The Crawford Files

Hi Jamal. I'm a very big fan and supporter of yours, but at the same time, as a Knicks and bball fan, I can also see some of the things that you need to improve on. I have no doubt that you know these things you need to improve on. So I ask that you just give it your all on both ends and continue growing stronger and wiser, and I'm sure good things will happen for you, therefore, for the Knicks as well.

Go JC! Go Knicks!

hey jamal, not for nothin but... don't you think it's time for a new name to the blog? maybe, something like...

"good clean fun"
or
"wwjcd if he had a blog"

keep crossin fools! i'm a knick fan and i think the things you've done to kirk hinrich and countless other chumps is just downright offensive to the cities they play in. and thats how i like it!

Eddie doesn't play D so he can't be an all-star but he can be a foundation for a good team if he played hard every night. As the new leader of this team I'm disappointed to hear that you haven't seen Eddie all summer. Isn't he supposed to be the franchise with you going forward? As the leader of that team you have to be on him Jamal. Do you think Jordan would have let his best teamate continually show up to camp out of shape? Work out with him, spend a week with him at your camp, whatever but don't leave him to his own devices.

Whatever happend to player only practices and meeting up over the summer with your teamates to develop chemistry? This is actually what i have been harping about for awhile, no offense Jamal, but the Knicks need a true leader who can be an extension of the coach off the court and in the locker room to motivate these guys.

Great blog Jamal,

One question I would love for you to cover is why do you think you had such a great INDIVIDUAL year under Larry Brown? Granted the team was bad but you really seemed to "get it" that year. Do you agree? For the first time in your career your FT attempts were higher than 3pt attempts. That stat speaks volumes for you. I would love to see you get back to playing that style

Hi again Jamal, glad you took some of the advice to heart.

You wrote in your latest post:

"But sometimes that's easier said then done because you're the focus of the other defense and you have to take what they give you. Sometimes it looks like its just me and that guy guarding me at the top, but there's 4 other guys behind him looking to help!!"

I feel like that sometimes myself when I play but of course I'm not facing NBA ballers like you are. To prepare for situations like you described I would work on penetrating and kicking the ball to the
open man.

You have amazing ball handling skills Jamal and as you wrote, when they see you coming down the floor multiple defenders take notice when you are in the zone.

Improving your ability to find the open man in traffic will make it very difficult for their defense to react because they know that if a defender plays you too close, you can blow right by them or find an open teammate, if they don't help your defender when you are driving to the rim they know that you have the skills to finish.

Sometimes when players don't kick the ball out enough, defenders will collapse on him because they know that he won't give up the ball. I guarantee that if you can improve your ability to find the open man off the dribble you will make coach D want to keep you around a long time and it will take you to the next level.

Knowing when to kick it out to the open man is what made the Suns and coach D'Antoni so successful, and so much fun to watch. Hope I see everyone (not just you) doing that a lot more next season. I get the feeling that players who don't know when to give up the ball won't be in a Knicks uni very long, coach D won't have it. Thanks again for letting us share our thoughts with you and you sharing your thoughts with us.
Go Knicks!
Bob

As a Knick fan for over 25 years I have to ask, when do you and Eddy expect to make it to your first playoff game? No BS, will it be this year or do we have to wait for Lebron if/when he gets here?

Don't mean to sound like a hater, I'm more of a frustrated fan, and I don't want to wait much longer.

And don't give me we're trying because after watching that display last year you all weren't. You all are paid (After all the Knicks are the team with by far the highest payroll) why should you all be motivated to do better. We boo you all, then you all start hustling (still losing) and like fools we clap because you’re hustling. Not you, the only time you hustle is on offense. With your crazy shot selection as if you we’re playing street ball. With your other nut boy from Seattle, Nate.

Sorry man I was expecting big things from this team last year and right of the bat Anucha, Marburry leaving the team, Eddy crying cause Zach shooting to much, etc.. It’s pretty embarrassing being a Knick fan these days. No more promises, take a page out the Giant book, talk is cheap, show me, and make me a believer again.

Jamal, I feel you trying to defend your man Eddy but let's be honest. Let's not talk about what he did 2 years ago. We all know he can score but what he has to improve on is defense. In your next post, please try to give us a reason why Curry can't rebound the ball. I would love to hear from someone that speaks with him on the regular about why he just can't seem to get that part of the game down packed.
Also.....I posed this question to the bloggers before and nobody was able to answer it.
Jamal, have you ever seen a player that is so dominant on the offensive end of the court but yet is so non existent on the defensive end? The way Curry plays offense, you would think he would be able to play defense a little better than he does right?
I do happen to think you and Duhon would make a good backcourt but that's only in spurts. I need to see more of Duhon before I can really pass judgement on him.
Let me know when the next time you'll be at the sports club in White Plains.
Oh, I almost forgot...what do you think of Zach being traded to the Grizzlies for Darko and Marco?
Do you think we should include a first round pick?
I'm going to tell you the truth also...alot of people here think your a top tier shooting guard however, I tend to disagree.
I think your missing the one thing that would take your game to all star status........and that's a post up game.
If you noticed, and I'm sure you have since you play against them all the time......all the guards in the top tier have a post game.
Wade, Kobe, etc...they all have post games.
If you were to add this element to your game...sky is the limit.
Plus you would get to the line more.
Work on your post up game Jamal!!!!!!!!!
I don't want to hear about you being to skinny because Payton was skinny also but he always abused guards in the post.
100

I'm glad to see that you are at least OPEN to dialog. That alone is a sign of progress. As far as taking what the defense gives you, sure that's understandable. But does that mean you have to chuck it up when the defense has given you something bad?

I am a firm believer that at least until now........you have been your own worst enemy. There is the good Jamal Crawford and the bad Jamal Crawford and in any given game, you dont know which one is going to show up. In fact, sometimes, it changes in a single game from one quarter to another, from one half to another.

CONSISTENCY. When are we going to see that from Jamal Crawford?

In my humble opinion, you have the most potential of all players on the Knicks, but also in my humble opinion, your actions sometimes say that you dont realize your own potential.

The Jamal at the top of the key isolation play........I know that wasn't your call, it was the coach's call and I really really hope our new coach plans to use you better than THAT!!

Last year, in your own words, you said.......
"This year we have to do it. This year, if we don't do it, we don't have any excuses....etc etc". Well your very first blog on here offered.......excuses.

Fans do realize that you are a player, not management, and not everything is under your control, but fans also realize that you need to be a vocal leader on the floor, because you do have that potential.

We can talk about this all day, but let's for a second assume that you will continue this blog at least till the beginning of the 2009-10 season (as and when you find time). Let's also assume for a second (albeit pessimistically) that the Knicks dont make the playoffs in the 2008-09 season.

In this case, when Jamal Crawford writes his blog before the next season begins, will we be hearing new excuses as to why the Knicks didnt make the playoffs? Or will we hear about how Jamal Crawford needs to grow his game further?

Again, I am glad, and pretty sure more fans than not are also glad that you chose to write this blog and listen to the fanbase. But at the end of the day.......isn't talk cheap?

Question for Eddy Curry (maybe you can ask him from us): When is he going to stop being nice on the court to other centers in the league?

Hey Jamal,

Im actually a fan from ur days in chicago. Just wanted to let you know that you are still the man and I hope you guys do well this year. I have two questions for you. Is Abdul Gaddy going to Arizona or UCLA and is Z-Bo getting traded to Memphis? Other than that, just keep up the good work and improving.

Hey Jamal,

Im actually a fan from ur days in chicago. Just wanted to let you know that you are still the man and I hope you guys do well this year. I have two questions for you. Is Abdul Gaddy going to Arizona or UCLA and is Z-Bo getting traded to Memphis? Other than that, just keep up the good work and improving.

When Mr. Curry starts collecting more boards, more defensive fouls than offensive ones, then you're not going to have to defend him to disappointed fans.

thanks for making the blog

the one thing i think Knick fans need right now is to feel like their voice is being heard, this hopefully will help with all of that...

when does the saratoga camp start? im in upstate, i know some places ya'll may wanna check out in between suicides..

about shot selection, you settle because you're not pushin hard enough no offense. same problem with Z-bo, its that scorers mentality that you talked about in your last blog, you think you can make all your shots, so why work for a 4ft contact layup when,in your head, you're sure you can hit a 17ft jumper just the same...

problem is, YOU can hit the 17 jumper when you're squared and not tryin to do too much...Z-bo....yeah.

Eddie needs a wake up call. be consistent and show WHY you even HAVE a spot in the league. Stop crying, we support you all because we're proud of our team. Some NBA players may think we're suckers and a bunch of losers who have nothing better to do than give them problems and play critic, but its tough to swallow when I can say "I saw the Knicks play two GREAT games in MSG in the playoffs....they lost them both to an ok Nets team and got swept. i still have no idea HOW we even made it to this point this year". And since that sweep by the Nets on our home floor, we havent grown any.

as a long time Knick fan, hopefully this year will turn a new page and bring in a look of the old-time Knicks. Please, if you havent, pick up the Knicks Championship DVD set....get familiar with Oakley, Starks,Rivers,and the others. I'd assume that you have but..if you had, id pray it woulda brought inspiration for change.

Larry Johnson did NOT play in any other market like he did in NY. Was he solid other places? yes. But he played DIFFERENTLY in NY.

Seattle does have great players now, but please dont forget what got us all here.

Jamal,

- What are your thoughts on the lunacy of Isiah being your coach for as long as he was? I mean playing for this guy must have been frustrating because on one hand its a job for you and you make a lot of money thanks to isiah signing you to a huge contract but on the other hand the guy is clueless and has made the knicks into one of the worst franchises of the DECADE?

- My other question is...moving forward, do you think it makes sense to go with the defenseless system of D'Antoni because its better than the previous regime? or do you think in the long term to win a chamionship there is more of a need to focus on defense?

In any case, I think that you are under rated and you play hard.

~Zack

Hey Jamal,
I'm a diehard Knicks fan and last year I became a season subscriber for the first time. Boy was that bad timing! I had thoughts of playoff basketball in my head and of course we all know what actually happened. With the changes that have been made so far I decided to renew my tixs having a lot of confidence in D'Antoni and Walsh to put together an exciting team. After all that is what we are paying for, an exciting brand of winning basketball. Having said all that, how do you see yourself stepping up as a leader this season? I have noticed that your maturity each season has increased and after having met you at an autograph signing last year I could tell your genuine when you speak and an overall nice person. You've become one of my favorite Knicks not only cause of your play but how you carry yourself with so much class off the court. I personally would like to see you penetrate and dish as much as you shoot, not just cause like many have said your shot selection should be improved, but actually I feel like those 2 skills are tremendous strengths in your game that have gone untapped, do you plan on bringing those strengths to the game more often so that JC and the Knicks are posterizing more than being posterized??!!

Hey JC,
I'm 28 and have been a Knicks fan since i coulod remember. I live in Los Angeles and come out to see you guys every year. I usually sit right behind the bench when you guys play the clippers cause the seats arent that hard to get. Anyways, if i can give you one piece of advice it would be to look at the team when Ewing, Allan Houston and Latrell were leading the team. I remember they used to all get in a huddle after every game and pray with each other. I know it may be weird but honestly it got the team together. They played hard for each other and they werent selfish. They were an 8th place team and found a way to make it to the finals. Leadership is so important and playing for each other. You guys could be so good.....its just important to have good quality people....i think zach is selfish on the court and i hope he gets traded contract and all...marbury the same...he cares only about himself..and to be honest he isnt exactly a model citizen..i dont think ur selfish...i think you believe in yourself and sometimes do not play within a system (although im not sure if there ever was a system in the past few years)....Ive coached basketball and seen so many teams with much less talent win games (and championships) based soley on the fact that they always make the extra pass and trust each other. Thanks for reading and i love this blog. ....Best of luck JC and you have my support through thick and thin......

Just another big Knicks Fan,
TSamuel

Jamal, you have to get on your team man. I agree with one of the comments that asked the question as to why you didnt see Eddie all summer. You have to motivate him as a big man in this league. Look at Andrew bynum, who before he got injured, was in sick shape. But truth be told, he still cant defend curry on the box. So you have to let Curry know, that in order to be the best center in the league, he has to have self dicipline and really train to be in the best shape of his life. This is a turn around year for you and Eddie. Dont let him slip up. I dont want to remember Curry as just having talent.

Jamal,

I'm a fan of yours. Not a HUGE fan yet because I still feel that you've got about 3 more gears in you that you haven't used yet. I think under Dantoni, you'll be able to get there.

I have one critique besides the obvious ones you've admitted to (shot selection, settling for the jumper, defense) and that is that little 'teardrop' floater you take when going to the basket. I feel like it's a lazy mans shot you're taking and like you said, you're letting the defense off the hook. It's very low percentage and since you're going soft to the basket, you don't get the call to go to the line. I feel that if you took it hard to the basket with a traditional layup, you'd make more of them and DEFINITELY get to the line more often. There might be some more wear and tear, from the fouls, but there's not a defensive player in the league that's going to stop you from getting into the paint. It seemed like some teams wanted you to go in and take that floater. Go hard, they'll start slacking off you and that'll open up your outside game instead of you having to 'shake and bake' from the outside to get an open jumper (might also cut down on the palming violations).

Understand that this is just a critique from a die hard fan. I think you're a very good (hopefully great pretty soon) player and a stand up citizen this city can be proud of. I also feel you and David Lee are the only untouchables on the roster. Take a look at this list of Easter Conference shooting guards (pulled from espn). I believe you're better than all of them except for Wade and maybe Rip. I think you've got Mr. Glass... ahem... Vince Carter beat. You should be in the mix for the all star team this year if you go hard. Just a thought...
A
Adams, Hassan
Afflalo, Arron
Ager, Maurice
Allen, Ray
Allen, Tony
Anderson, Alan
Anderson, Derek
B
Bell, Charlie
Blalock, Will
Bogans, Keith
Bozeman, Cedric
Brown, Dee
Brown, Shannon
C
Carroll, Matt
Carter, Vince
Chase, Brian
Collins, Mardy
Cook, Daequan
Crawford, Jamal
Curry, JamesOn
D
Daniels, Marquis
Delfino, Carlos
Diawara, Yakhouba
Dixon, Juan
Dunleavy, Mike
E
Evans, Maurice
G
Gardner, Thomas
Gordon, Ben
Green, Willie
Greer, Lynn
H
Hamilton, Richard
Hardaway, Anfernee
Hite, Robert
Hodge, Julius
Hughes, Larry
J
Jack, Jarrett
Johnson, Joe
Jones, Bobby
Jones, Fred
M
Marshall, Rawle
McCray, Chris
P
Parker, Anthony
Pavlovic, Sasha
R
Ray, Allan
Redd, Michael
Redick, J.J.
Richardson, Jason
Roberson, Anthony
Rush, Kareem
S
Sefolosha, Thabo
Stevenson, DeShawn
Stoudamire, Salim
Stuckey, Rodney
T
Taylor, Donell
Thomas, Billy
Thompson, Dijon
W
Wade, Dwyane
Wesley, David
West, Delonte
West, Mario
Williams, Eric

Jamal,

I'm a fan of yours. Not a HUGE fan yet because I still feel that you've got about 3 more gears in you that you haven't used yet. I think under Dantoni, you'll be able to get there.

I have one critique besides the obvious ones you've admitted to (shot selection, settling for the jumper, defense) and that is that little 'teardrop' floater you take when going to the basket. I feel like it's a lazy mans shot you're taking and like you said, you're letting the defense off the hook. It's very low percentage and since you're going soft to the basket, you don't get the call to go to the line. I feel that if you took it hard to the basket with a traditional layup, you'd make more of them and DEFINITELY get to the line more often. There might be some more wear and tear, from the fouls, but there's not a defensive player in the league that's going to stop you from getting into the paint. It seemed like some teams wanted you to go in and take that floater. Go hard, they'll start slacking off you and that'll open up your outside game instead of you having to 'shake and bake' from the outside to get an open jumper (might also cut down on the palming violations).

Understand that this is just a critique from a die hard fan. I think you're a very good (hopefully great pretty soon) player and a stand up citizen this city can be proud of. I also feel you and David Lee are the only untouchables on the roster. Take a look at this list of Easter Conference shooting guards (pulled from espn). I believe you're better than all of them except for Wade and maybe Rip. I think you've got Mr. Glass... ahem... Vince Carter beat. You should be in the mix for the all star team this year if you go hard. Just a thought...
A
Adams, Hassan
Afflalo, Arron
Ager, Maurice
Allen, Ray
Allen, Tony
Anderson, Alan
Anderson, Derek
B
Bell, Charlie
Blalock, Will
Bogans, Keith
Bozeman, Cedric
Brown, Dee
Brown, Shannon
C
Carroll, Matt
Carter, Vince
Chase, Brian
Collins, Mardy
Cook, Daequan
Crawford, Jamal
Curry, JamesOn
D
Daniels, Marquis
Delfino, Carlos
Diawara, Yakhouba
Dixon, Juan
Dunleavy, Mike
E
Evans, Maurice
G
Gardner, Thomas
Gordon, Ben
Green, Willie
Greer, Lynn
H
Hamilton, Richard
Hardaway, Anfernee
Hite, Robert
Hodge, Julius
Hughes, Larry
J
Jack, Jarrett
Johnson, Joe
Jones, Bobby
Jones, Fred
M
Marshall, Rawle
McCray, Chris
P
Parker, Anthony
Pavlovic, Sasha
R
Ray, Allan
Redd, Michael
Redick, J.J.
Richardson, Jason
Roberson, Anthony
Rush, Kareem
S
Sefolosha, Thabo
Stevenson, DeShawn
Stoudamire, Salim
Stuckey, Rodney
T
Taylor, Donell
Thomas, Billy
Thompson, Dijon
W
Wade, Dwyane
Wesley, David
West, Delonte
West, Mario
Williams, Eric

Jamal, you didn't touch on the negative comments. Do you think the so-called "haters" are right? I think people are right to criticize you because you say the same stuff every year and nothing happens. I don't know if that was part of the MSG propaganda plan but this is your blog now. This is you. If you're to keep saying "I'm changing" every year, please actually do it. You are a 9 year pro. Act like one please. Besides that, nice blog.

JC big fan of yours and I hope you are around when Walsh and Mike bring some players in to the fold and the Knicks begin to win again.

People may have opinions about your game and how good you are, all I know is you are a gamer and that's what I like about you the most. Kinda like Spreewell. Ewings career was winding down, Allen Houston was the 100 million dollar and LJ was a vet leader...... but Spreewell was the heart of the Knicks. You to are the same and irregardless of who makes what amount of money, you seem to have been the Heart of the Knicks. I only hope you get to play with players like Houston, Ewing, and LJ.

Because when Kobe, Wade, LBJ or any other player people recognize as a star plays the Knicks, it's you who is going toe to toe with them and holding your own most nights. So all I can say is what ever you are doing, do it better. Go Faster, go further, go harder. In a year or two it will You, Danillo and a Bigtime Free Agent going toe to toe with those players.

I agree with Knicks4Life. Why is there all this mystery about Eddy's condition? How is this team going to gel when there's so little communication?

yo crawford
i got alot of moves
wish i could teach u some
my style of b-ball is some what like yours
i got crazy handle but i luv shooting from deep an i'm talking about behind the 3ptline
but i'm not in the pros
so what u gotta do is break the D down take it to the hoop is either u got the shot or kick it out

what's going on with marbury i heard u an starbury are good friends true or not?
i just want marbury to be the player he is an not the player he has become he is better than that

yo crawford be the player the really are an the player u think u can be thatz my best advise son

stay tuned for more KnowLedge

Curry needs to step it up definitely. I'm tired of hearing about his great potential, the fact is that he hasn't lived up to the hype. We gave up multiple lottery picks, one that could of given us a Seattle TRIO of You, Nate and Brandon Roy. Very excited about this year and it should be fun to watch especially Wilson Chandler and his deveolpment.

threeeeeeee poiiiiiiiint field goooooooal... jamaaaaaaaaaaal crawforddd!

my mannnnnnnnnn

Jamal, big Knicks fan here, and honestly, a big Jamal Crawford fan. I don't expect you to agree, but Isaiah Thomas absolutely drove this team into the ground, created a horrible culture and brought in some "bad boys", but you rose above all that. Some say you aren't a "winner" but honestly, what good teams have you been on? Throughout these last few, trying years, I've seen nothing but 110% effort from you, as New Yorkers, that's all we ask for. Isaiah was under the belief that "you can't rebuild in New York," and that's not true at all. We fans would have loved to see the Knicks get under the cap to make a run at some free agents.

But the past is the past, Jamal. You've got a great opportunity in front of you. You've gotta be excited to play under Mike D'Antoni. I hope you put in extra wind sprints this summer, because he's going to take your game to a whole new level. Anyway, good luck this year Jamal, play your heart out, and be proud to wear that orange and blue.

Boy...some straight morons get access to computers nowadays. LOL

All mess aside, as a youngin I went to my first game and thought Bernard King was a god. Dad had season tix from 84 to 94 (of course they were valuable since Pitino came here, but Riley taking us to the finals made keeping them impossible.). I've personally been a season ticket holder since 05 and just renewed.
Plain and simple...I'm a fanatic cause I've witness allot of losing in the Garden. Who else would suffer through the Rory Sparrow, Brian Quinnett, Jerod Mustaf, Howard Eisley, and Jerome James eras (regardless of who else was on the squad.)?
BTW, last years squad smash's Ewing's 86 to 89 squads anyday of the week. I just don't know what happened.

The parameters changed for Zeke early and often starting with the Jerome James signing immediately followed by Chicago's issues with Curry, I know that, but once he dispelled of Lenny Wilkins, the cards destined us to fail.
I was sold on Larry Brown, Q-Rich, and Zach from the door. I feel I miscalculated as badly as Zeke did (as my tab of case after case of liters of Jack Daniels get sent to Philly every year we aren't better than the 6ers.). I figured it was unfair to not allow him one more hire as coach, and make him do it hmself (unless that was his objective.) I approve of the reshuffle of the deck, and hope the moral changes.
I advocate Jaric coming here as much as I advocated Rose. An overpaid 7mil/3year untradeable contract. Not a knock on skill, just lack of foresight. Malik's plus is he's a leader...Marko's teams have just been stuck with his contract everytime.

I miss the pre_Ewing trade days when I couldn't even sleep right if "My Knicks" played bad and ALWAYs had a predictable bad day after you guys lost. I miss caring that much. I consider you our leader, not Steph, not malik, not Q. Let see you lead fella. We know you can do it. Cheers and good luck this year,
PS>Sorry for being all over the place, but today's blog didn't have a specific topic to latch onto.

Suggestions for a new blog name and encouragement for others:

Jamal's Joint

The Crawford Diaries

The Crawford Files

Out of Bounds with JC

The Crawfabulous Life

Jamal's Blog

Hot Shots and Heat Checks with JC

Jamal Speaks

From Jamal To New York With Love

Jamal Loves New York

Jamal, Just wanted to let you know that I proposed to my soon-to-be wife while wearing your jersey (we were on our way to a Knicks game). Keep working hard! Jon

Do you think Chris Duhon is ready to help you in the back court? if so, where does that leave Nate. I like Nate and I think they need to stop under estimating him and let him play more and more than just back up. I hope that happens this year.
I also hope Q's back is healthy, Mardy Collin gains more confidence, I hope Wilson Chandler gets to play more (he has to represent his Pony deal) ... what ever happened to sleepy (Randolph Morris), David Lee keeps doing his thing and Jared Jeffries learns to be more strategic.

I have nothing to add to you because I'm bias and I don't think there is anything wrong with you lol (cleans rose colored glasses). Just don't get hurt. I need you in my fantasy ... I mean on my yahoo fantasy league team again this year. :-D

what's good? I didnt even know anthony could hoop til I saw him playin with your teams all summer... me and him go way back... keep doin your thing man... jt went to the finals, nate won the dunk contest, b roy made the all-star team, the 206 is on the map for real man... actually no not just the 6 you guys are all holdin it down for the whole state of washington... there are so many dudes from here in the league now and doin their thing in college its crazy... stay up tho!

Jamal,

I see Eddy has you fooled too. You guys are to much into the money and not enough into winning. You say all the right things but we have heard all this before. I suggest you call Eddy and meet with him to see for yourself if he is in shape. I think you will find him with a giant tub of cookies n cream icecream. You want the leadership of the team. Then its your duty to check up on your teammates and make sure everyone is going in the right direction. Oh and tell Jerome James to stay away from Eddy he is a bad influence on him.

Its vey tiring watching the players coming into the season not ready and out of shape. Please don't dissapoint us Knicks fans we are tired of losing and basically laughed at for being your fans.

Hey Jamal,

How's it going? I'm a huge N.Y. Knicks fan. How happy will you be once Steph and Randolph are traded or bought out from this team. I bet you will make the play-offs once you get rid of both those players. I've never seen such selfish players to wear a N.Y. Knicks uniform.

Jamal..

whats good man

hopefully this year will be a good year for you. I hear nothing but positives about your character and your ability to be the face of the franchise in many respects. at the same time... can you go into what the hell happens in that locker room? i feel like there isnt or at least wasnt any accountability in there. steph is a talented dude.. somebody needs to sit him aside and pray for him or like have a talk with him. he's too talented to be messing around and not producing. I think we gotta reel that brother back in the loop man... get him to understand what a team is... Eddy needs to stop being soft...He is way better than that. Those are 2 of my major beefs for now...

overall, it seems like everybody needs to work on stuff. but on some real... this season can you guys like hang out with each other and develop some camaraderie off the court? that goes a long way in basketball... maybe y'all should have like a madden tournament at nates house or something.

pleeeaaaase... come out a different team. win some games man so i dont have to get made fun of at my job!!!

the force is with you....

Jamal,

Please take to heart all these comments esp the one from KNICKS4LIFE b/c it speaks volumes about how we feel as knicks fans.

we are dying for a team that can go out and win some games. I'm sure you saw what a NY fanbase could be like with the recent Super Bowl champs, and we really need to make MSG a place that terrifies players once again.

Please provide the leadership on and off the court for our team, and bring us back to prominence.

we are YEARNING just for a chance to cheer for our knicks.

No matter what happens this season, please play hard, and please play as a TEAM.

best of luck this season, and if you get a chance, have ya boys read these comments, b/c the knicks fans are dying for some credibility.

whats up bro? love the crossover, thanx to watching you i can go left and right.

as far as eddy's shape... what do you mean you havent seen him? you guys have been off since april lol. i know that was a little harsh, but ive been struggling along with you guys for awhile now.

listen you dont have to sugar coat it, if hes in the same shape as last year just tell us. you dont know how many times during the summer i thought to myself "man i hope curry is working out right about now, he would kill it this year if he tones up."

with that said, i really hope you can get to the bottom of it. you dont have to see him if your that busy, but at least send the guy a text. if hes still out of shape, at least id like to prepare myself for it. last summer i thought for sure eddy was hell bent on takin over the #1 big man role in the NBA, but i quickly came to my senses in preseason.

Oh come on Jamal. Eddy Curry wasn't the real Eddy? You have to be kidding me. When you are getting paid as much money as he is, when it's $7.50 for a beer, the "real" Eddy should be out all the time. Quit making excuses for your boy and worry about your own game. Plenty there to keep you busy.

I read your last post. I bet it's more of the same old with you... you're all talk. You'll always say the right things, about how you'll bulk up or work on your defense or blah blah blah, none of which \ever happens. In my book, you're a cheap talking liar

Sup Jamal
Big Knick fan here. Last year you came in with added muscle and at the beginning of the season you were driving and getting contact in the lane--which was great to see, but you dropped the muscle later in the year and your drives seemed weaker as a result. Maybe try working out with Nate. Still, I think your most dangerous weapon is your accuracy with throwing up the floater in the lane. Not many NBA players have that in their arsenal. Also, I think if you make the opposing teams' bigs step out to defend it Curry can benefit greatly with the hand-offs or alley-oops.
I hear D'antoni say that you can have an All-Star season. It's time.
But, that shooting percentage needs to go up and we need you to be a real leader on the floor. How many times have i seen the Knicks come out flat for an important game? That should be unacceptable to you as Captain. When you see your team play like wimps that's your cue to go all out. Don't let them wait till the crowd cheers them back into the game only to come up short--a scenario played out far too often--let them feed off of your energy, will, and determination. Even if you lose the game you set the precedent of how this team is going to play and where the buck stops. Thanks and good luck.
Knicks in 08/09!

Jamal,

It is not that Eddy Curry is only as good as his last season, last game, etc. It is that in his career, he has only put together one decent season and the rest of the time, he's shown up out of shape and demonstrated a questionable work ethic. I appreciate your standing up for a friend, but although he has your potential, he doesn't have your drive to improve. By all accounts, he seems like a nice guy, but maybe he needs to be a little more focused and a little less laid back.

As a fan, I respond to professionalism and hard work, regardless of what else is going on off the court. I think you've shown some of that, as has David Lee, Malik Rose, and, recently, Nate. I wish I could see more of it from the rest of the team. But there's Eddy, who mopes because Zach was brought in as a bad fit for him in the front court, and there's Marbury who, with Isiah, turned this team into a circus.

Believe me, as a Knicks fan, I want to see the team win more than anything, but first, I would like to see this team conduct itself with dignity and SHOW UP EVERY DAY FOR WORK just like I do. If Eddy, Marbs, Zach, etc. feel that their work environment is too challenging, they can try something outside the sports and entertainment industry, where the frustrations are at least as high, and the compensation is much lower.

Glad to see you communicating with the fans regardless of the feedback .I must say there are not many athletes n the NYC that would have the stones to put it out there like this .

My question is Whats going in with voluntary workouts ? Are there plans for everyone to get into town and get a couple weeks in working out together before camp starts ?.The suns did it every offseason and teams like ATL and other young upstarts credit that headstart with helping them have solid seasons .

Hi JC, i have a request for you: tell us something about your Michigan days if you have some anectode.
I know the bad part of the story but i hope you also had some good moments that year.

Bye, good luck for the season.

Christian - Italy

P.S. Did you notice i'm from Italy and i didn't asked you anything about Gallinari ? That's because, in his role, all of my attention is on Wilson Chandler. He's an exciting player who's getting better and better, and in D'Antoni's system i think he can have a breakout season. Do you confirm this sensation "from the inside" ?

Hey Jamal, what are your thoughts on Stephon Marbury and Zach Randolph? Is this too controversial of a question for you to answer?

If I had Curry's height and size - I would be roughing people up like D-Bo from Friday lol - but it seems that Eddy lets his laidback, quiet demeanor follow him onto the court - where he should really be acting like a rabid beast. He needs to impose his presence on the game. Someone drives in the lane - he should knock that dude down flat - the player will think twice about driving to the hoop again...I'm not saying injure the dude - but at least let him know - you come in the paint at your own risk!
That's what we had with Ewing, Oak and Mase - intimidators in the middle...
Curry can score - there's no doubt about that...but it's his lackadaiscal rebounding and non-ability to block shots for a guy his size that has many knicks fans scratching their heads...

Jamaal man every year I get up with my boys and they are talking about the Lakers going to the Finals, or the Rockets, and I'm like man this year my Knicks are back in business. Im usually met with crazy looks, laughs, and the usual quote, "you been saying that for the last 5 years!" Im a huge basketball fan and I have been riding with the Knicks since the beginning.(the only time I was against the Knicks was when Jordan was torching them lol im sorry) I believe that on paper the team has the talent to compete with any team out there that is why as a fan its frustrating and I know as a player it has to be even worse. Keep doing your thing and pushing to make yourself better man. I hope your mentality can rub off on the other and tell Eddy Curry lets get back to that All-Star caliber form and Steph man this guy was one of the best point gaurds in the game. Well, thats enough from me good luck on the season man bring the flash and excitement back to the Garden people have been sleeping on us for too long.

I have to agree with my man DVJ, that its your post up game that needs a bit of work to take u to the next level of your 1 on 1 game. Yes, you should take what the defense gives you but the defense gives you what they are willing to live with.

Shooting 40%, you're jumper's the least of their worries. You've got uncanny court vision that you have to use more often. I think D'Antoni's pass heavy system will help get more out of that skill.

from the defender's point of view...JCraw's pounding the ball into the court and I'd rather give up a long trey. Why? Cuz I don't want him to cross me up, get me off balance and draw a charge...or worse, pass the ball off after one of my teammates comes to help me. If that happens, JC gets his teammate an easy bucket and knows that I'll be looking to deny him that dribble penetration.

Clyde Frazier's always talking about that when Jamal has the ball.

Clyde had an ill post up game from the high post. You'd give him room to shoot the ball and he wouldn't...he wouldn't let the defense off the hook like that. He'd take that space and fill it with his body. He'd back his man up as far as he could before he'd abuse him. Bump and step back. Bump and fade. Bump and spin. All those moves and he'd still have the option to pass or shoot.

Back to the basket moves JC!!!

Good luck at training camp! This is your year.

Jamal - Love what you are doing hear. Since you want our two cents, here is mine. I like Eddy as a person, but he just isn't a good basketball player. You can see that in his stats quite consistently from the beginning of his career.

Even two years ago, a Wins Produced analysis indicates that he was a way below average player. Yes he scored efficiently, but he is one of the worst rebounding centers in the NBA, and he turned the ball over a great deal. You can't look at him scoring 19 points in isolation from his lack of impact on possession.

He was one of only two players in NBA history to average as many turnovers while capturing as few rebounds as he did. Darryl Dawkins was the other.

The main function of centers and power forwards is to control possession. The higher their net of steal+rebounds-turnovers, the more they help the team. Eddy was one of the worst in history in that respect. It also tells you something when there is a statistical category called the Eddy Curry line.

I will be the first to celebrate if Eddy's game finally comes together, but he has a long way to go. He was one of the worst players in the NBA last year, and was the fifth most overpaid.

Anyway, my two cents....

Jamaal,

Love the blog, so refreshing to really hear from an actual player. I am from Utah, and now that you have D'antoni as your coach, I have to say a lot of us around the world are watching to see what is going to happen in the big apple. I was curious if you have read the book 7 seconds or less that chronicles the Suns season under D'antoni. Do you think he will bring that running gunning style to New York? and how will you fit in, it seems with your athleticism and speed you should be really excited about the new offense.

Jamal forget the haters play your game this year is your year 23/6 all star knicks 8th seed..........u never been the prob ur big men need to play d

Jamal forget the haters play your game this year is your year 23/6 all star knicks 8th seed..........u never been the prob ur big men need to play d

i have seen you play since your rookie season, i would say to anyone with pride ,that even in this jungle we call ny you can be an allstar every season. there are not to many players with your game in this leauge i am so tired of seeing you guy's come up the court and do the same thing even when you are down ten and better i think we play much better when guy's are playing their game. please tell the powers that be to stop drafting and trading for players that does somthing really good for the team that they came from and not let them do it when they come to our team. eddy, steph,zach,lee,mr.crawford,Q, nate, PEjr, (he will be very good) chandler. and the rest of the team can all play ball for real so get a coach that will find a way to let eveyone play their game together please let the new coach see this message.. ps. i can help mr. curry be the best big man in the leauge in only three months ( 617-870-1868).

I'm a 31 year old Knicks fan from NY. I remember being in college and watching the Ewing teams of the 90s and the Houston/Spreewell/Camby/LJ teams of the late 90s into early in this decade. Two things stand out from those teams that are clearly missing from this core group: Defense and Teamwork. Far too many times the ball gets dumped into the low post and Eddy forces his way across the lane and puts up an awful shot. Far too many times the ball finds Zach Randolphs hands and never finds anyone elses until after a rebound. The hope is that Mike D'Antoni will bring a change to this club where teamwork is the focus. Basketball is a team sport where typically the team with the superstar wins, however, teams with less talent can be more effective if they play as a team. I'm excited for the new regime in NY, and really feel that Jamal, Wilson, Danilo and David Lee can be part of the next great core of Knicks. I just want to see the teamwork that is necessary from making this awful team a competitive team. Noone is expecting the title this year, however, we just want to see some direction to this team. We've hit rock bottom the past 3 years and are the laughing stock of not only the NBA but of sports in general... That needs to end NOW.

Hey jamal love the blog you dont talk about irrelevant things like agent zero's blog. Dont get me wrong Gil is great but I dont want to know about a shooting contest between him and deshaun stevenson again.
The thing about Eddy almost being an all-star is one of the truest statements ever. Offensively no body in the L can operate like him in the low post and have only one go to move to the same side everytime. Its truly remarkable and unstoppable, I think if the Randolph deal goes through D Lee and E C downlow would be much more efficient for us. Zach is a tough rebounder but David Lee gets to alot of the rebounds curry and randolph cant dream of getting. Soo D Lee and E C down low all the way.
How do you see Coach Mike using Gallnari in the near future because im probably the only knick fan whos looking forward to seeing him at work?

But sometimes that's easier said then done because you're the focus of the other defense and you have to take what they give you. Sometimes it looks like it's just me and that guy guarding me at the top, but there's 4 other guys behind him looking to help!!

Jamal, one thing that I haven't understood over the years is why you don't drive more, and this is a good insight into why. However I'm curious about this thinking, because you're a good passer. So if you can beat your man and cause one of the 4 other defenders to help out, that means one of your teammates is open.

There are a lot of basketball players that are able to break their man down and finish, but not all of them have the vision to find the open man once the defense rotates. I always put you in the category of being able to find the open man when driving, because I've seen you do it.

So I wonder why the rest of the defense would prevent you from driving, since I think you're able to find the open guy for an easy basket (or at worst an uncontested shot)? Wouldn't you want to force the defense to expend two defenders on you in order to free up a teammate?

Jamal,

Any thoughts on Darko & Adriana Lima, er, Marko Jaric?

BTW, yeah, Eddy Curry averaged 19 and 7 two years ago. Too bad he was still one of the worst defensive Centers in the league and one of the worst passers too.

Eddy Curry was never an all-star. He is a fat useless player who doesn't rebound or defend at all. Not to mention the fact that he can't pass out of double teams and he picks up offensive fouls like they're twinkies.

Stop with the excuses. Eddy Curry doesn't care about being the best he can be. If he did, he would've dominated by now. Eddy Curry may still be young but he is what he is. He is a waste of a talent and a heartless player.

And another thing, 19 and 7 is not good for a guy his size. Are you kidding me? 7 rebounds a game? Guards can grab more! Give me a break. Scott Skiles said it best when asked what Curry could do to get more rebounds and he replied "jump." Curry is a lazy player and a disgrace to the New York Knicks jersey and Oakley's # 34 and I will celebrate the day we get rid of this bust from this organization.

what up JC.. thanx for the consistant scoring thru the years.. I was happy when u came over from Chi town... this year you will be an allstar and I wanna congrats u early... We have suffered the last decade but things are finally looking up.. i was a big zeke fan growing up so i was happy to see him come to NYC but i'm happier to see a proven coach like D'antoni replace him.. Chandler will eventually become the starting sf and I can see the rooster coming off the bench, playing sg, sf, and a lil pf.. nate will play a lil pg and sg and perhaps in 2 years become the definate back up pg.. duhon is a good look and he has a great chance to be a starting point in nyc.. but who knows..david lee is the man.. hopeully he will continue to develop defensively then he will be a solid pf... Curry can be so dominant and i feel 1 day he will realize that.. i think patrick Ewing jr. is a perfect pick up for the team.. who knows.. this could be the open gate invite for Patrick Ewing sr. as an assistant coach.. i think Curry would benefit the most from that if Ewing was his coach... just look at Dwight Howard .....if u guys snag Milicic, then u guys will have some shot blocking presence to help spark transition offense and maybe it will become addictive... Jerome James sux!!! Jared Jeffries will have a good year... Qrich is the man and i hope teaming up with his old coach will ignite his perimeter game... although Larry brown didn't work out in NYC, you seemed to benefit on the defensive side of the ball... i heard some of you guys been working out with Jaric ... if the trade goes down this week.. there will be 17 men on the roster.. .. i see them waiving Jerome James, Mardy collins, and maybe Steph.... I don't blame zeke entirely for the bust... scott layden didn't actually leave him much to work with .. but those days are behind us.. the east got tougher but i know for a FACT that we are making the playoffs!! It may seem like we as fans have been tough on the team but thats just the passion... as a fan .. i'mma do my part and continue to support you guys... now u guys go out and do your part... Go Ny Go Ny Go!!!!!!!!!!!! .... P.S... even tho after this year you will be worth much more than your contract.. i hope u don't opt out so we can afford to surround you (a core player) with the right supporting cast... besides ... it will only make u look like more of a team player and your next contract will probally be max.. keep the fight alive Jamal. Thanks for reading my long comment.

Jef Jea

Hey Jamal,

Not only am I a big fan of yours, but I am also a die hard Knicks fan. I was wondering what do you think of Allan Houston possibly being in training camp, and what he could bring to the team if he was to make it? Also I was wondering what to you think of the proposed ZBO to memephis trade?

Jamal,

One question.. You metion that Eddy had a bad year? how can you have a bad year when he makes millions of dollars...it's not that hard to rebound and block shots if you cant score in the post?...you on the other hand I feel when you are hot I dont think anybody can STOP you...I love your dribble cross over...

JAMAL, I AM A HUGE FAN...I KNOW U GOT A TON OF COMMENTS PROBABLY BUT I HOPE YOU READ THIS.

If you want to step up your game offensively, all you need to do is do one thing...

PUMP FAKE....From all the years i have followed u in the NBA (I'm a knicks fan so roughly 5 years) and when you were in Michigan(i was a fan of yours in college and was exited when you got traded here) I have never EVER EVER EVER seen you pump fake before.

Another knock on you is that you dont take it to the basket enough, you got one of the ILLEST CROSSOVERS IN THE GAME...People have to respect your dribble and your shot...im sure the word around the league is that you dont pump fake..i mean if im able to point it out..im sure scouts already see it. Pump fake basically takes your man out of the play...GIVING YOU A WIDE OPEN LANE TO THE BASKET FOR EITHER THE LAYUP, PULL UP...OR SOMONE HAS TO STEP UP AND YOU HAVE AN ASSIST

i really hope u read that...i sent u something like that over myspace too but you never are on that...PLEASE JAMAL...JUST PUMP FAKE...A pump fake or a headfake is the only thing you are missing from being an elite scorer, u are helping the defense by letting them know when you are shooting or not

I jus wanna comment on my Knicks. I live in MD and have LOVED the Knicks since Ewing and Wilkins. I've seen some great competitors and some not so great ones. And I agree with the idea of roster overhaul. Like them or not- Jamal, Nate, D. Lee, Curry and Q have the most value to the team-and therefore they should stay. Q plays underrated D, Lee is the best role player in the league and he gets 10 and 10, Nate is the perfect spark off the pine like Starks was..which leads me to Jamal and Eddy. Jamal is one of the most dangerous and explosive scorers in the league, and he also has one of the sickest crossovers I've ever seen..hear me Deron Williams?? LOL. And, Jamal goes hard every night. No he's not a lockdown defender, but he gives more effort than most of the current roster. The thing I love about Jamal's game is he doesn't hafta get 30 to be effective, and most people don't see that so they expect him to get 30. As far as Eddy, remember one thing: he's still only 24. Even if he improves greatly on his D and rebounding, he'll never be Ewing guys so cut him some slack. Eddy can get u 20 a night easy. Not too many 24 year old bigs can do that. He stays. I like him. We don't NEED Lebron. It'd be nice to have him, I admit. All we need is a healthy Q playing a bruce bowen type role, and a defensive minded point who can shoot and pass. Steph could be that, but I think he's better suited as a scoring point. Steph is awesome as a talent but jus not the right fit for the squad as currently constructed. I could talk more about the team, but this comment is already long enough. Jamal, keep doin what you do, the Knicks nation loves you. I think that if Donnie surrounds him with a better fit talent wise, all doubts about Jamal will be erased. It's hard bein the best and most effective player on your team when nobody else seems to match your effort or seems willing to play a supportive role to make it easier for you. Just ask Spree about his Golden State days. I'm gone yal...knicks go at least 41-41 and make the playoffs this year!! Stay healthy Jamal...

Whats good Jamal - Pumpkin Escobar here. You can call me esco though. First off all I am a die hard Knick fan. I watch every game and just want you to know I really appreciate you taking the time out to set up a blog. I read Gilbert Arenas' blog every time he makes a new post and love how candid and real he is. Its cool he takes the time for the fans and I think its cool that you are doing it too.

Just lettin you know the real fans do have a love/hate relationship with this team but we are behind you guys. I think you know that we can be quick to forget the bad times and we do believe in your talent. The year before last showed a lot of promise in flashes! Now there is a lot of excitement with D'Antoni here and you should flourish in his system. So I wish you a great season my dude!

I have a couple comments on your last post:

First of all Jamal, you are so explosive to the rim and you really have become a better passer - specially to Eddy in the paint - so much so that I think its so important that you have to keep driving! If not for you for him! And you are deadly from the line so keep driving!

Secondly I have the quickest fix to making NY absolutely embrace Eddy Curry. It has nothing to do with his PPG. He will average 16 ppg with his eyes closed if he's on the court for 30 + minutes a game. The two things he could do that would make NY embrace him are

#1 - 1.5 blocks per game and
#2 - 9 rebounds per game.

Neither of these should be out of the question for him. Lets be honest though Jamal, 7rpg is not cutting it from a 7 footer. I'm not hating on him - I'm just saying I believe he can do it and I know this would turn around fan support for the big guy! So if you could just give him a redbull or whatever it takes to get the guys energy up a little - you know NY would embrace him.

Lastly...I was at the 3rd game of the season last year - the home win over Denver. You lit it up in the 2nd half and Eddy played very well - he had a couple blocks - one was huge late in the game on AI, along with some big rebounds. So tell Eddy we fans do remember the good things he's done and know & believe you guys have it in you. That was a great game and that was the only time last year you guys went above .500. We were 2-1 after that game.

Well anyway hope to read more of your blog and thanks again for the insight on your life - its appreciated my dude! Oh and Jamal can you tell me what you think about playing with Gallinari? Have you seen him yet? Thanks Jamal

P. Esco

Jamal, I've been a big fan of yours since the blue head band days at Michigan. My father is an alumni there and he actually met you breifly in a parking garage in nyc chelsea area, he said you were a gentlemen. Anyways, we have season tickets going on our 10th season now and I love how u have added a piece to your game every single summer and become a real off-guard. Your willingness to learn the game is what New Yorkers want and need to know about you. Your blog entries are a great idea!

I understand your reputation but I also understand the reality. Keep playing hard and you'll win New York over, trust me! And when you win us over, we never leave your side, just look at Starks, Oakley, Ewing...etc...

I've been here for my whole life, (26 years) and I know what it takes from an athlete to be loved. Your on your way! I'll be cheering for you on opening night, hopefully your success against the Heat continues. Peace.

p.s. check out my blog if you get a chance, I have some interesting articles about you that i wrote on there.

www.NyKnicksBeat.net

What's good Jamal?

First I'd like to thank you for doing this blog! Its great to get some real insite to what you guys are doing. Us fans can't get enough.

I also wanna express the only aspect of you game that's lacking.....its shot selection. I watch all the games at least 3 times. You were great last season. What messes you up is tossing up shots before your most of the team has even crossed half court with plenty of shot clock and like 2 defenders on you, lmao! I dunno if you realize that you do that. I gotta say its pains me.

All I can say is listen had to D'antoni. I truly feel this man is the absolute perfect coach for you. I watched Pheonix a lot over the years cuz that all ESPN will show, lol....and it looks like chaos but everything they do was a set play, or within a gameplan or scheme......however you wanna call it. I think you are the ultimate weapon in a system like this cuz you won't even be the point guard and you probably have one of the best handles in the league.

It should be sick. I'm rooting for you, bro. Just attack the defense. You talk about taking what the defense gives you, but you gotta attack. Don't bail these bums out. Nobody can guard you period. Keep attacking baby!

Btw......get eddy curry to youtube some Larry Johnson Highlights. If Eddy could develop Larry's sliding dribble nobody in the league could contain him. Both hands too cuz the whole world knows eddy is only gonna go to his right.

Respect!

Hey jamal you think you can talk to eddie curry before the
season starts and maybe you can talk him into at least
looking like he cares about earning some of those millions
he`s making.Cant he go all out for 2 minutes at a time.
Is that to much to ask?When he`s on the defensive end of the
floor and the shot hits the rim he just stands there.Is it to much
to ask to at least try?box some body out,knock some body over,
show a little effort.

First, thanks for communicating with the fans.

Second, it's great to see after the losing seasons you haven't lost your faith in the fans. (We know you guys can play better because we seen it, against the Spurs,Utah,Lakers,Denver 2 years ago)

Third, it's proven that you are the Mariano Rivera of the Knicks. When you got injured two years ago and couldn't play, The Knicks weren't able to close out games. You and David Lee are the Co-MVP's of the team.

But here are some questions I had, if you can, please answer them.

Nate Robinson is one of my favorite Knicks but as many excuses that I can come up with to explain some of his actions, it's really time for him to mature into that leader on the floor. When he has consistent playing time, he's a solid player, representing the NBA and not Rucker park. It's always great to have fun at work but he seems to forget at times that this is not the park, he's in the NBA. As one of the leaders of the team do you think there is anyway you can get through to him? Jamal, Nate and Lee are the core, heart and soul of the team which should never be traded.

There were times when it look like everyone was busy calling their own number (tapping the top of their head) during the games which lead to bad shots. Then there seemed to be times when plays were ran and the team scored at ease because they got into their spots and moved when they were supposed to. Do you think this year will be different where players will trust each other and get into spots and run more plays instead of 1 on 1. (Lee is a monster because he moves without the ball... Can Eddy learn this... plus Eddy and Lee should be starting. At what point will management understand that. Forget contracts and play the guys with chemistry)

Last one:
Can you PLEASE teach the other point guards and players how to throw an alley oop. Most of the 19 ppg Eddy got was because of the easy buckets from those alley oops you would throw. Which helped build his confidence and his play. If the point guards never throw the oop or look to make the smart highlight pass on the fast break the big men aren't going to run if there's no reward. (Kidd-Keyon Martin, Nash-Marion/Amare) Run him and reward him to get him back into shape. Make him play defense and reward him for the work, too many times the guards tend to take the shot instead.

Walsh may regret the Balkman trade.
Chandler looked good in the summer league
After last season wouldn't it make sense to spend as much time as possible together as a team in the offseason learning how to play and build chemistry on defense and offense. This way, there are less break downs on offense and defense and it's more reacting and second nature since you know how your teammate will react during a play or defensive set?

Good Luck this season,
PS - Put the memory to the test
How many points and assist did you have after scoring 52 points?

Hi Jamal,

You guys have more fans out the States. I'm from Spain, and it's not easy being a fan here. You cannot watch anything on tv and for watching games sometimes you sleep only two or three hours cause games are too late. Sometimes when Knicks lose you get up angry and don't want to do anything. But, when Knicks win you are the happiest, you feel really good and it's not a big deal being tired.

You have a great roster. It's not the best, we all know, but there's no doubt, it's a great one. I really think that team can be a Playoff team, you just need forgetting the Knicks of Isiah and Starbury and start the new era of D'Antoni and Jamal. Because we all know that the leader of this new team is Jamal Crawford. I really believe in our players; Nate, Q-Rich, David Lee, Curry... they are all great and you guys can give us an excepcional season. Just with effort and courage your fans will be happy, because your fans know that it's not easy start making a new team from a bad one.

If New York is not the worst team of the NBA, it's because of Jamal. I'm absolutely certain of that. I'm going to New York this season just for Knicks and I really think I'm going to watch you winning. And I hope that, in a couple of years, I will see near the thirty three of Ewing a retired eleven of the big Jamal Crawford.

Thank you for reading.

Mario

PS: Sorry for the writing, I'm just sixteen.

hello crawford
one cuestion do you speak spanish¿?
i am from spanish,coruña city,i love knicks since 4 years,you and eddy curry my favourite players,ahora voy a hablar como realmente yo se,espero que leas esto y si no otra vez sera,la anterior temporada delos knicks no estuvieron mu bien pero espero que porlo menos lleguemos a los playoff,jamal por aqui no tienes tanta popularidas como lebron,gasol,bryant....que perfecto duo estos dos que yo dije al final,pero si te digo la verdad no lo entiendo por que tus numeros son muy buenos y haber si algun dia me enseñas a tirar triples y jugar como tu jaja,pero desde españa te apoyare a ti y a los knicks siempre y me seguire levantando de madrugada para ver vuestros partidos vamos knick que podeis y podemos por que la aficion y el equipo juegan juntos
bye crawford,good bye

i was wondering have u talked to zbo since all of the trade rumors started? if so what is his state of mind like heading into the season?

jamal i love you

your jersey is hanging up in my dormroom. favorite basketball player of all time and such a great additude. fantasy sleeper too!

went to three games over my christmas break last season, even though you didnt play in one of them (hand injury?)...you have love from NJ

Jamal, I'm not a fan of yours at all. U don't play any defense, u never get to the FT Line, and ur one of the softest players in the league. U put up the most meaningless 18-20 pts I've ever seen. Ur shot selection is terrible. I don't think it's a coincidence that you've never played a playoff game and have been on losing teams your entire career. I will say u have ability, but u just don't play the way you're supposed to. Stop saying every year that You gotta do this and You gotta do that... just do it. Show it. No more talking by you or any of ur teamates. I'm a Knick fan so I'll be rooting for you!

Whats good Jamal? Don't listen to anyone's criticism of you unless they've been in your shoes. FIrst off just want to let ya know how much you and the team means to me. If the Knicks tattoo over my heart isn't enough, then let me be the first to say I've spilled blood over you guys lol. I'm out here in Queens and me and my fella's our on some Green Street Hooligan sh** when it comes to the Knicks and your season. I've gotten into countless drunken and sober arguments over you, and I'm gonna defend you til the day I die. I feel like you're clearly the team leader. I know you bust ya ass everyday to make things work for us and I'm patiently waitin for the day you guys bring home a title for us since '73 so I could die happy. But one step at a time. I ain't gonna lie cuz I feel like every other team in our division has truly stepped it up in this offseason except us. But we got a half decent squad right now that I think could suprise alot of people. I was hopin we would pull to get Monta Ellis over to New York but I know we're tryin to save money so it didn't go down. OH, and I refuse to approve of this whole Randolph for Milicic bullsh** people are talkin about, how we gonnna jus practically GIVE AWAY a 18 and 10 guy just cause he got a big contract and doesn't fit well into D'antoni's system??? But anways, do ya thing playboy, I'll be courtside as every year rootin ya'l on.. I love you and the team with every breath in me, let's bring it home for NEW YORK!

if you get time check this lil joint on youtube i did 4 u,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDJ6nVAiNaY

Jamal:

* why not strive to be a complete player and play some D;
* why not add DEFENSE to your arsenal

* any championship team in the NBA, NFL play D.

Good luck in the upcoming season.
I'm sure you'll do well in D'Antoni's "run & gun," "high octane," and "7 second shot clock" offense.
(Notice how D is absent in D'Antoni's vocabulary.)

Jamal:

* why not strive to be a complete player and play some D;
* why not add DEFENSE to your arsenal

* any championship team in the NBA, NFL play D.

Good luck in the upcoming season.
I'm sure you'll do well in D'Antoni's "run & gun," "high octane," and "7 second shot clock" offense.
(Notice how D is absent in D'Antoni's vocabulary.)

Great blog Jamal

I don't have anything to add to the already solid commentary of the fellow bloggers on your site. I'm glad to see that Knick's love and pride runs throughout the US and across the Atlantic.

Saludos a nuestros hermanos Espanholes!

Jamal:
Why not strive to be a complete player and play some D?

You've been playing ball all of your life. Has any coach stress to you the value of playing defense? It seems to me all your energy and effort are just and only on offense.

Add D to your arsenal.
At this juncture of your career, if you still don't appreciate the value of playing D then you are hopeless.

I'm sure you'll do well in D'Antoni's high octane, run & gun, 7 second shot clock offense. (notice the absence of D in that statement.)

PS:
Give my love to Isiah Thomas :D

here is my advice to you jamal: you need to "take it to the hoop," and jam the ball! why not? you can jump real high i think. keep hot doggin', it is good when you do this. and always remember: go new york, go new york, go! :)
say hello to nate! and also to the new coach. you're going to love the new coach: he plays a fast style.

whats good jamal,

ive been a knick fan my whole life... i grew up in New York so its only right to stick with my team regaurdless if they are winning or not... the last two years i've been lookin the roster and individually, the knicks roster are one of the best in the league.. but as a unit, i've been dissapointed, as all of the other knicks fans are... But looking at players like yourself, Nate the great (from state to state lol), n david lee... i can only see the team getting better... with d'antoni's style of play, i think it will complement your game greatly...

With the whole zack randolph trade talk, as an individual player, i love the dude.. but we all know that its either him or eddie... And in that case, i have to say zach has to go... he likes the Iso the ball way too much and that basically contradicts D' antoni's style of play.. also i know that you and eddie have great chemistry n the team definitely needs to build around your needs as of right now... As probably your biggest fan, i know your game isn't perfect.. but keep your head up n just keep proving critics wrong

Jamal - You have an Isiah Thomas on your team? Isn't that a bit of a recipie for disaster? ny word on my man H20 Allan "Laser shot" Houston coming back to the team? What a shooter he was he could sink a three from halfcourt with both arms handcuffed

Jamal:

Thank you for being so honest and bloggin with us. I admire your big heart, perserverance and character. I believe that the Lord will bless you and this new Knicks organization.

Coach D will mold this team and get the right guys for team unity and chemistry, also known as love for one another!

I admire you and am glad you are a Knick. I can't wait for the good times to come in the newly designed MSG, Pres, Coach, style of play, winning!

We are with you!

Phil Elberfeld

jamal,

at least u guys will be more exciting this year. U know the deal about the guys that are pulling thier weight and the guys that are not. like you u said its a team effort. the best thing for you to do is emerge as a leader and make defense a priority for knicks basketball. keep up the good work. if the knicks franchise follow the formula of past champions-celtics, lakers, san antonio, detroit defense was # 1 priority.

pharaoh

jamal,

at least u guys will be more exciting this year. U know the deal about the guys that are pulling thier weight and the guys that are not. like you u said its a team effort. the best thing for you to do is emerge as a leader and make defense a priority for knicks basketball. keep up the good work. if the knicks franchise follow the formula of past champions-celtics, lakers, san antonio, detroit defense was # 1 priority.

pharaoh

Yoooooo Jamal : I appreciate your down to earth swagger that you show. You are by far my favorite knick since john starks.

Knick fans have been spoiled in the 90s, even tho we never won anything, but we had a competitive team that played with heart and played tough D.

Now a days, we are lucky to go a full week, without seeing our team be blown out by atleast 20-30 points in atleast 2 games, and just put in the towel.
Im so happy to see d'antoni the coach, because he will let you take over games. I remember..your 50+pt performance vs miami, when you scored like 15 shots in a row..including 6 or so from downtown. I never seen anyone in my life on any level take over a game like that and not miss a shot.

We need to get scrubs like ZBO (who demands the ball when he is heavily guarded, if not doubled at the top of the base line, to chuck up the inevitable brick) off the team. I agree when you say that EDDY curry had a great year 2 years ago, and obviously he has it in him. He took a huge step back when ZBO came. But to get rid of stevie franchise, we needed to inherit another cancer.

I was never one to bash Isiah, infact I appreciated him even more when Donnie WALSH totally botched the draft, and did nothing. But it seemed like when the knicks won games, and everyone showed emotions, He was the last person to get excited. I remember watching the game when david lee made that shot with .01 sec ...everyone was going NUTS..everyone... except you see zeke walk off the court quietly....like he lost!!!! what leader is that?

JAMAL keep doing ya thang man

Jamal i have been a fan since the chicago days. For real your a great player. Even though the knicks might not be the greatest just like the the T Wolves, you guys have tons of talent. Keep doing your thing. Mike is a right fit, I just wish Minnesota could find a right coach. Good luck in the up-coming season. Much Love.
Ramiro from Minnesota

Jamal i have been a fan since the chicago days. For real your a great player. Even though the knicks might not be the greatest just like the the T Wolves, you guys have tons of talent. Keep doing your thing. Mike is a right fit, I just wish Minnesota could find a right coach. Good luck in the up-coming season. Much Love.
Ramiro from Minnesota

Hey Jamal - Long time fan. Was excited when we traded for you and think your best years are still ahead of you. Really appreciate reading your blog.

Excited to see how you and Nate prosper in the new system. I have high hopes for both of you as I think the fit will be a good one.

There are rumors floating around that Eddy is actually NOT in good shape, and I'm hoping these rumors are false. If he is going to contribute he is going to have to be able to keep up with the rest of the folks and I fear that if he can't he is going to have another crisis in confidence and withdraw into his shell. The team needs him to lead, not withdraw.

For the sake of argument, if Eddy were not able to contribute, who on the team do you think could be an impact player in the new system at the Center position? Jeffries? Randolph? James?

Man, can Jerome James still play?

Finally - I've been following the whole Marbury drama. From a fan's perspective it's hard to know what to want right now. I don't want him poisoning the team with his selfishness, but he is talented and if he were to actually play team ball he could be a serious impact player. I could care less about Dolan's money (I don't like the man) so I'm fine with him just paying Marbury out and letting him walk, but I would prefer Marbury to agree to play in Europe for a year before re-entering the NBA. Not a bad deal for Stephen. $22 million to leave and get another fat contract in Europe or Russia to play for a year.

I realize you can't write candidly about some of these things, but if you could address what you're able to it would be greatly appreciated.
Hoping you and the team have a terrific 2008-2009 season.