The Knicks Fix

Great one, Alan -- welcome back. I don't think anybody would be sorry to see the Lost and Found Dept. again.

Are you telling us Newsday won't even pay the up-grade to economy plus? Scandalous. I've never bought into all the conspiracy theories about the big bad media trying to sabotage the Knicks. But, memo to Jimmy Dolan: Fly the beat reporters on your cushy charters every once in a while and I bet you’ll detect a change in tone . . . in a hurry.

Great Post

I only wish the knicks were as clever as the writers that cover them.

After a tumultous week, with Lindsay Lohan (Yukbury) pouting and going AWOL coupled with a glorious 6 game losing streak, with Zeke's head on the chopping board (supposedly), with this and that, and yada, yada, etc... Isn't it ironic that the word "WACKY" is (more) appropriate now more than ever.

I demand a recount.... let's bring back "the world of the WACKY New York Knicks."

A new day and a new week Too early and too soon to give up on this season. Gotta play D and let's get to the play-offs.
.

"LOST: One very disturbed, frustrated person who regularly posted abusive and antagonistic comments on this blog that almost never brought something productive to the site. Carry on my wayward son."

Glad to see rush is gone, Alan. Didn't know he was your son. Was this one of those Friday-night-in-college things?

Yeah - Alan, you've taken a lot of heat this week. Mak isn't the first to point out the irony in the Great Sub-Head Scandal of '07. I certainly can't argue "wacky" would be an inappropriate description of the current chaos. (But nobody's suggesting you replace it, either.)

Welcome home, Alan. Thanks for all the posts this week despite being sick.

here's one thing to think about: if the Knicks had a normal point guard who could distribute the ball and do a decent job stopping penetration in the lane, the Knicks would probably be fine.

There are four top notch PGs in the draft this year (www.nbadraft.net). If the Knicks can get Darren Collison to run the point, get rid of Marbury, things will settle.

Unfortunately, that notion has me kinda rooting for the Knicks to get back in the lottery -- never a good place to be for a fan. But, I don't see how else they can get a decent PG.

Also, hate to say it since he's such a good guy, but Jamal Crawford is probably not the answer at SG. They could probably get Cleveland to bite on Crawford and Fred Jones for Larry Hughes and a No. 1 (which would free up enough money for the Cavs to finally re-sign Varejao). That would leave a huge hole at SG since Hughes is always injured, but his contract is for one less year than Jamal's (http://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/new_york.htm).

Sorry for the long post, have a good weekend Fixers.

Alan- A few things-- First of all, thank you for dispelling the 'Fred Jones is a fantastic permimeter defender' rumor. Isiah really has us fooled on that one, although he's better than advertised at finishing around the basket. And speaking of finishing around the basket, doesn't Q eerily remind you of Steve Francis when he gets the ball down low? It's the former 'above the rim player who has lost his legs' syndrome. Like Francis last year, on plays where Q gets the ball down low in a postion to score, he's lost the strength to dunk (like he has his entire career) and doesn't know what to do. I think that's why were seeing a lot of these double clutch reverse layups and weak head fakes, like Stevie Knicks before him, that lead to blocked shots and awkward misses. It's like a fastball pitcher who has lost his velocity and need to learn how to readjust to be successful (relying more on placement, off speed pitches, etc.). And while were on the subject of dispelling false rumors, what happened to the summer league talk about the back surgery that had Q a 'dunking monster'. That was a nasty, mendacious one.
Second, I'm not sure if 'polished' is the proper adjective to describe David Lee's post moves. I think 'scrappy' or 'servicable' would be more appropriate, although I'd opt for 'awkwardly efficient'.
Third, who is the last Knick you can think of who had double doubles just fall into their laps like Zach Randolph. It's incredible. The guy will be struggling from the field, in foul trouble, and you look up and he's got 14 and 12. What a workhorse, this guy leaves it all out on the floor.
Lastly, I'm surprised we haven't heard more rumbling from you about Nate starting at point guard. You were a proponent of starting him at the point and moving Steph to the 2 even before last week's Marbury fiasco. With Steph relegated to the bench, I though you would resurrect that talk, on which I'm not quite sure where I stand.

And Alan, I'm 6'6" too. It's unfortunate that airlines don't accomodate the 'evolutionarily advanced' (human beings are evolving to become stronger and taller, wer'e just a few synapses ahead of the game), but you've got to get the the emergency exit row my man! I know its a hot ticket, but step up the game!

Alan- A few things-- First of all, thank you for dispelling the 'Fred Jones is a fantastic permimeter defender' rumor. Isiah really has us fooled on that one, although he's better than advertised at finishing around the basket. And speaking of finishing around the basket, doesn't Q eerily remind you of Steve Francis when he gets the ball down low? It's the former 'above the rim player who has lost his legs' syndrome. Like Francis last year, on plays where Q gets the ball down low in a postion to score, he's lost the strength to dunk (like he has his entire career) and doesn't know what to do. I think that's why were seeing a lot of these double clutch reverse layups and weak head fakes, like Stevie Knicks before him, that lead to blocked shots and awkward misses. It's like a fastball pitcher who has lost his velocity and need to learn how to readjust to be successful (relying more on placement, off speed pitches, etc.). And while were on the subject of dispelling false rumors, what happened to the summer league talk about the back surgery that had Q a 'dunking monster'. That was a nasty, mendacious one.
Second, I'm not sure if 'polished' is the proper adjective to describe David Lee's post moves. I think 'scrappy' or 'servicable' would be more appropriate, although I'd opt for 'awkwardly efficient'.
Third, who is the last Knick you can think of who had double doubles just fall into their laps like Zach Randolph. It's incredible. The guy will be struggling from the field, in foul trouble, and you look up and he's got 14 and 12. What a workhorse, this guy leaves it all out on the floor.
Lastly, I'm surprised we haven't heard more rumbling from you about Nate starting at point guard. You were a proponent of starting him at the point and moving Steph to the 2 even before last week's Marbury fiasco. With Steph relegated to the bench, I though you would resurrect that talk, on which I'm not quite sure where I stand.

And Alan, I'm 6'6" too. It's unfortunate that airlines don't accomodate the 'evolutionarily advanced' (human beings are evolving to become stronger and taller, wer'e just a few synapses ahead of the game), but you've got to get the the emergency exit row my man! I know its a hot ticket, but step up the game!

Alan,

Did you pay for the airplane ticket? If you did, you have every right to complain. If did not, play the violin.

Eddy Curry, questions about his intensity and determination like Willis and Patrick. Some guy - can't say I liked his style - had been jawing about that for months. Guess he got tired of waiting for you to figure that out about Eddy.

Demetris Nichols has less talent that Wilson Chandler. Willie can't even get his butt of the bench. D Leaguers both for now.

Didn't know about your grandmother.

Did know about your wife. Figured she'd be furious with that stupid Jessica Simpson piece. Hope you get used to sleeping in the garage. It's mighty cold around here this time of year.

Great post, Alan, and thanks for working on a Sunday. A couple of other lost and found items:

Lost: The Knick franchises' morality, truthfulness and integrity.

Lost: Many, many long time Knick fans who no longer know whether to root for the team to lose so that the Dolan/Thomas/Marbury trioka is broken up or to root for that elusive win.

Found: A growing dislike for Thomas and Marbury. They deserve each other.

Found: A home, in the Alan Hahn blog, for Knick fans who care about their team, but are not starry eyed or swayed by MSG baloney.

"FOUND: One hug from my kids, which I’d been waiting for since last Monday"

ALAN:
That was the best line, I thought.
When I go on business trip, I can't wait to get back home and get my greeting hugs from my kids. Makes it all worthwhile.

* It's hard to stay positive after an 0-6 road trip and all the turmoil.

* Saw this kid "Shaun or Shawn Williams" of the Nets against the Heat. Played great for a rook. This kid can flat out play.
If he can sustain it, then the Nets will regret extending Vince "I Me Mine" Carter's contract.

natez posse -- careful . . . you definitely don’t want to be mistaken for a former Fixer . . . emphasis on “former” . . . never much of a “Fixer” . . . always a serious drag. We need a blog-wide moratorium on grandmothers. I think Alan was just sending condolences . . . nothing more or less.

good writing as always Alan. But no sympathy my man (except the family part), you get paid to watch and write about basketball and the Knicks. you give knicks fans a great perspective, thanks.

i hear the lottery talk all ready from some. i too found myself looking at next years crop of PG's. i had to ask myself if getting into the lottery and losing isiah was worth it. then i thought about Derrick Rose from Memphis in orange & blue.

Just passing along condolences to Alan on the passing of his grandmother. He mentioned that she'd died in his story.

TIME FOR ZEKE TO HIT THE ROAD TO CHITOWN GET THE F--K OUTTA HERE FOOL......

natez posse,

Alan is talking about ZBo's grandmother.

Flybanjo: the Hughes trade is interesting. He really hasn't panned out in Cleveland, but he was a good player in Washington. A good two-way player, if I remember, and a little defense from one of the guard spots would be refreshing. I wonder if Cleveland would go for it. They have to be pretty down on Hughes right now.

Patrick H: you are bang on with Q - last post I complained that the Knicks lack any good two-way players, and Trane pointed out that last season Q definitely was one. It is amazing how much he has dropped off. He can't be healthy - back injuries are scary. I hope it isn't a permanent thing. I also get tired of the outright lies and misinformation that is spewed by Isiah and the rest of the organization, but that culture starts withDolan's paranoia and contempt for the press and the fans. WWith no accountability and no standards, it seems that it's all right to say whatever they want, no matter how much it insults the intelligence of observers who care for the team.

ALL,

Part of me is thinking that Mr Thomas is trying to showcase Marty and Fred. I find it hard to believe that after 4 games a coach will bench Marbury for defense when Crawford is the worst defender I ever saw in my life. He's so ball hungry that he chases the ball instead of his man. Let it be known that the only time he makes a good pass is on the Alley Hoop to Curry. He's great at this type of passing because it simulates shooting the ball.

What the knicks really need is a shooter. The knicks have people that can shoot if they get hot (example: Crawdford). We need a player that can shoot if you give them any space (example: Micheal Redd)

While I'm at it let me add

Found: Trevor Ariza's jump shot (last night in the game against the Celtics Ariza hit a jump shot) I think the play will be on sportscenter because it was the first hit jumpshot of his carreer.

Lost: Balkman is still looking for his first jumpshot as a pro

While I'm at it let me add

Found: Trevor Ariza's jump shot (last night in the game against the Celtics Ariza hit a jump shot) I think the play will be on sportscenter because it was the first hit jumpshot of his carreer.

Lost: Balkman is still looking for his first jumpshot as a pro

What is the over/under on Isiah being fired...How many games?
He created the monster,now can he control it?

Reports Jerry Colangelo interested in fixing the Knicks. Not a bad move. But honestly Isiah has done all the dirty work. Drafted young talent. Established the opportunity to have a good salary cap after next season.

If the Knicks really could just play basketball stop the off court issues I could deal with the record.

Everyone blamed Isiah for all the Knicks woes before he arrived and then are going to give the credit of his accomplishments to whoever replaces him.

I now believe the Knicks should buy Marbury out and trade for a real PG. I would take Andre Miller if possible.

I would rather have Colangelo over KiKi. He really was overrated as GM in Denver. it was more of liking him and not liking Isiah with the media. if Joe Dumars doesn't blow that draft Denver is sittin there with Darko instead of Melo.

The league says the knicks play a basic offense and defense but yet those guys look so damn confused. We need to increase our IQ by adding smarter players.

I

BAZ201,

Where did you read that about Jerry Colangelo? That would certainly be the best solution for the Knicks, whether we're talking about realistic replacements or dream ones.

I can't think of a better qualified GM out there to take the job, as a matter of fact.

I mean here's someone who truly understands the value of a TEAM playing as a TEAM, as evidenced by the fantastic work he's doing with the national team. I say get him in here right this minute if that's a possibility.

The only question is, is he a big enough of a celebrity for little Jimmy Dolan to fall in love with and hand over the keys to? We all know he has stars in his eyes.

Hopefully he doesn't go out and try to get Michael Jordan. I'm shuddering just thinking about it.

Hudson,

I got it off of realgm.com. The fact that Jerry would be a good fit makes me think Isiah might finally be done.

I think the Knicks may hold off firing Isiah until the appeal of the harrassment suit is settled.

BAZ201,
that could take over a year from the time the appeal was filed.

Q probably shouldnt be playing right now, he hyperextended his shooting elbow a few games back. It looked pretty bad when he injured it, I was suprised he came back so quickly.
Nate may still be feeling the effects from his hamstring problem.

Those are two of our best jump shooters right there.teams seem to be packing it in on the Knicks because they have no shooters out there. Craw has been ice cold and Well, Steph has forgotten how to play basketball.

I think Isiah has until game 20. If they are no better than say 8-12 Thomas will be gone.
Imagine Rick Carlyle comes in and replaces Thomas again and wins with his squad? It could happen, of coarse minus Steph.

My fear is that none of the GMs out there who are worth anything – like Colangelo – will work for Dolans, because they’re going to demand a certain level of autonomy that I’m not sure Dolans is willing to give them. Somebody like Colangelo is certainly not going to take a job where his decisions could be second-guessed by a tyro like Dolans.

At the same time, is there any higher-profile assignment – and is there any more coveted brass ring – than turning the Knicks around? And the truth, Isiah will have done a LOT of the foundation work for the next person to come here. There is a lot of talent here. But now a savvy GM has to start filling the holes in the roster. He has to start bringing the players we need, not just the athletes Isiah likes. The next GM has to turn this into a cohesive unit. But it’s not as though they’d be starting from scratch . . . even if the public might perceive it that way, due to all the turmoil surrounding the team at the moment. Moreover, the next GM has to be at least a LITTLE attracted to having access to Dolan’s checkbook. Isiah was able to buy his way out of a lot of problems and mistakes. I wonder what a really savvy GM could do with virtually unlimited funds.

"Thomas' record since he was given an extension last March for driving the Knicks all the way to eighth place in the Eastern Conference now stands at 6-22, after the team came back winless from their four-game Western swing."

OUCH!!!

MAK

Trane,
I never got the impression that the Dolans were a medalsome group. Layden and Isiah seemed to have had all the freedom they needed. but who knows what goes on behind the scenes.

I believe your reasons for the knick GM job being attractive hold more wieght. The knicks arent in as bad shape long term as some want people to think. We have one headcase and then a bunch of coachable guys. An open checkbook, a good young roster, and a managable salary cap position. Not a bad place for a GM.

Allen,

Wow.....Seriously do you watch the games or just look at the box scores? Here is a quote from you in this article:

"LOST: One apparently exaggerated scouting report by Isiah Thomas, who suggested Fred Jones would improve the team’s perimeter defense."

Personally to me from watching the games Fred Jones has been by far the best wing defender on this team and when he gets minutes he shows he can put up numbers. Why don't you compare Crawford's numbers to Jones and see just what Crawford is doing better at while Crawford is getting 25+ more minutes a game then Jones or maybe even compare them to Richardson numbers. If you gave Jones the amount of minutes as either of these players who to say he wouldn't put up far better numbers then they have as well as defend on a constant bases. Look what he did against the Suns when he was given a chance to start

19 points / 9 rebounds / 3 assist / 3 steals / 7-11 shooting

While defending 3 positions SF, SG, and PG

Also since coming to the Knicks, preseason games included he has shot 51% from the field and 50% from 3pt range and hes showed us he can rebound and get us steals and to me that is far much better then what Crawford, Richardson, Collins, Balkmon, Jeffries, Marbury have all done so far.......So why do you keep knocking on him because I am sure Nichols wouldn't even do half of those things or even put up those kind of numbers on a consistent biases except for maybe shooting but then we would have just another scorer on this team who doesn't know how to play defense........

I don't see how you blame Jones for not getting Defensive stops when Zeke only puts him in for Scrub Minutes and after it is far to late and we are down in points big time because of our non defending starters. Why don't you watch Jones more and see how many time he is scored on as compared to the other players guarding that same person I think you will be surprised on how well Jones really does defend. How many times does he deny someone the lane when they try to drive the ball or deny someone a chance to post him up or the steals he has been getting playing the passing lanes or helping in on help defense? Jones is a man to man defender its just to bad this team has to rely on help team defense because there aren't anyone else who can play man to man defense who is starting except for Richardson

Nate4 . . . In a sense you’re right. I’m sure Dolan isn’t interested in actually making a lot of the calls himself. And yet, at the same time, I get the impression he would have a problem working with a very strong-willed executive who isn’t about to spend time sucking up to the boss. That’s more what I had in mind.

hey alan,

love the blog, i stalk it quietly. your lost and found insight are right on, though i doubt you will uphold your swearing off of the in&out. the dude abides, long live the in&out.

yea that sounds about right Trane. Jeeze what a mess....

You know, I hear curling is pretty fun to watch........

Trane, my question is this:

Just how talented is this roster? Here's what I'll give you - Isiah inherited a staggeringly unathletic, old, washed-up roster.

He has since turned it into a young, very athletic roster.

But the problem lies in the fact that one could accomplish that feat by signing the Florida State track team. But would the Florida State track team turn the Knicks into a contender on the virtue of their athleticism and youth? The answer is an obvious no.

So then, what does it take to have a talented team? Well, I think it takes accruing young, athletic, basketball players with a good feel for the game.

Who on this team is a really good basketball player? Somebody who always makes the right decision, somebody who always plays their heart out, somebody with athleticism AND a good hoops IQ, somebody who has multiple basketball skills and can do a variety of things very well?

The only one who comes close to meeting those criteria, to me, is Zach Randolph. He is the closest thing we have to a good, two-way player, who does multiple things to help his team win, and even he has his obvious deficiencies.

So while I think Isiah has turned this roster into something that is not a completely unthinkable basketball roster, I'm starting to think that it doesn't really have all the "talent" that everyone says it does.

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=51

DJ Mbenga - the kind of project we got no room for with Jerome James gorging on hospital food. Another late-comer to the game with the feet of Pele and the power of a dump truck. Mavs were sorry to see him go.

Doubt he'll see the floor tomorrow.

Hudson – all good questions. But the point is, we need someone who can take whatever we’ve got and begin to create a cohesive unit out of the various bits and pieces. I tend to think they add up to a little more than you do . . . but it’s still bits and pieces. Also, when Q was healthy last year, he was all those things. I’m still holding out hope he’ll play himself back into shape this year.

Nate4 . . . this would normally be where I’d make a joke about cricket . . . you know, the “sport” of pressed trousers and “V” neck sweaters, and tea service on the pitch. But that great multi-culturist, African, jumped down my throat last time . . . you know, typical “ugly American” kind’a accusations. I sure don’t want to offend any other passionate cricket fans on this blog. So curling . . . cricket . . . be my guest . . . just don’t ask me to join in the fun . . .

I tend to agree with the comments saying we have "talent", but not good basketball players. I was doing a team by team analysis this morning and found out I can easily name 20-25 players better than our best guy (Zach), and that's not including some guys that can be argued to be better, just not clearly (Jermaine O., RJ, The Matrix, Deng, Rip, Chauncey and Rasheed, etc.). I agree with a pervious Alan post; we are talented offensively, but our offense is ugly. We dump the ball down low after a lot of dribbling to have the post guy take a couple of dribles and attempt a contested shot, or if not our guards will dribble and force a contested J, there is no flow and the easy opportunities are rare. On defense we can't contain dribble penetration and our bigs don't block shots; it is also really easy to get an open 3 point shot with just two passes, really painful. Still, I agree with Trane that the roster is not a disaster, it needs some tweaking to get the appropriate mix of players. To me Zach is a keeper, he plays hard and rebound well. You need to pair him with a defensive minded center that block shots, and if he can hit short jumpers that is a plus. I've said it before and say it again, Eddy is a good scorer down low, but he is not a center on a championship team (poor defense, no blocks, no rebounds, tons of turnovers). I like Jermaine O'neal, he lead the league in blocks, but he is too much on an injury liability. We need to find a guy like that, I saw Ratliff when they played the Knicks and he looked that there's something in the tank. Crawford is perfect as a Sixth Man, the Vinnie Johnson role as Isiah originally envisioned him. If he's hot you ride him, if he's cold you don't need to swallow his turnovers and poor defense. I also agree that Q is key, to me he is a keeper due to his acceptable defense and leadership, same with Fred Jones. I have rooted for Steph to succeed in NY, but it's time to forgt about it. He is not a championship caliber point guard. After 10+ years that won't change. The best options out there might be Miller from Philly (no shot but he's great at everything else) or Bibby (good at shooting and playmaking, no defense). I've seen Artest this year and he looks great and seems focused. He returned and they have already won 2 out of 3. To get him we definitely would have to part with Lee or Balkman, but think that with Zach and Ron, there won't be much minutes anyway. Sorry for the long post, but I'm a frustrated fan and to me the worst thing is that after everything is said and done, J. Dolan will still be there. ( I think dumping Steph and Isiah are good starting points, but Jimmy will always be a thorn on our side)

@ Hudson and BAZ201
If I'm not mistaken, David Stern had a meeting with Dolan, and Stern suggested Dolan hire Colangelo. I guess he felt it would help to stabilize the organization. Unfortunately, Dolan dismissed it (being the astute basketball mind that he is.).

no offense guys, but you are all drinking way too much of the knick kool-aid, and not watching enough of the rest of the nba. as much as it pains me to say this, this team stinks! they have no point guard. NONE! not collins, not star-jerk, and certainly not nate. their 2 guard is a below 40% shooter FOR HIS CAREER! the center can't block shots, can't rebound, can't go up strong when needed, can't shoot foul shots, and can't stay out of foul trouble. enuf said about him. the starting small forward isn't even the 25th best player in his position in the league. YIKES! which leaves us at power forward, where the two best players on the team play the same position. OY.

marbury is poison, he need to be cut immediately. assuming collins is healthy, they might as well give him the rock and increase his experience and value, this season is lost anyway, they will need to draft a point guard in june.

isaah is a good evaluator of talent, and an otherwsie reprehensible human being. he is a cancer on the coaching profession, this city, and society at whole. i find it incredible that he is allowed to continue in his current role. forget about firing him, just tar and feather the bitch and run him out of town, he's earned it.

anyway, winning isn't everthing. enjoy waching the guys who play hard (lee, jamal, balkman, nate.......uhhh, that's about it), and hope that isaah and star-jerk are soon gone, and a real point guard comes to them in the next draft.

I agree with all who say we need to add more talent. We need to increase our basketball IQ. We need someone who can claim leadership and lead. We're not done.

I read on realgm that Isiah kicked the team out of practice. Someone was quoted refering to it as a "circus". I think Isiah is done babying this team. He has raised the standards and is coaching. When Pat Riley pulls stunts he's a Pschyology Genius. Isiah is "desperate". What a two way street for Zeke.
Isiah has to make another trade.

But I will say this. I wish we had dropped Fred Jones and kept Nichols. I'd rather have a rookie on the bench collecting dust with potential than a veteran not givin enough minutes to make a difference.

I also think Dave Hanners is loyal to Larry Brown and is our very own "Deep Throat". Fire his butt now!

I have nothing to add - except that Berman is disgusting. Marbury must have told him to get in the truck.

I'm not a fan of the constant negative reporting by the NY media (although the Knicks pretty much do it to themselves nowadays) but Berman went from killing Marbury in every single column when Larry was here and during the 1st sneaker tour to now emailing Steph his column to edit before he submits it to the Post. It's sooooo obvious.

I hear you Jeff. Newsday’s own Ken Berger writes that Donnie Walsh is interested in taking over the Knicks, firing Isiah and replacing him with Rick Carlisle again.

This after an executive in Indiana was asked (provoked) if Walsh would be interested after he left Indiana next year. The exec answered yes and gave reason why the Knicks is a good gig. Then Berger speculated the rest.

When you ask a question just to get an answer to build on are you "reporting" the news or "creating" the news?

That is an example of NY writers. When nothing to report, create something negative. Let’s use the power of the pen to get Isiah fired and then pat each other on the back to say we did something good.

How about get to know the players and let the fans get to know our "team" better. Give us a reason to identify with these young guys from challenging background. It would at least be true.

But truth in reporting is not a NY thing. Isiah threw the guys out of practice yesterday. It was referred to as a "desperate" move.
If Pat Riley had done it, it would have been portrayed as "Psychological Genius". A tough coach motivating his players before a "must win" game.

Would I be wrong if I wrote a column that a married man wanted to have an affair with Jessica Simpson? Wouldn't I have more direct "credible" facts to stand on the most? Hell my "source" would be the married man himself. That's more than anyone else had.

I'll take the sexual harassment, Marbury's antics, and all the "real" news and live with it. But the other stuff isn’t worth a damn.

Jersey and Chicago are really off to a bad start as well. Where is the lynch mob for Skiles and Lawrence? They have better talent than the Knicks at some positions but what do I hear......nothing.

Damn shame. Cynical writers by day and then want us to read the inspiring novels about the short no talent kid who was on a little league team created for future chess club presidents.

Jeez Baz, how can you blame the media for the Knicks problems?
Did the media sexually harass employees? Is the media responsible for Isiah's teams averaging 29 wins a year since he was hired? Is the media responsible for a 2-7 start despite playing teams missing Dwayne Wade, Mike Bibby, Elton Brand? Is the media responsible for poor defense and poor passing?

Isiah embarrasses himself when he says the team could be 7-2. And, he gives his players an out.

Isiah apologists prefer to blame the media for the circus this team has become.

Bill Parcells said it best, you are what your record says you are.

Jeez Baz, how can you blame the media for the Knicks problems?
Did the media sexually harass employees? Is the media responsible for Isiah's teams averaging 29 wins a year since he was hired? Is the media responsible for a 2-7 start despite playing teams missing Dwayne Wade, Mike Bibby, Elton Brand? Is the media responsible for poor defense and poor passing?

Isiah embarrasses himself when he says the team could be 7-2. And, he gives his players an out.

Isiah apologists prefer to blame the media for the circus this team has become.

Bill Parcells said it best, you are what your record says you are.

David,

I think I said I could accept the lawsuit and other "real" problems. I said I have a problem with news writers who create their own stories to add fuel to the fire.

Berger's column is 100% total speculation and originated by a journalist. It is not news it is gossip. But it will produce headlines acroos the news wires like it is a real credible story.

The Knicks have given everyone in the media plenty of fodder without any help. I have no problem with reporting on the Knicks woes.

Chicago is 2-7 but why no cry for Scott Skiles head. Nobody criticizes the Bulls for trading Lamarcus Aldridge the low post scorer they so badly need for Tyrus Thomas. Thomas will never compare to Aldridge. Why not fire the GM?

I am not saying the media is the reason for the Knicks record. The sports writers don't care about the record as much as they are about instigating an end result at others expense.

The Knicks are at a crossroads where they will have to make trades for improvements or wait till the end of next season to try and grab a free agent.

They do have "individuals" who are tradeable and have value. And they will have cap space.

I will be the first to acknowledge the franchise and Isiah's mistakes. But let his record be the standard by which he is measured. No one predicted the Knicks to make the playoffs. So why the big damn uproar.

And let the journalist who cover the Knicks cover news. Not create gossip. It shows a lot about a person who has to feed his family at anothers expense. It's why they support each other. They know deep down that it's not fair reporting. But since everyone does it, nobody's guilty.

BAZ,
I agree with your feelings on the Media. If it wasnt our team they were talking about, it would be pretty funny the liberties they take.

The biggest joke is how they all think of themselves as representatives of the people. Whenever someone like Isiah or Mangini doesnt want to disclose information or lies to the media they come crying to the readers. They wale "these people LIED to YOU public" How dare they not answer every question we ask. This is a great injustice to the FANS!!!!!
So now that they dont like whatever coach has denied them total access, they now have the right to pull no punches.

I say the majority of sports writers in this city have not earned the right to be the intermediaries between us and our teams. They sspit out piles of BS and leave us to sift through it to find the morsals of truth.

Matador Marbury back in the starting line-up tonight...hell of a way to Dole-an out the discipline!

BAZ, I agree but I think Dolan's ridiculous media policy fosters that environment...although I felt the media was ridiculous in the Ewing days too. Even Isola "apologized" on his blog for it (should have ran it in the paper).

Dolan's policy even hinders his teams. The best example of this would be the NY Liberty. It's cutting off the nose to spite the face. They NEED the media attention, but with Dolan having every player shadowed during the interviews the pr dept. does grant and only granting interviews to "preferred" media, the team suffers...especially without a strong personality like they had with Weatherspoon/Wicks.

With the Knicks, the local media HAS to cover the team. With the Liberty they don't and the ones who would like to probably figure, why bother? It relates to the Knicks in the same way only instead of ignoring the team (because they can't) they return the favor and flex the power that they DO have.

If you have a job to do and you're trying to do that job with as much integrity as possible, how would you feel if you were treated the way Dolan/MSG treats the media? Wouldn't that skew your tone a certain way if you're being treated like a pariah?

I never was a fan of Berger, Lupica (LB's mouthpiece) or Lawrence but I applaud the likes of Isola, Daugherty and Alan for being somewhat balanced, not being as negative as they could be given the circumstances and not turning into raging cheerleaders like Berman.

Berman all of a sudden did a complete 180 from his days as Marbury's biggest adversary (rode him worse than Larry...daily) and is obviously being used and manipulated by his camp. Meanwhile just 2 summers ago, I saw this same dude in a too tight lime green shirt with sweat stains all over the place camping outside Island Garden way before, during and after a Knicks Kids Camp running in and out of the building whenever he saw a bald black guy go in and muttering that the "little f***er Marbury" was hiding from him and then storming off when Marbury did arrive (an hour late) mad that he didn't get a quote. Now they're best buddies? "Oooh, Steph, write my blog for me, would you, please????"

Compare his articles then (back when he was calling Isiah's truck a Road Ranger instead of just walking up to the damn thing and reading Range Rover) to now and it's laughable (maybe now that Marbury's starting again, he'll stop trashing Collins). Come on. He's been bought and paid for. I'd rather read the negative and know I'm not being taken for some type of idiot by a middle aged dude who fell for being able to hang around an NBA player like some groupie intern.

I feel worse for Supranowitz. I remember him from his Pro-Am days....very good guy. But he has to carry out Dolan's stupidity. Same thing with Vince who used to have his job.

But Jeff,
They are pariah and most of them dont have any integrity.......
Selling papers is the name of the game. Any way possible. If there is no news, make news.

Good points by nate4prez and Jeff. I don' t think I am a Knicks blind loyalist or a media fool. Just a fan with no personal stake in the outcome.

I actually might read Berman today, I stopped a long time ago. But the twist should be funny.

Thanks.

Nate, I don't think they're all pariahs. But I do think Dolan does a great job of bringing it out of them. And sure, everyone's trying to sell papers, just like Dolan's trying to sell season tickets to suckers, I mean fans. It's his ATTITUDE. As if he's just saying eff you all, especially fans.

His manipulation and makeover of MSG Network is ridiculous. Where the heck is SportsDesk? The pre-game shows with Clyde and John Andraise? The post-game show? The real one, not that MSG NY crap.

I'm sorry, but watching a bunch of grown, muscle bound men (well, except for Curry and James) and women (when discussing the Liberty and hey, even some of the Knicks) walk around with puny lackies hanging on to their every word out of fear of them saying anything remotely interesting is a bigger problem than an always picked last columnist taking his inferiority complex out in his work.

As for taking an inch of news and turning it into a mile of speculation, like I said, never been a fan of Lupica, Berger or Lawrence. To me, they are the very ones you described as trying to force their opinions as news and the voice of the fans. They especially turned me off with the ABS trial and their "views" on race, gender and workplace issues. I'll even read Vecsey before any of those 3. At least Peter knows he's a clown and knows that you know he's a clown.

Jeff,
I guess what it comes down to is, you can treat the media any way you want but you better win. Just look at the Pats.

And really, the media is just giving people what they want. We have purchase power. We can choose not to read the gossip stuff, as I do, but people like it. Not many people would read an article about the knicks inability to guard the pick and roll.
I just stick to Howard Beck. He doesnt really stretch the truth. He will give a summary of the gossip in his article but he pretty much sticks to the game. Best of the worst really.......

Baz – the Knicks may get the headlines, because they’re more of a circus at the moment, and also because this is New York. But I’ve seen plenty of speculation in the national press about Skiles being fired, along with many other coaches – from Jordan to Nelson. This ESPN article lists Skiles above Isiah, but handicapped at the same odds: 5 to 1.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=CoachHotSeat-071114

You seem to have a pretty balanced point of view, and I applaud your attempts to keep your criticism specific. If only because the argument has so much more weight than vague conspiracy theories about MSM. You don’t like the element of speculation in Berger’s piece today . . . that’s the way to fight this war.

I don’t buy the notion of some monolithic “media” conspiracy. There are good reporters and bad reporters. Good columnists and bad columnists. Isiah’s made some good moves and some bad moves. But also lots of enemies. So some writers may have it in for Isiah. But some may just look at the Knicks and believe he’s done a crap job. There’s a huge difference. And it’s critical to make that distinction. Again, if only because it makes the case against the guys who are biased that much more forceful . . . rather than some vague attack on a monolithic mass media.

Trane, spot on.

I fully agree with everyone here who is criticizing the NY media for their Knicks reporting - not to bring politics into the discussion, but I liken the media's treatment of Isiah to how certain presidential candidates have been treated in the past few years. The media seems bent on trashing people just to prove to themselves that they can, with no regard for the real-world repercussions of their 'reporting.'

This is simply how modern media works, and damned skippy I have a huge problem with it. There is no accountability for when a report is wrong or distorted, the media just moves on to the next big story with no introspection whatsoever.

But do not for a minute equate my problems with the media with being a Thomas/Marbury/MSG 'apologist.' This organization (and I use that term guardedly) has shot itself in the foot so many times, it's a wonder that any of them can still walk. I hold no truck for the corporate culture at MSG - as others have said, it's run like a banana republic and they have no concern for anything past their own bottom line.

But the media is complicit as well. there is a fine line between reportage and sensationalism, and as far as the Knicks go the media is doing their best to erase that line.

The media and the idiots running MSG are making it more and more difficult to root for my team, and I despise them for that.

The Nets are: 4-7 (after a 4-1 start)
The Heat are: 2-8
The Bulls are: 2-7
The Warriors are: 2-6

ALL good teams. The Knicks are 2-7. But yet the lousy NY Media would have one believe the Knicks are the worst team in the NBA - and history of the game for that matter! The Nets lose 6 in a row led by their stud groper, err, PG, J. Kidd and the NY Media mainly cites injuries as the reason for the losing streak. It's sickening reading the same storyline day after day, month after month, and year after year! I would think having to write the same thing day after day, week after week would be equally sickening. NO - not to our NY media.

GREAT to have Steph back in the starting lineup!

GO KNICKS!

Boo Marbruy every time he tocuhes the ball. Some "captain", lol.

And boo and have the "Fire Thomas!" chants out and ready!!!!

Trane,
I agree with your warning against generalities. They are irresponsible.
But I ask you this:
Over the last couple of years there has been some oppertunities to give Isiah some credit. Just one full article (not an allusion to) Isiah's draft record and his unconventional way of getting draft picks would have been due.
I would just have liked to see some support from someone in the New York Media. Just one time pull a punch instead of praise.
Where is the balance?
Just something in print to even the scale just a little bit.
Is there a media conspiracy against the Knicks?
Of course not, the papers are in competition with one another.
But I do feel most of the beat writers feel slighted by the garden and most of them let it affect thier work.

I will be there tonight Jeff and I will be rooting for the Knicks

But im sure you wont be alone.......

Nate4 . . . I don’t disagree. In all honesty, I haven’t been keeping count. I just don’t pay that much attention to the different guys. Honestly. If I miss a game, I’ll generally read the Post and the DN the next day. And of course the columnists stand out – guys like Vecsey and Lupica. But if and when I read Berman and/or Isola it’s just to find out what happened. Alan is the first beat writer I’ve really paid attention to, only after I found the blog. He’s interesting because a lot of his best writing finds it’s way here. But even his pieces for Newsday tend to be distinctive when compared with, say, Berman or Isola. He’s not afraid to call it as he sees it, but I find him doggedly objective. I cite, for example the way he changed his mind about Nate over the summer. It was obvious he had no bone to pick. His opinion was formed exclusively based on what he saw on the court.

I don’t doubt that you can hear a certain amount of glee in some writing about the current chaos. Almost as though they’re being proved right, or enjoying the turmoil. I seem to remember DLee getting a fair share of good press last year, before the injury. But it’s true – positive articles are few and far between. But then, look at the balance of failure to success over the past 4 years.

This kind of thing is a tough call. While writing this I stopped to read both the DN and the Post. Can't argue that those guys are on a roll when things are at their worst. (And who's this "Hubbuch" guy? Sounds like "Humbug" to me.)