Three months after the long anticipated changing of the guard at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks appear to be as much of a mess as when we last visited them. I was not the least bit excited about the appointment of Donnie Walsh as President, and my reservations have proven valid. Walsh has failed to make any significant personnel changes, the choices he has made have been questionable, and the team continues in free fall while we're being given lip service.
Walsh said at his introduction that he wasn't interested in any 3 year plans. Apparently things have changed. Until last week he appeared to be implementing a plan to gain salary cap space in an effort to pursue LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and other free agents in 2010. Until that time it appears the fans will continue to be treated to the same ol' same ol'. Last week the Los Angeles Clippers offered some help in the form of $48 million in cap relief, in exchange for Zach Randolph. The Clippers at the time had enough cap space to accept Randolph's contract without giving the Knicks equal salaries in return. Now the Knicks have been trying to unload Randolph all year, but suddenly Walsh seems to think that Zach will be a lot more productive in Mike D'Antoni's system--which is indeed a possibility. Since D'Antoni's system doesn't require defense, Randolph will only have to play on one end of the floor, much like he does now. I fail to see any logic at all in rejecting this trade. Maybe he's somewhat apprehensive about making Eddy Curry the "go to" guy. Much of a basketball team's success revolves around chemistry. These 2 guys are like water and soil. Together they make mud.
Speaking of chemistry, there is still the issue of Stephon Marbury. Walsh has remained noncommittal. This means "I don't know." It would seem to me this would have been a priority when he accepted the job. He signed Chris Duhon, a career backup that should fit right in with the other 5 guards on the roster that can't shoot, can't pass, and won't play defense--but no word on Marbury. Ironically the player mentioned most often in trade rumors is David Lee--the only guy that can be counted on every night.
I bet you thought that when Isiah Thomas was sent to basketball Siberia, that things were going to be different. Surprise!!
Faces at the U.S. Open
Comments (13)
Good blog Hllywd. I agree with you about the Knicks.
ahung | 07/20/08, 02:53 PM
Report Offensive CommentNice blog hllywd,any way you turn there's a mess.
(Cincy) Eddie Vedder | 07/20/08, 03:27 PM
Report Offensive CommentI've been a Knicks fan my entire life. I'm genuinely concerned.
Danbash | 07/20/08, 05:22 PM
Report Offensive CommentNY is no doubt still haunted by the ghost of Isiah past. I too want to know why the team has done nothing, and turning down a chance to trade Zach is a head scratcher to say the least.
Odenator...I'll be baack! | 07/20/08, 11:29 PM
Report Offensive Commentthey probably wanted more for him, cause he still is a 20 and 10 player...
ahung | 07/21/08, 12:38 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe ONLY way to clean up a mess is to sweep it all to the middle of the floor, scoop it up and toss it out.
This is what Walsh SHOULD be doing, but he is not.
Good blog Hllywd!!!!
JFKJR | 07/21/08, 05:53 AM
Report Offensive CommentPlayers that can't shoot, can't pass, and can't play defense?
This is not a good sign.
Thugmeister | 07/21/08, 11:37 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe Knicks WILL be better with D'Antoni at the helm. However, one has to wonder just how effective he will be considering the laziness and complacency of some of the players on the team. At least Marbury is out of the picture, right?
SkyBill40 | 07/21/08, 02:35 PM
Report Offensive CommentHowever, one has to wonder just how effective he will be considering the laziness and complacency of some of the players on the team.
That about sums it up. These guys aren't used to working hard.
Hllywd: Old Schoolin' | 07/21/08, 03:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment"These 2 guys are like water and soil. Together they make mud."
excellent observation
jgb | 07/22/08, 08:58 AM
Report Offensive CommentThat trade should have gone down. Losing the draft pick might hurt (then again knowing Knick history...it probably wouldn't have mattered) but the chance to unload Zach's deal and clear cap room is the objective that Walsh should have followed.
Bad move on his part.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN'S OWN | 07/22/08, 12:52 PM
Report Offensive Comment...dolan still has the final say. nothing much has changed. for walsh to even get the job he had to promise to not fire isiah right away. and now they are being presented with opportunities to make incremental improvements and i dont see much happening.....nothings gonna change till 2010, and knick fans will just have to wait it out...skybill hit it on the head - complacency is a killer.....
privateer | 07/26/08, 09:00 AM
Report Offensive CommentOne more time, great blog Hllywd...
ahung | 07/26/08, 04:42 PM
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