn’t properly preparing them for specific opponents – film is not enough – and we’ll also see why young players aren’t developing, which, to me, is a major concern.

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Posted by Willis | January 1, 2008 14:57
HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL
Nice link on the Blazers article, how has this not happened here? Didn't the Pacers under Zeke play with agression, cared about winning? Having been a player under Daly, surely he must know these types of gambits. Surely having played with those championship teams, he knows when players are mailing it in. So what gives? As asked earlier, what IS the relationship between him and Dolan? The Starbury benching fiasco was such a bizarre event, there are no reasonable explanations that fit. What are we missing, Alan, what's the secret? I believe the missing clue is the relationship between Dolan and Zeke. I think Dolan is calling a lot of the shots on playing time and rotations and Zeke is his beard. Is this why the team has no respect for Zeke, because he's Dolan's b!#ch? How can you explain the bland, not-my-problem stare that Zeke affects each and every game when the inevitable collapse comes. How they came to this "understanding", I have no clue. Could this be what Marbury was getting at when he said he had plenty of "stuff" on Zeke. Is this why Dolan continues to have "faith" in Zeke? Because he's trying to get HIS agenda to work and it doesn't matter who calls the plays and sits in the coaches seat?

A: What are you missing, Willis? The secret? I have it for you in one simple word: Leadership.
Without it you have chaos.

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Posted by Tigerkid6 | January 1, 2008 16:23
Alan,
Back in august I asked you what moves you would make if you were the gm of the team in order to keep them competitive in the atlantic. At the time you said you wouldn't do a thing since everything hinged on the key players remaining healthy (yes) and the curry/randolph thing working in the post (no). Now that we've seen that this team is not headed in the right direction, it's time to ask the question again: What moves would you make at this point in the season to make this team competitive in the atlantic? I know artest is a huge risk but q-rich is playing so poorly this year and the knicks are so horrible on their perimeter defense that maybe it's time to look at giving the kings some kind of lee/balkman/crawford combination. Look at this quote from artest talking about the celtics trying to run their mouths at arco arena:
"I really don't want anybody coming into our building and talking the way they wanted to talk in our building, you know?" [Artest] said. "It just can't happen. That was it. In their building, that's cool, and we're going to talk back in their building. But in our building? Don't expect to come in our building and just expect to get away with everything. It just can't happen."

A: Hey Tiger. Earlier in the mailbag I put up a Gasol-for-Curry scenario. It’s a start. I just don’t know if I go with Artest at this point. If the Knicks were, say, ambling just under .500 like the Nets, then I might say Artest is the right thing. But where they are right now, I think you need a revamp of leadership. I think you need to clear out the locker room of some people and reset. I’m not saying wholesale changes, I just mean a shakeup of the power structure. You need to remove some strong personalities before you can inject new ones. I think Q is dealing with the residual effects of his back surgery. He’s not the kind of guy who just mails it in. Remember, he had to wait until late July before he could start working out. So half of his summer he spent sitting around, recovering from back surgery. The work to get back into game shape, at least for him, needed more time.
I know Artest has good quotes. He’s good with the rhetoric. But let’s back away a minute and see what you have. Artest, at this point in his career, is better to go to a team that is established and in need of an extra piece. I think he and Bibby should go to Miami. Now that would make a positive change there. Knicks fans don’t want to hear about another Eastern team getting better via trade, but I’m trying to be a realist here. You gotta hear the truth. The Knicks just aren’t there.
So, yeah, I’d push Memphis for Gasol. I’d see what Phoenix is going to do with Shawn Marion. Those are two situations that will need to be resolved in the near future.

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Posted by NYC 2 Infinity | January 1, 2008 17:06
WILSON CHANDLER...WHEN WILL ISIAH GIVE THE KID SOME BURN?
we have a glaring weakness at the small forward position.why not play the kid?
WE ARE HEADED TO THE LOTTERY ANYWAY SO WHY NOT PLAY ALL THE YOUNG KIDS AND SEE IF WE HAVE SOME FUTURE TALENT.
randolph morris,wilson chandler...
MIGHT AS WELL SEE WHAT THEY GOT...
BTY THE KNICKS SHOULD TRADE CURRY AND BECOME A RUNNING TEAM.
THAT WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL OF OUR ATHLETIC PLAYERS(THEY STILL CAN'T SHOOT) BUT GETTING IN TRANSITION WOULD GET US EASIER SHOTS.
8-21....DAMN!

A: Well, NYC, Will the Thrill got quality ticks against Sacramento on Wednesday. I agree with you. Give him the time to get the nervousness out and get comfortable. Only then can you evaluate him. Hopefully, Isiah doesn’t quickly lose patience and send him back to the bench. Let’s see what he can do, but don’t expect miracles. He’s only 20 and is still very raw. But, you’re right, might as well make the second half of the season productive and start developing your young players so you know what you have when it’s time to evaluate your roster this offseason.
Wait, this is common sense. Never mind.

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Posted by Anonymous | January 1, 2008 17:11
Alan with the Knicks practically playing themselves into a top 5 draft pick Who do you think they would draft if they had a top 5 pick this year or what position of need to you think they should go for? If Isiah gets canned after the season who do you think would be the most logical realistic choices to replace both of his jobs of GM and Coach?

A: I think we’ve touched on both of your questions. Hope next time you leave your name. I like to keep a roll call of all Fixers, baby.

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Posted by landLORD | January 1, 2008 17:49
... Eddy Curry's overt lack of explosiveness in the paint is mind-boggling ... im really starting to believe that because of his heart condition, he may be subconsciously, or even consciously afraid of over-exerting himself ... he displays no sense of urgency on the court, and appears to be fatter than he's ever been as a Knick ... he appears to be growing breasts ... trade him before he dies at MSG ... as morbid as that sounds, with this snake-bit franchise, i can see that happening ...

A: Damn Lord! I think it has more to do with his lack of confidence. Haven’t you ever experienced something like this? For whatever reason, something you know you’re good at suddenly makes you hesitate because you aren’t sure of what to do? I personally can recall feeling unstoppable in scoring 39 points in one game and then feeling like I had no business being on a basketball court in another game and winding up with only 2 points. This actually happened in the same season, literally weeks apart. It’s all about confidence. When you are prepared, when you know the gameplan and know what you need to do, you can handle anything. When you’re not, you crumble.
Goes back to leadership. Where there is no leadership, there is chaos.

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Posted by landLORD | January 1, 2008 17:55
... i truly believe the "dirt" Marbury has, is that Isiah and Guitar Jimmy Dolan are lovers ... yes, homo ... what else could it be ? ... what else could possibly explain this drama ? ... Isiah ha s ALWAYS been suspect ... from his openly gay, on-court kissing with Earvin Johnson, to his notoriously skimpy shorts he wore as a player ... if it walks like a duck .............
... no disrespect to any of you queers who comment here ... lol ...

A: The accepted vernacular is “gay”. And your suggestion, Lord, is quite queer.

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Posted by KnowLedge | January 1, 2008 18:33
I DON'T HAVE QUESTIONS I GOT ANSWERS.ZEKE HAS TO GO.CRAWFORD AS THE P.G WE NEED A STRONG SHOOTING GUARD.CURRY GET THE F OUTTA HERE HE IS 2 WEAK MENTALLY TO BE IN NYC.WE NEED SOM1 LIKE TYSON CHANDLER. KEEPERS ARE LEE ZACH IF HE LEARNS HOW TO PASS. MARDY CHANDLER.I'M IFFY ABOUT NATE CUZ DUDE CAN'T PLAY THE POINT.MORRIS I WOULD SEE WHAT HE CAN DO B4 I LET HIM GO.LET EWING BE THE COACH OF THE KNICK WHICH WILL NEVER HAPPEN.WHEN MARBURY IS PLAYING HIS A-GAME HE IS A KEEPER.MY LINE UP=LEE ZACH JEFFRIES MARDY IF NOT PLAYING WITH INJURY N MARBURY WITH IS HEAD OR NOT HE IS OUR BEST PLAYER STILL.I SAW RITE THROUGH ZEKE HE CAME TO DESTROY THE KNICKS FRANCHISE.GOOD JOB ZEKE......

A: Slow your roll. Let me give you some knowledge, cousin. Jamal is not a point guard. He doesn’t even like playing PG. Only thing he likes about it is he gets to have the ball more, but when he does play there he feels obligated to pass, so his offense suffers. But I don’t disagree about Tyson Chandler as someone who would fit here. He could play center with Zach Randolph at the 4 or put him at the 4 next to his old Chicago buddy Eddy Curry.
Patrick isn’t a head coach kind of guy, either.

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Posted by rharnick | January 1, 2008 18:51
Alan I enjoy your columns I have a couple of questions and a comment,
Do the Knicks check in with their players over the summer? Do they set weight and conditioning goals? If so how can Eddy Curry be so out of shape? Do the reporters ever ask Curry about his conditioning? If so, what does he say? Does Isiah realize that the main reason Curry can't play defnse is because he's to tired to do so after running(okay jogging) up and down the floor.
Alan what do you think of this trade, Curry Balkman and Marbury for ARtest Bibby and some throw in with not to long a contract to make the money balance out. You ask why would the Kings do this, first they get rid of ARtest who's leaving anyway, I beleive Bibby has several years left on his huge contract where as Marbury only has this year and next, so they save the two years off Bibby's contract and they get potential with Curry and Balkman, then they simply cut Marbury so he doesn't infect there team.
Finally as bad as Thomas is it was Layden who destroyed the franchise by essentially trading Camby and Stoudamire for a injured Antonio Mcdyess not fully healed from complex surgery.

A: I wrote this over the summer. The Knicks have a program for each player and it’s up to the player to follow it. They are supposed to check in with each player throughout the summer to monitor the progress, but I wonder how much attention was paid to Jerome James. Guys such as Q and Mardy Collins had to deal with surgeries and clearly needed more time to get into shape. But I mean, Jerome James . . .
Curry seems to have fallen out of shape, if that makes any sense, since the season started. Hard to imagine, but there’s no doubt he’s not exploding like he used to. He’s fading away a lot. He always has been slow up the floor and he’s always lacked the quick leaping ability. What this guy needs is a workout change. He needs to be doing more plyometrics, explosive-type stuff to make himself quicker. He needs to pull the sled, like Troy Murphy did this summer. I read about how he and Mike Dunleavey spent a portion of their summer working out in Manhattan. They lowered body fat and increased explosive strength. Both are having excellent seasons for Indiana. Someone needs to pry Eddy away from the same-ol’, same-ol’ and get him to buy into alternative programs. But, as any fitness guru will tell you, the key to a successful program is that the willingness of the participant.
I’m just not into the Bibby-Artest scenario, sorry. As for the Camby trade for McDyess, remember it was Dolan who ordered Camby traded. The fact that you insist on moving a guy like Sprewell (a fierce competitor) and Camby (great shot blocker and rebounder) because they saw through your ridiculous media training seminar – as if those guys had problems dealing with the media – is idiotic. If you want to say that’s where the franchise started to crumble, I won’t disagree.
Neither would Jeff Van Gundy.

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Posted by Giaps | January 1, 2008 18:56
Alan, great job once again and kudos on taking the time to answer all the fixers individually. You go the extra mile and that's why it'd do busy around here. On to the questions...
Has there been any indication within the organization that they would be open to or accept rebuilding the team the old fashion way with draft picks, young talent and expiring contracts, etc. if this ship continues to sink? There is a large contingency of Knick fans who have accepted this idea and are willing to go through it to build the right way (see Portland Trailblazers)
The Knicks FINALLY have their own draft pick and it looks to be going in the top 5. Do you think they will hold onto it or scew up once again and trade it away?
This next one has been on my mind for a long time now... Why doesn't Isiah send Wilson Chandler to the D-League to develop his game like so many young players are doing??? The NBDL has never been better and Chandler can't even get any burn in blowouts (which just so happens to be most games). Same goes for Mardy Collins. They can be recalled at anytime and it doesn't make any sense. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this to Isiah.
Thanks, Alan. See ya at the world's most famous.

A: Whuzzap Giaps! I think that kind of rebuilding would be met with patience by the Garden faithful. As long as you weren’t so much over the cap. I think a scrappy young team would be well-received, as long as there was some hope. What you’re seeing in Portland is just amazing. I’ve been thinking that about Wilson Chandler for a while now. You’re absolutely right.

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Posted by NYC 2 Infinity | January 1, 2008 19:53
WELL SINCE WE ARE HEADED TO THE LOTTERY I FIGURED I WOULD POST SOMEONE OF THE TOP DRAFT PROSECTS THAT THE KNICKS WOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM...
Michael Beasley 6-9 PF Kansas State
Best outside-inside talent in the draft
Derrick Rose 6-4 PG Memphis
The best pure point guard in the draft (i would pick him #1)
Eric Gordon 6-5 SG Indiana
Do-it-all combo guard (this cat is nice)
O.J. Mayo 6-4 SG USC
great scorer ... (but is he a point guard?)
DeAndre Jordan 7-0 C Texas A&M
Athletic big man has huge upside(this kid can ball too...could be a curry replacement)
D.J. Augustin 5-11 PG Texas
point guard with a jumpshot
Chase Budinger 6-7 SG Arizona
this cat has mad ups(and can drain the three)
ALRIGHT FIXERS CHECK OUT THE PROSPECTS TELL ME WHO YOU THINK THE KNICKS SHOULD DRAFT.
(i would lean toward drafting derrick rose but beasley is a beast)

A: Rose and Augustin are your top choices at PG, which is an area of need. Augustin might be more of a late first rounder, but he’s well coached (Rick Barnes). Budinger, to me, might be another Adam Morrison type. How much hype did he get for someone who has, so far, turned out to be a total dud. Now Budinger seems to be more of an athlete’s athlete while Morrison, well, let’s just say he seems more suited to front a Doors tribute band than an NBA team. But maybe he’ll change.
I just don’t know about Mayo, but I know at 6-4 he’s not big enough to be my SG. Two places you look in this draft: point and small forward. Draft for need. But you’re going to make me watch Beasley now.

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Posted by Jon | January 1, 2008 21:17
Alan,
Enjoy the blog a lot. Anyways, there was a story this offseason about Walt Frazier possibly wanting to help out Mardy Collins. Did that go anywhere? Do you ever get the impression that he wants to get into coaching (I hope not, i love him on the air).
Keep up the good work, Jon
PS Any word on his Bed and Breakfast???

A: Thanks Jon. Walt is a noble, respected figure in Knicks history. He is also the type of person who is always willing to offer advice and help. I don’t know how much the current players respect him, however, which is a shame. I remember how Walt wanted to talk to Stephon, remember? It’s just a different world now.

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Posted by MarcinLA | January 1, 2008 21:50
Love the blog, Alan.
1. Why doesn't Balkman play more?
2. How bad does our record have to get for Isiah to start playing Chandler and Morris? Why hasn't he played them yet? Do they stink it up in practice or do they show promise on a daily basis?
3. Do the players still like and believe in Isiah?
4. Is there really a market out there for Curry to be traded? Why wasn't his weight/conditioning monitored by the team in the off season?
5. Why does Mailk Rose continue to see the floor at all? How can his playing benefit the future of the Knicks?
6. Is Isiah the same quite, emotionless, deer-in-headlights guy on a daily basis, like he appears to b on the sideline?
7. Does Isiah have the ability to construct an offensive play in crunch time that consists of more than just "give the ball to Jamal and let him do his thing"? Because that is all I ever see.

Thanks and Happy New Year.
~Marc

A: Hey Marc. 1. Because Isiah doesn’t know who he is going to play on a given night and I think the preseason injury really set him back and he’s been scrambling to recover ever since. Plus, the kid needs to start taking his game seriously, but he can’t do that if his coach doesn’t. 2. I think we’ve reached that point. 3. I think publicly the players won’t ever admit it, but most of them are seeing through his BS at this point. 4. I think you could get something for him and I think they did. 5. It benefits Isiah because if you lose Malik, you lose the room. And Isiah is still trying to win, so he uses Malik in situations where his smarts and savvy help. Plus, he might not play at the level he once did in San Antonio, but Rose still gives you an effort. 6. Nope, he still can run his rhetoric and smile for the camera. I give him credit, though, because by now I think I might have punched someone out. He’s sure taking a beating in print. 7. You are bang-on with that one.

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Posted by KnowLedge | January 1, 2008 22:20
U PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT THE DRAFT.DO U HAVE ANY IDEA ABOUT BASKETBALL? TO EVERY1.THIS YEARS DRAFT IS FULL OF ROLE PLAYER AN BRILLO.THIS IS THE YEAR TO TRADE OR DRAFT PICK.GET A GERALD GREEN A DORELL WRIGHT AN START THEM DEVELOP THESE PLAYERS THATZ THE ONLY WAY U CAN SEE WHAT A PLAYER CAN DO LET HIM PLAY.KEEP TALKING ABOUT THE DRAFT I'M BETTER THAN MOST THEM COLLEGE SCRUBZ...LAYDEN AINT DESTROYED NOTHING HE TRADED TO INJURY PRONE PLAYERS.ZEKE GAVE AWAY THE FUTURE FOR A BIG NAME THATZ A BENCH PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE CURRY..I CAN REBUILD THE KNICKS BETTER THAN ANY1.I'M A TRUE NEW YORK CITIAN.CUZ L.I AN UPSATE GETZ NO PROPZ.....

A: I don’t disagree here either. Without a Durant or Oden or LeBron or Kobe or anything on the horizon, it might not be a bad play to include the pick with a trade for a star player if there’s one to be made. Enough with the role players that the team has drafted under Isiah.

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Posted by NYC | January 1, 2008 23:46
Hey Alan,
Here's an interesting question for you to ponder. Does it ever cross your mind that Zeke has problems acquiring the right players due to his relationships with other teams? Let's face it, the same guys he played with and pissed off numerous times are the same guys currently in most NBA teams' the front offices. I seems to me the main problem with the Knicks chemistry is the duplication of players on the team, such as Balkman, Lee, and Jefferies, all strong defensive players with limited offense (representing the one "dimensionalism" of the team in general). Do you think he forces himself to make bad deals when the deals he would like to make dont pan out due to his poor reputation and relationships with other teams? For instance its obvious Zach was not Zeke's first choice when going after a PF to play alongside Curry all season, of course KG was at the top of his list and although unattainable, Jermaine Oneal was out there for the taking. I think it's Zeke's poor relationship with Bird that prevented that deal from ever coming to fruition seeing that the Knicks have players Indy could use and the fact that Indy has shown success without J.O. I think once Zeke failed to make that deal due to his poor relationship with Bird (which is contrary to let's say Mchale/Ainge relatonship that made Boston favs to land KG) and always the one to make a splash cause of how bad NY always needs one, he settled on Zach.
Honestly this is simply a poorly constructed team by a man who doesnt learn from his man mistakes. His main problem is player duplication, as well as player one dimension skill sets, period. He built a offensive heavy team where his defensive players are all one dimensional players who couldnt keep a priest at a trial honest on defense. No matter what combination he puts on the floor, there are simply not enough two way players on this team to save the season. Your thoughts.

A: That’s certainly a viable theory, but no GM would ever admit it openly, but there are enough people throughout the league who aren’t sad about what’s happened to the franchise under his watch. Of course when you see the Knicks on your caller ID, you take the call. Never know what bad contract you can unload on them.

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Posted by BAZ | January 1, 2008 23:56
Alan,
Does this feel like the off-season? We have nothing to talk about do we?
A: Maybe I need to go back to including more lyrics and bouncy prose? And pictures of Jessica Simpson?

Posted by Knicksin6 | January 2, 2008 08:10
Man, these guys are killing me. Knick fan to the fullest but I have to agree with Gus Johnson, Isiah gave some of these guys a chance to play in the league and the others he made RICH they should be playing so much better (there's no way to really say how much better they should be playing). As far as these guys claiming they don't know their role because of all the lineup changes that is crock. As a basketball player your role is to defend, pass the ball to the open man, take high percentage shots, rebound, box out and play smart. That shouldn't change if you start or come off the bench and if you are on the bench stay in the game mentally. You shouldn't be joking around or biting your nails (especially when you've been getting killed). Q-Rich does need to come off the bench because I believe his slumping offense has affected his defense. If he doesn't come off the bench, start him at the two with Stephon and bring Crawford off the bench with Nate. With Curry not starting, Q can post and Zach can hover aroud the foul line area plus Crawford will have an easier time defending the opposing teams backup two and him and Nate work well (bonus is he comes in with Curry to work their alley-oop magic). Start the rook at small forward to boost the offense as well (can we see if Randolph Morris has made any progress - maybe he can defend a little bit). Truthfully, Isiah should not be blamed for this debacle entirely. Anyone who has seen this team consistently knows that these guys are sleepwalking through this season for whatever reason and replacing the coach or GM only tells the players that they will never be held accountable. Bump them out of the league and send a message that if you play like this you better have a fall back option. People complain that athletes don't appreciate waht they have and how they have it so much better than the ordinary man but bumping them from the league will be a sorely needed wake-up call. If I perform at work like they are performing, my supervisor or department director is not going to get fired, I am.

A: All good points, but you don’t have a guaranteed contract, do you? It’s the nature of the beast. I still say all of this, however, is the residual effect of a lack of leadership. Without it you have chaos.

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Posted by peter | January 2, 2008 09:48
isiaih's eye for talent is on display for everyone to see.
look at the line-up than
look at the win-loss record
nuff said

A: And, Peter, look at how many stars he’s drafted.

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Posted by limey_a_river | January 2, 2008 10:13
Hey Alan,
Earlier this year I had a dream that I went speed dating and all the singletons in the room turned out to be my sporting heroes, I could say whatever I liked to them... I bigged most of them up but I got stagefright with a couple of them and another few I told them exactly where they had gone wrong...
If you had the opportunity to swing round a room with each of the current knicks (and Isiah and JD) sat expectantly at a table, who would you stop at (I'm not talking cos of their looks) and what would you tell them? What home-truths do you think they need to know, what criticism (constructive or otherwise) would you issue?
All the best for '08 from the other side of the pond...
Limey

A: Are the Knicks city dancers included in this dream? Cause I stop there. The others I’ve addressed in print for over a year now.

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Posted by Flybanjo | January 2, 2008 12:52
Will Isiah still be running the organization when training camp opens in the fall?

A: Gun to my head? No. And if he is, put a gun to my head.

Just kidding.

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Posted by karma | January 2, 2008 14:07
Which players are still trying, and which have completely given up?

A: That depends on what you mean: mentally or physically? No one has given up physically. But there’s little doubt the mental approach is completely lost at this point.

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Posted by randon | January 2, 2008 15:33
based on what you see, that the fan watching on tv doesn't, which players seem geniunelly upset about the current state of the knicks

A: I think it’s fair to say not a single player in that room is not genuinely upset about what has happened. But if you mean the state of the franchise, you might be tugging at the wrong heartstrings. The lone New Yorker is Stephon Marbury, but his days of rooting like a fan ended a long time ago. None of these guys have been around here long enough, let alone have been around here for great years, to have that kind of an emotional attachment.

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Posted by Trane | January 2, 2008 15:42
I’m cheating, this is my second Mailbag post. But a completely different kind of question. They can be summed as: Do you have any sense of what it means when the Knicks say they’re holding a “practice”?
Is a shooting coach working with Balkman and Lee to try to expand their games?
Is Aguirre (or someone) trying to toughen Curry up? Getting him to bang and bump under the basket? (Where oh where is Patrick when we need him. I'd accept Paul Silas, too.)
Is Collins being brought along as a floor general? Is Nate?
Does Chandler do ANYTHING?
Does Morris have a pulse?

A: Trane, there you go taking advantage of my extended deadline. I think I’ve touched on most of what you’ve asked. I am also curious about their practice structure. Balkman and Lee often spend time after practice working on their shooting, but it’s merely tossing balls in the air if they’re not concentrating on what they’re actually doing. Lee frustrates me because in his post-practice drills, he displays a nice, soft touch. But his form is inconsistent. He knows it. Aguirre will work with any big man who asks him. He’s soaked with knowledge about the post. Not sure he’s met enough sponges.
Being brought along? That would suggest a determined effort to actually develop young players. Collins has regressed. So has Nate from training camp. This is a major concern.

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Posted by nixmobl33 | January 2, 2008 16:40
It is obvious the only players getting any floor time that still care are Lee, Balkman, Robinson, Crawford, Jones and Rose. These guys need to be matched along with either Curry or Randolph at all times. I'd never play those two together again. It is obviously not working out in the W column for this season. Allow each of them 25-30 minutes per game (depending on the matchup) and work on that little experiment next training camp. When it gets to the point that the season has been given up on Isiah's got to get Chandler and Morris on the floor. If for nothing else than to showcase their talent for trades. Now on to my question.
It is obvious that loyalty to individuals (sadly not fans) is very important to Dolan. Do you foresee an instance where it would be likely that in the next year or two the Knicks would hire Allan Houston as either coach or GM? I think he feels like he owes the franchise something, he is respected around the league and we know he is a brilliant guy with a father as a coach. Dolan loves him and so do Knicks fans with any sense. A perfect scenario for this Knicks fan would be Houston at GM, Jeff Van Gundy at Head Coach and Ewing caching up the big men. Is there any chance my dream will come true?

A: What evidence does anyone have that Allan Houston would make a good general manager or coach? He’s a nice man, yes. He was once a great player. But where is the evidence that he can evaluate talent and, more importantly, provide the leadership this franchise so desperately lacks?
Jeff and Patrick back on the bench would be a dream, but I don’t know if it will come true. Remember, even after you fire Isiah, there will still be a man named James Dolan running the place. Don’t know if Jeff wants to go through this again, unless Dolan gives him the keys to the kingdom.

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Posted by NYC 2 Infinity | January 2, 2008 17:01
Alan
Why do you think isiah is not playing wilson chandler?
he drafted him,hyped him up,get him an endorsement deal with pony and then not play him at all...what gives?
we obviously have a glaring weakness at the small forward postion.
i like q-rich but his best days are behind him.
i would love to hear you thoughts.
thanks

A: My thoughts on this are scattered among the answers above.

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Posted by Shashwat | January 2, 2008 19:36
how do you feel about ron artest coming to ny..especially after he said that he thinks he can turn the knicks around?
do you think should send richardson to a reserve role and let balkman and chandler take his minutes?
Is david lee full time starter? can nate ever turn into a pass first point guard?
if you were coach and gm of the knicks, what would you starting lineup be? and what would be some of the first things you would change (like players to bring in, and current players to ship out)
thanks.
shashwat

A: I’ve touched on Artest already and talked about Q. I think David is right where he belongs at this stage of his career. He has the potential to be a starter, but I think he needs to develop a consistent 15-20 foot jumper that he can shoot with confidence. That could come in time. The kid has a lot of the other intangibles. Definitely a keeper and someone you want to see here when things get better. He’s the kind of guy who gives you heart and soul in a Game 7.
My lineup with this current team? Robinson-Crawford-Jeffries-Lee-Curry. I’d bring Stephon and Zach off the bench as second-unit scorers. In fact, I can see Steph becoming more like Ben Gordon is in that Sixth Man role. Instant offense off the bench. Come in and score and not have to worry about getting others involved. I’m still waiting for someone to diagram a pick-and-pop situatin for Stephon and Zach on the wing. Zach has a nice mid-range jumper. Those two should work off each other like Steph and KG often did back in the day.

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Posted by gerbz | January 2, 2008 19:38
Alan with the Knicks practically tanking games in January what position of need do you see them going for in the NBA draft granted if they have a top 5 pick? Just by watching them who do you think they should take or who do you think they will take? Also if the Knicks continue to play as bad as they are do you think Isiah will be gone? If he gets fired who do you think would be the most logical realistic replacements as the GM and Coach. Why isn't Isiah giving the young guys playing time?

A: Point guard. Point guard. Point guard. You need a floor leader. It just doesn’t work without one. You need a defensive-minded, rebounding 4 or 5 player. Those are your needs, if you ask me. I think you’ll see Isiah start to play more of the young guys – really all you’re talking about is Chandler and Balkman -- now that the season is pretty much lost.

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Posted by MAK | January 2, 2008 19:43
ALAN:
* Why is MSG referred to as the "mecca of basketball."
Granted that NY is the media capital of the universe. However, Boston is more deserving to be called "the mecca."
- b.ball was founded in Springfield Mass (by a Canadian);
- Celtics have more banner than anyone else.
Why is MSG referred to as the mecca?

A: MSG used to host NBA double-headers. They weren’t just Knick games, you could also see Celtics-Sixers on the same night. It also hosted tons of college games. So much basketball and they came from all over to play there. Thus the term “mecca.”
But those days are long gone. And I’m still trying to figure out why basketball is still called “The City Game” when the best players no longer come from this city.

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Posted by whynot | January 2, 2008 22:36
I can't think of a single basketball related question to ask, since nothing matters until Isiah is gone. Draft picks, trades, lineups, etc, are all meaningless until this culture is gone. Dolan pisses away a whole lot more than the $20 million he owes Isiah. When will he be gone???????????
Great work Alan. Sorry you have to watch them. I can't do it anymore.

A: Take me with you, whynot! Don’t leave me here!

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Posted by Nick | January 2, 2008 23:02
Just wanted to ask you if you knew what the Knicks' plans are re: Randolph Morris. I understand he's a free agent this summer, yet they're not playing him, and never sent him to the D League to develop.

Is he in their long term plans? Will they resign him? Is he at least a good practice player?

Thanks for your time.

Nick

A: I can’t tell you if he’s a good practice player because we’re not allowed to watch practice. All I know is last spring the suggestion was made when they signed him that it was like Isiah got another first round pick. Anything after that is pure speculation.

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Posted by giaps | January 2, 2008 23:10
Hate to get greedy with these questions but I just have another quick one after watching tonight's latest massacre:
What's the deal with Balkman? He's in Isiah's dog house and was the last person to get burn tonight and in the last 8 minutes of the game no less. His confidence looks to be an all time low and Isiah doesn't let him play through his mistakes. What's the deal?
THANKS!!!

A: As I said earlier, I think Balkman’s injury at the start of the preseason was a major detriment. But at this point, he should have recovered and been ready to go. He’s been lost in the shuffle a lot, but mostly because you know you can’t get much out of him offensively, at least not in a set. He needs to score in transition and on the offensive boards. He should be more of an asset as a defender, but he hasn’t developed. You can blame the coaching staff for some of this, but I also blame the player for not taking himself seriously enough to become a student of the NBA game. Learn the league and find your niche. His is as a defender. He should be studying opponents and also studying the guys in the NBA who are great defenders and what makes them great.
Easy for me to say, but if you want to carve out a career, you have to take yourself seriously. Not enough young guys do in this league. That’s why they fade out so fast.

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Posted by Fela | January 2, 2008 23:46
Ok so nothing is going right at the moment. We still have a little over a half of the season left to go and a good team on paper. It seems like Isiah's lost the team ear as coach. Is there anything that can happen that will get these guys to snap out of this funk? Any realistic trade scenarios?
P.s.: Isiah is the Mel Kiper of the NBA. We'll need him at the draft.

A: Fela, you are an optimist’s optimist. On Judgment Day, will you be the guy saying, “Great news, there IS a God!” But I respect that. I think we’ve touched on all types of scenarios. As I write this it is after the shoot-around before the Spurs game here in San Antonio. Looks like Isiah is going back to his original starting five.

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Yes, there’s still more than half a season left. But I can tell from most of these questions that a great deal of you aren’t satisfied that this season will somehow turn around and a playoff berth will be achieved this season. If you ask me, anything short of that this season should be considered major failure.
All I can say is hang in there. We’ll try to have some fun on the blog, try to continue to keep it lively.
Thanks for your questions.