The Time Is Now

The time is now.  The time has never been better.  Carmelo Anthony needs to become a member of the New York Knicks.  Throughout the entire process, I have watched Knicks fans flip flop back and forth, showing just how emotionally attached they are to these Knicks.  The bottom line is, this is not an emotional decision.  It is a business decision.  The two players at the forefront of the fans lust are Landry Fields and Danilo Gallinari.  Landry Fields, the second round steal that has provided stability at the two guard throughout the season.  The same man who has endeared himself to fans with his personality and consistency, but by all accounts will not become a "star" in this league.  Now, this does not mean to demean what Fields has done and will become, but at 2nd round pick should not hold up the acquisition of arguably one of the top 10 players in the NBA. Then we move onto Danillo Gallinari, the Italian Stallion.  By his own account, Gallinari does not see himself becoming a star in this league.  He stated very clearly in a recent radio interview, that he does not see himself on the same level as players such as Amare or Kobe.  In addition, in 2012 Gallinari will become a restricted free agent. This is the same off season when Landry Fields will become a free agent.  What most pun dents tend to disregards is even role players command a salary in the range of $4-$8 million dollars (see Darko Milicic, Mike Miller).  If Fields and Gallinari remain playing at this consistent level they could possibly command around $12-$16 million during the 2012 off season.  This is the same off season that the organization has made it a priority to sign Chris Paul or Deron Williams.  The Knicks most certainly will not be able to retain the services of these players and still acquire Paul or Williams.  This argument is similarly structured to the argument made in regards to the Felton and Billups swap.  Felton was viewed as a rental for two years until the Knicks could make a run at an elite level point guard.  Even though his play has exceeded expections, he is still not the caliber of player that Paul or Williams is.  In addition, Billups excelled at the world championships running D'Antoni's speedball offense.  With Felton being viewed as a rental and Billups contract expiring in 2012, I don't believe there should be much trepidation about completing this deal.  With Billups, the Knicks will also receive a proven leader and winner that will not be afraid to step up and take the big shot in the playoffs.  This deal significantly improves the Knicks execution and options in close games.  You go from having no one to take the last show down by two, to two of the best big shot takers in the league.  A Trade of Gallinari, Fields, Felton, and Eddie Curry is both reasonable and necessary for the team's future.  While I do not agree with a reported trade that included the above players, as well as Chadler and Mozgov, some thought does need to be given as to why this trade scenario was leaked...was it leaked by Knicks brass as an excuse to fans for this trade not being completed? 

Mozgov is Not the Answer, He is an Aid

Mozgov, Mozgov, Mozgov.  Lost in the euphoria that was experienced Sunday night at the Garden was Stoudemire's 33 and Gallinari's 29.  Also lost in the euphoria was the Knicks 3-7 record over the last ten games.  While many look at Mozgov's performance on Sunday night as some sort of sign from the heavens, I am here to say that one game does not make a career.  While it deserves praise, it does not deserve a monument in front of MSG.  How soon we forget that Eddie Curry averaged over 19 points a game FOR AN ENTIRE SEASON!!  Also, as an exercise, would someone please name the centers on the Pistons....cricket....cricket.  The Pistons do not have one player on there roster that registers more than 7 feet.  Not one!  This is not to take away from Mozgov's performance.  The man got up and down the court for 40 minutes after not playing in the previous 10 games.  Even though his first shot was reminiscent of a CBA 12th man (yes, I said CBA.  The same league that Isiah ran into the ground), he responded after a put back dunk and continued to haunt the basket for the remainder of the game.  While the 23 points and 14 rebounds that Mozgov puts up most certainly deserves a second look, I am more interested to see him against a center taller than 6'9".  While Mozgov has the size, he does NOT have the strength.  Both Mozgov and Randolph look like one of those infomercials to donate money to feed children in Africa.  Not simply against, Tyson Chandler (Mavericks - who has a similar build), but against some of the stronger Centers in the league.  Tonight will be a test more of D'Antoni than of Mozgov.  How will he incorporate Mozgov into the rotation with both Chandler and Williams returning? 

Reeling and Hopefully Dealing!

Yes, Yes.  The Knicks do enter the midpoint of the season with a 22-19 record.  A record that by all intents and purposes is much improved over same point last season.  But the Knicks have had to stomach a harsh reality over the last few weeks.  Losers of their last four and winners of only four of their last ten, there is only one explanation.  To put it in football terms, "THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!”  The Knicks are a .500 team, that in spurts can play with some of the best teams in the NBA.  HOWEVER, the Knicks lack the consistency both offensively and defensively to seriously contend for a top playoff position.  Their defensive effort tends to take the blunt of the criticism, but there is also a need for a consistent scorer.  This was not more apparent then against Houston, where Stoudemire scored a tough 25 and no one else showed up.  This is all too familiar theme.  Of course, there are games like the San Antonio game, when the engine is running on all cylinders and everything they throw up goes in.  However, this is not the norm.  Too many fans became enamored with this Knicks team and began to think they were more than they were.  Even Amare was guilty, when he went on the David Letterman show and proclaimed that he could see the Knicks making a run to the finals.  This is not going to happen, I repeat, this is not going to happen.  The Knicks lack both defensive and consistent scoring.  One move can improve both (even if everyone does not agree).  By making a deal for Carmelo Anthony both the defense and the offense can improve.  This is accomplished not solely through Anthony but by the opening up of a roster spot in order to sign another big man (Earl Barron) who played quality minutes for the Knicks at the end of last season.  The move will most likely leave you with a starting lineup of Felton, Chandler, Anthony, Stoudemire and Turiaf, with Shawne Williams, Earl Barron and Toney D. coming off the bench.  This will also provide an opportunity for guys like Roger Mason Jr. to find some playing time.  While we all love Fields and Gallinari, this lineup is better both offensively and defensively.  It is much harder (as we have seen in Miami) for defenses to plan to stop multiple superstars.  The defense will be less quick to double Stoudemire, if they know he is kicking the ball out to Anthony.  Many people think this can't work, I propose that there is no way it cannot.  This move will also pave the way for another high quality free agent to join the team next offseason, and in less than 5 years Donnie Walsh will have completely transformed the team to one of the best in the NBA.  Write that down.

Is Carmelo Weighing on Current Knicks Player's Minds?

Some could also argue that the weight of the Carmelo Anthony situation has begun to weigh both on the Knicks players minds and shown with their performance on the court. While the Knicks have steadfastly remained they the team does not need Anthony to be successful, those with a strong knowledge of the situation understand that the Knicks are simply a second tier team without another superstar.  In Today's NBA it is hard enough to win a title with two superstars (as we have seen with the recent injury to Lebron James and the subsequent losses suffered by the Heat), Stoudemire has been great, but he needs another consistent scorer who can put up 25 each and every night.  A player that will smile and take that last second fadeway with their arms raised as they run off the court.  If the Knicks had Carmelo Anthony, would that last second defeat at the hands of the Celtics been a win? Maybe, maybe not.  But he would have loved the opportunity.  There is a reason why post players rarely take the last shot, they lack the ability to truly create their own shot.  The double team comes quick and then decisions must be made.  A decision that would be a lot easier for Stoudemire if he was kicking it out to his good friend Carmelo.

Knicks Looking to Bounce Back Against Suns!

The New York Knicks (22-17) are looking to bounce back from a dismal performance against the Sacramento Kings, as they take on the Phoenix Suns (17-21) in a Martin Luther King Day matinee at the World's Most Famous Arena.  The Knicks are 5-5 in their last ten, coming back down to earth after a glorious win streak followed by a great win over the league best, San Antonio Spurs (35-6).  While the Knicks have been uninspired as of late, the same can be said of the Suns, who suffered a convincing defeat at the hands of the Knicks on January 7th in the desert.  The Suns have struggled since the NBA landscape altering trade that saw the Magic becoming a powerhouse, and the Suns setting.  The Suns are led by Steve Nash (10.8 assists per game) and Vince Carter (17.8 points per game), but their veteran leadership has not been enough to keep the Suns relevant within the Western Conference.  The Knicks are going to look for Amare Stoudemire (26 points, 9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game) to bounce back from his dismal shooting over the last four games, in which his health and durability have been questioned.  The Knicks will also look for Raymond Felton to neutralize the 2 time NBA MVP Steve Nash, as he was successful doing earlier in the year.

NBA LOCK OF THE NIGHT!!

JL (5-3, $2000) bounced back with the Bulls shellacking of the Pacers and is looking to continue rolling today.

NBA LOCK OF THE NIGHT!

Lakers +6 over the Clippers - $2000

The Lakers are rolling and will continue their dominance over the Clippers.  Blake Griffin is the latest phenom but the size of the Lakers will just be too much.

NBA LOCK OF THE NIGHT!!

NBA LOCK OF THE NIGHT! (4-3, $1000)

Bulls +2 over the Pacers

Write it down and take it to the bank people!

The Great Carmelo Caper of 2011!

If Carmelo Anthony actually wanted to go to the New Jersey Nets, don't you think he would already be there? I sure do.  He has already come out and stated that he notices there are significantly less cheers during introductions at Home, and there are significantly more boo's.  The situation as a whole, has start to wear down not only everyone directly involved, but everyone who covers the NBA at all! The situation is not good for either side, or for the NBA for that matter.  We are continuously inundated with reports that he is going to New Jersey and yet, he still remains in Denver.  He was so quick to publicize that he wanted to be traded, but yet he refuses to publicly endorse being traded to the Nets. The man wants to be a Knick.  Bottom line.  You do not grow up in New York dreaming of one day playing for the New Jersey Nets.  You do not grow up in New York and dream of playing in Newark.  You do not grow up in New York and dream of playing in Brooklyn.  You grow up in New York, dreaming of one day dominating the biggest stage in pro basketball, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN! You dream of walking the streets of New York and seeing billboards larger than life with your picture on it, hoisting a championship trophy.  Maybe the money will eventually sway Carmelo, but the possibility of playing in Brooklyn will not.  For now we will have to wait and see...

Knicks Bounce Back After Debacle in LA

The Knicks (22-15) bounced back after the debacle in LA, with a convincing triumph over the Portland (20-19) Trailblazers in Portland last night.  The Trailblazers came into the night 8-4 in there last twelve games, with two victories each over the Rockets and Jazz.  The Knicks won convincingly (100-86), leading for the majority of the game except for a furious comeback from the Blazers in the third quarter.  The Knicks summoned their new found defensive focus and got the timely stops that seemed to evade them early in the year.  Amare Stoudemire (23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block) led the charge with a plus minus of +15, only eclipsed by the +17 of Ronnie Turiaf (19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks).  A great Knicks defensive effort held the Blazers to 86 points, 9 points less than their season average.  This was achieved by a offensive aggressiveness that got LaMarcus Aldridge into early foul trouble and forced him to sit for the majority of the first half.
Soon after the triumph in Portland, the Knicks boarded the plane and headed to Utah (25-13).  This will be the first match up of the two teams during the Stoudemire era, and would be another great win as long as they continue their defensive focus.  A win will also allow for the Knicks to complete their 4 game Western Road Trip with a .500 record. 

Knicks Ride the Wave to LA!

The Knicks have been on a high as of late.  Taking all crushing waves that have been been put before them, and crushing them as others watch on in awe.  Starting with the surprising take down of the league best San Antonio Spurs, and rolling into Phoenix and absolutely obliterating the Suns, the Knicks have proven that all those "are they for real?" questions following their big win streak have been laid to rest.  The Knicks now boast victories over the Spurs, Suns, Bulls (2), Thunder, Hornets, and Nuggets.  These victories, combined with close loses to the Celtics (2 points) and Heat (8 points), have started to make the NBA Universe believe that the Knicks are no longer the doormat that they have been for the better part of the 2000's.  With a camaraderie that rivals that of Ewing, Oakley and Starks, the Knicks players are showing the grit and determination that is necessary to slow down even the most potent offenses (limiting Phoenix the number 2 scoring team in the NBA to 96 points).  This newfound focus on defense has helped the Knicks transform from a maybe, to a most definitely.  With Amare setting the tone, and the unheralded Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler continuing their consisten play, the Knicks are going to be a handful for any of the elite NBA teams.  One of the most overlooked players that has helped bring about the Knicks renaissance is Ronny Turiaf.  Not afraid to deliver the hard foul, Turiaf along with Amare, have brought back some of that toughness that made the Knicks of the 1990's so successful. 
It could not be a better time for the Knicks to roll into LA.  With the Lakers recent struggles, and the Knicks recent surge, this should be an entertaining game that will be a battle till the very end.  The Knicks need to ensure they are not overconfident as they view the recent struggles of the Lakers, and take the court with energy from the tip.  Kobe is going to get his and it will be a tall order for Turiaf and Amare to contain Gasol and Bynum, but it can be done.  As long as the Knicks focus on help defense, bring the right amount of energy and push the ball, they can continue their resurgence and perhaps defeat the Lakers for the first time in years!

NBA Lock of the Night!

JL (4-2, $1000) came back down to earth, but it was a pleasant surprise.  The Knicks manhandled the San Antonio Spurs and deflated the Spurs +4 line.  I have never been more happy to be wrong in my life.

NBA LOCK OF THE NIGHT: $1000

Denver Nuggets +6 at the Sacramento Kings

Even without Carmelo, the Nuggets have been rolling.  Now with Carmelo back from his sabbatical, we can only expect the Nuggets to be a stronger team after learning how to live without him.  The Nuggets will handle the Kings and win by +10. 

NBA Lock of the Night!

JL moved to 4-1 with a bankroll of $3000 with last nights Heat victory over the hapless Bobcats.  The Heat easily covered the 7 point line, as Dwayne Wade and Lebron James each scored over 30.

NBA Lock of the Night: $2000

San Antonio Spurs +4 at the New York Knicks

The league's best team against a team on the rise, but is missing a crucial starter.  The Knicks are not very deep and we will soon see how they respond to adversity.

Knicks Defeat Thunder 98-92

It may not have been pretty, but the end result was not only what the Knicks wanted, but what they needed.  Ronnie Turiaf (2 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks) rejuvenated a Knicks team that was down by 12 early in the first quarter, with an uncanny 6 blocks that reset the defensive tone that has helped make the Knicks relevant once again.  Many individuals are waiting for the Knicks to go into a lull against bad teams, Amare Stoudemire (26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) is determined to not let that happen.  Amare showed his grit, strength and gracefulness yesterday afternoon, powering the Knicks in the fourth quarter with his 9 points and 6 decisive points in a row as the game was on the line.  Stoudemire showed grit by continuing to go to the basket (even while not shooting that well throughout the game), strength by backing down James Posey with ferocity, and gracefulness by knocking down the decisive jumper that gave the Knicks a lead the Pacers simply could not fight back from.  Amare was not the only hero on this gritty night that was mared by the injuring to Danillo Gallinari's (19 points, 5 rebounds) knee (which was diagnosed as a knee sprain and we are currently awaiting a status update after an MRI today), Ronnie Turiaf's out of joint knee, and Raymond Feltons dismal performance (14 points, 2 assists).  Wilson Chandler (10 points, 6 rebounds) gave a gritty effort on what was an off night offensively, and continued his lack of emotional display by knocking down a pertinent half court shot and walking grim faced to the bench.  Toney Douglas (12 points, 7 assists), also hit a big 3 in the fourth quarter that helped bring the crowd back into it and spark the big fourth quarter run.

01/03/2010 - NBA Lock of the Night

JL improved his Lock of the Night record to 3-1 and his bankroll to $2000 last night with the Mavs triumph over the Cavs 104-5, covering the Mavs +4 line.

Tonights NBA Lock of the Night: $1000

Miami Heat +7 at the Charlotte Bobcats

The Heat have just made history on the road with their unblemished record for the month of December.  If they are going to hit a speed bump, it will most certainly not be in Charlotte.  The Heat will win by more than 10.

Todays Preview: 1:00PM Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks

The Indiana Pacers make their way to the Worlds Most Famous Arena this afternoon! As the Knicks (18-14, 8-9 Home) take on the Pacers(14-17, 5-9 Away)with tip off set for 1:00 pm. T

he Knicks are coming off two emotional losses to the Magic and Heat, where they put forth frantic comebacks, but showed they are not quite there yet. We are no longer in the 1990's! So we will not being seeing Patrick Ewing walking through that door. This afternoon we get Amare Stoudemire (26.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG) and Danny Granger (21.0 PPG), who both lead their respective teams in scoring. The Knicks will be forced to body up Roy Hibbert (13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG) who has shown great promise throughout the season, and has the kind of size that has caused New York problems in the past.

The Knicks have lost 5-7 with the difficult stretch of games, however, there was the one point loss in Boston, overtime loss in Cleveland and two 8 point losses in Orlando and Miami. If they had pull out two of those games, they would be standing At 4-3 in their last 7 games and this would nit be an issue. The Pacers have faded recently Losing 7 of 10 and have been struggling to put it all together for 48 minutes.

The Knicks can and will pull this game out today. They need to resuscitate the belief that they are an up and coming team, and there is no better place to do this than at MSG! 


TUNE INTO THE MSG NETWORK TO CATCH ALL NEW YORK KNICKS ACTION!!

NBA Lock of the Day!

JL suffered his first lost of the season! Dropping his record to 2-1 and bankroll to $1000.

NBA Lock of the Day: $1000

Dallas Mavericks +4 over the Clevaland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.

Even without Dirk, thenMavericks have proven they can play. Kidd dropped his first triple double of the season and they should have the firepower to outgun the Cavaliers!