ESPN's John Hollinger Thinks Knicks Will Suck......Again

Outlook

Predicting the Knicks depends as much on what you think the fallout will be from Thomas' ouster as how you feel about the actual roster. Certainly the positive vibes coming from the end of the Isiah era will be worth a few wins, especially since D'Antoni is a glass-half-full guy who should help turn around the KGB mentality inside Madison Square Garden.

There's only one problem: This is still Thomas' team. Duhon and Gallinari are the only new faces, and they're secondary players. The same problem of pairing Randolph and Curry remains, as do the hordes of shoot-first, ask-later types at the guard spots and the assorted overpaid underachievers filling out the bench.

Even if you allow for the fact the Knicks quit on Thomas last season, it's still hard to imagine them cracking the league's top 20 in defensive efficiency. Offense may be a struggle too, even with D'Antoni's genius at that end, as New York doesn't have great personnel for his preferred style of play (or any style of play, for that matter).

All told, then, this year will be more about the promise of what's to come and, especially, about the end of what was. MSG won't see a lot more wins than last season, but at last the end of the tunnel is in sight.

Prediction: 28-54, 4th in Atlantic Division, 14th in Eastern Conference

Biggest Strength: Interior scoring

When the Knicks have been successful over the past two years, it's been because their big guys are wearing out opponents in the paint. While Curry and Randolph have their shortcomings, each is a beast on the low post who can finish and draw fouls.

Randolph, in particular, could be a much more potent force than he showed last season. The southpaw had a huge year for Portland two seasons ago, and he's both much less mistake-prone than Curry and far less dependent on catching close to the basket. Additionally, his skills seem a better fit for D'Antoni's open-court, free-flowing system than Curry's. Of course, all that presumes he's still on the roster by opening day.

Then there's David Lee, who is a perfect complement to either Randolph or Curry because he's so good at roaming the weak side for offensive boards. In fact, there's a decent chance that Lee starts ahead of Curry, allowing Randolph to work his magic on the block without another teammate occupying his preferred space.

And while we're talking about post scoring, don't sleep on Quentin Richardson. Yes, he was an absolute dog last season, but he can pummel smaller guards on the blocks, and the Knicks have been strangely reluctant to make use of this skill. He also had his best season under D'Antoni in Phoenix four years ago.

Biggest Weakness: Interior defense

As if those pathetic shot-blocking totals from last season don't give you some kind of hint, the Knicks are going to lose a lot of games because of their inability to stop opponents' forays to the rim. In fact, they may even be more pathetic since their leading shot-blocker, Balkman, has been traded.

The Knicks will be counting on improved effort to make up for their inability to alter shots around the basket. Certainly that won't be difficult, as the team blatantly mailed in much of last season; even notoriously lazy defenders like Randolph and Curry are likely to summon a bit more effort than they did last season.

Nonetheless, the Knicks still face severe shortcomings in their frontcourt defense. Neither Randolph nor Curry defends the pick-and-roll well, and they don't react well from the help side to thwart an opponent's drive. Lee is more nimble than those two but isn't exactly Bill Russell himself and can be overpowered in post-ups.

Gallinari is the only other frontcourt player who is likely to see heavy minutes, but he's not useful in this role, either -- he'll mostly be matched up against perimeter-oriented big men.

John Hollinger's Knick Report

While I totally agree about our strengths and weakness I am going to wait a bit longer and find out more about the pound shedding movement regarding our Center Eddy Curry. Then, I will make my predictions, to me, 28 wins is a bit short, even for the Knicks, but we'll see.

Knicks Report to Camp and Crawford Makes His 4th Blog Entry

Workouts, Miracles, sneakers and Liberty

What's up Everbody! This has been a pretty fun week so far, some things to catch up on so let's get right to it.

Monday: We did our normal workouts with the team and played 5-on-5 after that. Those are always pretty competitive - all the coaches come check it out, Mr. Walsh as well....Mr.. Mills even stopped by. It's fun to have all those guys watch to see what kind of combinations we can use and them get excited about how players are progressing and getting better.

Monday night I had a little surprise for my girlfriend. She always says I don't take her places so I had to be Mr. Romantic and take her out on the town a little bit. I took her to the premier of Spike Lee's new movie, Miracle at St. Anna....That was a powerful movie! It's about soldiers going through World War II. If you haven’t gotten the chance to see it, make sure you do! You will not be disappointed.

D-Lee, QRich, Nate, Anthony Roberson and Pat Ewing Jr. were also there, so it was cool to be with some of my teammates as well...That was also the first time I've seen Isiah since the end of last season. It was cool catching up with him and he sounds like he's doing good so that was good to hear...

Wednesday: I had to go to Boston for Reebok to do some promotional stuff -- photo shoots, media, etc. -- and have some meetings about the company and moving forward to the future. We talked about the new shoes that all Reebok athletes are starting this upcoming season off in: the Pump Omnis.

It's the 25th year anniversary of the original pump shoe that Dominique Wilkins made famous! He was there by the way, along with Jason Terry of the Mavs . . . I've known Jason for a while, ever since we were in high school in Seatle. But never really had the chance to talk to Dominique before. I was able to pick his brain about different things; going against Bird, his dunk contest with Jordan in Chicago, all the stuff us hoopaholics want to know about!. It was really cool being on the Reebok campus learning more about the product that you endorse, giving your input about different shoes and just interacting with the people that make the product. Talking to the people there it shows you don't have to be a professional athlete to do something you love to do and still have an effect on the sport you love!

Thursday: Team physicals took place today, I think we have one of the most extensive physicals out there .Our doctors, strength and conditioning coaches and trainers do a great job making sure were healthy and prepared. All the people behind the scenes you don't really see help keep this going. Next big thing is Media day on Monday, then off to camp!

Friday: GO SUPPORT THE LIBERTY TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They need your support. They are playing well and are in the conference finals. We all have to support each other!

The Crawford Files

Donnie Walsh Had Cancer of the Tongue

ESPN.com reports:

New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh underwent successful surgery in late June to remove a cancerous part of his tongue, the New York Post has reported.

"My doctor says he got it all," Walsh, 67, told the newspaper. "Luckily, it was caught quickly before it could spread."

Walsh, hired by the Knicks in April to replace Isiah Thomas, told the Post he felt like he has "marbles in his mouth," and that his tongue remains slightly numb, three months after the hour-long operation performed at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Walsh said the cancer was diagnosed after a routine physical he had upon joining the Knicks.

"If they have to cut my tongue out I'm going to leave New York without telling anybody, fly home to Indianapolis, go straight to my backyard and never come off the property again," Walsh said he told himself, according to the Post.

The next few weeks, however, proved vital for Walsh and the Knicks, who hired coach Mike D'Antoni in early May.

He then had surgery, and promptly dumped a 50-year-old smoking habit.

Two Familiar Names Might Return To the Back of the Knicks Jersey This Season

There is a good chance that Knick fans might see the names Houston and Ewing (jr) running up and down the court. Happy news to fans such as myself, but maybe not as good to the fans of Jerome James and Malik Rose. There have been several reports that the club is looking to buy out both of these players and open up two roster spots for Houston and Ewing jr.

Stephon Marbury is not the only Knicks player the team is trying to get rid of, as Jerome James and Malik Rose may not be around to start the season.

The Knicks are trying to get oft-injured big man James to retire to free up a roster spot and clear the remaining two years and $12.6 million left on his contract off the salary cap. In addition, forward Rose, who has one year and $7.6 million left on his deal, is also a buyout candidate. If neither player returns it would help clear the way for Patrick Ewing Jr. and Allan Houston to make the team. Newsday.com

Although Malik rose was the closest thing we had on this team to a winner and a leader, i wouldn't mind if his spot was vacated for Ewing Jr who is a hustle time of energy player who makes things 'winning' things happen solely based on that. As far as Houston is concerned is seems as if he looks much better than he did in his previous 2006/2007 comeback and that he will make the team as well.

Allan Houston, who has been scrimmaging with the Knicks for the last two weeks, is likely to sign a contract with the team in the next 48 hours and actually has a chance to make the team's final roster.

The 37-year-old tried a comeback last season, but was late to camp due to the birth of a child and was never given a shot by Isiah Thomas. He would give the team 17 players for 15 spots, but Stephon Marbury and Jerome James remain strong buyout candidates. Even in his prime Houston was a one-trick pony, specializing in 3-pointers, so don't consider drafting him in your fantasy league. The NYPost.

Knicks Want to Cut Marbury.... and His Salary

Alan Hahn reported from Newsday.com:

He's always been known as Starbury. But these days it's more like Persona Non Gratabury.

Stephon Marbury made it known to the Knicks that he had no interest in negotiating a buyout of the final year and $21.9 million owed to him on his contract. And while the Knicks would prefer to part ways with the problematic point guard, it is believed that Garden chairman James Dolan does not want to pay Marbury his full salary just to waive him and let him play for another team this season.

Marbury, who is reported to have spent $45 million on a private jet recently, was quoted in yesterday's New York Post saying, "There won't be no negotiation . . . They're going to give me all my money." Once that was understood, the Knicks' initial plans to waive Marbury by the end of the week, which Newsday reported Tuesday, were squelched by Dolan.

It is believed Dolan was vehemently against giving Marbury all of his money and then having the two-time All-Star go to another team for a bargain price - the $1.3 million veteran's minimum - and potentially have success at the Knicks' expense.

There is still time to deal with the situation and avoid what will be another Marbury circus when the Knicks open training camp Tuesday in Saratoga Springs. If Donnie Walsh can't find a reasonable trade partner or can't get Marbury to agree on a settlement for a lower number, then Plan B would be to keep him on the payroll but continue with the effort to move on without him on the court.

The Indiana Pacers are expected to do the same with troublesome guard Jamaal Tinsley, whom they tried to move during the offseason but found no takers (Walsh reportedly engaged in a brief conversation about Tinsley, but nothing more). The Knicks have to be careful with this strategy, however, because union president Billy Hunter could get involved as he did last season when Isiah Thomas banned Marbury from the Garden. Marbury must be allowed to participate in practice if he is healthy.

The Knicks are also working on parting ways with a few other veteran players. The team is still trying to get oft-injured Jerome James to retire to free up a roster spot and clear the remaining two years and $12.6 million left on his contract off the salary cap. Forward Malik Rose, who has one year and $7.6 million left on his deal, is also a buyout candidate.

Marbury Speaks On Possibly Getting Waived

In a recent Interview with Bruce Beck from NBC, Marbury answered questions and told us how he feels about the rumors of him being released by the Knicks. Click Here to Check it out..

Charles Oakley Dogs Larry Johnson 1993

Stephon Marbury; This Time No Bull

Is he staying or is he going? Walsh continues to keep us in the dark about the facts while simultaneously denying that Marbury will be cut and leaving the door wide open for the Knicks to release him. Just yesterday we were told that Marbury would be a member of the Miami Heat by Saturday. Now we learn that he will report to Knicks training camp instead.

The NYPost reported:

Contrary to an earlier report, Donnis Walsh says Stephon Marbury is intending on joining the Knicks for the start of training camp this weekend.

If Walsh wants to buy out Marbury it's going to take a hefty check, but Marbury doesn't sound like a guy ready to deal. "There wouldn't be no negotiation," he said. "They're going to give me all my money...If not, I'll try to help this organization win the championship...But I don't want to be in a place I'm not wanted." It still seems highly unlikely that Marbury will start the season with the Knicks.

As happy as I would be to see the Knicks 'stick it' to Stephon Marbury, the best move for this season would be to get what they can out of him, at least until the trading deadline. He is still the most talented guard on the roster and is rumored to be in tip-top shape since last year. I think that is what Walsh is banking on here, otherwise Marbury would have been gone a long time ago.

Marbury: Waived by The End of The Week

ESPN.com Reports:

Stephon Marbury may be in shape physically to join the Knicks on the court, but the Knicks might finally be ready mentally to part ways with their chaotic point guard.

The Knicks are preparing to put Marbury on waivers by the end of the week, several sources with knowledge of the situation told Newsday. The team must await the go-ahead from Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan, however, because it would involve eating another large chunk of money in a buyout, Newsday reported.

Marbury is entering the final year of his contract, worth $21.9 million.

Once Marbury clears waivers and a buyout is agreed upon, he would be free to sign with any team. Reports in Newsday and the South Florida media have mentioned the Miami Heat, which is in need of a point guard, as having interest.

According to Newsday, Marbury has recovered from January's left ankle surgery, which was needed to remove bone spurs, and has worked out all summer in Southern California, trimming his weight to 200 pounds.

He did not join the other Knicks veterans for scrimmages at the team's training center until Monday, even though the informal workouts had been going on since last week.

Marbury's best performance statistically in 4½ seasons with the Knicks was in 2004-05, when he averaged 21.7 points and 8.1 assists a game. Since then, his numbers have declined, even as his feuding with his bosses and his teammates increased.

Marbury had numerous conflicts with former Knicks coaches Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas. The low point may have been in November 2007, when Marbury left without permission and returned to New York while the team was in Phoenix for a game.

The Knicks signed guard Anthony Roberson in July, a further indication that they were ready to jettison Marbury. Roberson played 36 career NBA games with Memphis and Golden State, but spent last season in Turkey and Israel. The Knicks signed him to a deal after he averaged 14.8 points in five games for their summer league team.

Crawford's Player Scouting Reports In His 3rd Blog Entry

Look
who's on the cover

What's up?!

I'm back in New York and before I even get started, let me tell you about
something that made me feel good coming in at the airport. I was looking at the
magazine stand (always look at the preseason mags to see how low they have us
picked…lol), BUT this time I was on the COVER of two different magazines! Athlon
Sports and Lindy’s.

I'm very humble, but to say the least I was very excited! That started the
trip back the right way....

Before I get into what it's like to be back in New York, I have to say
good-bye to my hometown of Seattle. The guys at SLAM Online came out to my house
recently and we hung out. Matt Caputo wrote a blog
about it, so check it out.

It feels good to be here in NY with the guys again. We've been working out
real hard and getting up and down the court. Some guys are looking really good
and in shape. We’re all still getting use to the new style of play but it will
be fun and exciting for you guys to watch....

Just doing some of the things that we work on in drills, it will be tough to
stop us once we start playing because the floor is so spaced and there so many
different options....

So let me give you guys an update on what I’ve seen so far out of the guys
who have been involved in the workouts:

Wilson Chandler: Wilson has gotten a lot better from last year! His
range has improved -- his ball handling and his athleticism was always there…I
think he's just more confident then anything now and it's showing. I think he'll
have a really good year for us!

Danilo Gallinari: “Gallo” is still banged up a little bit,..so he's
just been shooting and riding the bike...but this kid is very VERY confident!!
He listens, works hard and wants to get better. Some of you guys may have booed
him when we drafted him, but he is going to be a big time player for us one
day!

Allan Houston: He’s back and looks a lot healthier than he did in his
last comeback attempt last season...I think he may have rushed that one a little
bit, but he looks a lot better this time! AND of course we all know his jumper
is razor sharp!!!!!!! I can learn a lot watching him.

David Lee: We all know David's game by now - all out hustle, rebounds.
The thing that will surprise you most is his jumper! He shooting it with so much
confidence, I mean even three pointers! He shot one and I said to myself, "No
way." And it went straight in.

Chris Duhon: Very solid, very unselfish. Can run a team. Makes good
decisions, I'm going to like playing with him!

Nate Robinson: Still a blur. Shooting great and should be a great fit
in this system, a la Barbosa! His athleticism still amazes me...

Pat Ewing Jr: Very athletic. Working on his jumper but has been
shooting it pretty good. Can block shots, something we really need!

Jared Jeffries: Jared really knows how to play, He's a smart player.
He does all the little things to help teams win. I think he'll go back to the
Jared he was in Washington.

Q Rich: He’s really stepping up as one of the leaders. Seems
rejuvenated. Working on his handle, He'll play like he did in Phoenix.

Mardy: Lost some weight, so he's moving better. Very smart, really
good defender!

Anthony Roberson: Has been a lil banged up, but when he shoots he
rarely misses! One of the best shooters on the team. He plays like Eddie House
but with a better handle!

Eddy Curry: It will be a transition for him at first because he's used
to posting up. But he'll be on the perimeter a lil bit more....he'll get better
adapted to the system the more he does it...but we need him...

Zach Randolph: Zach loves to play and he's been scoring and
rebounding, doing his thing. Him and Eddy have had some nice match-ups. They
look better on opposite teams…(hahahah, just playing! I knew that would get a
rise outta you guys!) I don't know what's gonna happen with all the trade talk
and everything, but its good to see that, either way, he's not letting it affect
him.

Danny Grunfeld: Ernie’s son. To be respectfully honest, he doesn't
look like he can really play -- until you give him some space and he's hitting a
jumper on you! But it's the quiet ones that get you...

Me: This will be very fun for me, This system is so wide open, so
spaced! First day, I was aggressive offensively and making things happen. The
next day I shot only three times in eight games, just to work on something
different that day. I didn't play today, just rode the bike and did core. My
back is a little sore (nothing serious!). I’ll be back on the court
tomorrow.

That's all I got for now, but you guys keep leaving the comments and I’ll
try to get some answers to your questions so we can keep the communication
going!

JC

The Crawford Files

More On Galinari's Back Injury

A report from NBA.com had this to say about Danillo Galinari's back injury suffered during the Vegas Summer League:

Italian forward Gallinari had some trouble with his lower back in his first
and only game for the Knicks this summer. As with the knees, the size of NBA
players and their style of play place a tremendous amount of strain on the back.
There can be stress fractures in the lower back, but we also see disc problems,
muscle strains, and the simple, yet annoying spasms. Gallinari's case is
somewhat obscure - most back injures are - because all reports point to nothing
significant, but he did sit out the rest of the summer league and was asked by
the team not to compete in the Olympics.

How hot are these models? And I believe they are sisters as well, clearly the back injury isn't hurting him too much.

Knicks Update

Stephon is in great shape, Randolph seems to have a new found dedication and Galinari's back is worse than we thought.

Although rumors continue to swirl, regarding Marbury being picked up by the
Heat if the Knicks cut him he worked very hard over the summer. 'Proving
doubters wrong' seems to be his main motivation for this season. Randolph
showed up to a voluntary Knicks work out on Tuesday September 16th but still
expects to be dealt to Memphis, a deal that seems to be idle. Still in
Italy, Galinari is nursing his back injury that he suffered during the summer
league. For him, missing training camp (which begins in 2 weeks) is a
strong possibilty and would be very unfortunate. Allan Houston has been
formally invited to training camp and only asks for an "honest and fair shot" at
a comeback. He also claims that this will be his finale in regards to
comeback attempts.

Michael Jordan's New Nike Commercial

Jordan Brand and Nike do it again! Another sick MJ commercial:

Ewing vs Hakeem: Who Would You Choose?

		Ewing			Hakeem
Total Points		24,815			26,946
Size		7'0			7'0
Strength		*
Quickness					*
Shot Blocking					*
Overall Scoring		push			push
Passing					*
Dribbling					*
Post-up game					*
Boards		*
Jumpshot		*
NBA Titles					**
Scoring Avg		21.0ppg			21.8ppg
All Star Selections		XI			XII

It's a great match up, an epic one in fact. Dating back to their college years the two of them have battled each other on the low blocks. For a Knick fan, this is a tough pill to swallow but it is certain that in this head to head, Hakeem 'the dream' Olajuwon gets the edge. Able to match Ewing in almost every offensive category, his superior shot blocking stats (3,830) compared to Ewing (2,894) are what gave him the edge. The scoring averages were separated by 8/10ths of a point so i called it a push.

How do you think they compare, who would you rather have in the middle on your team?

Knicks' Complete List Of Free Agents After The Upcoming Season

	2009	2010
New York	RESTRICTED Patrick Ewing Jr. (T) David Lee Nate Robinson UNRESTRICTED Jamal Crawford (ETO) Eddy Curry (ETO) Jerome James (P) Stephon Marbury Quentin Richardson (ETO) Malik Rose Key: ETO = Early Termination Option; P = Player Option; T = Team Option	RESTRICTED Mardy Collins UNRESTRICTED Chris Duhon Jared Jeffries (ETO) Anthony Roberson

Marc Berman Says; 'Trade Zach Already'

By MARC BERMAN

Perhaps Donnie Walsh hasn't seen enough tape of enough Knick games last season and is just looking at Zach Randolph's statistics. Trading Randolph's contract for a still-blooming prospect in Darko Milicic is a no-brainer if it does indeed save $10 million off the salary cap in 2010.

Walsh may think Randolph's trade value could go up by the trade deadline or next summer if he plays well, posts good numbers and the team starts winning some games. Two of the three likely won't happen. (Randolph may post good numbers).

Walsh may be looking to save more money off the cap in 2010 in a Randolph trade, but I doubt that can happen.

Ran into Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein at the U.S. Open. Yes, he's praying the trade is made because of Mike D'Antoni's understanding of getting to the European player. Milicic, who would come off the bench, is back in Serbia hoping the same.

Not sure if the draft picks are what is pushing Walsh away from making this trade, but if it is I can't disagree with him. The draft will be a very important cog in the rebuilding process he is trying to undergo. No one should be fooled into thinking that this trade will make or break the season, but one also must admit that dumping him would be a step in the right direction. I still strongly believe that Randolph is one of the Cancers on this team and I would accept almost anything in return for him. There is still time for something to happen so we'll have to wait and see.

Where Are They Now? : Latrell Sprewell

His time here was short but sweet.
Turned down $21 Million and now I ask...Where are you Latrell!?!? Where have you gone?

Madison Square Garden Renovation Plans

The Blue Seat Bar-Get Drinks and Still See The Court
The New Arena Sky Deck w/ Foodcourt and Standing Room
View From The New Luxury Sky Boxes

The World's Most Famous Arena will be transforming into a state-of-the-art building that will significantly enhance the experience of fans, sponsors, athletes and performers.

Highlights include a dramatically redesigned 7th Avenue entrance, more comfortable seats with better sightlines and restoration of the arena's famous ceiling.

The full-scale renovation, which will focus on the interior of the building and utilize the Garden’s current

footprint, will be highlighted by:

-Dramatically redesigned 7th avenue entrance

-New, more comfortable seats, with better sightlines that put patrons closer to the action

-New, wider and more spacious public concourses with seating areas and spectacular views to the city

-State-of-the-art lighting, sound and LED video systems in HDTV

-New food and beverage options offering additional convenience for customers and a greater selection

in all hospitality areas

-New bar areas that directly open to the arena bowl

-68 new mid-level suites that are 50% larger than current suites and half the distance to events

-20 new floor level suites on the same level as the playing surface that provide direct access to the best

seats in the house

- Improved dressing rooms, locker rooms, green rooms and production offices for athletes and

performers

-A new upper level with a fan and group sales party deck with bars and buffets that replace the

existing upper suites

-Many additional new restrooms, with more than 50% more dedicated space

-Restoration of MSG’s world famous ceiling

Utilizing existing space throughout Madison Square Garden, the renovation will dramatically increase the

breadth of virtually all customer-related areas while remaining on the Garden’s current footprint. Below

outlines a comparison of existing space allocations at the current Garden versus expectations for the same

areas after the renovation has been completed.

Slated to begin in 2009, the renovation will generate thousands of New York construction jobs. Brisbin

Brook Beynon, one of the world’s most respected and creative architectural firms, is leading the renovation

team. Jones Lang Lasalle is acting as project manager.

The current Madison Square Garden was built in 1968 and has become the busiest arena in the United States,

with more than 400 events and more than 4 million visitors a year in the number one market in the world.

The current Garden is the second oldest building in the National Basketball Association and the National

Hockey League.

The renovation is projected to cost $500 million and will be paid for in its entirety by Madison Square

Garden, and will be targeted for opening for the 2011-12 seasons.

More Renovation Details

Ewing Jr Decides to Rock Dad's 'Dream Team' Number

Patrick Ewing Jr announced that he will leave his father's retired NBA number (33) in the rafters and wear No. 6 instead.

In a recent interview he said,

"I’m going to wear No. 6. It was my dad's Olympic number, and Bill Russell's
number, who was my favorite player. My dad's jersey is hanging up there in the
rafters for a reason. The only reason I wore 33 at Georgetown is because they
don't retire numbers. I felt like I did 33 for him there, and now I can do 6
here and it’s another way to honor him."

Ewing Jr Interview

Starks Speaks and Says Knicks Embark on New Era

In a recent interview with NYKNICKS.com, Starks had some positive things to say about the Knicks and where they seem to be headed:

NYKnicks.com: Patrick Ewing was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame,
and you were right there with him. What was that experience like for you?

John Starks: Man, it was just amazing being there. That’s the first time
I’ve ever been at something like that, where you are around so many great
players and the whole aura of the Hall of Fame. And to be there and witness and
see two of my favorite people in Patrick, as well as Coach (Pat) Riley, go in
together, it was just amazing. The atmosphere was electric, and I got to listen
to Dick Vitale talk, so that was a thrill, so it was just great. It was a great
moment and I’m happy for those two individuals as well as the rest of the guys
and lady who were voted in. So it was just a special night.

NYKnicks.com:

Patrick’s son, Patrick Ewing Jr., was recently acquired by the Knicks, and you
were around him a lot when he was a kid spending time with his dad. What’s it
going to be like to see him in a Knicks uniform
Starks: It’s kind of eerie!
(laughs) To see how this all kind of comes back around and see little junior
come in. … I mean, he knows the Garden. He’s been around it and grew up there.
He knows the people, and the people know him. With it being familiar territory
for him, he should come in and be very comfortable. He will have a chance to
come in and learn (Mike) D’Antoni’s system, and figure out what type of player
he is going to be and how he is going to fit into the system. I think he is
going to do very well. He has the genes and makeup to play well at this level,
so it should be good.

NYKnicks.com: Is D’Antoni’s brand of basketball a
style you wish you had played?

Starks: Everybody loves that style. It’s wide
open and fun. Guys love putting the ball in the basket. You know, it’s fun for
players to go up and down and play a little bit of a more wide-open style and
brand of basketball. But, you’re looking at two different styles of basketball
-- East Coast style and West Coast Style. Here on the East Coast you are looking
at more of a defensive minded brand of basketball. We’ll just see how bringing
in this new brand will pan out in the East.

NYKnicks.com: Are there any
players in particular you expect to excel in his system?

Starks: Well, you
know, it’s hard to say. I think a lot of these guys will play better. But a guy
like Nate Robinson, I think obviously he will do very well. And Jamal Crawford,
he will do very well along with the kid, (Wilson) Chandler. He seems perfect for
this kind of system. It will open his game up. I thought he did a great job at
being ready to play at the end of the season last year when he came in and did
get the opportunity. So expect for him to have a big year this year within
D’Antoni’s system. But a lot of other players should expect to do well.

NYKnicks.com: The fans really seem to be rejuvenated by all the changes. As
a former player who is still around the team on a regular basis, how nice is
that to see?

Starks: That’s great to see. We want to get the fans back, and
actually, our fans have done a great job of supporting us through all the ups
and downs that we’ve been going through as a basketball team. For them to be
there and support us each and every night, I think last year was in the
mid-nineties for capacity, and that’s amazing considering our record at the
time. But if we can get this thing started off on the right foot, then it should
be more exciting this year.

NYKnicks.com: So how do you feel about the new
direction the Knicks are headed in with Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh?

Starks: Well, it’s a new era, obviously, for Knicks basketball. It’s going
to be a more uptempo style and brand of basketball. I think for the most part
things are moving in the right direction, but you have to wait until you get out
on the court and everything that has been preached is being done out on the
court.

NYKnicks.com: Some new players were brought in for this season,
including Chris Duhon and Danilo Gallinari. What are your thoughts on both of
them?

Starks: I think they are going to inject some new life into The
Garden. Obviously Duhon is a bright, intelligent player. He came out of a great
system at Duke, and then he played for Scott Skiles in Chicago, so he’s a very
disciplined player. I’d look for him to do very well in D’Antoni’s system. He’s
a good pick-and-roll player, he understands the game and can knock down shots.

NYKnicks.com: And Gallinari?

Starks: Well Gallinari, you really don’t
know enough about him. Obviously, the one Summer League game that he had was a
pretty good one, especially in the second half. He seems like he’s a young man
who is not afraid and won’t back down, and that’s a good thing. A lot of
European players it takes some time to adjust and jump right in. They lack that
aggressiveness, but I think he has the makeup and aggressiveness to do just
that.

NYKnicks.com: How do you feel about the state of the Eastern
Conference?

Starks: Well, obviously the East turned out to be a great
conference, even moreso than the West. The eight teams that we had in the
playoffs, it was a battle to the end. Boston had their hands full from series to
series, starting with Atlanta. It’s going to be tough. The competition level is
going to be very high, and that’s a good thing for the Knicks. As a player, you
love competing night in and night out, and you can’t take any nights off. You
live for those types of games. So it looks like the East is returning to like
when I played, where each night was a battle no matter what the record was or
what team was coming in. You knew you were in for a fight.

NYKnicks.com: In
general, what kinds of activities are you involved in these days.

Starks:
Well, obviously, I have been working for the New York Knicks in the Alumni
Relations and Community Relations department. I also have a clothing company
that I am a part of called ZipWay. It’s a fascinating adventure that I am in right now.
We have something that we think is a good product in both the sporting industry
as well as the medical industry. We do medical scrubs, too, with our technology.
So it’s been good for me at this point in time with business, and I’m enjoying
my time here with the Knicks, too.

Jamal Crawford Makes His 2nd Blog Entry

I hear you

Wowwww!

Thank you guys for the comments, even the ones that weren't all positive. It means we have REAL fans out there that are gonna speak there mind.

The good ones, thank you guys. The ones that were bad, thank you too. I'm going to use all of them for motivation!! I LOVE reading all the comments because ALL of us want the same thing, and that's to win. That's the bottom line in New York. So keep writing what you feel and I'll keep answering!!

I noticed a couple of questions on there were, Is Eddy Curry in shape? The answer to that is, I haven't seen him, but everything I'm hearing is that he's working really hard this summer.

People are really down on Eddy, but the Eddy they saw last season isn't really Eddy. Yea, last year was a down year for him and he would be the first to tell you that...he puts more pressure on himself then anyone else could. I know he cares because after a lot of losses we would say, "If we could just get a couple of wins in a row..." It really bothered him... Our fans are hard on him because you guys see what he can be, how dominant at times he is, and when you guys don't see that all the time you wanna strangle him! LOL

People forget two seasons ago he averaged 19 pts. and 7 rebounds and some people were saying he should've been an all star....But I guess in this game you're only as good as your last shot, game, last season.....

Another thing I saw in the comments was people asking why don't I take the ball to the hoop more. I'll tell you myself that I settle too much for the jumper and let people off the hook. I agree because I believe I can get anywhere on the floor that I want to...and penetrating to the hoop is actually fun. It's good for my team, it helps gives us balance going back on defense...and ALL of the GREAT scorers get to the foul line.

But sometimes that's easier said then done because you're the focus of the other defense and you have to take what they give you. Sometimes it looks like it's just me and that guy guarding me at the top, but there's 4 other guys behind him looking to help!!

Today in my summer league game (I have my own summer league that I run at my old high school), I sat out and let my young gunners handle the other team...I had Isiaiah Thomas (he's going to the University of Washington), Abdul Gaddy (he's the #2 PG in high school basketball) and Tony Wroten, he's the #1 sophmore in America.....Those guys all put on a show and my nephew, Anthony, chipped in with 23 pts! It was fun whatching those young guys play against grown men AND outplay them!

Seattle basketball is definitely on the map. It's not New York, but we've come a looooong way! You guys will be hearing about these guys real soon.......

Jamal Crawford's Blog

Allan Houston Hints at 2008 Comeback

Newsday.com on Allan Houston

Allan Houston's plans at a second comeback attempt might happen again with the Knicks.

The 37-year-old former All-Star shooting guard has been working out and playing all summer and, according to multiple sources, Houston has spoken recently with Donnie Walsh about an invite to training camp later this month in Saratoga Springs.

A person close to Houston said he "looks at this as the last opportunity to give it an honest and fair shot." Houston retired on Oct. 17, 2005 after chronic knee troubles.

The Knicks have an interest in Houston - especially if he shows he can still shoot it like he used to - but Walsh is believed to have an interest in including Houston in something on the basketball operations side of the business if he isn't able to make the roster.

Houston started hinting at a comeback last year and the Knicks gave him an invite last fall. He arrived a week late because of the birth of his daughter, Jade, and didn't last more than a week of practices. He played sparingly in one preseason game before calling it quits, saying he was not physically ready for the rigors of the NBA game. But Houston continued to workout throughout the winter and played at the Nike Pro City league this summer.

As I said before, I have no problem with him coming back in somewhat of a veteran leadership role. Currently we have a log-jam at the Guard position, but Houston is one of the best shooters in the world, someone the Knicks have sorely missed over the last 3 seasons. He could be a valuable asset to the Knicks, especially with the way other teams have doubled our bigs. If Eddy Curry sees more single coverage on the low blocks it will cut down his turnovers and make him a more consistent scorer. With no outside threats, Curry was limited and when he was doubled the Knicks were unable to score.

Knicks Closer to 'Chemo' Trade That Would Get Rid of Cancerous Randolph

The Knicks have a trade proposal on the table with the Memphis Grizzlies that would see Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric dealt to New York in exchange for Zach Randolph.

An executive with knowledge of the trade talks said Friday that Knicks president Donnie Walsh initiated the Randolph-to-Memphis talks with the Grizzlies recently and it's up to Walsh to sign off on the deal. But it appears Walsh has cooled to the idea of trading his player, the executive said.

A Knicks spokesman declined comment Friday.

Milicic is reportedly owed $14.5 million over the next two seasons, and Jaric will make $21.3 million the next three seasons. The Knicks want to trade Randoph because his contract runs through 2010-11. He will be paid nearly $48 million over those three seasons.

The move would help the Knicks with their salary cap. It has been widely perceived that their goal is get under the cap before the summer of 2010 so they can make a run at LeBron James and other high-profile free agents who will hit the market that offseason.

Zach Randolph Article

For Ewing; Hall Calls, While Knicks Kick

Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley couldn't beat Hakeem Olajuwon in 1994. This weekend, they will join him.

Those three basketball giants headline the 2008 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction class, which also includes Adrian Dantley, Elmwood Park's Dick Vitale, Cathy Rush and Bill Davidson.

Ewing doesn't need his credentials listed around here. Everyone knows that for 15 years, he was "the Man" who carried the Knicks and made them perennial contenders. If Ewing hadn't been here, Riley wouldn't have come and there probably wouldn't have been a Big Fella-Dream clash in the 1994 NBA Finals.

It's revisionist history, but the Knicks never should have moved Ewing in 2000. He should have finished his career as a Knick. His trade led to one salary cap mistake after another.

The major problem was Ewing wanted out. He got tired of hearing he was slowing down the team. Well, the Knicks have won zero playoff series and only made the playoffs twice since he left. As Knick fans have learned, you never realize what you have until it's gone.

You get the picture and have heard it all before. Now hear this: Ewing wants back. He has said it repeatedly. He still has a house in Bergen County and wants to return to the franchise he put on his back all those years. What are the Knicks waiting for?

They have had plenty of assistant coach positions available while Ewing was on the bench in Washington, Houston and now Orlando. His return to the Knicks is long overdue.

Last week, the Knicks acquired Patrick Ewing Jr.. It would be foolish and terrible public relations if he didn't make their roster. But for Ewing Sr. not to have a position is a PR disaster.

If the Knicks want to regain credibility they should bring back the Big Fella. He deserves a job with the Knicks as much as he deserves enshrinement into the Hoop Hall.

Patrick Ewing Article From SI.com

Jamal Crawford Speaks Out To Knick Fans About The Ugly Past And The Upcoming Season

In continuing Donnie Walsh's effort in what seems to be an attempt to push old demons aside, Jamal Crawford follows suit in his new blog through Newsday.com.  He faces up to some negative criticisms about his personal game and the Knicks as a whole.  Take a look:

So you think I'm a loser...

What's up Knicks fans? It's been a busy offseason with some positive steps taken by our team. I'm working out here in Seattle getting myself prepared for what I hope will be the start of something great for the Knicks. I can't wait for the first day....

But I know there is a lot of curiosity out there about our team and I know there are also a lot of skeptics...I feel the same way, too. I am feeling a lot of things this summer and I wanted to find a way to get these feelings off my chest. I hope you don't mind me jumping into the blog world. I admire how Gilbert Arenas has developed his blog into a place he can talk about things openly - and not just basketball. I think some people get the wrong idea about me because of the way I talk to the media....I don't say a lot of controversial things and I don't criticize people....but I have my thoughts on things that I usually keep to myself. Until now!

Ha..ha, just kidding. A little.

First off, let me start off by admitting that I do read the blogs every now and then. Maybe I shouldn't, but I like to know what our fans think and what people are saying...And not just always the positive stuff that they tell me when they see me in person (lol).....so let's address some topics head on that I've seen on Alan Hahn's Knicks Fix blog with fan comments and their complaints about me.....

THAT I'M NOT A WINNER: First off, you win as a team and you lose as a team...but I do understand that the better players and leaders on your team have to provide more then a younger player would. No, I've never played on a winning team since college. BUT this year I'll be playing for my ninth coach in nine seasons.

I've had a few disappointments along the way in Chicago and New York and also bad timing with injuries. I thought my best chance was two years ago, but then injuries to myself, David Lee and Q-Rich happened. What other team could lose basically three starters at one time and still have a chance to get to the playoffs? Then last year was a total mess. We never recovered from all that off the court stuff that happened! And that's not an excuse, that's just a fact. I still tried to come to play every single night. I didn't always play without making mistakes, but I was there every single night.

I know I have this label and I don't want it. I don't think I've ever been the kind of player who looked satisfied with losing.

DEFENSE: This is one of the biggest knocks on my game and this is an area that I want to and have to get better at. That's why when I play ball in the summer I always try to guard all the best offensive players that I can find because that, along with watching tape, is the only way I will get better at it.

It helps to have a scheme or set way that you play defense, as well. Bruce Bowen is such a good defender, not because he's the best one-on-one, but for the simple fact that he knows where to push you to on the court. He knows where his help is. That's what he's good at. No good defender can stop a good offensive player. They can try to make things tough, but let's be honest they can't stop them. But, again, this is something I WANT to be good at and, with the work I'm putting in, I WILL get better at!

SHOT SELECTION: This is the biggest area that I HAVE to improve on and where I'm criticized the most...and for good reason. I HONESTLY feel like I can make every shot that I take. You have to understand that's how I feel when I play. Some nights it happens but a lot of times it doesn't. And I believe this along with WINNING is the difference in me being a good player and a great player.

I'm going to continue to get better at it...I know you're probably thinking, 'he's in his ninth year, if it hasn't happened already, it won't.' There's some truth to that, but to me, I don't believe it. Like I said I'm going on my ninth coach in nine years and each had a different philosophy on how they wanted to use me. But through it all I've gotten better each year I've been in the league. And the best is still yet to come....

COACH D'ANTONI: I was really close with Isiah and didn't know who would be coming to coach us and was pretty nervous about that. When I found out it was Coach D'Antoni, I didn't know what to do. I was so excited because that's the style of ball I like to play. This is the best chance I may ever have at proving I belong as an elite player.

I went out and met with him in Vegas and we hit it off right away. Talked about our team, plans for the future and just talking to him you can tell that he really believes in his system and his coaching abilities. He's a straight shooter, I liked that.....

KNICKS FUTURE: I don't want to make any promises or guarantees because, personally, you guys have heard that every year and you have to be tired of it. I know I am.

JC

2008 Preseason Schedule

OCTOBER	OPPONENT	TIME (ET)
Fri, Oct 10	@ Philadelphia	7:00 PM
Tue, Oct 14	Philadelphia	7:30 PM
Fri, Oct 17	@ Boston	7:30 PM
Mon, Oct 20	@ New Jersey	7:30 PM
Tue, Oct 21	Boston	7:30 PM
Fri, Oct 24	New Jersey	7:30 PM