The Knicks Fix

Alan,

Can you at least post a link to your articles that are in the regular edition? I've got you in my blog reader and it will just be easier to read your stories if there is a link to them here on the blog. I'm stuck in LA, so there is no chance I am going to see the hard copy of the paper.

alan, put me down for curry. everyone's going to riding steph's jock for controversy and sitting on zach's lap for comfort. in the meanwhile, try to get curry to talk about his summer workout regiment, what he thinks his role on defense will be and how important he thinks being a 2 way player is.

its important for he and zach to defend but its more important that he asserts himself first on d and learns how to play without incurring foul trouble. i'd like to know if he thinks about that. i already know he'll be nice on offense but in order to get to that next level, the big man's got to plug the middle up.

have a good weekend fellas

I second BARF:

1. CURRY and DEFENSE

2. CURRY and DEFENCE

3. ZBO and DEFENSE

4. No More Marbury for now.

Alan

My hand goes up for Zach. I just want to hear again about the hopes and promises he bring to our Knicks advancing. Also, I would like to hear his thoughts on the interior "d" that he and EC will play.

I am most interested in hearing from Curry, how he's coping post-robbery and his mindset for this season. But if I could ask only one question I would ask Marbury about his thoughts concerning treatment of women in the workplace.

My vote goes to ECity, second choice Z-Bo. You know every media outlet in the city is going to be trawling for more nuttiness from Steph.

Thanks Alan. I would like to hear from Fred Jones, Wilson Chandler and DNick.
Fred is probably that role guy whose professionalism along with athleticism will be a quiet leader off the bench. I remember Chandler saying he wanted to be ROY talk to him about that. And you have free reign with DKnick.
Have a great weekend all

The guy we've heard about least this summer was ZBo. my votes for him.

Alan coming to the Knicks better not cost us D-Nick or any of our young talent, I'd like to give him a shot, but only for our old bums. Gerome, Malik, Dickua or Jones feel free to buy any of them out. But we are on the cusp of having a nice young developing team.

I'm sorry to contradict myself but I'd would not mind having Cato back.

And one last thing, next year draft we better be looking for a good point guard.

Put me down for Z-Bo. Its time I get to know this guy.

my votes for zach

Zach seems to be the "mystery man"...

I'd like to hear how he thinks he'll fit into the Knicks' scheme, what he thinks he gives them, and most importantly, how he REALLY feels about playing in the "worlds most famous arena".

Alan – from your list, I’d like to hear from Zach, because I know the least about him. Not meaning to be difficult, but I’m most interested in hearing from Q. To my thinking, he was the Knicks’ MVP last season until he went down. And definitely playing at all-star level. Can he come back that strong? Can he be better? He could be a real sleep for this team this year. I’d love to hear how he rates his progress.

Have a great trip.

Sorry, but one question about the case: Is it true that the intern was given a new, better job by MSG a few weeks ago? Did this come up in the court case? (You’d think Sanders’ attorney would use it in her cross-examination?) I felt sorry for her until I heard this. What do you know?

O’k folks, I really apologize about not being able to give you some top of the line jury room tea leaf prognostication, but I just don’t have enough information to give you anything but run of the mill opinion for entertainment value. I’ll call it my “Just Bloggin’” opinion.

The information that would be for me to make a decent guess regarding the courtroom drama would be (1) the background of the jurors; (2) the exact content of the testimony and (3) the dynamics between the jurors. Then I would walk out of the jury room with a pretty good guess for you. (LOL).

But, I’m game to give it a shot anyway:

1. In a federal court civil trial, the verdict of a seven person panel must be unanimous. As one attorney put it in his blog, the jury must believe that the plaintiff’s version is “more probable than not” or more than “50%” likely that it is true. (I would cite the blog, but I didn’t like his opinion and I’m not giving free advertising in my post. Although, I found it useful that he believes the unanimous verdict favors big business defendants because all they need is to convince one to win, whereas in many jurisdictions they must convince two jurors to win).

2. The request for a definition of “hostile workplace” definitely means that the four women and three men are taking their charge seriously. I would suggest that it is more likely than not that the group believes the soap opera was a “hostile workplace” not just for Ms. Browne but for much of the organization: sex romps, foul language, belittling of employees, a seemingly distant owner.

While they may feel the hostility with their gut, they seem to be questioning who created this hostility. If they thought it was MSG’s fault off the bat, they would not have asked about the “assumption” in the definition. Newsday says the Judge said “don’t assume anything.” I wonder if that is what the judge really said or whether he reminded them of the steps in the charge.

Of course, this is good for Browne if they have decided there was a hostile work environment, a culture allowed by MSG. But if they believe she helped create it, then they will pay very close attention to her claim regarding the hostility towards her.

3. The jury’s request for the organization chart can mean at least one of two things. First, they may want to be clear as to the employee relationship of Thomas and Browne. Is Browne a direct report to Thomas? The answer would be no. How does this affect her ability to do her job and how frequently do they work together? Second, it could be an inquiry into who is responsible to handle different elements of this mess, like the firing. Or perhaps it could be something as far out as trying to figure out if Ms. Browne really could move up in the organization.

4. The request for copies of e-mails indicates that the jurors are working out a timeline to determine which story really makes sense given the proofs. IT and Dolan’s attorneys are probably telling them this is good news, since it means the jurors are considering the defenses version of the story that Browne did not document her claims. According to the NYT report, Thomas’ attorney was slamming with the visuals where she attached “no witness” and “ no corroboration” signs to Browne testimony.

5. The request for Thomas’ testimony is harder for me to figure out, except that it is interesting they want both the videotape (presented by the plaintiff) and his witness stand testimony. They are obviously trying to reconcile something he talked about in both instances. But, I am not sure what the testimony in the tape was except that whole thing about the “bitch double standard.” What are they looking for? To catch Thomas in a “lie.”

6. Request for Dolan’s and Moran’s testimony may betray the judge’s earlier statement regarding the retaliation claim. In fact, according to Lupica, the judge said that the jury could find that there was “rather nasty” and “deliberate” retaliation by Dolan. It seems Dolan screwed himself by not following a standard procedure in the firing and McCormack screwed Dolan by admitting that he never told Dolan about the investigation. I don’t advocate lying, but come on, who else knows when Dolan knew about the tampering but Dolan and whoever told him. They missed a freakin’ layup. I’m really down on those defense attorneys for poor prep is the newspaper coverage is accurate.

I am a little confused by the request for Moran’s transcripts. He conducted part of the investigation on Marbury, Decker and Gonsalves. Is there something he said to Dolan that let Dolan know Anucha was pressuring Decker.

Yeah, that retaliation claim may be looking mighty sweet to Browne. How could Dolan scew up like that. He had her easy, but perhaps his arrogance in firing her based on his own counsel got in his way. The man who represents himself in legal matters usually has a fool as an attorney. Or a fool and his money is soon departed. Sorry Jim, but that was not a well played move.

I hope they are done by the end of the day. This needs to be over soon. Only from a selfish point of view, I wish he had settled, because I didn’t want to hear about this garbage. But, I gotta give it to Dolan for standing his ground. He is a man of his own convictions. Perhaps too much so.

By the way Trane, Decker was hooked up. And whoever called her chunky, clearly has no idea of the pleasures of a nice healthy woman -- get your head outta those skinny girl magazines. Once you go Phat, you'll never go back.

My #1 is E.C.; I want to know what kind of shape he's in, physically, and mentally, after having a 9mm in his grill.
#2 is Z-Bo, as he is an unknown. I would like to see how he handles the media scrutiny.
#3 is Steph; to find out if the little men from Mars have landed on Earth.

It will be interesting to hear from Herb, though I guess it won't be much more than the party line.

The way I figure it, Houston probably owes the Knicks a few seasons of working for free.

Fool me once ...

Who here is hoping that Eddie can use this summers robbery as fuel to finally get angry this season ? I for one hope he takes it as a personal mission to defend the paint because he couldn't defend his home. I know I'd be looking for someone to take my frustrations out on after I was jacked. Seriously I just want to see him commit to D. I'm so excited about the season I'm ready to explode. GO KNICKS !!!!!

@ Counselor Lives:

Love the analysis in particular the following portion caught my eye.

"6. Request for Dolan’s and Moran’s testimony may betray the judge’s earlier statement regarding the retaliation claim. In fact, according to Lupica, the judge said that the jury could find that there was “rather nasty” and “deliberate” retaliation by Dolan. It seems Dolan screwed himself by not following a standard procedure in the firing and McCormack screwed Dolan by admitting that he never told Dolan about the investigation. I don’t advocate lying, but come on, who else knows when Dolan knew about the tampering but Dolan and whoever told him. They missed a freakin’ layup. I’m really down on those defense attorneys for poor prep i[f] the newspaper coverage is accurate.

I am a little confused by the request for Moran’s transcripts. He conducted part of the investigation on Marbury, Decker and Gonsalves. Is there something he said to Dolan that let Dolan know Anucha was pressuring Decker.

Yeah, that retaliation claim may be looking mighty sweet to Browne. How could Dolan scew up like that. He had her easy, but perhaps his arrogance in firing her based on his own counsel got in his way. The man who represents himself in legal matters usually has a fool as an attorney. Or a fool and his money is soon departed. Sorry Jim, but that was not a well played move."

I don't recall the names of the witnesses, who discussed, ABS's, interference or manipulation behind the scenes with regard to Decker's situation but I do recall their being testimony about ABS pressing an inferior officer their to introduce ABS to attorney's and that ABS was interfering in MSG's investigation. But otherwise, I also didn't read any further coverage indicating that Dolan's attorneys's connected the dots that Dolan at least impliedly had a constructive or general knowledge of ABS's interference. Given that the failure to connect those dots may give ABS an advantage in the retaliation case, Dolan's attorneys really fudged things to not connect any dots. I just wonder how much that ought ot cost Dolan. Otherwise I think Thomas's attorneys made a strong representation for him. If you read the following story it sounds like ABS still might not get the unanimty required in order to win on her claims.

@ Alan:

I'm with BARF and Lives with regards to questions directed at E-City. Especially regarding his role now that Zach will share some of his low post workload. How in particular should this help in freeing him up, to develop his defensive game?

Fixers:

Don't cry but another review has our best case scenario being a trip to the playoffs. I'm getting all choked up now fellas.

If Eddie and ZBo intend to make defensive effort and knowledge an integral part of their game in 2007-2008 everything will take care of itself and the answer to all other questions will be secondary.

I agree O&B. If they lose the retaliation claim, Dolan should fire those attorneys and hire my cousin Vinny. At least I'd get a cut of that MSG not so missed-fortune.

Lives – and yet, did you read the review of the closing statements in one of the other papers? (Berman?) Raved about the defense summation, and said Browne’s atty did a terrible job. I thought ABS blew it by bringing up the intern, but if she changed her story after getting a new job . . . you would think Browne’s atty could have gone to town with that. You also would have thought they would have realized at this point that their only chance was on the wrongful dismissal charge, and had gone after Dolan more when he was on the stand.

Still, all in all, who says this isn’t a spectator, contact sport?

Alan,

I want to hear from Take it Easy Eddy about how hard he worked out in the summer and what aspects of his game he worked on.

Then, to be sure -- pinch him in the gut to make sure he was not eating burgers feeling sorry for himself after the break-in.

That was funny Trane. Really good points too. I will read Bermy's article, but it sounded like IT had a really good attorney.

Yeah man, this communal back and forth is a better way of getting through this thing than getting beat over the head with a POST or a Daily Newsworthiless.

Fixers:

Actually according to a radio report NBA Commissioner, David Stern, if Isiah is found to be liable for sexual harrasment, Stern might have taken the measure of suspending Thomas. That, cross your fingers, does not appear to be likely. Then again you never know with juries. If Thomas, is somehow found liable, the suspension from Stern, I think, would really hurt our young players b/c then they again would have to adapt to a new coach etc., etc.

A little Knicks Humor for the Fixer fixing for the beginning of the regular season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070927

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/larry_brown_trades

@Trane: Since you asked about Kathleen Decker's promotion, I'm curious about it, too. What I do know is that six weeks ago she got transferred to a position for The Garden foundation, and no longer works for the Knicks. She obviously has a higher title and money, or it wouldn't be a "promotion" as reported. How big of a promotion it was interests me, but no one has bothered to provide details...

I personal also question whether the Garden lawyers and Dolan really thought Decker would be needed to testify in this case as far back as six weeks ago (if you believe the insinuation is that the promotion was for testifying on their behalf) - it wasn't until ABS brought Decker into the conversation (two weeks ago) that Decker's testimony became neccessary.

@Orange & Blue: Karen Buchholz is the employee who worked for ABS. She was ABS's right hand person, and testified that she introduced ABS to her lawyers. ABS' lawyers tried to trip her up a bit by asking details from their meeting, but the judge wouldn't allow it. She testified that ABS (her boss) made her feel paranoid, claimed her office and phone was bugged, etc. Karen testified that ABS was very concerned with building her sexual harassment claim... that's suppose to support the Garden's defense's claim that ABS was interfering with the investigation.

LNJ, LNY: Nice analysis and breakdown of the jury's request for info.

Zach randolph is the player I most want to hear from since he's been incognito since his arrival.

My #2 is Q - Rich , I'm looking forward to seeing him in game action with, his back problems being corrected he might be the leading scorer on this roster.

ALAN HAHN YOU ARE THE MAN!!

Best hoops repoting in town.

Stopmikelupica:

Thanks for jogging my memory. I still can't grasp how Dolan's defense didn't tie that into a contention that Dolan had a constructive awareness of ABS's manueverings. That's were the Dolan defense messed up. I don't really care about it so long as Thomas is found not liable b/c if he is found liable, and there is any credibility to the ESPN story about potential David Stern sanctions, then the yong Knicks are in for it again. Just my opinion.

News from around the Eastern Conference:

Seems like Cavs star, Sasha Pavlovich, won't be at training camp. Also Orlando Magic Foward, Tony Battie, may be out for the season.

The knicks should use rapper Dougie Fresh's "Take me home" in their starting line-up intro...It would get the crowd going early!

Thanks for the democratic interaction Alan.

My vote is for Zach Randolph. It looks like eddy will win this poll, I'd like to hear from him as well.

Even if they did give Alan Houston a guaranteed contract, it doesn't mean he made the team, just that dolan wants to give him more money for not playing for the knicks.

Ledgend
I must say you gave me the biggest laugh of the year with your story from the "DAILY VIEWS" where you were a beat writer and covered a story at the Club "PLUG UGLIES." Thanks for that laugh as I had to leave work early because I could not stop laughing! Good to have you here on a real Knick blog!

Stop ML – I’m not an expert in the Discovery process . . . but don’t lawyers for both sides have to show the other side a list of witnesses they plan to call . . . long before the trial begins? I think so. Six weeks? I really don’t know. But long before she showed up in court to testify, certainly. WAS there a deal? I have no idea. All I said was . . . I would have thought lawyers for Browne would have implied there was a deal, to try to undermine the "intern's" credibility. Whether true or not.

kind of a pointless little article by cnnsi about isiah. most of you here already know most of what is covered in it.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/wires/09/29/2030.ap.bkn.thomas.at.trial.0815/

I'm freakin nervous !!!

How long can Stern suspend him if he's found liable?

Alan, I'm with everybody else here pretty much.

I want to hear from Zach, Curry then Q Rich....in that order...

I don't care what Marbury has to say.

Now that I think about it....it's like Steph fired his Public Relations guy right before he started making his dumb comments.

He's been quiet in interviews for most of his career and then all of a sudden.....BAM!!!!

I hate to say it guys but I'm not really a fan of Steph. Never have been never will be. As far as a basketball player I think he's very good and is probably the best scoring pg in the league after AI.

However, I just don't like his game because he's a score first pg. He's a true NY pg and that's what we need but we need a NY pg similar to Kenny Anderson....not Marbury.

I don't mean to bash Marbury like this and he did improve drastically last year when he put the teams needs in front of his own. He stepped his defense up for the first time in his career and it showed. Sure his #'s dropped but we progressed as a team.

You know what's really crazy? As much as I hate to admit it....if we were to swap pg's and bring Nash here.....we would be considered the favorites to come out the East.

Hopefully Starbury can continue his play from the 2nd half of last season and we can shock the world. It wouldn't be a shock to us but it would be a shock to everybody else.

Thanks to all you guys for helping me get through this off season without getting hooked on drugs or alcohol (spell check)....it took a lot for me not to slip into depression after the last 2 seasons. Thankfully I've been able to speak with all you guys through everything. Sure we've had our arguments here and there but that's what family does.....

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!

Let's go baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fixers,

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on a blog. However, I do not think it is wise to draw conclusion based on the jury's request for information. Most juries will exhaust every effort in an attempt for unanimity. Yes, juries prefer to speak as one. Request for additional information could mean that One juror believes that there was a "hostile workplace", while the six other members disagree. The jury could be attempting to persuade this one individual to change his mind. This differs from what we have heard through the media. The dynamics of a jury is so unpredicitable that what appears to be one thing, could really be something else.

Let's not assume the media has the answers. Remember the media was predicting a verdict on Friday. In order to reach a verdict in one day, you need a slam dunk case. This case is not a slam dunk for either party.

'Lives'- great work w/ your analysis.

Starbury fan-I apologize for being too harsh. I have nothing but love for you,(no homo). I realize that we both want the same thing. A Knicks championship. Our process just differs.

Peace & Blessings

Well Said Statesman.
What happens if the jury dismisses Zeke but finds Dolan guilty? Suspend Dolan? Ha! Suffer we will! lol. I'm just glad it's almost over and the Season is here! On our quest to win 50!

DaVonn J

Here are two articles that discuss how a suspension of Dolan and or Isiah is possible and within Commissioner Stern's power. One article, Flip Bondy's, seems to call out for that course of action if the jury is adverse to Thomas or Dolan, the other talks about the provisions that grant Stern the power to take such action and some suggestion of prior league precedent.

http://www.fantasyplayers.com/nba/FeedItem.asp?FEED_ITEM_ID=7624

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2007/09/16/2007-09-16_nba_commisioner_david_stern_could_come_a.html

I don't know how long a suspension would last but these two stories reinforce a report I heard from ESPN regarding possible actions Stern might take against the Knicks. Personally, screw Dolan, he really messed up for taking action w/o advice of counsel. But Thomas, IMO, this guy is putting something good together on the court, the guys believe in him and play for him. That being said the Knicks players don't need this. But no doubt there are A$$wholes who would be doing back flips if Stern reacted that way to an adverse jury.

Fixers

Thanks for being an oasis in the midst of long and bitter off season.

Alan

Thanks for this excellent blog.

Davonn J

An article regarding why or why not Stern might sanction Thomas. One argument why not has to do with the low standard of proof in a civil jury trial, and references Bryant's settlement.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-85/Punishing-Isiah.html

Distinction for me, no settlement, like in the Kobe trial so far, and it seems the jury will reach a verdict. Again if the jury is adverse to Thomas, every fixer knows how little regard everyone has for New York's Knicks and their fortunes. I really hope and believe Thomas ought ot win his case and that I'm wrong on my negative take of people's regard for the NYK

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-85/Punishing-Isiah.html

Stern is walking a thin line! Where does the Buck stop for the Fixer ref? With HIM! Has Stern self exiled himself for how many season games? I know for a fact that Cuban and many other owners have an Axe to grind with Stern, so he'd better walk on egg shells because the owners have the real power and can make this Dictator dissapear!

I say talk to Zach first.

Brings back memories of when we were contenders,...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RZJGCCuC7E&mode=related&search=

Quick question Alan...

You said:
"I feel the same about Allan's comeback attempt, though I can't deny that it's tempting. But at what expense? Cutting Demetris Nichols loose? Dumping Fred Jones, one of the few players on the roster who can defend in the backcourt?"

No we can keep those 2 but can't we instead dump Jerome James and Dan Dickau? There are more than 3 players on this current team we have that I would trade or flat out cut to make room for a shooter like Houston.

You know what else kills me?

People love to say how Zach can't play defense.

Well neither can Bosh. Lebron can't play defense either. My point is there are plenty of players in the league that don't play defense. That's why I love being apart of this Knicks movement...because everything we do and everything about us is magnified (spell check).

Thanks O&B for the info...

Yeah this off season has been tough because we got Zach on draft night and we've had to go months trying to figure out how it would work.

Well now that time is here and I think I speak for us all when I say....we're ready.

Ok guys, I usually don't do this type of stuff but I figured I would give it a shot.....

Would you guys mind giving your HONEST predictions for our Knicks this year? Just tell us how far you HONESTLY see us going. I want exact statements also LOL....

For example here is mine...

I predict the Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals this year....pending we stay the same as we are.

If we get Artest..I say we make it to the NBA Finals.

I don't know if we win it...but I def think we get there.

To why I bleed the Orange and Blue!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOZjr4gSfFU&mode=related&search=

Davonn J

I say between 44-48 wins about a Sixth seed and a second round appearance where we show the world that we're bringing back the Knicks tradition. But like you said if we get Artest, Oh my gosh! Tear a new #$%!? in the eastern conference.

good day all!

Houston would be a good presence in the locker room and on the bench but he is such a defensive liability that it would literally be 5 on 4 at the d - end. We don't need him or Jones or Danny D , What we need is to mold what we have.

We need a championship, alot of GMs can build exciting teams that give you regular season glory but the true fans knew that the Pheonix suns and the Dallas Mavs would never win a title. We knew it would be the Spurs , Heat, or the pistons, and all those teams have similarities.

No reliance on 3 point shooting.(yes they shoot it but it's not their main weapon)

No reliance on a fast paced offense(occasionally these teams use it but all 3 prefer a slower low half court PLAYOFF style offense)

NOTE: EVEN MAGIC'S LAKERS ,BIRD'S CELTICS AND MJ'S BULLS mastered the half court game as their most reliable weapon in the playoffs.

for this style you need dominate post play whether it be high post(Michael Jordan,Bird,Magic,) or low post (Kareem,Shaq,Duncan,Sheed,The Dream).

The knicks have 2 potentially great but already very good post players. Zach can play high or low and Curry is a center and not a jumpshooting big man(Bosh,Duncan,Dirk) but a real low post center but with more options than dunks(shaq,howard).

We just need our smalls to gel with our bigs and I think we'll be fine

PEACEMAN...Thanks for the big-up and it's my pleasure to be apart of this pure basketball blog with a true basketball reporter who like the sport that I love and doesn't let his personal feelings get in the way of honest decent reporting and getting true facts.

So what the other guys hate Zeke , it doesn't mean they should deny us fans of objectivity and hope , never informing us of the potential of the talent on our roster , always pointing the negative never ever positive. Never a diamond in the rough.

AND AS YOU SEE , MY ATTEMPT TO DESTROY THAT BLOG WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL AS IT IS NOW ONLY FILLED WITH RACIST RHETORIC...just like it's writers.
I am Legend/THE LIFE.

Davonn my brother from an other mother! This is the first time we totally agree. Artest will cost us nothing but a championship! With him there is NO STOPPING US! Spurs? bring em on! Celtics...a sweep, The Suns? We will beat them to death! Layups? Not in our house or in our lane. Dallas? Look to last years first round exit! This is our year, Yeah I said it first!, 2007-2008, a banner will rise in the garden! Fu@k our NY press! They know it, that's why they bitch slap us while they can! Come NOVEMBER...watch them kiss our As#! We are the KNICKS, let the league be ready or get rolled over as we will!

Legend said it best,
as in the words of Gus Johnson. ALAN, stay "PURE."

DVJ,

Your question can't be answered until we know the starting line. If JJ is the 3 and Q the 2 I agree w/ O & B 100%. 44-48 Ws and a 2nd round showing. If JC is the 2 and Q the 3 I think we will be defensively defficient and will not make the playoffs. Now if you throw Artest into the mix without giving up Lee or Balkman ? Q at the 2 and Ronny at the 3 = NBA Finals baby !

Tomorrow is media day, October 1, 2007. The balls are about to start bouncing for the new season. November 2, 2007 is the official beginning of the season for the Knickerbockers (against LBJ and the unimproved CAVS) but I feel like October the 1st is our day to be ready for 15 strong and 82 long. (I disagree with the poster who says there are too many games. Perhaps from an aesthtic point of view, but I can't get enough of this stuff).
LGK.

AH has committed to making this blog more of the shiney stuff. Yet, blog maintenance is not his job alone. It is up to us to really make the engine of this baby hum. And by the reads of a long summer, we are in position to remain F*n top of the heap, A number 1. No doubt we will.

I WANT TO ADD MY BIG THANKS TO THE CHORUS OF GRATITUDE TO THE DYNAMIC FIXERS WHO MADE THIS A MEMORABLE SUMMER OF FUN AND FROLIC IN THE WWW.

Let's will, read, write and cheer this team to an extended post-season. LGK

Gentle Fixers,

This is not the time to get overly worried about Balkman yet. The positive is that he will not be on the floor for much of the upcoming month. TAZ is a whirlwind, an injury waiting to happen because he plays so hard with reckless abandon. We know what we are going to get from him. We know that if Isiah has a defensive system, that TAZ will anchor that sucker. We know he will come back ready to shut down defenders and grab rebounds and race the length of the floor. He will fit in and do what he has to do.

We also know that they were running some of the plays in Vegas that they intend to run this fall. So don't cry for Balkman. Be glad he is sitting his tail down when it doesn't really count. Be glad and thankful they caught it before the balls begin to bounce and he'll be back soon.

Also assuming no trades will be made before November 2, Jeffries gets to show his stuff. I have been watching this guy since Indiana and he really brings the right stuff to the table for the right team and I think this year's version of the Knicks would be good for him if he were going to get consistent burn (20 - 25 mpg). I know folks want to take his last season at face value and not factor in playing in tough NY, a wrist injury to start the season, constantly changing line-ups and the suspension, but he will not have another season like he did last year and the team dynamics with other strong rebounders in Lee, ZBO, and Q will be help Jeffries.

So while I think he may be good trade bait, he still belongs to us and I think he will be worthy of our cheers and affection until he becomes an OTP.

This blog is on fire...Hottest blog in the league and I'm happy to say I will now be purchasing NEWSDAY for my knick fix baby.

Alan Hahn #1 ...

TO ALL KNICK FANS PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY NEW MISSION...Our team needs to get the fans involved early like the bulls did with their intimidating intro in the 90's.

So I was thinking that maybe rapper Dougie Fresh's rendition of "TAKE ME HOME" should be played to introduce our starting 5 and not for warm-ups.

Maybe even having Dougie Fresh himself come out and perform live to intro the starting 5 during the playoffs and I guarantee you all the knicks will be fired up ,the crowd would be insane and the opponent will be shivering.

I will start an on-line petition soon so look out for me.PLEASE help me to make this our year.

@The Life

Are you kidding me?

I would love to be apart of that. Sometimes I find myself humming that song for no reason.

It's a great song and I agree with you about having Dougie come out and perform it live during playoffs. That would give us a clear advantage to start the game. I don't know if it will go all game but for the start of the game....without question.

Soon as you get that going let us know Life. I'll get down for sure.

I feel everybody's passion. It's a new season and a new start. Let's get the ball rolling right out the gate and attack teams.

I like how we all agree that if we get Artest we can go to the promise land.

Let me pose another question....

What if we get Artest at the trading deadline......

Can we still go to the finals?

According to Hoopsworld.com Bibby is asking for a trade and Artest is complementing "RETIREMENT" .... which really means trade me to the Knicks Damn it! I think we can get it done with Expireing contracts and maybe 2 first round Protected draft picks!

LNJLNY, DaVonn J, and THE LIFE

The fixers are the reason I keep coming back for more. More content, more enthusiam, more insight! The most congenial yet intense site for the Knicks enthusiast.

Let me know when the petition gets going. I'll gladly put my name down for that. Better a petition to get the garden and Knicks are riled up than a petition to ban dihydrogen monoxide LMAO!

DaVonn:

I still think if we get Ron Ron at the trade deadline we could make a finals run. It would be harder b/c we might not seed as high untill we get him so our route to the finals will be as a road dog. But no doubt I think it's still very possible.

Alan:

What's your take on the word about possible sanctions against Thomas, and Dolan-- I could care less about Dolan really-- if jury find them liable for the charges alleged? Check the links I posted for info on this. Though I'm sure you're well familiar with the rumors.

Fixers:

Enjoy the pigskin, I'll check back in.

My bad,
The exact words of the article were, Bibby is asking for a trade and Artest is throwing out the words Retirement!
You connect the dots!

Fixers:

Re Trial: I hope that the jury listens to the judge’s
instructions on not reading material about the case
in the press. I imagine that would be hard to enforce
since the jury is not sequestered and home for the
weekend. The N.Y. Daily News, N.Y. Post and other
media have excoriated and executed Thomas and Dolan
from the first day of the trial. Natural curiosity may
tempt jurers into reading Lupica, et al. and thereby
be influenced to vote accordingly.

Do not be surprised if Dolan’s attorney’s recommend
appealing a negative decision. Perhaps a change of
court venue would result in a different determination.
The EEOC’s representative(s) for ABS would be more
Inclined to accept an adverse decision, but Dolan
has the deep pockets to appeal on the basis of one or
more judge’s rulings, jury bias (tampering?) place of
enue, or on other evidentiary grounds. An appeal to a
higher court will prolong the matter, but will not likely
hamper the Knick season or garden attendance as
if the team begins to pile up wins, as most fixers
believe will happen. An appeal will also seem to the average citizen that the case is not over and sport fans know that “it aint over till its over.” Once again, further press vilification of Thomas and Marbuty, etc. will only reinforce a spirit of “us against the world” attitude that can enhance an aggressive
court stance—especially needed on defense.

Re Artest: As much as I would like him on the team, he may not be the panacea for a championship. How has Artest fared against the league’s best small forwards: Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony or even Richard Jefferson? As I
said previously, his coming to us now—right after the trial,
will only add fuel to the N.Y. sports media’s incendiary
need to burn Thomas and Dolan for bringing another temper
tantrum time-bomb to the alleged character “defective”
team
Z-bo and Starbury. Artest can come later (if indeed needed) before the trading deadline. In the interim Q can
play small forward nicely, backed by Jerod Jeffries and
Wilson Chandler or possibly D. Nick. Chandler is a young
stud athlete with great up-side potential and D. Nick will
spread the offense with his 3 pt. outside shooting skills.
Both are also interchangeable at the 2 or 3 spots. Brian
Green showed great stuff in the Las Vegas Summer League
and should be given a chanee in training camp in
Balman’s absence. When the Taz Devil returns, the defensive energy he brings will make up for will be
restored to maximum strength.
KFL

# Post-up...

Good stuff, dude. Way to seal em and "post up" on the low block...lol.

Now if you can only teach Steph how to throw the "post" pass...we got two cats that can give us 20 and 10 every night.

All due respect post up Prince. but what in the hell worse could be written if Artest ends up here NOW? If he's talking retirement, that means he wants here NOW! Cheap too! I'm tired of waiting, tired of all the bull and tired about " what the press will say!" Enough! Lets do what we have to do and not worry about the press! No matter what we do they will find a way to make it look bad. So who really gives a SHIP!

You called it!

Jared Jordan is now a member of the Knicks, with Dan Dickau apparently about to be bought out

yo peace, Artest retiring? that's some loopy sh*t, that's not even the first time the guy has said that. he said that the season of the brawl at the palace because he wanted to focus on his music career. funny thing is the guy is supposed to be working out extra hard for this year, then he says something like that? I think his skills on the court would benefit the knicks, but not if he's going to be saying crazy stuff the ny press will eat up faster than a starbury shoe promotion in upstate NY. we don't need a veritable cloud of PR negativity surrounding the knicks. Artest worries me sometimes...

I guess you could call this Bermy's knicks preview:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09302007/sports/knicks/now_or_never.htm

Note the eddy curry quote, "I would like to come out of the East"

!!!

I like the message behind his words, but I would have rather him phrased it like this, "we are going to take the east!"

Steph has been talking about winning a championship for the knicks since Lenny Wilkins was the head coach, so I know what his mindset is coming into the season. If chauncey can win a title and get finals mvp, I don't see why Steph can't aim for the same goal, since I consider Steph to be a better player than chauncey to this day and our talent level is quickly improving.

The way I see it, Isiah and Co. may feel like they already owe us one first-round series considering the way things fell apart last year. You can infer that just by going from the quotes of the players. I really thought we'd make it in last year before we lost all those key players. So to hear these guys coming in this year sounding HUNGRY is music to my ears. And by hungry, I'm not talking about the pregame chicken mcnuggets Isola reported two anonymous knicks players scarfing down a few years back. I'm talking about coming out the gate firing, Q dunking on cats and Zach and Eddy making career strides this year. Jeffries living up to his defensive reputation upon landing in NY and Starbury silencing all of his many, many critics all over the world. D lee continuing to develop his future all-star talent and Crawford remembering to take more free throw attempts than three point shots (last year he regressed into pre-Larry Brown mode).

Just like I have faith in the bloggers of knicks fix, I have faith in this team. I may criticize Isiah often, but to be honest, I like the young players he has assembled as individual players, and I'm rooting for them to put it together and win this year. you guys deserve it.

New Jersey, Boston, Chicago. can't wait to play these teams to see how we fair.

STATESMAN--you are the man. no apologies needed homie, we are team mates here and I enjoy reading your posts.

if any of you guys have personal knick blogs let me know. I'll add a link to your on my knicks blog.

knicksdefense.com

yo davonn, no updates to your blog since march? whats up with that?

to comment on your hypothetical on artest coming here late at the deadline, that's a difficult situation, because you know they'll say it takes time to develop chemistry, YET what happened when the pistons got Rasheed, that was seemingly instantaneous what they did that year. it would be very interesting to see steph and artest play together considering their background, and assuming they'd both still be knicks.

>>>

yo alan--if you have the time, please ask Mardy tomorrow if he got to work any with Clyde. would be a shame if a legend/ hall of fame/top 50 player wasn't able to impart his wisdom to a young knick with potential.

holy crap Adam L!

what's your source?

that's crazy. we got us another possible point guard. training camp is going to be crazy.

isiah can draft. consider this guy Jared Jordan another draft pick since he's a rookie!

got it:

http://www.nynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/SPORTS01/709300447

Wow...that's one down...

Artest and H20 are the only ones left.

Nice job Isiah.

Yo Starburyfan!

Thanks for the post Knicks review

I also saw a report about the Knicks acquiring Jared Jordon on Yahoo Sports. There is also another report about it on the JournalNews website.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lac

http://www.nynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/SPORTS01/709300447

Two sources so far but no other source of official confirmation.

does this mean isiah lost confidence in Mardy since he had surgery?

point guard depth chart:

stephon>Mardy Collins>Jared Jordan

I know we have other guys that can run the point, Crawford, Nate (in a limited capacity, admittedly), Fred Jones.

>>>

its sad about the mets, been watching the game. I'm not really a baseball guy, neither yankees nor mets, but its sad to see a team fall so tragically out of the playoffs. especially when they play in nyc with knicks colors on their unis.

bottom of the 8th now. 8 to 1.

THE LIFE

Here's the "Take Me Home," New York Knicks Theme Song with highlights for the petition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mye6bvMW5k

Lets Go Knicks!

Ouch,

Yep there Orange and Blue also and I'm miserable b/c I'm also a met fan.

Here's my theory on all the PGs. Thomas will likely include one in a trade for another prospect. He's, Isiah, has loaded the chamber and has his target set, he's waiting for the right time to pull the trigger on another trade.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/the_bonus/05/24/jared.jordan/

look at this photo of nate:

http://www.msg.com/photogallery.jsp?galleryID=18&photoID=162

The word has it that the Kings are in total rebuild mode. From the Ancillary guy I mentioned in the past, don't be surprised if Jordan, Nichols, Jones, Rose and two # 1 draft picks land us BIBBY and ARTEST!....you heard it here first! Looks like were going for it NOW!

Jared Jordan a Knick?

Wow, we've been on top of that for a while now. Interesting.

I know Willis says he's seen and liked the kid. Most teams carry 3 point guards and its nice that we have 3 different PG's at 3 different stages of their careers and 3 different styles and strengths. Steph's 30, 11 yr vet, strength, scoring & penetration being his bread & butter. Mardy just turned 23 yrs old and at 6'6",he's versatile enough to guard 2 guards and uses his savvy and maturity to control the game. Now, Jared Jordan is 22, about to turn 23, 6'2", 187 lbs and is reportedly a solid conventional PG. You have to think this kid is a real talent because of Isiah's eye. Should be interesting having him at the end of the bench in case of injury.

Buy out Dan Dickau...

Who's next?

James, Malik Rose, Fred Jones? 2 of them got to go.

I'm beginning to think Malik's gone.

Good stuff finding the report Adam L. Thanks for sharing. You pulled me out of my weekend slumber.

BIBBY BTW IS INSURANCE THAT THE HEAT DON'T GET!

Peace, what are you talking about.

You can't just say stuff THAT HUGE and not give up a source. You got me salivating over here dude.

Bibby and Marbury?

Sounds like someone's got to go.

BARF
Be real! Jordan can't guard Drossman! Connect the dots!
It's really not that hard! lol

BARF
There's something called a HIPPA violation! LOOK IT UP DAMN IT!

The following clips may be of some interest although thet don’t provide all the info you need:

Jared Jordan Auditions For Another Jordan and

Jared auditions for Suns

Stephon Marbury, Mardy Collins, Nate Robinson, Jared Jordan. Is something wrong with Mardy, as someone noted from an inside medical source earlier in the summer? Is Isiah collecting assets to make a run at Artest? Jordan is not under contract yet however, is he? Training camp is going to be special. Give us your best shot AH.

Peace

I agree with BARF.....give it up (the source).I hope that is what Zeke is thinking. Teams are starting to make their moves.

3 PG's raises the level of competition in practice. Especially when Jared Jordan was the "First player in Division I since Avery Johnson (Southern, 1986-88) to lead the nation in assists twice." (according to the link provided above).

Avery's the little general so the kid has got something.

HIPPA??

This