Orlando, Fla. – And the lineup changes are … oh, never mind.
The Knicks walked into Amway Arena this morning apparently unaware of Isiah Thomas’ plans for the starting lineup tonight against the Magic. Thomas said there will be changes, but wouldn’t say what they’ll be.
“We’ll make a change,” Thomas said. “You’ll see at game time.”
After an uncomfortable give-and-take with reporters about what those changes might entail, Thomas allowed some news to slip out. Not only did he acknowledge for the first time that Stephon Marbury has filed a grievance over being docked one game’s pay for leaving the team in Phoenix on Nov. 13, but he stated that the organization is fighting the former starting point guard on that grievance.
“Our position is as it is,” Thomas said.
“As what?” I asked.
“It’s a fine,” he said.
Asked if there has been any reconsideration on the Knicks’ part with respect to the docked pay, Thomas said, “No.”
The Knicks docked Marbury one game check, which would be 1/110th of his $20-million-plus salary, or $182,812.50. Though Thomas said Marbury is “nowhere near” an unexcused absence during his current leave related to his father’s death on Dec. 2, the grievance and Marbury’s fragile relationship with Thomas points to there being much more than bereavement going on here. Marbury didn’t travel with the team to Orlando and his status remains a mystery.
Thomas said he spoke with Marbury “two or three days ago” and added, “We are expecting him back at some point in time.”
As for the lineup changes, Thomas said his decision wouldn’t be altered by the fact that the Knicks haven’t had a full practice with the new lineup.
“All these guys have played together before and they’re familiar with each other,” Thomas said.
At the center of the change is expected to be struggling center Eddy Curry, who sat slumped over at his locker this morning with a sweatshirt hood pulled over his head. Curry said he wasn’t sick or down, but he looked like he would rather be anywhere in the world other than the visiting locker room at Amway Arena.
“I ain’t heard nothing,” Curry said. “What’d he tell y’all?”
Informed that Thomas said there would be changes but wouldn’t specify, Curry said, “I’m not even thinking about it. If it happens, then I’ll take it from there. But right now I’m not even thinking about it.”
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, who also has contemplated lineup changes with his team having lost seven of nine, scoffed at Thomas’ attempt at secrecy.
“I don’t think them catching us by surprise on a roster move will have much to do with anything,” Van Gundy said.
Some news from the Magic: forward Hedo Turkoglu, who hurt his left ankle Sunday against Boston, participated fully in the shootaround and is expected to start tonight.
Comments (1)
Isiah is keeping his changes a secret??? Why did he bother even mentioning anything about changes, then?
The players don't know who is going to start and Isiah said you'll find out at game time. What a crock!
He is SO pathetic. Didn't even have a practice the last 2 days. Granted; it's Christmas, but if you want to make changes and try to win; don't you have some points of emphasis to go through on the court?
I can't wait for his post game interview tonight. That's normally when I make sure that I tune in. I'll catch some glimpses and check the score. I'll watch Isiah standing there in his perfect suit, tie, and hanky; and watch him look more beffudled than Mister Magoo as his team is losing by more than 20 pts. as usual; and he doesn't know what to do on any fronts.
But if by some very small chance the Knicks are winning by 10 pts. or so; with less than a minute to go; then I know I'm in for a great belly laugh!!! I get to watch him coach! That is when he is at his best! He'll pull Nate over to the sideline near half court and instruct him with head shaking, arms waving, and fingers pointing.
Then Nate will turn to Isiah and ask "are we on candid camera, again?"