A Day in the Life (and other ramblings)
Trane came up with a request to get a little inside peek into The Job. I thought I'd oblige, because when Fixers ask, I try to answer.
It's not quite the glamorous life, but as my Dad used to remind me after he put in his 15 hour days at the age of 60, son, it beats working for a living.
Here's sorta how it'll go for the beat writers.
Media Day is Oct. 1. We'll gather at the MSG Training Center with other members of the NY media (TV people, radio, magazine, websites, etc.) for the usual meet-and-greet with all of the players and Isiah. The Knicks have the players sit at tables set up in the gym and you are free to walk around and talk with whomever you feel like talking with (the guy being shadowed by a PR rep furiously transcribing notes onto a BlackBerry is Frank Isola..,the guy in the Starbury gear strapping a saddle onto No. 3 is...ah, nevermind. New year, fresh start, right? I gotta play nice. Set an example. Call a truce). 
Funny how it works, though. If you notice three or more writers around someone, there's this subconscious tractor beam that makes you cut off Mardy Collins in mid-sentance and scurry over to see what Stephon is talking about now.
I swear I tell myself not to be that guy. Don't be so concerned about what I might be missing. But fear of not having the "I'm the best point guard in the NBA" or "If Isiah isn't back next season than I'd probably ask to be traded" quote weighs heavily on the first day. By midseason, you tend to get over not getting every gem out there (the percentages are against you...like the odds you'll run into James Dolan in the Garden elevator just as he says into his cell phone "...OK, I'm gonna rubber-stamp this Artest thing, but he's your responsibility, Isiah. And I mean it this time").
After about an hour answering the usual "How do you think the team will do this year?" questions and doing poses for the local news photographers, the media day breaks up and the players hop the charter to Charleston, SC. The rest of us drive to airports - depends on where you live, the Jersey guys tend to fly out of Newark, us NYers will use LGA - file our stories while waiting at the gate (wireless internet is like totally rad) and then cruise down to C-town.
(Quick programming note: We're being asked to start uploading audio to our blogs, so once practice starts, be prepared to get some sound from interviews posted here on the blog. Should be cool. The football guys have started trying it out. Check out Tom Rock's Jets Blog for a sample.)
No, we don't stay in the team hotel, but it's not like we're sacking out at the Hotel No-tell. We go with the major chains (Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, etc.) that have cool things such as complementary breakfast (sportswriters are cheap), fitness centers (sportswriters are out of shape) and rewards programs (sportswriters love to take their families on vacations in the offseason).
There's a good hotel walking distance from the gym at College of Charleston as well as anything downtown. Short walk across a parking lot and we're there, outside the gym, standing around. Waiting.
Camp officially starts -- the first ball bounces -- Oct. 2. There is a morning and afternoon session each day. The media availability is only after the morning session. Neither practice is open for media to watch. There are invited guests (college coaches, scouts, etc.) who are permitted in the gym, but only after Isiah gives the sign to the PR people are media allowed in. In fact, they have dividers up covering any possible opening into the gym. No knothole gangs, here.
I went for a drink at a water fountain once and a security guard who reminded me of the Rev. Brown character that Arsenio Hall played in Coming to America -- "He helped Joshua fight the battle of Jericho, he helped Daniel get out the lion's den, he helped Gillll-i-gaaaan get off the island!" -- stepped to me like he had something to step with.
(By the way, one of my all-time favorite movies to quote. So many to choose from. The Rocky Marciano line. The "Yes! In de face!" line. Sexual Chocolate. And, of course, more Rev. Brown:
"Girl, you look so good, someone ought to put you on a plate and sop you up with a biscuit!")
Once we're in the gym, it's pretty much the end of practice and likely the thrilling adventures of free throw time. Place bets on Jared Jeffries vs. Eddy Curry. One watch Jared, the other watch Eddy. Keep a tally, the pay up.
If Isiah wants us to see him pushing the team hard, he'll put on a little show. One time last season the team was missing free throws so they had to keep running sprints (looked so much like many practices I've endured over the years, I felt for the boys. One of the few times I said I was glad not to be one of them. But when I considered what's in their wallet as compared to mine, I figured burning lungs and aching muscles are worth it). Isiah got so tired of the misses that he yelled, "How the f--- do you expect to win games if you can't hit free throws?"
That's what we in the business call a "harbinger." With 20-20 hindsight, of course.
Once in a while we'll get a peek at the end of a scrimmage. Just about when Eddy, Stephon and Q have already subbed out, but you take what you can get. I try to look for anything within the game that stands out: Mardy's long arms that seem to always be in passing lanes or Nate's hesitation to make a pass, which is long enough to cause the play to break down and Isiah to drop his head. Nothing that would make the back page nor worth writing about, but it's all mental notes to file away.
Until the games start, there is no other way to start scouting the players and getting a sense about the team. You get all the crumbs you can get.
When practice ends, the media is escorted to the gym floor and the players are available to you as they walk off the floor. Once they hit the locker room, they're done. No coming back, unless they agree to. But most hang out a while and make themselves available. They know how the game works and as I've said before, most of the Knick players are very good to deal with. No one is "friends." That word doesn't exist here. But there is a respect that you look to develop. You give it to get it and you only keep giving it if you get it. Like I said, most of the guys know the game.
Isiah then chats with us as a group. Again, the team returns for a night session, but it's private. No media availability whatsoever. Shucks, you mean I have the entire night to myself?
What to do in a college town....hmmmm.
Truth is, most of the media hangs out together for dinner. There's a good sports bar to catch the baseball playoffs. They know when the New Yorkers are in town. Even I will ask them to change the channel from the "Speed" network to Fox or ESPN so we can see Yankees-Indians in the ALDS or Mets-Cubs in the NLDS. No cheering in the press box, but plenty of unsolicited opinions and observations. We're as cliche as Crocs and bug-eyed sunglasses.
It goes like this pretty much all week long. Five days in Charleston and then the preseason opener against the Sixers at Balkman's alma mater in Columbia, SC. Then a flight home the next day and right into the cycle of practices and games for the next seven months. You all hope, I'm sure, it lasts longer than that.
* * *
Thanks to O&B for the link to the NBA Live 08 screen shot, but did anyone catch the mistake in the photo? This is where EA Sports is hurting since I left. Answer below.
* * *
@HarlemBoyinMD: I liked your post about Jerome James = Allstate. Excellent point. You always need size on the bench. Jerome is 6 fouls you can use against Shaq and Dwight Howard and Nenad Krstic and, yes, even Kevin Garnett. No, he can't move well, but he is huge and that in itself can clog up a half-court offense team for short spurts.
What I want is a guy who is motivated to be more than just a clogger. Come to camp in top shape and be a factor from the get. If not, then I say you have to think hard about letting him go. An unmotivated, out-of-shape veteran is a bad kind of influence in a locker room.
* * *
Answer to the NBA Live 08 screen shot: The game pictured is obviously supposed to be played at Madison Square Garden (Z-Bo is in his home white). In the background, you can see what is supposed to be Isiah Thomas on the sideline and the Knicks bench (players wearing white). Problem is, that is the visitors bench at MSG. The angle is from the corner where Fat Joe, et al, usually sit, baseline and down the row from the press. The Knick bench should be at the other end. I gotta call my people at EA Sports and set them straight. Attention to detail is what makes great games legendary.
* * *
As most of you have heard, the judge in the Isiah-Anucha case opined with the jury out of the courtroom that the Anucha side wasn't building much of a case against Isiah. That doesn't mean Isiah is in the clear because it's up to the jury to decide the outcome of this trial. The question I have is, if this thing drags into October, does Herb Williams run training camp while Isiah stays up here in New York? What kind of effect could that have on the start of the season?
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Comments (152)
Top of the heap stuff Alan. Useful--tres utile.
KFL
Two things,
1. I'm sure the Fixers will get more info from Alan thats about our Knicks that we care about then any other writer,
2. I felt a very uncanny connection with OJ being released from Jail and the Knicks playoff year of 1994! It was like WTF? Is history repeating itself? Maybe if we make it to the finals this year, the game won't be interupted with another Broncho chase!
Statesman
I know you think we are beating a Dead Horse with Artest, but we are not! The deal is in it's final stage of becoming reality!
Ron Ron's price tag and personal wish to come home, combined with our need to plug our biggest hole at interior defense, is the reason you will continue to see posts up to the trading deadline about him! I already have him in our starting lineup, and have us going to the Eastern finals! I believe HOZ that Artest would already be here if ZEKE would of gave the Kings Balkman or LEE which I personally would not give up Balkman! Artest will be here this year like it or not! And in maybe your favorite read here goes!
ARTEST OR BUST 2007-08
Thanks for the inside look Alan. As always, pure gold.
What's the over/under on James' making it through camp?
I'm interested in seeing how Collins looks; hopefully the knee rehab didn't eat up too much of his summer.
I'm starting to think that bringing Alan Houston back would be an excellent idea,if for nothing but 10-15 minutes a game and just as importantly for veteran leadership and good character (we need some more)
Of course it would also depend on who we waive or trade,because we wouldn't want to give up young players with potential unless it was in a trade scenario were we received someone noteworthy in return.
What do you fixers think?
I have a strong sense that others in the MSG hierarchy are viewing the AH20 the same way Scott D. I've posted as such here as I blog.
KFL
I'm with you guys Scott D and Steady.
Houston can give us 10-15 minutes a game. Once we get to the playoffs, I'm sure his minutes will increase. Imagine a healthy Houston in game shape playing 30 minutes a night in the playoffs for us. With Zach and Curry down low and Q or Jamal on the other side making it rain on them pros.
If Artest is on the team it's championship. I've said it probably a hundred times already and I'll keep saying it.
Preach brother Peaceman...Preach!!!
Take it easy with the whole trading David Lee biz though. I keep telling you to not get carried away.
My favorite line from Coming To America comes from the same character...
"Some of you may know him as Joe the police officer, from the What's Going Down episode of....That's My Mama".......CLASSIC!!!
yo Alan,
i don't get the Isola comment... was that somehow a knock on him, or are you saying the Knicks brass doesn't trust him?
that jockey comment about the dude at the Post was cold blooded, my man.
Jesse
Allan,
It's the first time I write here. I'm becoming a Fixer now, officially.
I'm writing to comment that there is another issue in the EA Sports picture: Z-bo is playing D. That's not what you heard about him. In the other hand, the true is, he was in a small market. I only watch him twice a year (if so). That means we don't know him very well. Hope we can get more information about his summer status. Could you try this for us, allan?
Best Regards
Rafa
NY Knicks fan from BRASIL
Goodness...I can't wait for the season to start.
The circus has come to town.
Lesson 1: How to shoot yourself in the foot...
Garden vice president Rusty McCormack, an elderly gent with a complexion the approximate shade of ripe cheese, was seen on videotape discussing how he convinced owner Jim Dolan to fire Sanders.
McCormack was asked if referring to a person as "n- - - - - " was contrary to Garden policies.
The correct answer would be, "Yes." Fatally, he said, "Again, it's not harassing a person. That's a pretty serious term!
"They would be reprimanded and told not to refer to that person again."
He was asked, again, by Sanders' incredulous lawyer - Is calling a person "n- - - - - " a violation?
"No. I don't think so," he struggled. "It would not be a very nice thing to do."
Oh, it got worse. He was reminded that player Stephon Marbury had referred to Sanders as a "black bitch." Was that OK?
"It could be, depending on the severity of it. All that stuff is by degrees. How many times, if it's not said directly to the person. . .
"The 'black' has racial overtones," he finally stammered. "And the bitch part."
One Year Later, an Even Stronger Roster
"Next week, NYKnicks.com will provide a look at how each of the Knicks' Atlantic Division rivals remade itself during the off-season. The series begins on Sept. 24."
Who else is on the Celtics radar?
Here's an excerpt about Atlanta's Esteban Batista from this link:
"Thanks, but no thanks
The agent for Hawks free agent forward-center Esteban Batista said late last night that his client had declined an offer to sign with the Celtics.
Agent Marc Cornstein had indicated yesterday afternoon that the Celtics, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Indiana had made offers to the 6-10, 270-pounder. Cornstein wouldn't say why his client had turned down the Celtics, or which team Batista was leaning toward.
"Boston could be a good fit, but there are teams expressing more serious interest," Cornstein said.
The Uruguayan played sparingly for Atlanta last season, but averaged 20.8 points and a tournament-best 12.4 rebounds during the recent FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.
Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge couldn't be reached for comment, but the interest in Batista gives the impression they are eager to bring another big man to camp"
=========
Houston is really putting out the feelers. He really wants to be a Knick? He wants to "go out on his own terms".
Alan, the judge said Anucha's claim that Isiah got her fired was a reach, not her overall harassment claims against him. He's basically saying he doubts Isiah cared about getting her fired. That was part of her retaliation claim against MSG. The judge basically stated that the claim should not include Isiah based on the plantiff's case.
It's not such a bad idea to invite Houston to training camp. If he can beat out the Portland hold overs, why not offer him a contract? We don't really have much to lose.
Although the article points out that New York would have first dibs at H20, the Nets continue to show interest and he has been practicing at their facility
Fixers,
From a basketball standpoint I see merit in adding another shooting guard. Crawford is coming off the injury and Jones is the only backup, (Q, is not a 2,but a 3). I think Jones is an athlete, but he is only 6.2 and not a great shooter,(neither is Crawford). If Crawford goes down would the Knicks feel comfortable w/ Jones or Nichols, a,rookie at the 2? I think instead of focusing on a small forward(our deepest position), the back-up off-guard is where Zeke needs to give attention.
Steady, As usual you are on point. I missed out on the grooming, and I was attempting to state that the press and their bias reporting could influence the most insightful reader. My mistake.
Peaceman, Are you saying the blog is going to 'will' this trade? As the choir encouraged you to "Preach, Peace Preach". I now realize that you guys are practicing "Name it and Claim it". This is new to me, but I hear some people believes that it works.(LOL)
Peace & Blessings
Sorry here's the link to the H20 Artcle trying out with the Nets.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09202007/sports/nets/nets_look_at_houston.htm
Adam L,
Thank you for the information about the trial.
Again, Alan appears to be engaged in an attempt to garner "street cred" by defending Isiah Thomas and denouncing anyone who dares to accuse him of sexual harassment.
The women in Alan's life, mom, wife, aunts, and neighbors, must be so very proud of their boy.
@Peace,
Wow talk about a flash from the past. OJ will be forever tied to the Knicks in my mind too. I'm watching the game (Indiana series? someone back me up on that please)and BAM, all of a sudden the game is pushed to the corner of my screen so we can get a good look at the fleeing white Bronco and I am reduced to screaming at the TV. I didn't care about OJ in the slightest and was so mad that i couldn't watch the game full screen. You brought that memory rushing back w/ ur post. Thx for the trip down memory lane.
Everett
what are you complaining about now?
you think you're niche here is being the assh0le in the back of the room mumbling smart remarks under his breath?
if you are going to call someone out, do it. don't beat around the bush and indirectly imply dude is supporting sexual harassment.
come out and say what yo mean, directly. be a man and accept the consequences of your idiotic and presumptuous comments.
found another flaw with the EA sports photo. look at the bottom left corner of the screen shot. that appears to be half a dude playing for the raptors (and it's not half-man, half-amazing). looks like some kind of salvador dali painting...
if you just want a guy who can go out and use six fouls, that could be kelvin cato, or allan houston for that matter. what skill does jerome bring to the table? he used to block shots before he came to new york, now he just signals to the bench that he wants to come out of the game anytime he gets over 5min of PT.
in the unlikely event that we do add another player to the roster going into the season i'd rather it be Artest or Jared Jordan rather than h20. if we can miraculously add all of these players, i guess that is fine (depending on who is no longer on the team) but either Artest or Jordan would be more needed than h20 at this point. we may have a young, undamaged version of h20 in demetris nichols, if isiah actually intends to keep and develop this player. i'm pulling a kenny smith right now from witnessing nichols play in the summer league and i'm going on record with the nickname h20_2.0 for nichols.
if it ever caught on, houston would probably sue me for developing a nickname based on his name (see the "allan houston rule" the year of the contract amnesty).
good summary of the quotes from Coming to America. note: the "in the face, put it in the face!" quote was from a scene at the garden during a saint john's game at halftime.
"i will cherish this moment for the rest of my life!"
"who was that?"
"just a man I met in the restroom."
by the way AH
when you asked to find the mistake on the NBA Live 08 pic...
besides the Zach playing defense (lol), his wearing red sneakers (Portland colors) and the benches being in the wrong place...there's a guy in the lower left hand corner who body is rubbed out...you can see right shoulder, torso but not the rest of him.
I would never have noticed the benches. I'm no Garden expert.
I like the way the crowd is blacked out the further up the stands you go. I read that allowed them to pack a lot more information into the game that would have otherwise been used on the crowd's animation. The graphics are great.
damn you starbury fan!!! lol
check in on STOP MIKE LUPICA to see the latest Stephon video apologizing to Nuche and his wife.
BARF- great minds think alike.
interesting stephon video. he basically admits that he was conscious of his stats for the first 10 years of his career. hopefully he will continue to develop as a pass first guard and the knicks will progress this year in terms of wins.
hey, who is the guy guarding jerome james in this picture?
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jerome_james/index.html
looks like a high school 12th grader.
ALAN H:
It was nice for a b.ball junkie like moi (and most/all of us I'm sure), to have a feel for what the beat writers do and go thru and the behind the scenes activities. Must be nice to have access to the players but by the same token, it's probably good & bad (depending on the situation.)
Good stuff.
BTW: who were your favorite sportwriter(s) and sports-broadcaster(s)/analyst(s) when you were growing up?
BARF,
It's quite clear that Alan Hahn endorses sexual harassment, especially sexual harassment by NBA basketball players around whom he has to work.
Alan initially wanted to be a camel and bury his head in the sand. Then Alan fired up the lyrics of a song and tried to hide in the refrain.
Now, an otherwise silent Alan is offering tacit endorsement of Isiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury and their alleged actions in this matter.
Alan has made no comment about the use of words deplorable words such as "bitch", "whore", and "nigger."
Alan has made no statement about whether NBA coaches and players have the right to sexually harass women.
Alan, instead, has typed not one word on all of these issues, a clear example, until Alan states otherwise, of his blind support for Isiah and Stephon and, further, Alan's complete scorn and ridicule for the women involved not only in this matter, but all women who must deal with the likes of Isiah, Stephon, James Dolan, and Stephon's cousin who used to work with the club.
Alan's silence on this matter reflects his support for sexual harassment.
If Alan wishes to prove me wrong, then Alan needs to address the serious issues raised by this matter, by Isiah's taped deposition, and by Stephon's personal testimony.
I hope this answers the question that you asked.
Thank you.
STARBURYFAN
that's robert swift. i think he was 12 when seattle drafted him. i think he was injured most of last year and is set to make a comeback this year. kid's like 7'2" or something. could be shawn bradley 2.0 or the world's tallest eraser head with all of that red hair.
and if anyone likes shawn bradley here, you have just relinquished your rights to post for 7 days. you're on punishment as of....now.
i guess i think keeping jerome james is better then buying him out. he's got years left on his contract and he is legit brawn in a 7 foot body. you ask "where's the beef?" and i can easily point at jerome james and say "in his belly". when shaq, yao and curry type players are in of the league guys like him are an asset. when all of the effective big body guys are gone...then we can buy him out.
i can't imagine there are no teams out there willing to trade for him.
if we can move steve francis for a legit 20-10 guy, anything is possible.
That was an interesting point about Zach and the crickets, Alan.
When Zach got traded to the Knicks in one of the interviews he was saying how he worked hard every off-season on his conditioning and offensive skills and his numbers support that. He improved every year with last year being his best. He also said that he is now complete offensively and was working hard on his defense before the trade. He has a gym rat rep and his progress as a player is clearly documented so there is no reason not to be optimistic about him at this point.
Alan how bout getting Zach on the phone and asking him how he is doing? Is this possible? Just wondering.
Everett,
Is there a reason you continually bash our host ? If you do not like him or respect his writing, why do you bother to post here. Do you have a short mans complex or something and have to take it out on the 6'6" Alan ? There are plenty of Knicks and media bashers on whatever remnants still exist of the other papers blogs. Don't become a cancer here pal or you will surely be exiled by your fellow posters. Please try to contribute something worthwhile and not just the anti-alan garbage your spewing now.
"Alan has made no comment about the use of words deplorable words such as "bitch", "whore", and "n---er.""
1- It's not a fact that
these words were used by anyone involved in the case. It has been alleged and as of yet, not proven.
2- Do you really need to hear a beat reporter make a statement on his basketball blog concerning the use of words that common sense tells you are "deplorable"?
"complete scorn and ridicule for the women "
Where is that the case?
Where are the comment(s) that have inspired this statement of yours?
"If Alan wishes to prove me wrong"
I think it has already been explained that Alan wishes to leave the court stuff to the courts. We, as posters (commenters), are using his forum to discuss the particulars as it happens.
I think you can have a problem with folks who choose to discuss as it happens, but you can't have a problem with people who choose to lay back in the cut and wait for the verdict to have an opinion.
You can't have a problem with someone who chooses to wait to be informed before they make a judgment on the case, can you?
If Isiah says he never said those words...can you blame people for choosing to believe him?
Something about that doesn't make sense.
I don't call you an idiot for choosing to believe the plaintiff before even hearing the defendant's case.
I think you should extend the same courtesy to those who wait to see the outcome of the case before having an opinion on it.
another lukewarm, knicks season preview by some guy from bleacher report. knicks haters would be proud.
http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2298-New_York_Knicks-NBA-Knicks_Wheeling_or_Dealing_-200907
i wrote a response to him personally but the website makes you register before posting responses and i'm lazy. i posted my response to his article on knicksdefense.com, however.
@Starburyfan
You have to admit, that article does have some truth to it.
1. Zach better play defense.
2. Crawford is horribly inconsistent.
3. Curry needs to learn to pass.
And the writer commented that he thinks the Knicks will finish 8th. Which is right about where I would put them. They may win a max of 45 games, no more IMHO.
You have Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland, Miami, Orlando, Washington, NJ. We might be better than Orlando, but thats about it from that collection. We have to remember that Charlotte and Atlanta also improved.
So the Knicks finishing 8th is about as high as I would put them.
DNM,
the prediction at the very end of the article does not match the tone of the rest of the preview. 41-41 and an 8th seed is not what i have beef with. i have beef with the way he wrote off curry, stephon, basically the entire team with the exception of David Lee, everyone's darling on this team.
Alan,
Great post. That's gold. Thanks for the insight into the process - it really helps understand what goes on behind the scenes more.
Great catch on the EA Sports pic. I'm glad you didn't go with the cheap "Z-Bo wouldn't be playing defense" joke!
Thanks Statesman, by your entry, I continue to be gratified about the company that I keep here. There was a transformation that took place with certain metaphysical types of posters. We started to claim our NY status as a flagship franchise--one that evokes the wrath of the envious for some and unfurls the "veil of hypocrates" for others. We claim NYers as: A Number One, Top of the Heap, King/Queen of the Hill... I'm sure you would agree that there are some merits in the notion: See it, be it. See the ship, win the ship. You know what's good.
BARF (Be A Real Fan for the new Fixers). Thanks for that blog entry. You know what's good. I love your steadiness.
MAK,
I recognize that you're not a new poster but you may have come here later after our host AH had already established his persona to this community of Knicks Fans. It was a really moving entry where he mentioned the influence from his late father. Maybe someone could connect you to that link so that our host could focus on the other pressing b-ball matters you posed to him earlier. It was in those blogs that AH established "street creds" from the Fixers here. This community of bloggers here at the Fix--bonded by an undying passion for the NYK (as in diehard, bleed O&B types)--does not condone racial hatred, gender bashing, disrespect to others, humanphobia, or injustice in any way. For starters, the blog host established those rules from jump. When it appeared that he himself violated an injustice rule, the "Fix Community" called him on it and he expressed his street cred and man'd up. Furthermore, I would not keep this company and engage here if those rules were not applied and safeguarded by the other Fixers like Trane, Statesman, African, BARF, Peaceman, Starburyfan, Lives In NJ, Loves NY, Cooleyhigh, Bronx/Harlem MDs, and all you other Fixers I value with no intent to disrespect by omission from the foregoing list. You are the company that I keep and thank you for this great forum for expressing my fanaticism.
Steady as IT goes. Stay the course. If all mayhem breaks loose, we are still NY and the world follows our pace and lives on our pulse.
KFL
YFL
JFL
IFL
MFL
I LOVE NEW YORK
I was a fan of the James signing when it occured because we had no center. Curry was not here yet and we were very light in the middle. James is six fouls, and if you watch him closely in half court sets, a very heady, fundamentally sound player. Problem is, he grows tired of playing (physically tired, and mentally tired in roughly equal parts) and for all I can see, intentionally spends three of his alloted six fouls in order to go back to the bench for a gatorade cocktail. He sets great screens, moves to the right places on defense, and can do a little something with the ball on offense, but has no interest in the outcome of the game. In my opinion, with Morris, Curry, and Randolph, (have enough beef (throw in Malik), to keep us covered in the paint. Big Snacks' time has come. I just can't see where or when he will ever care enough to even remain in a game.
Marbury is a brother from another planet. . . . God has blessed him, considering how jacked up we on Earth can be, this appears to be a good thing for him and confusing for those who have an established image of what he is or what he should be. This is one interesting dude.
Is this really what it's like to be filled with love and forgiveness in your heart? How does that mesh with being a public figure where the rules of engagement don't have room for such quirkiness? This is very deep?
And in all my years and experiences, I haven't seen the drug that can do to Marbury what an infatuation with God can. Wow.
Great video BARF.
starburyfan
that bleacherreport breakdown was arse.
I pick better breakdowns out of the lint in my bellybutton when i take a shower in the morning.
Jeffries only skill is long arms?
Stephon Marbury's states HAVE NOT declined over the last 7 years. Every one of his stat categories have fluctuated over that time period. You can say his last 2 years have been worse than all the previous ones. But that's not what dude said, so he's just talking sh!t.
His opinion of Jamal Crawford sucks. No insight. Sounds like he was describing the Crawford from Chicago because his shot selection has been dramatically better than when he first got here. If you don't agree with that assertion then it's probably cuz your wrong cuz I was never a fan of his...so I'm not making it up.
Mentioning Q-Rich without mentioning what he did for the Knicks last year and calling him our "long-range shooter" offers no new information at all. Lame.
His Zach Randolph description?
"A 6'9" power forward is hardly a big man"
Oh, so what? He should be a PG or a SG? I can just see it now. At 6'9", 251 lbs, STARTING AT POINT GUARD FOR YOUR NEW YORK KNICKS, Zach Randolph!
If 6'9", 251 lbs isn't a big man then he must have a couple of Yao Ming's growing in his backyard ready for harvesting.
And for kickers he tries to take on Eddy Curry with this...
"Curry seemed to improve last year, but that was mostly an illusion."
Ah, yes. So the 22 games where he scored 25 points or more were just a figment of your imaginations.
He explains himself with "His rebounding and scoring numbers rose because he played more minutes"
Ah, so profound. So a career high in minutes isn't considered "progress" or "development". So the fact that he played in every game and started every game for the first time in his career isn't "progress". Because we don't pay attention to things like that, right?
I was real hard on Eddy Curry last year but c'mon. This guy is just silly. ECity, obviously made progress last year. He's got work to do if he wants to get better and take this team further than last year. He needs to work on his defensive identity and learn to be consistent with his effort and backing up his teammates. From what he showed last year, he did not resemble the kid that came from Chicago. I had no idea he was that fluid on the offensive end. i didn't know he had such a soft touch around the basket.
With more coaching and more time in a nurturing environment (like he has here) he should continue developing by "leaps and bounds" (what up Clyde Frazier!)
I'm pretty tired of everyone sucking off David Lee too. Last year people were getting really heated because he wasn't starting. Funny.
I was like, you better watch what you ask for cuz he's only a second year player and his style of play could easily translate into injuries to his legs. Then he gets injured and everyone wants to call it a surprise and a mystery. With his style of play, you have to expect that he will be injury prone (to his legs, feet, ankles mostly) in his early years. With experience and conditioning, I imagine the risk will lessen.
@Willis
I agree completely except that I don't want to go in to the season expecting Zach Randolph to play the center position. It would be a good option, depending on the matchups, to use him at the center and give ECity a break. I'd rather cut Jones and Dickau if its a problem of spreading out minutes. I like Jones the defender but we have two GUARD projects in Chandler and Nichols. I'd much rather see them develop on the bench.
Jones and Dickau will both land on their feet somewhere else. Dickau's a solid fundamental PG and Jones is a good scorer, with solid strength on the defensive end. I just don't think they can help enough to keep them here.
I'm done. I need a breather.
Willis,
I'm LMAO and the office mates have peeped in to see why. What a great Knick-name (Big Snacks).
In answer to your question about when: When the next contract year is up, maybe? (LOL)
BTW--I valued your keen observation of his fundamentals as a Big. Could he be playing out an IT script? Just blogin'
KFL
KFL
^^^^^^^
Damn Straight Steady !!
I meant that for Steadys 1:52PM post.
Throw the Denver Broncos in there and now we're talking.
LNJ,LNY
I don't have speakers here at work so I'm dying to watch the video at home tonight. Helluva video yeah!
Here's Eddy Curry's stat page
That review was really wack. Can't believe dude has his own page writing garbage like that.
What's up home slices. I'm taking a short afternoon break to holler at ya and to see what is happening. I see I'll need to repost because I hate being on the end of a thread.
Alan is the man. Great, great post. Thank goodness for Everett or it would be too staid around here. But with that said, Everett my friend, that's some interesting stuff, but your observations regarding Alan are a bit on the deep end. You seem like you just want to pick a fight. Stick around, we got some boxers for you. Oh by the way, I think Anucha is lying based on my reading of the available facts. And I think anybody who says that they never used the word "Bitch" is lying too. Because quite frankly, sometimes the word "Bitch" just fits the situation or the person -- male or female. And other times it's an accurate description of one's frustration. And other times it's just much shorter than calling someone a "motherflubber."
You people need to get off your lying ass moral high horses and deal with reality. I know. It's scary to be so intimate with the truth. . . . you might start to seem nutty, different, alien just like Marbury.
Steady, Cooleyhigh -- my love is strong baby and you guys are within its embrace. Steady, I really appreciated that NY, NY video. It really said a lot about your love and your great taglines. Cool Dude.
BARF, you have really turned this into the best B-Ball mag out there by sharing the hmtl info again. Speaking of Mags - the New HOOPS is in the bookstores. I didn't really have time to do more than glance through it, so no comment.
WARNING: I am about to repost NON-BASKETBALL COURT related material.
MSG TRIAL BY MEDIA, Part 1
THIS TOO SHALL PASS, JUST LIKE GAS
A trial has far LESS to do with the TRUTH than which party presents the most credible version of events for a JURY OR JUDGE TO SELECT the truth.
Regardless of what the parties and witnesses state under oath, the truth is determined, not by what actually happened, but by a person (or persons) who decides the facts based upon the fact-finders own experiences as they relate to determining the CREDIBILITY of witnesses and the viability of evidence. As a result, it is extremely difficult for someone not at the trial, without the benefit of determining the veracity of a person on the stand by his demeanor and the consistency and logic of his story, to even guess at what a jury will believe or not believe. Reporters do not help outsiders understand what is likely to happen because they report trials in a piecemeal, inning by inning fashion, in which every bit of plaintiff testimony is accepted as a truthful statement (or score) against the defendant for him to counter. Such reporting does not take into consideration the whole story, which is what a jury will do when it gets into a room and deliberates over the evidence. The TRUTH is not decided, for the purposes of a trial, until a jury or judge decides what the truth is.
Of course reporters cannot report the entire story until the trial is over. Still a reader can learn a lot about a reporter's own biases by how they report or comment on a story in a piecemeal fashion, usually without a critical eye to questioning the veracity of the testimony. A reader can tell about a reporter's biases as the reporter selects what is true before the entire story is told and before the jury decides what is actually true.
The bottom line is that the worst way to guess at how jurors will decide what is the TRUTH is to hang onto every word written by reporters who only offer partial, sensationalized, oversimplified and overemphasized testimony with no critique as to a party’s entire story. And worse is having sportswriters, who feel the need to keep score on almost every event, write about the progress of a trial. Almost useless stuff.
Posted by: Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York | September 19, 2007 10:37 PM
Alan, I am going to print out your latest blog and put it in a little notebook, because it belongs in a book. Just really informative. I love it.
Coming soon friends:
MSG’s TRIAL BY MEDIA, Part II
JUST ANOTHER BITCH HUNT,
Gotta go. Have a blessed afternoon.
BARF- Glad you agree about that preview. to add insult to injury, the guy claims to be from the nyc. probably fresh off the bus.
http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2298-New_York_Knicks-NBA-Knicks_Wheeling_or_Dealing_-200907
here is my response to it from knicksdefense.com
>>>
There is a website called Bleacher Report where literally anyone can write a sports article and be published by them. It is actually a sweet deal for the owners of the site, grant these writers access to the site so they can get free content. They get the rights to the articles, make profit off the banners and even have final editing rights before publishing. Here is such an article, a preview article on the knicks by a guy named Harris Beringer. Already sounds like a fantasy league guy to me. Below is my response. Unfortunately, you have to register to post your reply, so this guy may never know just how off I find his article to be.
>>>
I have to admit, this is absolutely the worst preview article I’ve ever read in my life.
there is no attempt to be unbiased, you could have effectively made the same case by editing down your article to “the knicks suck,” –i would have respected you more for it.
You dismiss Zach Randolph’s contributions to the team because of David Lee’s stats and what Randolph Morris did in summer league against rookie competition? Zach Randoph has been putting up 20 and 10 against the best power forwards in the league (previously found in the western conference) for years and Randolph Morris hasn’t even played 21 minutes in a single game yet, discussion over. David Lee still can’t shoot, Zach Randolph has incredible range for a big man, not to mention an array of moves in the paint. yes, 6′9″, 255lbs IS a big man. Karl Malone was a big man, Carlos Boozer is a big man, Zach Randolph is a big man. when you dominate all other power forwards in the league, you have earned the title big man.
Stephon Marbury’s game has statistically declined, which probably would matter to a fantasy basketball fan with no true concept of the game, but matters very little when the team is shifting it’s offense from the perimeter to the paint. you could have easily compared his numbers last year to the older Chauncey Billups, but instead focused strictly on the negative.
your synopsis of Crawford: “dump the ball to curry,” easier said than done pal. you make it sound like you could go out there and do it yourself. when the entire league knows you are trying to get the ball to one guy on the post, and a certain player has a knack for doing just that, you shouldn’t so easily dismiss the chemistry they have.
On Q getting hurt this season: well, you may have a point there, but I’ve never heard of any writer saying, “well, he’ll probably get hurt and miss a lot of time,” something is wrong with the way you phrase that. people may think it, but it is usually less negatively said.
eddy curry: again, you focused on the negative. you didn’t mention that his offensive game on the low block was unstoppable, which is true. it is also true that he can’t play a lick of defense, but if you are going to talk about the coin, why not present both sides of the matter?
“Rookies Wilson Chandler and Demetris Nichols may be assigned to the NBDL.” Shows how little you know about the knicks. they never share their players with the D league. I’d bet the farm they never play D league for one minute as knicks property.
Mardy Collins never punched a player in his life, that was Carmelo Anthony. You have the facts mixed up. Is that all you know about Mardy Collins? He did average 14p 6r 6a 2st per game over the last month of the regular season, in case you didn’t know.
I was supposed to leave but a Starbury post caught my attention.
That preview is trash. He shows no knowledge of the game and just did some research and stated the opposite from news reports. He clearly has not watched the games.
Good response Starburyfan. Per usual. Now I'm Audi.
Steady, I wish I could take responsibility for the Big Snacks moniker, but he earned that one in Seattle. It is catchy; even my niece refers to him as Snacks.
Curry followed by Morris is a pretty good rotation for the center position, and given foul trouble by those two, Rose or Randolph on a limited basis. I'm with the crew here who feels we can't afford anymore chuck and giggle s#!t on the Knicks, and he's a big part of that. One of the things that this team has alot of is "potential", as in players with "potential" One of the maddening things about Crawford, decent guy, other-worldly talent, brought here for his potential, is his inconsistency and inability to buckle down and make winning plays throughout a game. Game winning shots are exciting, and only a few guys can consistently pull them off, but the flip side of "clutch" is that you're in a jam and seconds away from losing a game. Bad scenario. Robinson, Ditto. Games turn on subtle things, things that happen in training camp, things that happen in scouting, things that happen in the first quarter. That's why I can't stand when non-basketball guys say "I just watch the last five minutes" All this by way of saying, there is a tipping point on this squad between guys who get it and guys who don't. In between are the guys who have "potential", who can go wither way, who can believe the hype and blow off today's loss for "one day" when they should be breaking their brains trying to solve the riddle of winning. James' weight is securely on the side of the seesaw that tips to "whatever" and "tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow" I don't want this very young squad to follow his lead. And if we do have to find another 6 fouls, get me a guy like Reggie Evans to rebound, or a shotblocker project type to develop for those 5 - 10 minutes he'll see daylight, like Saer Sene. Truthfully, after Shaq and Duncan, we bring the biggest guns to the post in the league (Dwight Howard needs to learn it still) so we can afford to have another 4 or 5 on the quick side.
BARF,
Thanks for your reply. A couple of points to clarify. You wrote that:
"1- It's not a fact that
these words were used by anyone involved in the case. It has been alleged and as of yet, not proven."
I had referred to comments made by Isiah during his taped deposition. I watched the deposition in full. Hard for the man to say he was misquoted as he was under oath during his deposition. Harder still for Alan to ignore Isiah's comments, yet he has and, I believe, the ignorance on Alan's part is both intentional and designed to help him curry favor in the front office and the locker room. Maybe I'm wrong, but it sure looks that way.
I cannot and will not tell someone they should decline to believe Isiah or Stephon Marbury. Testimony under oath is punishable, as such, by charges of perjury if found to be comprised of lies.
Also, you had posted the following:
"I don't call you an idiot for choosing to believe the plaintiff before even hearing the defendant's case.
"I think you should extend the same courtesy to those who wait to see the outcome of the case before having an opinion on it."
BARF, I never termed anyone an "idiot" or questioned his/her mental faculties. Quite frankly, that's why I often avoid blogs. Too much of that stuff. I do not understand why you claimed that I had called someone an "idiot."
As to New Jersey's point about Stephon's frequent references to God, last time I checked my Bible one of the 10 Commandments went something like this:
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Can Stephon's testimony that he, a married man and father, had sex with a female intern be anything other than adultery?
Somehow, I get the idea that this whole summer of sneakers and preachers on Stephon's part was nothing more than a public relations campaign to cushion the negative impact of the trial. Stephon, rightly so, already has suffered significant losses in the court of public opinion. Adultery, last I checked, had nothing to do with race, money, or basketball.
One hardly expects another human being to be perfect, and I only make about five mistakes every hour. Perfect I most certainly am not.
As a Knicks fan, I find myself deeply upset about the testimony of Isiah and Stephon in this trial and, more so, about the kind of behavior that has been allowed to perpetrate at the Garden. A team without discipline is often a losing team, and the Knicks have lost plenty of basketball games in the past decade.
I attribute this absence of discipline, and the losses, to James Dolan, Isiah Thomas, and Stephon Marbury. However, I believe that winning basketball games will be easy when compared to regaining the respect of the public at-large.
At best, this trial has made the Knicks franchise look like something of an out-of-control fraternity house. At worst, the Knicks franchise appears to be something, quite sadly, far more reprehensible.
That Alan Hahn, as a journalist, either refuses to address these issues or sides with Isiah and Stephon only makes things that much more damning.
"Hard for the man to say he was misquoted as he was under oath during his deposition."
What exactly did he say? What was so damning?
If its about the black men can call black women bitches (I'm paraphrasing) and white man can't then...what? He's not the first person to have said that. I've heard variations of that statement many times.
I'm not saying its right. I'm not even saying I agree with him. But it proves nothing. He also said he has never called her a bitch.
Regardless of what his general tolerance level and overall opinion for using the word "bitch" is...he also said he didn't call her the word.
So if you want to listen to Isiah's overall opinion about who can use the word and who can't, can you accept his claim that he did not use the word?
Her lawyers want you to make the logical jump from "Isiah thinks its okay for black men to use the word bitch when referring to black women" to "Isiah thinks it okay to use the word which means he HAS used the word".
Unfortunately for her lawyers, Isiah has said he's never used the word and no one has ever witnessed him use it.
So unless you have, what are discussing?
"I do not understand why you claimed that I had called someone an "idiot.""
No, you called someone a "supporter of sexual harassment"...which to me, is calling dude an idiot. A "blind supporter of Isiah", to me, is calling dude an idiot. Saying that he has to "prove something" to you, to me, is the same thing as calling him an idiot. Who are you that he should have to defend himself from things he hasn't written or implied?
For a guy with a good vocabulary, your reading comprehension sure can use some help. I imagine you're just trying to pick a fight. Which, I guess, is all good.
You have a right to.
"One hardly expects another human being to be perfect, and I only make about five mistakes every hour. Perfect I most certainly am not."
You should leave it there and build on that.
"As a Knicks fan, I find myself deeply upset about the testimony of Isiah and Stephon in this trial and, more so, about the kind of behavior that has been allowed to perpetrate at the Garden."
As a fan, what do you care what happens at the Garden the corporation? Now, if you're an investor, that's a different story. I would understand.
What it sounds like to me is that you just don't like this latest iteration of the Knicks team. Maybe you should consider following another team or more teams. Maybe you can't put your heart into following this team.
As a fan, thats' your right.
Starburyfan as to your reply to Beringer I'll say on point!
Willis as for your take on J James I agree I'd rather have Doleac back or host of other limited less talented guys, who know their capabilities and seem to stay w/in their roles and break a sweat while doing so!
starburyfan,
i just finished your reply, good stuff.
i'm sure dude is not a ny'er...he just calls himself one cuz he likes the sound of it.
he does look a little like david lee from the pic on the site. which would explain the infatuation
I like Sarunas Jasikevicius. Golden State has released him. Anyone on the market or a vet PG. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking he'd fit in Atlanta, LAC (not well), Lakers, BOSTON and the Heat (now that Milwaukee matched the offer,/a href> for Charlie Bell)
How the West was(will be) won. NBA.com breaks the Western Conference down starting with the new look Rockets.
I've been holding my guns for a long time, but Lives and Barf, you guys keep calling me!
Barf:
You're quickly becoming a legend, smacking down the punks as they jump up.
Everett reads like a rival writer that is jealous of Alan's blog. Pure Fuc*ery. He's contradicting everything Alan writes and even puts words in his mouth. Sorry, we've seen your kind before, and their fates are usually the same.
Score another for you Barf.
Lives:
Deep analysis on the case. I agree with you 95% You lost me with that statement of corprate America wanting to include minorities. But who am I to say? I'm just a man with no education and on welfare.
I've got so many thoughts running around my mind on this case, I can't post at this time, maybe later.
African
You're overdue. Let your thoughts come out to play.
Wow, lots to say, but a bit busy at work here so I'll pick a few.
First off, I forget which entry it was, but I laughed at loud when AH made the shout out to Stuart Gray! I loved rooting for that guy in a comical Darko kinda way.
@Statesman
You really don't think Q is a 2? Many people say its his 'natural' position. Im not sure either way. With his bulked up frame in recent years I side a bit with you, but I don't think its so clear-cut.
Also from a couple posts ago, I forget who I was conversing with, but we were talking about starting lineup, J-Craw off the bench, bench scoring, and the like. Here's my take. If we don't get Artest and JC stays in the starting lineup, it does not mean at all that our 2nd unit is offensively challenged. First off, this isn't hockey (sorry Alan) and we don't work in shifts. I guarantee that when Eddy subs out first, Zach will stay on the floor for a while longer as the primary scoring option. And then Eddy can come back in to sub him out. I'd bet there is not much time, maybe 5-7 minutes a game, where both bigs are off the floor. Of course, foul trouble could change all of that. And secondly, our second unit is not geared to be a half-court offensive set type team, but that doesn't mean they won't be able to light it up. Renaldo, Lee, and Nate, among others, are MADE to run the open floor, score off of hustle plays and putbacks, and get out on the fast break like nobody's business. I am fine letting those guys go without a "go-to scorer" and I don't think the results will suffer. Though, as I said before, I think its rare these guys will be out there without either Eddy or Zach. (by the way, I LOVE the nickname Nice n Nasty for that duo. Who came up with that?)
The Stephon interview. Wow. I'm speechless. What more is there to say about this guy. How much has this guy changed (publicly) in the past year! I'm not coming down on him or anything, I actually love this new Steph, but I also do think he's a couple sandwiches short of a picnic. I stand by my completely unprofessional diagnosis of bi-polar with this being a manic episode. Don't tear me up on this, just bloggin!
Lastly, many people were thankful for the insight of this entry to the behind the scenes stuff. Here is another example of such an entry, about the rookie tranistion training sessions. I know, this is like the 3rd time I've hyped this guy's blog. I swear I don't know him or are paid by him, I just happen to like the writing and hold it in a similar regard as this blog and the fixers here. Its funny how, to me, the 2 beat writers that are outside of NYC (LI and Westchester) are the two best. Alan, sorry to keep giving props to a competitor, but you've got a good eye and I'm guessing you see the difference here as well.
I invite all of you Fixers to ignore the negativity being spewed by Everett. Everett is the kid in the classroom who would do stupid stuff just to get attention, negative or positive. He's being provocative to engage others.
With so much negativity surrounding the Knicks, this should be a place to keep basketball our primary focus.
'Lives',
Good analysis, and solid foundation. I look forward to reading the conclusion.
Barf,
Your links and the instructions on how to link, has taken this blog to a higher level.
Adam L,
I followed Doughty's blog last year, but never posted. I thought he did a good job and was very objective. DaVonn was a regular on the blog.
Peace & Blessings
Guys, I think African will have my back on this this!
Ignore this Everett poster who is none other than AKA Mark/Isola. His blog has died and he's trying to bring others down with him!
His cover as "Everett" is about as street wise as "Lester from Oklahoma who wears a name badge down 42nd while straying from his Elk club members only to find out he has pidgeon tatooed on his forehead! Get lost Mark/Isola ...climb Mt. Everett into thin Air, you still won't revive your blog from the dead!
@Adam L
I think the best line up may be.
Steph
Q
D.Lee
Zach
Curry
save Crawford,JJ,Balk Nate off the bench.That gives us balance and scoring on both the starting line up and the bench.D.Lee will help with "D" and rebounding.Not sure where I would fit in AH20 if he makes the cut. But all bets are off if PEACEMAN is right and Artest comes to town.
@Peaceman
How do you know Artest dealing is in the works?
Oh, I'm trying to stay away from the trial and that circus......just need a break from it today.
@Adam L
I like Doughty's blog as well. Here is his post for today:
http://knicks.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/20/morris-is-making-a-strong-impression/
Sorry, I don't have the one word link down pat yet.
@John Q
I think the OJ "chase" happened during the series against Houston.
D L T Knicks!
I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you! lol
J.A. Adande on the ESPN site has a good art