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On Tuesday I watched an ESPN interview with Mike D'Antoni. When it was over, I was as sure as I've ever been about anything that this guy was the last thing that Team Titanic needed. The more he spoke, the deeper he buried himself.

With D'Antoni's fan friendly "7 seconds or less ofense," the Phoenix Suns have averaged 58 regular season wins over the last 4 years, only to be summarily dispatched from the playoffs. When it was suggested that he implement a defensive scheme, and/or hire a defensive assistant, he bolted--sighting philosophical differences. When asked why he chose New York, he said that after hearing the talking heads say he was a perfect fit in Chicago, "I knew New York was the place for me."  He says he was also impressed that the Knicks were a 1st class organization.  He will bring with him, his run and gun style, and will be very disappointed if the Knicks don't make the playoffs in his 1st season. In the East, he feels that 39 wins should get it done. Are you going to tell him, or should I?

Less than 2 weeks after D'Antoni assumed the reigns in Phoenix, Stephon Marbury was dealt to the Knicks. D'Antoni is now looking forward to working with him again, and believes Eddy Curry to be one of the leagues most talented big men. I happened to see a young man today wearing a Starbury jacket. As he passed, I read the wording on the back--"My House My Rules," and I thought, this perfectly describes this guys attitude and his game. Marbury plays what one of my old coaches called "give and go" basketball--give me the ball and go to Hell. D'Antoni calls Memphis' Derrick Rose, Jason kidd with a jumpshot. Should the Knicks be fortunate enough with their 18% chance, to land one of the top 2 picks in Tuesday's draft, Rose would be the choice. Can you imagine Marbury sitting the bench, and helping out the young rookie?

Eddy Curry is listed as 6'11 and 285lbs. He's much closer to 300, which means he's carrying at least 35 extra pounds. Curry has averaged 5 rebounds a game over a 7 year career. Less than half of what someone of his size and girth should be puting up. By comparison, Jason Kidd, a 35 year old point guard averages 7. Now you're going to make Curry a rebounder? He doesn't play defense, and has a bad heart--literally and figuratively. I personally don't think he's useless. You can't teach 7 feet, but someone is going to have to put him on a diet, and some type of workout regimen. Potential without drive is worthless. A "talking to" may speak volumes about where his head is. Attitude will often determine altitude.

D'Antoni has played in the NBA, ABA, and played and coached overseas. Now he wants input from Isiah of all people. Why? While it's true, this is Isiah's mess he's been hired to clean up, if Zeke had any answers, he wouldn't be persona non grata now. Would he? Overhauling this roster will take all of 2 years. Until that time, Donnie Walsh seems to have adopted a fly by the seat of your pants approach. That has about as much chance of success as anything else. At that rate the only person to be disappointed will be D'Antoni. His 39 wins will be awhile coming.

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