Stop being emotional. Objectivity is key in building a winning franchise!

So, without further ado: TRADE DAVID LEE

Send Lee to the Blazers for Joel Przybilla, and try and grab Travis Outlaw while your at it.

The Blazers have always been keen on Lee. This trade needs to happen. Yes, the guy hustles his ass off and is the current double-double king of the NBA but Joel Przybilla, arguably the most underrated center in the NBA would be a great addition to the Knicks back-court.

Fact is, the guy can flat out hold his own on the basketball court. He’s exactly what the Knicks need with Hill; both are big, can run the floor and know how to defend. In D’Antoni’s offensive game we need players that naturally play defense.

Just in case, we should look out for Rubio despite what the general manager had to say. Fact is, Flynn and Rubio can’t play together. In my opinion, it’s Rubio getting the boot. Donnie and Mike obviously adore the You Tube phenom, watch out for something there.

Okay, the Darko trade. Well, it was a good pickup for the Knicks, getting rid of Richardson was better. Mike believes he can get something out of the bust in his high pace system. He’ll bring size and length in a team lacking just that.

Now, with the No. 8 pick of the 2009 NBA draft… the New York Knicks select:

Jordan Hill

Even though we lack a player at the point position, I like this pick. He brings size, presence and can shoot the rock. Yes, Duhon broke down, so, why didn’t Donnie go for a point in the draft. Well, fact is, Duhon isn’t a bad option at starting point. He broke down cause he wasn’t ready for the demolishing minutes he’d receive in Mike’s game.

Now, with a whole summer ahead of him he knows what needs to be done to withstand such a demanding system. Expect big things from Duhon and Hill—if not, at least we can say a Jordan played for the Knicks.

With the 29th pick the Lakers selected Toney Douglas, trade then sent to the Knicks for three million and a future second round draft pick.

So late in the draft the Knicks picked up a defensive, consistent scoring point to back up Duhon or quite possibly replace him—I happen to like the pick-up. However, I wouldn’t get too comfortable with the point; he could get packaged in a deal.

With all that said I would like to show you, Knickerbockers, what I want the Knicks to look like in the 2009/2010 season:

Joel Przybilla

Backup: Darko Milicic—Eddy Curry, needs to make appearances to get his trade level up.

Jordan Hill

Backup: Chris Wilcox, could very well play the forward position

Wilson Chandler

Backup: Danilo Gallinari

Travis Outlaw (would like to try him out in this position)

Backup:  Al Harrington—Nate Robinson—Larry Hughes, to hopefully be traded very soon

Chris Duhon

Backup: Toney Douglas

I know this starting lineup may not be to your liken but remember, the Knicks were just a few defensive stops and hangs from-the-rim at making it to the playoffs.  With this strong defensive back-court and the trigger-happy shooting front-court, the Knicks will sure improve.

Also, please remember, last year and the upcoming year were/are experiments. Who fits and who needs to get the boot.

So, let’s not get mad when the Knicks don’t make it to the playoffs this year.

The draftees hoping to play for the Knicks and, coincidentally, hold the cornerstone franchise as one of their top teams are Rubio, Curry, and Evans— the Knicks are probably looking to draft in this order.

However, just like every player in this draft besides Blake Griffin (predicted to be a more athletic Tim Duncan), you don’t know what your getting ; it’s considered to be one of the weakest drafts ever.

So, why not give up your slot and go after a proven, seasoned NBA point guard. I mean, wouldn’t that be the smart move? Why waste brain cells on players considered “average” and rookies, at that.

Read this, take your time, and imagine for a second.

Rajon Rondo: A Knick

A triple-threat in the playoffs and almost more spunk the Oakley himself in one of the biggest basketball scenes—I smell success!

However, the other question we should ask ourselves is: Why are the Celtics shopping Rondo? A star in the regular season and a superstar in the playoffs, Rondo almost single-handily carried the Celtics to a championship run.

So, why trade an integral part of your team?

Well, it’s reported his ego is bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo’s. His swagger and “I’m better than you” scorn doesn’t only appear on the basketball court, but the locker room and directly in Doc Rivers face.

Solutions? Maybe he needs a down-to-earth coach like Mike D’Antoni.

Oh, on that note, Doc Rivers isn’t the most accessible coach in the NBA.

On the upside, he’s still young and needs direction.

So, Knick community, what ya think?

With ever petite or major trade the Knicks have made during the past 10 years of an historic downfall, very few, or better yet, none have actually stuck and made an impact on the cornerstone franchise. Fans begged for results, pleaded for trades that would suit effective and demanded a top-of-line coaching staff to piece all-of-this together.

Well, some years had to pass for only a certain amount of that to happen.

The Knicks landed D’Antoni. Rookie and sophomore players have stepped-up and a 2009 draft pick in Curry or even Evans is certain to fix their back-court troubles—making the upcoming season one to look forward too.

Now, starving-for-some-excitement Knick fans, the focus should immediately fall on their problems in the paint. The issue stands in that they have no center that can shot block, run-the-court, defend and even score.

Sene? Sims? Wilcox? No!

What players could the Knicks acquire? My first option would be Tyson Chandler or someone like Joel Przybilla.

That is very improbable, at least for the upcoming season.

Ladies and Gents, the only Knick front-court fix is, yes, Eddie Curry.

He’s a 300 plus pounds, 6-foot-11, monster-of-a center that could of pissed the devil off himself for I have never seen or heard bad luck like Eddie Curry has gone through.

He’s had injuries, lawsuits, weight issues, murder cases and burglary issues, among other things.

What does this all add up to? It adds up to depleted confidence and a down-right horrendous basketball player. Not to mention the pairing with Randolph. Nothing went right for Curry these past two seasons.

Past is past however, and Curry finds himself training rigorously. Priority No. 1 is to reinforce the knee and drop 30 pounds. And according to sources, Walsh walked away impressed after witnessing the center’s recent workouts. Maybe it’s just Walsh’s way of campaigning Curry or maybe he’s actually looking that good.

Is a Curry comeback out of this world?

He might just surprise the basketball world, including Knick’s fans.

http://bleacherreport.com/new-york-knicks

For any basketball fan, it’s a dream to watch seven games (what it will come down to) of LeBron and Kobe, best basketball players on the planet, edging it out for the coveted ring. One player has to prove he can win a championship by himself (No Shaq), and the other needs one to start his process in becoming the greatest basketball player that ever lived.

However, what doesn’t seem crazy is the Lakers continuing to struggle all the way into their matchup with the emerging, dangerous, chemistry-driven Nuggets.

Let’s think about it for a sec.

Yes, the Lakers despite being in this slump are the most talented team in the NBA with, arguably, the best player in Kobe. But, Denver falls awfully close, if not slightly above in some positions.

Not to mention, the Melo factor. His sudden resurgence since vowing he would change his mindset from the Olympics and start to focus more on helping his team on both sides of the court while being a leader in the locker room is showing, and big time.

Which is why it’s not crazy in seeing the Denver Nuggets actually beating the Lakers and meeting LeBron and the Cavaliers in the finals.

So, my question is, which would you rather see: A LeBron-Kobe final or Melo-LeBron final?

Both sound intriguing, both would most definitely excite, but what’s your opinion?

If the Knicks offered Sam Cassell the league minimum, would he consider playing under the bright lights of MSG?

Have the Knicks even thought of the possibility?

Well, after publicly looking to sign a backup point to help Chris Duhon without hurting their possibilities of acquiring LBJ or Wade in 2010, Sam Cassell could be that guy that finally makes the Knicks a play-off team.

The Celtics looking to  add either Stephon Marbury or, quite possibly Joe Smith sent the NBA veteran to the Sacramento Kings—he was released later that day and can now sign with the highest or most attractive bidder.

Possible teams said to be interested in signing Sam-I-Am are the the New Orleans Hornets. They’ve expressed their need for a veteran point guard to help CP3.

However, the Knicks could have some extra cash to throw at the NBA vet after cutting back with the trades effectuated yesterday.

Chris Duhon is finally starting to feel the wear-and-tear of playing major minutes and Sam Cassell could undoubtedly come in and play a huge role in getting the Knicks to the playoffs while being a mentor and role model for the young players on the Knicks roster.

The three time NBA champs basketball IQ, personality and pairing  with Spike Lee is a perfect fit for a Garden  finally starting to come alive and, more importantly, could win some ball games in the process.

Let me know what ya think…

In a sudden twist, the New York Knick season is quickly resembling the harsh, downpour of snow that unexpectedly hit the streets of New York with a loss to the history chasing Boston Celtics (26-2). The Knicks fell to 11-16 and have lost four straight.

Just some weeks ago, objective, future planning Knickerbocker fans were giddy with the trades of Zach Randolph and Jamaal Crawford. Some even considered it to be the biggest day since they drafted Patrick Ewing in the 1985 NBA draft because of the chances it could bring in the 2010 off season. Others refer to it as just a busy-day-in-the-office.

The trade, as you all know, cleared up a great amount of cap space to potentially sign two superstar players.

Possible free agents in 2010:

* Lebron James

* Amare Stoudemire

* Chris Bosh

* Dwayne Wade

* Joe Johnson

* Dirk Nowitzki

* Carlos Boozer

* Emmanuel Ginobili

* Steve Nash

Bringing one of these players (Lebron James) in can instantly turn a mediocre team into a fairly decent one. Acquiring two (Amare and Johnson) could make you a playoff team. And snatching two with just the right (Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh) chemistry could quite possibly bring you an NBA title.

The Knick organization, just like all their fans, know these players can sign contract extensions before 2010 and stop the giddiness awaiting that offseason.

However, my question is, what will the New York Knicks 2010 starting lineup look like in a trading class of this nature?

I’m thinking this:

Chris Duhon: Exceeding every single expectation when picked up during the summer, the now indisputable Knick point blows out of the water every potential signing guard in the 2010 off season—yes, including Steve Nash! Defense, pass first guard, and quietly becoming a scorer, Duhon is my top candidate to start for the Knicks.

Wilson Chandler: Even though Wilson is slowly proving he can become an all star caliber player, I still have my doubts with him. Regardless, I believe he’ll be with the Knicks and starting.

Al Harrington: His dream as a kid was to play for the Knicks. Now that he has the chance, he’s taking full advantage. The New Jersey native is averaging great numbers in the orange, white, and blue. Trading Al by then is a huge possibility, but in the end, I believe Walsh’s boy is a proper fit for the Knicks and will start opening night, 2010.

Amare Stoudemire: Unhappy with his role in Phoenix, Amare will be the first pick up the Knicks make. In my opinion, when enthused, Stoudemire is the best forward in the league and in the top five (overall). Don’t be surprised to see Amare on a daily basis display one of his thunderous dunks in MSG.

Chris Bosh: Since Patrick Ewing, the Knicks have been desperately looking for a center. Curry one time gave off that impression, however, failed tremendously last and this year. On the other hand, Chris Bosh may be that person.

With all the names in the 2010 trading class, Bosh is the most likely person to leave his team for a more competitive club. Toronto is arguably the worst team in the league for a superstar to play in, and with its current situation (10-17), look to see Bosh as a Knick.

Bench: If the Knicks are smart, Lee and Robinson are the only players that should stick around. It’ll be hard! Both players could be packaged in a deal before 2010.

While doing all of this I couldn’t help but stop, open, and read the 2nd sports book I ever purchased:

The Chaotic Rise of the New York Knicks

A Mike Wise and Frank Isola piece on the up’s-and-downs of the historic Knick run to the NBA finals, where they would eventually lose to Robinson’s San Antonio Spurs. The front cover showed Sprewell (the quintessential acquisition of the 1998-98 season) about to violently slam it home.

Stories of Jeff Van Gundy, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell and the injuries that would prevent Knicks legend Patrick Ewing from contributing in the playoffs is the book substance. A piece, which I thought at the time, was the greatest thing ever (was 13 years old) described the last exciting season in the Garden. The concluding season when Knick fans tippy-toed from excitement, celebrities filled the front rows and Spike Lee harassed Knick-killer, Reggie Miller.

A time when the Knicks were feared and Madison Square Garden was seen in another light.

We all know what happened next.

Y2K came pouring in, Isaiah showed up, all Dolan did was play his guitar and Stephon became Starbury.

That pretty much sums up where the New York Knicks went wrong. Not going to get deeper than that. The Knicks are entering a new chapter and are headed down the right path.

I digress, back to the book. I started to browse and look at some pictures when I came upon a great quote I stupidly forgot over the years. Written by former post columnist, Larry Merchant:

“Some people say that basketball has been described as a game of five egos and one ball. However, the Knicks play as though they have one ego and five balls”

Surprisingly this quote had nothing to do with the 1998/99 Knickerbockers, the Ewing era and of course nothing remotely close to the 2000 Knicks. Merchant was referring to the Willis Reed Knicks, Walt Frazier Knicks and more importantly, the William “Red” Holzman Knicks.

A team that filled the eyes with tears and the heart with passion on their way to a championship.

Ladies and gents, I might be getting ahead of myself here, but after watching the Knicks in the first four preseason games and witnessing the attitude change D’Antoni is instilling in all his players.

The New York Knicks can become strong playoff contenders—they must sign Lee, trade Curry and Stephon.

Alone in this I may be. However, I cannot help but get excited on the path the Knicks are taking.

They look like a unit of selfless players aiming for something real, a winning season.

In the 59 years the New York Knicks have been a part of the NBA they’ve only held up the championship trophy twice. Well, to all you Knickerbockers. That’s all about to change. And, just so you know this is me being objective not a fan.

The Knicks under D’Antoni are starting to play with five balls and one ego. There smilin’, runnin’, carin’, there just ballin’.

These occurrences have produced the inevitable question:

What can the Knicks do to get out of this dry spell?

Well, they can forge a plan—and the Knicks have finally begun to construe one.

They started by firing Isiah Thomas from both the coach and GM positions. They acquired Donnie Walsh to fill the latter, who snatched the Knicks’ best pickup all summer, Mike D’Antoni, to assume the former.

All seemed well. The Knicks looked like they actually cared again when they hit draft night and acquired Danilo Gallinari at the number-six spot, Chris Duhon from the Chicago Bulls, Detroit native Anthony Roberson (who was playing in Turkey), and Patrick Ewing Jr. from the Houston Rockets. All players with enough athletic ability to play under D’Antoni’s basketball scheme.

Now, the next step was to start to free up cap space by cutting either Curry, Stephon, Randolph, Rose, or James. Months of trade speculations surrounded the club, but nothing was executed—leaving the roster relatively the same.

Not the best move, but their was nothing the Knicks could do. The other teams wanted way too much from an organization at the beginning of their rebuilding process.
Fans fell to their knees, covered their face, shrugged their shoulders, and chanted out slurs.

Turmoil stopped for a while. Knick fans asked and begged for some current news on the Knicks as they entered training camp in Saratoga Springs—the occasional Marbury bomb here and there, but mostly quiet! At least for the Knicks.

Until the expected occurred. Disaster lurking in the shadowy corner showed its face when it was reported that Danilo Galinari’s back problem was more serious than thought, and he would be out for the rest of the preseason. Eddy Curry arrived overweight, then missed the first week of training camp with a bacterial stomach virus and Jared Jefferies broke his leg during morning practice.

Jefferies is expected to enter a hyperbaric chamber to accelerate the healing process – same medical procedure T.O did in Philadelphia. Jefferies was expected to play major minutes this season.

Yet again, the Knicks looked disastrous and seem destined to go through another losing season. Their schedule doesn’t favor them, and their Eastern Conference rivals are reinforced and ready to go.

However, just when you thought the season was over yet again—a glimmer of light shone on the New York Knicks training facility.

Stephon Marbury showed his human, mature facet.

“I don’t want to go through any more distractions. I want all of us to concentrate on winning and not if I’m going to start or not. I want us to be able to go forward. If the Knicks want me to come off the bench, that’s what I’m going to do. I just want to win a championship in New York because we as New Yorkers deserve a ‘chip.”

Is this the key to success for the Knicks this season—Marbury coming off the bench and showing maturity and leadership for a team that desperately needs it?

Relieving Marbury of the starting position could be beneficial. Duhon, a pass-first point guard, has been said to run D’Antoni’s run-and-gun offense like a glove. With Marbury coming of the bench as scoring threat, the Knicks can most definitely expect major improvements this season.

I see no complication in Lee playing center and Randolph playing the power position. This year our center (Lee) will concern himself more with rebounds and defense while Randolph can do what he does best—score. The only complication is I see no major minutes for Chandler, who looks to be the future star of this team.

The Knicks open their preseason play against the new-look Toronto Raptors. It will be interesting to see who D’Antoni starts. More importantly, it will be interesting to see how Marbury reacts when he comes off the bench.

A close source to the Knicks organization confirmed that Starbury would be waived and, most likely, picked up the Miami Heat. However, in a brief telephone interview with ESPN.com Tuesday evening, Donnie Walsh had this to say:

“He’s coming to training camp.”

The Coney Island native is said to be in the best shape of his life after running up mountains and through woods during the summer.

The controversial Knick is coming off a terrible season, averaging career lows in points (13.9), assists (4.7), rebounds (2.5) and minutes (33.6).
Allan Houston is also expected to show up at training camp. They say the sharp shooter still has it but is not assured a spot on the roster.

Houston made a comeback last year but was not in proper basketball shape. The shooting guard averaged 17.3 points over his 12-year career.

Should the Knicks have denied the opportunity of both Marbury and Houston?

Marbury is considered to be a backpacking basketball player for being with numerous teams during his NBA career and has averaged all-star numbers in every one of them, but never got his team past the first round of the playoffs.

Nothing changed with his arrival to New York. Marbury has failed to get past the first round of the playoffs, bailed on his team during the regular season, and was considered a distraction in the locker room.

Houston, on the other hand, was always an outstanding Knick, on and off the court. His arrival would be beneficial only if he can keep up and if he still has that shot considered to be one of the best in the last decade.

It was said if Stephon Marbury played for his hometown team he would change his egotistical, shoot first ways and play team-oriented basketball due to his passion for the New York ball club—boy were they wrong!

Now, the Coney Island native will be placed on waivers by the end of the week and is able to sign with any team he wants, once cleared.

Pat Riley’s Miami Heat seem to be the most interested in Stephon. They lack a veteran point guard with the departure of Jason Williams to the Los Angeles Clippers.