The Crawford Files

Sounds like were starting offf the right way...Im more a team person But you should be happy for yourself seeing on covers of magazines,Thats what kids dream of just keep being a positive romodel on and off the court and get to the playoffs and Contracts,Team chemistry,and everything else will fall in place.Good luck!!!!

Not one word on Stephon Marbury?

What the hell!

Yo JC,
Loving this blog..good to hear the guys are doing well...i have faith in all of you...noticed you didnt mention Jerome James or Marbury....hopefully u will never have to....haha..jk...(not really)...wow i feel like im talking to JC...pretty cool...well....im excited to watch you guys and cant wait to see you guys surprise everyone this year with a playoff birth...best of luck buddy..

Yo JC,
Loving this blog..good to hear the guys are doing well...i have faith in all of you...noticed you didnt mention Jerome James or Marbury....hopefully u will never have to....haha..jk...(not really)...wow i feel like im talking to JC...pretty cool...well....im excited to watch you guys and cant wait to see you guys surprise everyone this year with a playoff birth...best of luck buddy..

Hey Jamal, first you're my favorite player on the Knicks. Just wanted to say to keep up the good work and practice!!! Do it for the fans too man, there's always someone who got your back

It's been pointed out that Pat Riley was a very up-tempo coach before he came to New York, much like Mike D'Antoni with the Suns, but changed his style significantly when he got here. In addition, Mike D'Antoni used a slower style while coaching in Italy, than his fast style with the Suns. Has D'Antoni given any indication as to how he will be coaching you and the Knicks?

Excited for the positive attitude JC-

Excited for the positive attitude JC-

LOL I noticed that..No stephon talk, thats your way of "if you having nothing nice to say, dont say it at all" Im sure you guys all want steph gone, since he is a Locker room cancer. How do you report on danny grunfield and not give us the dish on marbury.

Do you guys tease him for having a #3 tatoo on his head? You should tell him its because he is the 3rd best point guard on the team. He needs to get traded to the hornets where he would have to change his number, and feel like a idiot.

hey jamal!!! you seem very excited!!!! I'm glad you have a lot of enthusiasm!!!! but could please stop using exclamation at the end of every sentence!!!! thanks!!!!!

Damn, Jamal, great blog entry. Keep them coming and please win some games this year, PLEASE! It doesn't matter who you put out there, just play as a team and you'll win, trust me!!

Gotta say...you have real talent. A little trigger happy but theres talent. However I dont think your aggressive enough off the court. You seem to want to be the "good Knick" too much. Thats probably going to cause you to be the ex-Knick. You stick up for players when there are no excuses (ahem, Steph and Randolph) when there is simply no excuse. You always want to fit in where you can thats playing SG with a PG who refuses to give you the ball in the right spots. Crawford now your a vet its time you start taking some for yourself. You know you want the PG spot!!! Its about time you take it!!!

*cough* what about Marbury *cough* ... lol and how is your shoulder doing? After a while, I thought you were trying to make a fashion statement with the sponge and tape on your shoulder the end of last season:-). Oh and your knees? I notice you put big bags of ice on them after every game. Did you get any new tattoos this summer? Oct 29th doesn't seem to be getting here quick enough.

whatz good crawford

thanks for the info

as a leader u gotta try an install confidence in your teammates mentally an on the court by passing them the ball

what is your relationship with marbury?.from what i heard u an him are tight or was tight?

can u please tell marbury to play the way he can an not the way he's bein playing the past 2 seasons

i know marbury can average 20+ an 10 assist in dantonz system
i only wish i could talk to some of u guys in person

o yea mayb in the offseason we can play a 1on1 so i can findout how good u r but then again i don't wonna break ya ankles an end ya career.lol.

alwayz be focus an positive an learn of how take negatives an ballout on it

rememebr u guys aint playing for free so u gotta give 100%
2bad i aint in the locker room i would air out alot of the lazy guys..

stay tuned for more KnowLedge

There's no way Crawford wrote this. This whole JC blog bs comes directly from the Knick propaganda machine.

David Lee with a jumper?, I think we got a possible future all-star.
I see him like an Oakley type(w/ dunks), grabing rebounds, making hustle plays and draining the open jumper.... and he doesn't play selfish.
It's exciting to watch the yonger guys like him, Nate, Wilson, ect. develop. I look foward to seeing who's goin' to step up thier game.

Hey Jamal,
Great blog! Thanks for the insider's updates on your teammates. Hope that everything is alright with "Gallo". Just that he is still not fully healed after such a long time off, is a little bit disconcerting.
And as for your photos on the magazines, congratulations! Big ego or not, unsolicited compliments ,which these are, are always nice.
Very funny on the Zbo joke! Anynews on the "Sulkbury"?

lol ! torres has a point , maybe J craw knows somthing, or "starbury" didn't show up yet to camp who the hell knows

Is it true that Marbury went down to 200 pounds?

Good luck Jamal Crawford. Keep your head up and don't let anyone put you down cause the Knicks haven't played good the last couple of years. You guys can still do it and just listen to D'Antoni and tell your t-mates to do the same.

Welcome back Jamal

Congrats on the covers. I'm definitely hoping this is our year and you have a break out season. Gotta work on that defense though...

Like torres, I wanna know what the deal is with Steph, i know he's not there yet. Has anyone heard from him? do you guys expect him there?

Also, what coaches are there if any?

thanks man... all the best.

Great post, That Zach-Curry line was very funny.

From everything I've seen and read, D'Antoni's offensive scheme and philosophy will be great fun for us to watch, but many of us are concerned about defensive play. Will you guys be practising any defense, particularly half court defensive schemes? D'Antoni likes to delegate; who is the defensive coach responsible for making sure you have a strategy to actually guard teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Pistons among others?

Can you also tell us a little something about how D'Antoni and Weber are working on the team attitude and the "feel" amongst players in the locker room. How does there positive philosophy impact the team after one of the most negative "feeling" seasons in NYK history?

Thanks for the insight on the players. We can speculate a lot from what you did not say. Tell Eddie (again and again) to stop funkin' around. He could be very good, if he played with some heart.

WOW, great to see you've entered the Blogosphere :)
I see you as one of the most underrated players in the league and despite your critics, anyone who honest knows other guards are in no hurry to SEE you suit up.

I remember when Wade said watching you was like watching a video game.

I've defended you (especially with the multiple coaches issue) but people love to h8.

Keep working hard and doing the best you can do. Some of us real fans recognize your hard work and realize that you are not part of the problem but, I hope you'll continue to be a KNick once the solutions are found.

Your my 3rd favorite Knick of all time behind ONLY Patrick Ewing and (hopefully on the teams this season) Alan Houston.

Your 3rd place was close since Charlie Ward (who is a cousin btw) has a place in my heart despit the fact the I never got the chance to meet him even though he was on my fav squad for years. Not like I could just walk up and say hey, I'm you cuz. I can imagine how he hears that so, I just enjoyed for a distance just like I enjoy watching you and the rest of the squad.

ciao

Hey Jamal,
Great blog....thanks for doing it...and congrats on the covers...heck, most days I can't even see myself in the mirror.

Question about trainning camp...is there going to be any part open to the public? A blue/orange game at the end or anything like that?

Best of luck!

Hey Jamal.

Welcome back. Very instersting to know 'bout you guys working out. You should have ancious because I always was when playing about the season begining. Oh, I was not a Jamal type of player. I was more David Lee, hustle, rebounds, although my shot was nice. But Lee is getting there. He'll be, with you, our best players.
Good work and continuous to develop your shot selection. That's what will take you to another level, the All Star level. Be confident and trust in D'Antoni. He'll bring the better of you guys.
Best Regards,

Rafael
Blumenau/Brasil

Jamal,

First off let me just say your going to be an allstar this year..... What is the team chemistry like? I noticed you havent mentioned Steph.. Think he will be on the team this year? Are the knicks better off without him?

J
Good to hear you in good spirits Keep up the positive work and remember YO DA MAN. Hope to see you in ATL feel free to hit me if you have extra tickets

Torres stole my thunder.

Notice the one person he didnt mention !

STARBURY !!!!!

I used to love marbury. But last year changed me.

That guy needs to go. He is a Good talent.

But to me he killed the season, and probably put the final nail in the Isiah coffin. The guy who basically sided w/ him over Larry Brown. I say they waive him, let him to the Celtics or LA.

I wish him the best, just never want to see him in orange and blue again in my life.

But i basically dont have faith he is a team player, or knows how to use the talent he has to win. He can fill the stat sheet, he can win a game or two for you. But over 82 games .. i just dont see.

Alan,
The two players i just want to saved waived are Starbury and Curry (wont get into the reasons, but they are basically unwatchable for me now).

Are these the only two guys that dont work out with the team in the off season?? Seems like it ? But i figure you would know.

- Cangoods

I just hope that this team has more "fight" in it, and plays hard, and makes us proud to be Knick fans again!

Im happy to hear that crawford. Its good to see a knick become very personable communicate with with his fans. I always liked your gane since you came to ny but i was always waiting for u to take that next step. Hopefully this year that will happen. Also will chandler is a beast. he could be special offensively and defensively. Have a great year Jamal. Go knicks! God bless you.

Yes, Steph is notably missing from your analysis.

Here's mine:

Wilson Chandler is going to emerge this year as a good (perhaps very good) NBA player.

Nate should benefit from the D'Antoni system, as long as he can keep the immature Nate in check.

David Lee is David Lee -- reliable, good for 10 and 10.

Jamal - This year is "make or break" for you. You will either prove to be a top-tier player in the ideal system for your game, or you will prove you can't win no matter who is coaching.

Zach - Will get playing time to build his trade value, and will hopefully be gone by the end of the season.

Eddy - You didn't say he was in shape, did you?

Q-Rich, Jeffries, Danillo, Junior - Should all be warming the bench.

Duhon - Should start over Marbury. For sure.

Roberson - Why do we need him when we've got you?

Houston - Just as Ewing's number should not be taken down from the rafters, the great Allan Houston should not be taken out of the mothballs.

Danny Grunfeld - Please tell your dad to come back. All is forgiven.

Thanks a lot for the inside scoop, Jamal.

I saw a video Alan Hahn posted recently that showcased Eddy's new physique. He looked he's lost some weight. Can you confirm?

Also, please give us the lowdown about Galli. How serious is this back injury of his?

Wilson and David's progress don't surprise me. I consider myself a good judge of talent and both of those guys showed me from day 1 that they could be excellent players. The keys to their success are shooting and bulking up for David and better ball handling (especially left hand) for Wilson. Once they develop that they will be fixtures in the starting lineup. Drafting those two guys were easily Isiah's best moves in his tenure with the Knicks.

Now that you guys are practicing together, here are a couple of things you should have the guys work on:

1. Double team Eddy early and often. He's easily the worst passer on the team and needs to really improve on this if he even wants to be on the court.

2. Force Wilson to go left. Wilson's go to move is 3 dribbles to his right, half spin and then a turn around jumpshot. That clearly shows he's not comfortable getting deeper in the lane or crossing over to his left and driving the other way. In a league where now noone can be touched on their way to the rim, a guy that has Lebron's body like Wilson can become unstoppable.

3. Get Jared in the weight room and tell him to focus on guarding the post instead of the perimeter. Just because he CAN guard small forwards doesn't mean he should. I always believed that Jared could be an excellent defensive PF/C instead of just an average defensive SF. It just doesn't make sense to me that an athletic 6'11 guy is on the perimeter when he can be blocking shots down low. WHY HAVE HIM BE A STEP SLOWER THAN THE GUY ON THE PERIMETER WHEN HE CAN BE A STEP QUICKER THAN THE GUYS IN THE POST. If we don't end up getting Darko, I would expect to see Jared (who can't shoot a lick) in the paint more often.

4. Tell Q to keep showing that fire and leadership like he did last year. Q was really the only guy who kept it real with the fans last year and told it like it is. He also appeared to be the most vocal and supportive guy on the floor. Believe it or not, even though he had a bad year he was still a favorite to the fans because he atleast gave all the effort he had and wore his emotions on his sleeve! Now that he's in better shape I hope it all comes together for him again. BUT HE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO WORK ON HIS BALL HANDLING. HE KNOWS HE'S BEEN IN THE LEAGE TOO LONG TO HAVE THE WEAK HANDLE THAT HE DOES.

4. People only talk about D-Lee's hustle but from day 1 I always believed he had a very good post game. Like Aguire said last year, David was probably the second best post player on the team. He has very good footwork and coordination, so hook him up a couple of times in practice and let him showcase that.

Anyway, I can really go on forever but thanks for lending an ear and thanks for giving us another great inside scoop.

Alex

Nice blog entry Jamal! Keep it up! But yeah, no Stephon Marbury in your scouting report?

Nice blog entry Jamal! Keep it up! But yeah, no Stephon Marbury in your scouting report?

Nice blog entry Jamal! Keep it up! But yeah, no Stephon Marbury in your scouting report?

Jamal we hear the same things every off season. Everyone is in great shape. Everyone is on the same page and dedicated to winning.

Yet every year once we see the team nobody is in good shape, everyone gets banged up during camp as a result, nobody is on the same page, and a few weeks into the season it's already over.

Why should we as fans believe THIS is the off season that these statements can be trusted? Why would THIS be the season that there won't be any drama and just hard work put in on the court?

It's simple really: Just show us. Don't tell us, show us, and the fans will support the team in force.

If it's the same old - where the comments don't fit the play we see - be prepared for fans to dump on the team and make fun of the players.

Great update JC. You are smart and an energizing communicatior, so don't be shy to use that skill on your buddies!

No comment on Eddie's condition, so I guess he is still not in shape, post knee surgery?

Corey from MD again...thanx for the the info Jamal. I hafta admit, I'm really anxious/excited to see certain players play in a spacing offense. That should do 2 very important things...make Jamal and the shooters more effective and dangerous, and create more opportunity for whoever's gonna be our low post presence. I think that role suits Curry better becuz thas where he's most effective. But at the same time it leaves me confused becuz Zach's just as good in the paint as Curry, except he has a better J and he rebounds more consistently. My only problem with Zach is I don't think he can accept being anything other than the first option on the team. He's definitely an all star talent, but even though he averaged 3 apg last season, I don't trust him to be selfless enough to help us win. I hope he proves me wrong becuz he's a beast! Another player I'm anxious to see is PE Jr. I think he can be another Balkman, with a better offensive game. I'm gonna miss ol Taz, so Ewing better show up. I'm also a Hoya fan too, so I know what he can bring to tha table, and I hope he gets enuf PT to show it. I'll be lookin forward to the next entry!!

Nice update JC
Keep that coming and we'll have to bump allan hahn off the top and make you #1 knicks insider info provider.

So what's up with Steph for real man? NYtimes said he's not doing drills with you guys...which is kinda sad cause back in the day when you and him were the backcourt under lenny - you guys were unstoppable...I don't think he should get cut...he still has alot of offer, the dude can still ball and he'll be playing for a contract - so you know he's gonna be hungry - but at the end of the day - the decision is really Donnie's.

Nice to hear H20's jumper is still sweet as ever...hope he gets a good look in training camp...there's always a need for deadeye shooters in D'Antoni's system

BTW - that Zach/Curry quip was good! lol

Hey Jamal,

Great job on the post. Your description of everyone is very encouraging. But as you indicated it will all come down to how well the system will be adopted. I really think your photographic memory will help with it and you will thrive in it. I am look forward to seeing the word all-star next to your name..really pulling for you. I am going to try to take a day off work and see you guys at the annual open practice...see you then! Take care and keep em coming.

Alfredo

Jamal, those 2 mags picked your team to finished last. LOL

And I know deep down, you hope Crackbury stays far away.

Hey Jamal...you are a class act. I've always liked your game and clutch shooting. I feel like you are going to have an All-Star year and really lift this team to new heights. This is a perfect system for you and all that talk about no playoffs is about to disappear. I'm really excited for the season to begin. Best of luck to you, buddy! Scotty D

P.S. I'm a public school teacher in the city and live up in Greenburgh. Maybe I can meet you at one of your practices up there. I'd love to do something charitable-based with my class and if you/the Knicks have anything plan or would team up with my school or NYC schools, I'd be up for having a discussion about that.

Thanks for keeping us updated! I am a huge Knicks fans and have been even through the more recent troubles the Knicks have had. I must say that I respect your modesty, patience and respect you have had for this franchise. I say that because I have not heard you complain, say or do anything negative for the team. You are a great player, I am sure you will have another great season and I hope for my sanity and that of all Knicks fans, that the Knicks will have a great season as well. Much luck to ya! -Milton

Hey Jamal,

Thanks for the update. Love your writing style.

I've been a fan of yours since you entered the draft a few years ago, and I heard alot of people buzzing about you in the Chicago predraft camps.

I honestly believe you can be an elite player in this league if you work on a few things. The good news is that you have all the resources you neeed right there in Greenburgh.

1) Nate Robinson and Stephon Marbury - Your backcourt mates are two of the strongest players, pound for pound in the league. And they're still two of the fastest. If you can pick their brain about how to gain strength, while not letting it affect your quickness, you'll be much better when you take the ball to the hole, and you'll be able to play better defense as well.

2) Mardy Collins, Jared Jeffries, Chris Duhon - These guys are known as good to great defenders. Again, talk to them and study their game, and see if you can learn some defensive tricks from them.

Collins and Duhon especially, since they learned from 2 of the best coaches in the business, in college. A guy you should also watch tapes of is that kid Ricky Rubio from Spain.

Like you, he's not super quick, and he's kinda skinny, BUT the kid is a very solid defender cuz he's great at playing the angles, ala MArdy Collins.

3) Allan Houston - One of the best shooters of his generation is practicing with you every day, Jamal. Talk to him about shot selection. Ask him to tell you when he thinks you took a bad shot, and ask him to give you some shooting tips.

If you do this Jamal, you can be on your way to finally realizing your amazing potential.

As Trin noted above and Alan noted in a previous blog, Marbury is not there with the team yet. So that's why Crawford doesn't have anything to say. Same goes for Jerome too. But who's surprised that neither one of them are there? I'm not.

Anyone who takes Jamal Crawford or any of these players seriously needs his head examined. They say the same things every single year. This guy is in shape, that guy is in shape, this guy can now hit a jumper, that guy can now handle the ball. It's so tiring!

JC,

Thanks for keeping us updated! I am a huge Knicks fans and have been even through the more recent troubles the Knicks have had. I must say that I respect your modesty, patience and respect you have had for this franchise. I say that because I have not heard you complain, say or do anything negative for the team. You are a great player, I am sure you will have another great season and I hope for my sanity and that of all Knicks fans, that the Knicks will have a great season as well. Much luck to ya! -Milton

ps. Knicks fans are wear their heart on their sleeves, the knicks deserved ALL the boos they heard last year, we are also the most loyal just hoping our team will be revelant so we can love them as much as the time of HOF Patick Ewing patrolled the paint. GO KNICKS!!!

Hi Jamal,

Its great reading your blog, it is very insightful.
Did you intentionally not mention Stephon Marbury?
I can tell base on your comments that you feel very confident with Chris Duhon running the point. I enjoyed your joke about Eddy and Zach...good one. I hope Eddy and Zach get one more chance to prove that it can work. I personally prefer to see Zach remain because he is doing what is expected of him and that is 20pts and 10rebs.Eddy needs to rebound and block some shots this season and we will be ok. For you Jamal, I want to see you perform as one of the top5 players in the league because you definitely have the skills. Just drop 30 every night.
Keep the blog coming.
RAH!RAH!RAH.

Thank you jamal for creating this blog you are answering alot of our preseason questions that we are all wondering in our heads. Things have bin kept quiet this offseason so its keeping us very skeptical and makeing us fans anticipate alot. Please give us a straight foward shot on the GALLO man because I am reading one article that says he is ok and another one saying hes not ready and hes recieveing quartozone treatment. I am very concerned Tracy Mcgrday has had a chronic back injury through out his entire career do you think this is could be something similar? Anyways thank you for the insight and keep Bloging it up .

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

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

Yeah, I'd like to give a little insider information on Marbury.

Im a die hard knicks fan and I keep telling everyone the knicks have the talent to make the playoffs, like you said 2 years ago the knicks were playoff bound til injuries, we have the same roster almost and if you guys can get zach and stephs heads on straight with dantonni coaching and everyone fighting night in and night out theres no reason this knicks team shouldnt make at least the 8 seed in the eastern conference.

Also David Lee might be the best rebounder in the nba he deserves starters minutes.

Great post JC. You have a lot of comments back. Now you have to reply!

Nice blog,

Can you give us some details like who's starting 5 or the A team?

I liek how you try to find something positive about everyone but DLee hitting threes I'll believe it when I see it.

JC, Congrats on the covers and thanks for the updates. However, you left the most important things - things that we have been waiting for a long time to confirm. What kind of shape are Curry and Zach in? You probably didn't mention Stephon because he may not be there yet, but you knew from previous conversations that we were waiting to hear about Curry and Zach. Can you please update us on their shapes...

I love the optimism but you aren't being totally real with us. Your description made it sound like we have the Dream Team.

whats up jamal,
your pretty much the man for having this blog, congrats on the mag covers! if you play anything like you did last year and the knicks have a decent year im looking foward to seeing you play in the All Star game this year, you and nate should be a force in the back court as well, cant wait for the season. best of luck and do us knick fans proud this season!

Good to hear about Allan, I hope he can help the Team in some way. I heard he played some summer games and scored well, I just hope he is really ready to come back. He's a great leader, and after all the crap that went on with this team last season, y'all could use one. A Positive leader, Q. Rich may be trying to be a leader but you all need a POSITIVE leader. I've heard he can be kind of negative, trying to thug some of you guys last season.

Nate will be GREAT in this system, I can't wait to see it.

I know you will shine in the system too, big this this year I hope.

Maybe you guys can make the Playoffs like the other NY Basketball team has done for 2 seasons straight, that would be THE NY LIBERTY in the WNBA.. Your sisters, I'm sure you see them practicing when y'all are getting some work in.. SHAMEKA CHRISTON is GREAT, her 3 ball range is RIDICULOUS. The Liberty's first playoff game is TONIGHT at Madison Square Garden, 7pm and I'll be watching it on MSG..

Go Knicks!
Go Liberty!

Yo Jamal good to hear from you again.

Im glad you mentioned spacing, thats one of the best things thats gonna change this year.

Eddy Curry is gonna have so much more room to operate, as long as Mike keeps Q-rich and Jefferies off the floor as much as possible.

You know what im talking about. Nobody was guarding Q last year cause he was throwing up bricks, so Eddy and Zack had no room to operate. Trust me if in practice you assume Jefferies, Lee and Q-rich will keep the floor spaced, its a mistake.

Keep the shooters on the floor, and let Eddy go to work in the low post.

Your gonna have a great year Jamal, keep jackin off the dribble because thats your god given talent.

As Karma pointed out, no mention of Eddy being in shape.. hmmmmm.

As I wrote earlier, we shall see if he came prepared to run. Maybe put a snack machine on each end of the court.

Jamal, you seemed surprised that David Lee could knock down jumpers but I remember a stretch a couple of seasons back when he played SF where he was hitting them from all over the floor. Don't know why he stopped, maybe he couldn't get the ball enough to get into a rhythm, or he was told to go back to doing just the dirty work on offense, or maybe it was just a fluke.

Hope Lee gets the chance to prove that he can do it consistently, not sure if he can. Glad he is trying to improve on his weaknesses, its something that every Knick should commit himself to doing. Its what separates the contenders from the pretenders. (sorry Clyde)

Jamal! I gota tell u i think ure really talented..i was tracking you since trade talk about you coming from Chicago began... You got the best handle in the game to me and i think you can be A TOP 10 scorer and all star any given season if you want. I hope You take over the team this year and bring NY back to where we need to be. Also you should change your number back to #1 if its still available. But anyways your blogs are great and hopefully ull keep them coming.. From a true knicks fan they are really great to read. Im gona try to come to a few games this year on my winter break ( i go to Penn state) and hopefully i can get ya autograph i been really seeking it. I got Q's and D lee. But hey man keep doing your thing!

Marbury is light years better than Crawford. Simple as that. Crawford is a bum. Put Crawford on any other team and he'd be cut. He doesn't jump high, doesnt run fast, doesnt shoot well, nor defend. What part of his game is exceptional? Nothing. You fans keep praising a bum. I can 20 two guards before I name Crawford. And to all of you Forgetting Marbury is the best player on this team, you'll remember when he's the starting point guard for the Knicks this year.

Hey JC you didn`t have have anything to say about
dinglebury or jerome the workaholic james.Do you know
when there going waive to those two losers

Jamal,

Stop Blogging and start playing man. All we need is a guy who can't back up his writing. Big year blah blah. Everyone in shape blah blah. Enough already. All your doing is setting us up for another fall.

Hey Jamal, good to see you blogging here and I hope you keep doing this regularly. I'm the one NYK fan who kept cheering at you and Steph courtside at the Golden State Warriors games. Bigups from California. Anyhow, this is good stuff, the kind of rundown we need.

That said, reading betweeen the lines I smell trouble. Sounds like Curry is having adjustment problems to the Mike D system and Italian Stalian dude is busto right out of the starting blocks. I said weeks befor the draft they should nab Brook Lopez. Steph was disinvited to camp and is probably getting waived. Hope this season's not another train wreck.

PS: Keep Jamal and Lee, trade anyone else!

Great to see u are doing a blog this year Mal. I've enjoyed reading Arenas', but u are my fav player in the L, so this should be super sweet. U said u were going to let us in on music and movies u like. Who are some of your favorite artists? What part of the city do u stay in during the season? I guess I have a ton of questions so I'll just keep it simple. Congrats on the mag covers, u finally made it big time!! (jk) Looking 4ward to the season man, I think this system is taylor made for your style so we should see more efforts like the 52 piecing of the Heat!!! I think Wade is still shook from that night man. Can't wait for more posts...

GO NY GO NY GO

-BQ

JC stay aggressive, use ur crossover more 2 open up more opporunities, also drive the lane and if u have no shot just kick it out 2 Q rich. get eddy in the game take some of the stress off of u, pg, and sf. try getting the hang of dunking i would love 2 see that. dont let the team give up on defense and be domiant on offense. (in the game) if yall r down 10+ keep trying 2 take the lead, try 2 keep it a close game and when 4 qtr hits just explode on the court and give us the win. we are aiming for the playoffs this year and nothing is gonna stop us.

stay motivated..... can't u see urself with dat championship ring??

We need defense Craw. Offense and confidence are lacking too. But, with out a defense first mind set like stopping folks to the hoop we will lose again.again, again. Look at the Pistons. Collectively they all could put the ball in the hole. But, they will work just as hard at limiting the opponents drive to the hoop and rotate properly on defense. Thats why I always think Chauncey Billups has always been under rated. He set the tone. We need defense first mentality. And if someone slacks off that promise someone needs to get in their face and say bring it. If Curry gets a block shot it's as rare as him hitting a three pointer. Not to mention The Zach Hole. Ball Movement. Defense, then score. Ain't no more Mickey Mousing around the team in the East are good and will eat us alive without defense.

jamal,
nice blog... i hear marbury's getting waived, how do you and the rest of the team feel about that?
you guys need to start off strong this season..... take it 1 game at a time.... play every game like its a game 7 playoff game.... jamal you're gifted offensively so take this time that you have with an offensive genius like d'antoni and use it to your advantage.... you should blow up in his system.... don't take it for granted, you won't be playing for him forever
good luck out there..... cant wait for this season man i've been a huge fan thru the good and the bad i'm optimistic about this one!!

jamal ive been a knick fan all my life. and there are only 3 transactions in my knick life that made me so happy. the larry johnson one the marcus camby one and the jamal crawford one. you are gona drop 21 prgm this year . you are also going to the allstar mabey as a reserve because of d wade but no doubt your going. man jc i wathched your game grow since chi town there not a lota ppl that can d you.wether you wana belive it or not you are the straw that stirs the drink now. we go as far as you go. so enjoy because you realy deserve it.you have paid your dues. and even if your not a knick in 09 im still a jc fan. i hope you answer me back. my wife keeps saying im dumb for thinkin you read and responed to you mesages. lol... n e way god bless and see you at the allstar game. hey who knows ?/???.. you know how fragile d wade is you might get to start.......

can we be expecting another 52 point performance to be dropped on dwayne wade and the miami heat opening night at the garden haha jk ill just take the W get people talking about new york basketball again.

Hey Jamal, thanks for taking the time out to write this blog for the fans. You're one of my favorite players, and as a suffering knicks fan I appreciate you staying professional and always giving 100%.

I was just wondering what you think about the balkman trade...I personally think it was a huge mistake. On a team where you can't always count on effort and can never count on defense it makes no sense to give away one of the only defensive minded players (and clearly the best defense on the team) and one of the few players who could be counted on to show up every night. And to give up on him only for the sake of saving some $$$? We all know Cablevision has more than enough money to go around...anyway, I was hoping for your opinion and any insight you could give on that deal!
Thanks again!

I want all of the knicks to be doing A-mazing, but given our record these past seasons, especially last year's disaster, how can all of these guys be going stella? I get it. We love the team. But this is the NBA, playing again All-Stars. Where are we at this season?!?!? I'll believe those jumpers/ plays/ defense..when playing against other teams on court.
Given that, having a veteran player ex-knick Houston as a role model is a really really smart move. Thanks for letting us know that AH still has his skills!

these girly knick fans kissing your butt.I dont get it. we've been a laughing stock of the league, the worst team in NYC for years now, and when Crawfful gets a blog, you all tell him what a great job he's been doing? are you kidding me? this guys is the biggest loser on our team, him and eddy, they've never seen a playoff game. What kind of sissy fans are you. Props to a loser for having a 52 point game. So? Bernard King used to drop that once a week. and Kobe had 81. Crawful just make the playoffs, and knicks fans stop being so nice. Thats not this city's makeup. you softies are the reason why our city is corny now. Go Jets

Hey Jamal,wazzup!! You should pick Allan Houston's brain for every little nugget possible about jumpshooting and how he get's his shots off of catch and shoots(even though you're already good at it)and his ability to shoot off the dribble.Every little nugget you can get out of him will make you a more efficient and deadly SG.The more efficient and deadly you become for this Knick team the quicker the team becomes playoff bound.Hey,even Nate should do the same.As far as going to the hoop,you already know you have to improve that so don't give up on it. From what you're saying about your teammates I'm quite optimistic about the upcoming season.I am also hoping you guys can defend better than you did last season.If so,it would go a long way to making you guys playoff bound.And lastly,pay ZERO attention to the haters on this blog.If those guys were the GM of this Knick team you'd go 0-82.Good luck to you and the rest of my favorite Knicks and stay healthy and injury free.

jamal,

great to see you so enthusiastic about the team coming together before training camp.

sounds like the players have been focusing on shooting. we need that.

we need defense too if we are going to compete.

good luck and best wishes on a great season to you and all our knicks.

JC you are one of the best things to happen to the Knicks as an organization in a long long time. Well, maybe not that long but it seems much longer when a fans unyielding devotion to his team bears no fruit each year.

But still, look at the Celtics. The year before they won it all they sucked big time...but they as well as you guys are gladiators. Let's face it, If everyone could ball there'd be no accountants. The job is one anybody wishes to have. To get paid to play a game. In that you all are truly blessed. But it is no cake walk, your bodies, minds, and families are sacrificed to play at high a level as you play. So with hard work any team can turn a bad situation around.

But C'mon JC? As a fan, I beg of you PLLEEEEEAASE don't sell us any dreams. We see the sweat you guys leave out on the floor when you and your teammates play. Sure bad decisions are sometimes made. But at least we know or I hope fans know that no one likes losing. So there are players on this team that care and do try.

But honestly JC I'm about to catch a cavity from all this sugar coating your doing on your blog.

You don't have to be harsh...if Grunfeld needs to work on his handle, I'm sure he knows...why not say so.

We all know Nate's athletic...how has he grown though? Does he still need to make more sound decisions?

If I'm a player for the Knicks are you telling me anything where I can say "damn Jamal's got me right there, he's got me down cold. I really do need to work harder on my handle but I'm glad he noticed my jumper." You are indeed well spoken and diplomatic enough to be objective or should I rather say honest, without insult.

So lets hear it! Watching your post game interviews and reading this blog show me you have some journalism and broadcast skill that I am truly impressed with. I think you might have another career on your hands after the league (no time soon I hope.) I would say your narratives are almost exemplary if it was not for it's passive aggressiveness. A passive aggressiveness which always boggles my mind, because on court that is so NOT your game.

It's nice to know Alan is healthy. I LOVE his allegiance and dedication to the game and team...but in you know we know he has one of the all time best shots in the game. We want to know where does he fit in on this years team. you guys do have a few at the position. What are his chances? You make it sound as if he's healthy enough to beat YOU down the floor!

I know you don't want to be a distraction...Lord knows you guys don't need anymore of those. There is a big difference between an individual speaking out from anger, selfishness and frustration and a man speaking out in order to help and motivate his team.

Some things are said in spite and some are said because they need to be said. I'm not implying you should take that upon your shoulders...really, I'm not. The media is vicious and as soon as someone is willing to tell it like it is they become a scapegoat or target. I really don't wanna see that happen to you. But as a reader and fan I think more would appreciate you for it. But that's for you to ponder....I've always been a Knick fan and have admired your game since Chicago but I realize too many fans are fickle so damned if you do, damned if you don't. I just feel sometimes as if I'm reading a heavily edited corporate friendly version of camp written by a PR guy. It sometimes has the feel of an R-rated movie being watched on TBS or TNT where if you are human and cut you still do not bleed and swear words magically disappear and are replaced with imaginative and playful offerings that reek of cheesiness.

The great thing is that your charisma, good nature, and infectious personality is sprinkled throughout which makes quite a difference. It makes us WANT TO BELIEVE that things are all better even if that is not your intention. I really do want my team...your team to win this year and hope you guys find your swing. Good Luck JC....here's to a more promising season, may this year be better than last and all your efforts be rewarded.

Sorry, with allthe stuff swimming in my head forgot to mention congrats on the Covers!!! I'll put money there will be more of that to come!!!

Hey JC it looks like the knicks are looking to trade the wrong
guy.Curry got to go not randolph.Curry doesn`t play any defense,
he just stands there.The knicks need a defensive center,someone to blk shots and rebound and control the paint.I think I notice jerome james moving his feet faster sitting on the bench.

Yea Nice blog JC. You have been my favorite player on the Knicks since Allan Houston. I know you and the team as a whole will thrive in this system. God Speed to the playoff and possibly beyond.

Hey Jamal nice blog.. im lookin forward to the season and i gotta question... are you still going to be playing with that that pad on your shoulder?
GO KNICKS

Hey Jamal nice blog.. im lookin forward to the season and i gotta question... are you still going to be playing with that that pad on your shoulder?
GO KNICKS

JC..thanks for the update. I"m the only New York Knicks Fan in South Carolina! Keep up the hard work. You're a very underrated player with a lot of upside. Who cares what they say about your shot selection. Give em the business and keep doing your thing. Looking forward to seeing Coach D, you, and the boys this year!

JC..thanks for the update. I"m the only New York Knicks Fan in South Carolina! Keep up the hard work. You're a very underrated player with a lot of upside. Who cares what they say about your shot selection. Give em the business and keep doing your thing. Looking forward to seeing Coach D, you, and the boys this year!

JC i must i have no worries that induvidually the team is greta but will all of u be able to come together under the new coach and play with the spirit u have and new york has in you and i still think u should keep marbury for the fact that he has wat it takes he got distracted but i believe he's ready to comeback and help get it done u are the best olayer ever the most humble i feel if u do wat u have to do the team will cathch up wit u good luck RVC

JC i must i have no worries that induvidually the team is greta but will all of u be able to come together under the new coach and play with the spirit u have and new york has in you and i still think u should keep marbury for the fact that he has wat it takes he got distracted but i believe he's ready to comeback and help get it done u are the best olayer ever the most humble i feel if u do wat u have to do the team will cathch up wit u good luck RVC

JC i must i have no worries that induvidually the team is greta but will all of u be able to come together under the new coach and play with the spirit u have and new york has in you and i still think u should keep marbury for the fact that he has wat it takes he got distracted but i believe he's ready to comeback and help get it done u are the best olayer ever the most humble i feel if u do wat u have to do the team will cathch up wit u good luck RVC

JC-

Thanks for being one guy on the NYK that plays his butt off, doesn't hang his head and beg for a trade, or otherwise act like a pain in the butt. As a longtime fan of the team, I really appreciate your professionalism, positivity and work ethic. Things have been tough in NY for a long time, but it has nothing to do with you or your abilities. I'm proud to have you on the squad, and in my humble opinion, you are one of the few players the Knicks currently have that should in no way be traded away or blamed for the team's current troubles. Good luck and have a great season!

Webb (from PDX)

waddup jc- thanx for taking the time for us fans to do this blog.

This is by far the darkest era of the NYK's that most of us fans have ever known. Like MAK718 said, I WANNA BELIEVE, that finally this franchise is headed back to a place that we all can be proud of. If nothing else it seems that we at least hav a plan. I'll take that much for now.

I'm 35 and grew up loving the knicks, hoyas, giants n yankees. My favorite era of any of those teams was those 90's NYK! The only one of those teams that never actually won a title. They just brought it every night. E-V-E-R-Y night!!! They went up against the greatest ever in jordan. probably the greatest clutch shooter ever in reggie miller, and yet no matter what, every single year, i always felt "this" would be the year. I lived n died with all the crushing losses. the countless displays of greatness by jordan, the reggie miller 25pt 4th quarter while going at it with spike- and the 8 points in the blink of an eye with about 10 seconds to go (are you kidding me?), the starks 2-17(and he's still 1 of my favorite knicks), the BIG FELLA(he's the other) and that finger roll, and of course who can forget CHARLES SMITH's 3 - thats right....3 layup attempts from under the basket (memo to charles: YOU ARE 6'11" JUST THROW IT THE F@#%DOWN!!!! YOU BIG FAIRY!!!!!!!) sorry for that outburst but that one still stings a little. alright- A LOT!!!

The last 5 years have been almost a total waste. I remain both skeptical and excited for what lies ahead. I think of donnie walsh and i can't help but recognize his track record. I think of Coach D'antoni and all i hear about him is how much every player would love to play for him. I think of some of the players; you, chandler, lee, gallinari, the little fella(i dont care if he never hits a jump shot) and i believe i see hope for the years ahead. I remain skeptical in regards to the cap and the future of certain players. Whatever happens, I WANNA BELIEVE that you will help lead this team and make us proud again!!!!

thanx again, and good luck this year- we're with you

this blog is the shizznitz! and by the way i drafted you in the 2nd round of my fantasy draft- no pressure or anything........ i'm just sayin.............

good luck to you guys!!! I didn't hear you say anything about defense!! lol

Jamal,

Is it true that the players on the Knicks hate Stephon Marbury? Alan Hahn says so.

206! Jamal Crawford And Nate Robinson ARE The New York Knicks... might as well call you guys the SEATTLE KNICKS since we lost the sonics.... now we gotta go all the way to portland just to see yall play in person! portland vs new york will be like a seattle game anyway with b roy and martell playin against yall...

Hey JC. Man, I'm super excited for this year. I've been a fan for a LOOONNNNG time. And not one of those "when we have a winning season" fans. Although last season had some ups and many downs, I thought you REALLY stepped up in major ways and became even MORE of the good foundation that the Knicks will need this year, along with other players like David Lee and others.

Anyway, I can't WAIT until this season starts. I'm a believer of the NY Knicks and I think that we are going to start seeing a team that resembled the team of "Ewing, Starks, Houston, Oakley, Mason and even Ward."

I'll be rooting for you and the team. NY KNICKS all the way!!! Thanks for your blogs. It's cool to be able to hear directly from great players who are great people too!

JC is a wack nickname.

A player with a game like yours needs a nickname. Maybe your boys already have one for you but you should have a contest to come up with one.

The only one I can think of right now is:

Seattle Smoove

Or

Seattle Slim

Or

Slim Smoothy

the last one sounds like a diet drink..chicks dig diet drinks.

Think about it. Seriously.

P.S. D- Fence !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wassup,I am a big knicks fan.I also have some b-ball knowledge,n i will be blogging as the season starts,so stay tuned.You are the best n my fav player on the team n i am going to give it to you straight,later.