Mike Powell is indeed a wonderful writer and a pleasure to read.
I still believe that Phil Jackson will be successful down the road. But the Knicks right now are pathetic and deplorable. To join in with many of the commentators here the situation will not be rectified until Mello departs!
I still believe that Phil Jackson will be successful down the road. But the Knicks right now are pathetic and deplorable. To join in with many of the commentators here the situation will not be rectified until Mello departs!
2
If Woody had the same start last year as Fisher has had this year, he would have paraded around in Penn Station as the worst coach.
Dolan and the Wilpons are the worst sports owners. It's a curse to be a fan of their teams.
Now, when will the honeymoon period end? Jackson should have blown up this team at the beginning of the season. He must have know how bad the team will be. If not, then that's not a good reflection on his basketball judgement.
Lastly, these Knicks are boring. Another reason to cut the cord on my cable. MSG does not air professional basketball games anymore.
Dolan and the Wilpons are the worst sports owners. It's a curse to be a fan of their teams.
Now, when will the honeymoon period end? Jackson should have blown up this team at the beginning of the season. He must have know how bad the team will be. If not, then that's not a good reflection on his basketball judgement.
Lastly, these Knicks are boring. Another reason to cut the cord on my cable. MSG does not air professional basketball games anymore.
Jackson may indeed turn out to be a failure as a GM, but there shouldn't be any debate about his coaching ability. Number of NBA titles Red Auerbach won without Bill Russell: 0. Number of titles Shaq, Kobe, and Jordan have without Jackson as coach: 1 (Shaq, Miami in 2006). Number of NFL championships Lombardi won without Bart Starr as QB: 0. Etc. etc.
1
i am AMAZED, year in and year out, how STUPID everyone SUDDENLY gets when they become affiliated with the Dolans!
2
Look at these last few years, the Knicks owner has allowed any semblance of a decent basketball team to be torn apart, this for a few years. Phil Jackson put a hapless team together to begin this season, getting rid of the terrific Chandler and now Jackson is set on having the worst Knicks season ever.
Ridiculous, no matter the rings, to ruin an entire season in so spectacular a manner makes me question Jackson and as always the owner.
Ridiculous, no matter the rings, to ruin an entire season in so spectacular a manner makes me question Jackson and as always the owner.
1
the writer apparently doesn't see too many western conference games. calling paul millsap grade b, underachieving is quite inaccurate. it's not his fault he's not as tall as the bigger power forwards. the guy works very hard and is quite talented and should have been an all-star several times. the jazz didn't use him properly - witness how well he's doing with the hawks.
1
Obviously Phil Jackson had no idea how poorly the team played together or he would have begun a remake immediately. I do not think Jackson has understood the Knicks so far or Chandler would be here and he would be building about Chandler and Anthony. As for Anthony alone as a building block, I hope so but am not at all sure.
1
A true restart would need to include trading Carmelo. he belongs on an established team, not a developing one. Also, as good as he is, he isn't the superstar that he thinks he is and that the Knicks treat him as being. He is to Lebron as Clyde Drexler was to Jordan. Except I believe that Clyde had a better sense of his talent than Carmelo.
And Derek Fisher is the wrong coach. He lacks the experience and the charisma to convince a team of players to follow his approach to the game.
Most of all, can we trade the owner? This team was coming together under Donnie Walsh and Mike Woodson when Dolan forced the Carmelo trade onto them. Walsh moved on and though Glen Grunwald did well to add pieces to hold the team together, he was sent packing in favor of a GM who brought us Bargnanni.
5 years ago, free agents wouldn't consider the Knicks. Amare was signed at a high price to try to change that and things did improve. Now we've been thrown for a loss, further back in our own territory.
And Derek Fisher is the wrong coach. He lacks the experience and the charisma to convince a team of players to follow his approach to the game.
Most of all, can we trade the owner? This team was coming together under Donnie Walsh and Mike Woodson when Dolan forced the Carmelo trade onto them. Walsh moved on and though Glen Grunwald did well to add pieces to hold the team together, he was sent packing in favor of a GM who brought us Bargnanni.
5 years ago, free agents wouldn't consider the Knicks. Amare was signed at a high price to try to change that and things did improve. Now we've been thrown for a loss, further back in our own territory.
Knick fans have reason to be skeptical but there's reason for cautious optimism now. For one thing, Phil is the one shopping for the groceries. Yes, the moves have mostly been lateral up to now but soon he gets to put his imprint on the team.
Carmelo isn't that bad either. The Knicks do have a three that can compete with anybody. They just don't have anyone else yet. Is he overpaid, yes, but literally no one else is. So, with a good pick, an FA or two, and some young hustling athletes I think he Phil remake the team in quick order.
Neither player dealt yesterday had a future with the team. Shump was leaving this summer because NYK didn't pick up his option. We were begging someone to take JR and Shump was the price of that. Chandler also was not going to be a Knick beyond this year. From here on out, it's on Phil. He's done a reasonable job of cleaning up the mess. I guess you can call the Melo signing a signature move. He can vindicate it all with good decisions from this point on.
Carmelo isn't that bad either. The Knicks do have a three that can compete with anybody. They just don't have anyone else yet. Is he overpaid, yes, but literally no one else is. So, with a good pick, an FA or two, and some young hustling athletes I think he Phil remake the team in quick order.
Neither player dealt yesterday had a future with the team. Shump was leaving this summer because NYK didn't pick up his option. We were begging someone to take JR and Shump was the price of that. Chandler also was not going to be a Knick beyond this year. From here on out, it's on Phil. He's done a reasonable job of cleaning up the mess. I guess you can call the Melo signing a signature move. He can vindicate it all with good decisions from this point on.
1
It's painful to watch the Knicks, but at least now they know they are rebuilding and not living in a fantasy of being one player away from a playoff run.
Who knows, Smith might do well with Cleveland. Remember he was 6th man of the year just two seasons ago. And don't knock the coach, as they say you can't make a silk purse from a sows ear.
As for Jackson, I'm sure he's got an exit clause with a golden parachute in his contract. Anyone working for Dolan would be foolish not to.
As for us suffering fans, we can only hope for a good draft.
Who knows, Smith might do well with Cleveland. Remember he was 6th man of the year just two seasons ago. And don't knock the coach, as they say you can't make a silk purse from a sows ear.
As for Jackson, I'm sure he's got an exit clause with a golden parachute in his contract. Anyone working for Dolan would be foolish not to.
As for us suffering fans, we can only hope for a good draft.
1
Since Phil Jackson was so successful in sending Smith & Shumpert to Cleveland, could it be that he will soon pull off the ultimate bait and switch: sending Anthony and Dolan to Utah? Ok maybe that is too much continent to hope for, maybe Philly?
The article neglects to discuss the most important aspect of the trade: the Knicks are tanking (trying to lose) to get a top draft choice this spring. It's the same strategy pursued by the Sixers last year and other teams throughout the years.
I wish the Yankees with their roster what P Jackson is doing with the Knicks.
... I hope Jackson can capture the winning magic too. I think he knows knows the importance of chemistry and teamwork and sharing and passing the ball.
But high level basketball play also requires commitment and focus, on and off the court. Not only is it about talented, athletic players, that works to a degree, but teamwork and sharing to build something bigger than the individual pieces.
I commend Phil Jackson for the hard decisions he has had to make, and am glad that he is at the helm. I just wish that he didn't have such a hard job. Its no fun making changes and loosing. I still say New York is a great place to play, and the Knicks will attract some stellar talent in the off season. The foundations are being laid for a good team.
Let's hope for some good basketball in 2015, and more good basketball decisions....
But high level basketball play also requires commitment and focus, on and off the court. Not only is it about talented, athletic players, that works to a degree, but teamwork and sharing to build something bigger than the individual pieces.
I commend Phil Jackson for the hard decisions he has had to make, and am glad that he is at the helm. I just wish that he didn't have such a hard job. Its no fun making changes and loosing. I still say New York is a great place to play, and the Knicks will attract some stellar talent in the off season. The foundations are being laid for a good team.
Let's hope for some good basketball in 2015, and more good basketball decisions....
1
I have wondered for many years if Zen man's ten coaching rings should have been engraved: Michael/Scotty/Kobe/Shaq.
Chandler trade looks awful now.
Chandler trade looks awful now.
1
"... the Cleveland Cavaliers, a supposed contender that has fallen into the chasm between expectation and dreary reality."
Not really. The Cavs are simply dealing with a new roster, new coach, an injured LeBron, and the loss of their only true center, Varejao. The snark in the remark was gratuitous at best, ignorant at worst.
Not really. The Cavs are simply dealing with a new roster, new coach, an injured LeBron, and the loss of their only true center, Varejao. The snark in the remark was gratuitous at best, ignorant at worst.
1
Get rid of Melo, while you can still get something for him. He holds no value for the Knicks' future (never did IMHO).
2
Michael Powell says Jackson is "tetchy" -- whatever exactly that means. How would Powell like Jackson to react? What would be exactly are his reporter expectations? And how does Phil's interaction with reporters really matter?
1
Sometimes the right thing to do looks stupid. But for a team that has been terrible for years and years this is the right move. Now what about ticket prices for the rest of this season ?
The Anatomy of a Crippling Decision
I think Phil wanted to trade Carmelo (and badly) and Dolan quashed it because 1) that would mean finally admitting he was wrong in 2010 which he's incapable of doing; and 2) he knew Carmelo would go to the Bulls and that the combination of the respect Carmelo has for Noah and Tom Thibodeau and the fact that Carmelo wouldn't have to play defense in Chicago (since the rest of the team could handle it) could just maybe give them a Championship ...He thought of the headlines blaming him for giving Chicago a championship and he just could not do it. If Carmelo was thinking of going to Dallas or anywhere else - I think Dolan would have relented. Carmelo is a gifted offensive player, but has never, in his 10 years in the league, been able to make his teammates better - he's not a student of the game. I agree with every comment re: free agents - who would want to come to the Knicks to have Carmelo hold the ball for 20 seconds and either hoist up an iffy shot (sometimes successful) or pass you the ball with 4 seconds left to shoot and have your stats ruined? He used to win games for the Knicks against sub .500 teams and the occasional playoff type team in the regular season, but hasn't done so consistently since then. As a #2 player, he could help another team win a title, he just can't help us (not enough basketball team IQ) and he needs to go - never should have signed him in 2010 and never should have resigned him.
I think Phil wanted to trade Carmelo (and badly) and Dolan quashed it because 1) that would mean finally admitting he was wrong in 2010 which he's incapable of doing; and 2) he knew Carmelo would go to the Bulls and that the combination of the respect Carmelo has for Noah and Tom Thibodeau and the fact that Carmelo wouldn't have to play defense in Chicago (since the rest of the team could handle it) could just maybe give them a Championship ...He thought of the headlines blaming him for giving Chicago a championship and he just could not do it. If Carmelo was thinking of going to Dallas or anywhere else - I think Dolan would have relented. Carmelo is a gifted offensive player, but has never, in his 10 years in the league, been able to make his teammates better - he's not a student of the game. I agree with every comment re: free agents - who would want to come to the Knicks to have Carmelo hold the ball for 20 seconds and either hoist up an iffy shot (sometimes successful) or pass you the ball with 4 seconds left to shoot and have your stats ruined? He used to win games for the Knicks against sub .500 teams and the occasional playoff type team in the regular season, but hasn't done so consistently since then. As a #2 player, he could help another team win a title, he just can't help us (not enough basketball team IQ) and he needs to go - never should have signed him in 2010 and never should have resigned him.
1
The author is totally correct--team building is an uncertain art, and coaching ability (especially when your reputation is based on having some of the game's greatest superstars on your team) is beside the point. Every team in the league is going to be fighting for the same free agents the Knicks think will be lining up outside Jackson's office, and a shot at the number one draft pick is just that--a shot. There are no Lew Alcindors coming out of college after this season, in any case.
Jackson the Zen Master who will rebuild the Knicks? I think not.
Phil did great as a coach when he had great players in Chicago and LA. He will fail as a president of the Knicks for the exact opposite reason. The players stink.
The only good to come out of all this is that this proves that the coach does not matter much. Good players win ballgames. It has little to do with the coach.
Phil did great as a coach when he had great players in Chicago and LA. He will fail as a president of the Knicks for the exact opposite reason. The players stink.
The only good to come out of all this is that this proves that the coach does not matter much. Good players win ballgames. It has little to do with the coach.
Last year I was at the game when the Knicks came from behind to beat the Spurs in OT. It was an amazing win, and showed true team spirit.
Let's hope Jackson can recapture some of that magic.
Let's hope Jackson can recapture some of that magic.
Hard to believe it was just a few months ago Steve Kerr was deciding between the Knicks and Golden State. The Knicks now have the worst record in all pro basketball, and the Warriors the best, with Kerr at the helm. Talk about dodging a bullet!
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
2
This is a very cynical article. We all know that Knicks are in trouble. Anyone with any common sense also knows that Knicks troubles have to do with a long history of leadership dysfunction, at the very top. To call Phil Jackson Zen Phil or to poke fun at other people who are trying to address these issues in a fundamental way will not help to solve these problems. And at least for me, it doesn't make me think that Michael Powell is as smart as he is trying to show himself off.
2
Tough to win without a Jordan or a Bryant, two of the greatest who ever played. Top ten of all time! Add to that Pippen and Shaq, respectively. Top 100 and that's being conservative.
Last time I posted this sentiment some wise guys made a big deal about Phil's genius and the vaunted triangle.
Don't see the triangle making much of a difference with the Knicks.
Phil was a good coach but overrated. I'll take Pop any day of the week over the Zen master.
Last time I posted this sentiment some wise guys made a big deal about Phil's genius and the vaunted triangle.
Don't see the triangle making much of a difference with the Knicks.
Phil was a good coach but overrated. I'll take Pop any day of the week over the Zen master.
It's a little surprising that the Cavs valued Shumpert enough to accept Smith. I mean, in high school, would you have dated a girl if her annoying little brother had to come on every date?
So long as Carmelo hogs the ball and clangs it off the rim at least 5-8 times per game, what free agent who either believes in team play or wants the ball enough himself to average 15-20 points per game will come here ? Since Carmelo will not change--the only time he did was the first few games back with Jeremy Lin--why is there any serious reason to believe that the Knicks will improve significantly so long as Anthony plays for the Knicks ?
6
As a transplanted New Yorker living near San Francisco, I have seen the Warriors struggle for many years and come together as an amazing team this year. Some became superstars (Curry and Thompson) but they as a team. A thing of beauty to behold. Jackson can do it, but it requires patience and not buying solo superstars like Anthony or LeBron, but building players so they grow into a team.
Here's something to consider: A bad situation can only get worse. A worse situation can only get better.
fire sale it is not, Knicks fans are a fickle bunch, clapping and dancing a couple of seasons ago, and now ranting and moaning.
reset button has Melo as the poster boy, got a few more (Bargnani, Amare and Calderon) to let go, maybe if they play competitively, the losing doesn't hurt as much.
reset button has Melo as the poster boy, got a few more (Bargnani, Amare and Calderon) to let go, maybe if they play competitively, the losing doesn't hurt as much.
I pay minimal attention to the National Five-Steps-Is-Not-Traveling, Six-May-Be
League, but stepped it up from one or two percent to three when Jackson was hired, curious how he would ultimately hoodwink the easily-hoodwinked sports press when he failed.
Alas, as soon as he blew the golden chance to get rid of AlbatrossMan, my interest plummeted to a new low. Curling, anyone?
League, but stepped it up from one or two percent to three when Jackson was hired, curious how he would ultimately hoodwink the easily-hoodwinked sports press when he failed.
Alas, as soon as he blew the golden chance to get rid of AlbatrossMan, my interest plummeted to a new low. Curling, anyone?
3
Hanging high on the back wall of the farm's heated shop is a large drawing of Dollar Bill, signed. At the time he was running for senate against Richard C. "Dick" Leone. Those were the days.
Oh, how we loved the fabulous Knicks of Red Holtzman, Dick Barnett, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Jerry Lucas, and yeah, Phil Jackson.
They were hot. Madison Square Garden was the accountability of Irving Mitchell Felt. He had a board. My dad sat on that board. He seats became our seats.
We gave up our seats years ago. The Knicks we knew are no more.
Mr. Dolan is not Mr. Felt, but it only starts there.
In the last analysis, the players have changed, the college game has changed, and the world has changed. See the book by William D. Cohan on Coach K and rape or no rape at Duke.
How pleasant is it to watch professional sports today?
Isn't that the question?
Oh, how we loved the fabulous Knicks of Red Holtzman, Dick Barnett, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Jerry Lucas, and yeah, Phil Jackson.
They were hot. Madison Square Garden was the accountability of Irving Mitchell Felt. He had a board. My dad sat on that board. He seats became our seats.
We gave up our seats years ago. The Knicks we knew are no more.
Mr. Dolan is not Mr. Felt, but it only starts there.
In the last analysis, the players have changed, the college game has changed, and the world has changed. See the book by William D. Cohan on Coach K and rape or no rape at Duke.
How pleasant is it to watch professional sports today?
Isn't that the question?
3
Not sure this Knick team could crack the Top 25 of college teams let alone the NBA. Welcome to the bad Knicks of the 80's. But at least we had Bernard King, the superstar.
He should follow the Chicago Bulls, Phil Jackson's old team. He would see a "team" at work. With established stars of Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol, you have rising stars of Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic allied with the emotional heart of the team, Joakim Noah, to create a playoff headed team. He would have a lot more fun covering the Bulls.
Enjoy reading the desperation, but not watching it. Went to a Nets game just to see a NYC win. Got lucky, but no chance with Knicks. Any bets on when the Knicks make it past one series in the playoffs? I'd guess 5 years min.
1
Phil won titles because of Michael, Scottie, Kobe, and Shaq. No such players exist on the Knicks. The Knicks should look toward Chicago to see how to put together a team of unselfish depth. Bulls will definitely be in the NBA Finals this year. The Kicks will be in the lottery. Enjoy the spectacle Spike!
Agreed. And it was when those players were the best in the world at those times. Never seem him win without THE best player on his team so not sure what he can pull off here
It's extremely hard to win short-term with a rookie coach, a new system, and a bunch of players who know that they're not coming - and had major flaws to begin with.
In a best-of-all-possible worlds scenario, Anthony would ask out this summer - bring back a rich package of assets that includes the teams 2016 draft choice, and the team would then be able to start completely over from scratch, assuming that Jimmy would allow it.
How sad that the completely avoidable events of the last 11 years have led this franchise to this awful place.
Knicks fans truly gotta a right to sing the blues...
In a best-of-all-possible worlds scenario, Anthony would ask out this summer - bring back a rich package of assets that includes the teams 2016 draft choice, and the team would then be able to start completely over from scratch, assuming that Jimmy would allow it.
How sad that the completely avoidable events of the last 11 years have led this franchise to this awful place.
Knicks fans truly gotta a right to sing the blues...
Well lets see. Dolan hires a team president who has never run an organization. I don't believe he was ever a GM. He hired a guy who never coached and would have been just as happy trying to play another year. How is that supposed to work out well. Dolan is a clown and Jackson played him like a fiddle. A 5 year contract for him and another for the coach. What player would leave a team that could and would pay him more for a disaster like the Knicks. Because they play in NY. Give a break. This hasn't been the meeca of anything for a long time now.
3
why are you trying to pin this on jackson and fisher? as powell noted in the article you're commenting on, the knicks were in deep trouble before those two showed up, and it was going to get ugly regardless of who had the coaching or gm positions.
they didn't bring in ray felton, jr smith, amare, bargniani, world peace, felton again, the ghost of camby, etc.
they walked into a disaster area and are trying to make the best of it. i'm not thrilled that they traded shumpert, but i don't see why you're misdirecting your complaints.
they didn't bring in ray felton, jr smith, amare, bargniani, world peace, felton again, the ghost of camby, etc.
they walked into a disaster area and are trying to make the best of it. i'm not thrilled that they traded shumpert, but i don't see why you're misdirecting your complaints.
3
Looking back in hindsight $5MM for 1st-year Coach Steve Kerr seems like a steal now. I don't believe even he could have helped the cast of characters we had though.
Do what you can Phil, I tired of listening to these Lakers (now Clippers) fans talk basketball in LA without being to contribute something to the discussion. I want my Knicks to be relevant again.
Do what you can Phil, I tired of listening to these Lakers (now Clippers) fans talk basketball in LA without being to contribute something to the discussion. I want my Knicks to be relevant again.
1
Bravo Phil. This is what James Dolan brought you here for (we hope). This being New York the self annointed pundits will howl and fans will fill talk radio airwaves with fire and brimstone. But the fact is that there is only one way to build a team; through the draft, by trading for players and signing free agents who fit into your team philosophy and by giving it time. All one has to do is look at the San Antonio Spurs for a blueprint for how it should be done. It's taken Sandy Alderson six years to build the Mets using this philosophy and we are now beginning to see the results of this effort. SInce basketball teams only have 12 players Phil's efforts should not take nearly as long.
1
You are correct. The only problem is they should have not resigned Carmelo Anthony. The San Antonio Spurs would never want him...
1
Agreed...did not want him in the first place. Hated the resigning.,,but I believe he will make a decent...if somewhat overpaid number two on the team. Luckily we have enough cap space to still get a number 1...with a number 3 coming throught the draft. OK...maybe I am a dreamer...LOL
1
Smith was a good start. Now dump Anthony, at all costs. He is a cancer, and the Knicks will never win with him. Problem is, nobody else will, either, so he may be untradeable.
6
"He is a cancer, and the Knicks will never win with him."
yeah, it's not like his teams have had winning records and made the playoffs in 10 out of 11 seasons in the nba. nope, he's definitely a cancer.
yeah, it's not like his teams have had winning records and made the playoffs in 10 out of 11 seasons in the nba. nope, he's definitely a cancer.
2
The number of fans who continue to go to MSG is as disturbing as the Knick's performance, and Dolan's incompetance. Too many of the seats are owned by corporations and the individual fan who can walk out and be noticed no longer exists. Who can turn down a corporate junket when you don't have to take anything out of your own pocket, despite the mess on the court .
7
Basketball, unlike almost any other sport, with the addition of one or two premium players can turn around a team and a season, however, managers sometimes just have to be lucky as well and the pieces fall in to place. I can recall the first part of last season when Masai Ujuri took over the reigns as GM of the Raptors, a team that had basically been going nowhere with a high-priced under achieving superstar in Rudy Gay, yet, once he was traded to the Kings and a few players came back in return who are now an integral part of the teams bench, it is now more than competitive. In addition, Kyle Lowry who had been somewhat in the doldrums for a few years with others, has now turned in to one of the premier point guards in the league, who knew? The example of Paul Millsap with the Hawks is another in the long list of players who suddenly, in the right situation, come alive.
A top draft choice is no guarantee either. Regardless of his previous reputation, if Jackson gets one he better make the right choice. The surefire examples of Lebron James come few and far between and managers are hired to put the pieces together and like I said, sometimes they just have to "get lucky" in the process.
A top draft choice is no guarantee either. Regardless of his previous reputation, if Jackson gets one he better make the right choice. The surefire examples of Lebron James come few and far between and managers are hired to put the pieces together and like I said, sometimes they just have to "get lucky" in the process.
1
The only questions that remain are 1) how long can Melo stomach this, and if he can't, can the Knicks get anything other than a few deflated practice balls for him; and 2) how long can Phil stomach this before he goads Dolan into doing something that Dolan is probably already itching to do and use that as his excuse to leave town ahead of the lynching party.
Hardaway, Larkin, Calderon and Prigione are now the Knick "guards." Here's a good question--which one plays better defense . . . Maybe Fisher will activate himself to play the point. Or Phil will keep unloading--Amare Stoudemire may find a taker so long as the game is halfcourt and they play winners out. Maybe the NBA can copy the NHL rules and allow power plays . . . what's that? The Knicks already play like it's 4 on 5 ?
2
Cleaning house was a good start, but unfortunately we are stuck with Melo. Haven't we seen this show before with Allen Iverson the only difference being Iverson averaged 3X the number of assists Melo has during his prime. I like Melo as a scorer but not as someone to build the team around. He is a piece you add to an established team. As the leader he leaves a lot to be desired.
3
APATHY. If you really care about the Knicks the only thing Dolan understands is APATHY. Tumultuous yelling and Kvetching COOL. Lots of Tabs screaming MOST COOL. APATHY is my way of saying NO WAY. I refuse to support the Knicks. Over and OUT. APATHY.
2
Please get rid of Carmelo. Please. Please?
10
respectfully, pretty please "Melo" must begone before we begin to begin a new team.
BTW when did the Knick medical staff first learn about his bad knee?
BTW when did the Knick medical staff first learn about his bad knee?
3
All of Jackson's offensive over-intellectualization is like trying to fly an airplane backwards. Phil overthinks this stuff. Just copy Popovich because basketball isn't rocket science.
1
Sports is so socialist in America. In Europe, they would drop down a league, not get the choicest draft picks.
12
The Knicks were far from a great team last year, but they were in contention until fairly late in the season. They weren't the laughing stock of the NBA. Then Phil Jackson arrived and set off on his, and our, "journey" through the 2014-15 season. He dumped a defensive player of the year, brought in a host of marginal players, and failed to land Steve Kerr, who's proving to be one of the best young coaches in the league. There doesn't seem to be any clear evidence of interference by James Dolan. How about putting Zen master Phil's performance under the microscope?
4
Steve Kerr wisely jilted Phil for what has turned out to be the best team in basketball this year. Can't blame that on Jackson- that was a very shrewd move by Kerr.
1
this has to be the silliest hot take one could have on this news subject. the knicks have been running on fumes for some time - basically since the melo trade crippled their cap space, but before that there was only a brief interregnum of hopefulness under walsh after the disastrous thomas reign.
they've been trying to bail themselves out of terrible decisions since 02-03 so putting this on jackson is (a) ridiculous and (b) way too much of a short-term judgment.
1. chandler is aging and did not want to play here anyway, and we got to ditch felton by trading him.
2. kerr chose the obviously more talented warriors, and who can blame him?
3. we did not have the funds available to bring in anything but marginal players. you're not going to get lucky finding players who can contribute (like copeland/kmart/prigioni did when we plucked them for nothing) in the absolute bargain basement every time.
so the bottom line is that it's too soon to judge jackson's performance yet, but if you're going to try anyway then at least stop looking through the wrong end of the microscope.
they've been trying to bail themselves out of terrible decisions since 02-03 so putting this on jackson is (a) ridiculous and (b) way too much of a short-term judgment.
1. chandler is aging and did not want to play here anyway, and we got to ditch felton by trading him.
2. kerr chose the obviously more talented warriors, and who can blame him?
3. we did not have the funds available to bring in anything but marginal players. you're not going to get lucky finding players who can contribute (like copeland/kmart/prigioni did when we plucked them for nothing) in the absolute bargain basement every time.
so the bottom line is that it's too soon to judge jackson's performance yet, but if you're going to try anyway then at least stop looking through the wrong end of the microscope.
@joseph:
1.) Chandler is 32. He's putting in lots of minutes in Dallas. He didn't want to play for Mike ("Switch"!) Woodson. That was no longer an issue when Phil dumped him as coach.
2.) Kerr made a good decision, no question. It's highly debatable that hiring Derek Fischer was the next best option. Other coaches understand the triangle, too (assuming that's the best way to run an offense, no matter who the players are).
3.) When a team has 5 wins all season, it's perfectly fair to question how an organization makes decisions and spends money, even when funds are limited.
Or, you can just blame it all on Melo.
1.) Chandler is 32. He's putting in lots of minutes in Dallas. He didn't want to play for Mike ("Switch"!) Woodson. That was no longer an issue when Phil dumped him as coach.
2.) Kerr made a good decision, no question. It's highly debatable that hiring Derek Fischer was the next best option. Other coaches understand the triangle, too (assuming that's the best way to run an offense, no matter who the players are).
3.) When a team has 5 wins all season, it's perfectly fair to question how an organization makes decisions and spends money, even when funds are limited.
Or, you can just blame it all on Melo.
How about a one-game FAN walkout?
Pan to the seats on cable TV...and...nary a fanny sitting in one!
Think of the field-day the media would have!
Perhaps the resulting humiliation would even force Dolan to get lost... THEN a real turnaround might be possible!
Pan to the seats on cable TV...and...nary a fanny sitting in one!
Think of the field-day the media would have!
Perhaps the resulting humiliation would even force Dolan to get lost... THEN a real turnaround might be possible!
6
He can't get lost. He would have to sell and he will never do that. MSG network, cable vision, these all mint money. He would only sell it if he got bored running it.
Is it time to send these guys across town to go up against the Varsity team at Norman Thomas HS?
1
I'm being told that Dolan has plans to exhume Red Auerbach.
2
Should not have given Carmelo a large contract. Should not have let J Lin go for Raymond Felton. That was a joke. Lots of fans of Linsanity now hate the Knicks me included and are happy they are last place in the NBA.
21
They were buying an asset rather than get nothing at the risk if some injury. Bidness.
Assuming Carmelo is worth a first rounder or two. Big assumption.
Assuming Carmelo is worth a first rounder or two. Big assumption.
Jeremy Lin is 159th in the NBA in PER. But yes, if they had kept him the Knicks would just be in fantastic shape now.
8
The Knicks won 54 games the year after Lin left (and made it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in forever) -- with that "cancer" Carmelo. Last year was bad, but not in the context of how bad they were for a decade and a half. They were 8th in the NBA in defense last year and 7th the year before. Now they're 21st and falling. So, does the triangle mean you have to play lousy defense? Thanks, Phil. And thanks to the idiots who think it's all Carmelo's fault.
1
This is a mercy killing. The Knicks were on feeding tubes and now they've been sent to the hospice. The purpose of the trade is crystal clear. Go for the top draft choice and clear cap space.
Where are we headed? To me the answer is clear as day. It's 2007-08 and we're in Miami. That was the year that Riley's team won 15 games, cleared cap space and got the #2 draft choice. The draft was botched, but a series of trades went better. And ultimately they made the free agent acquisitions of the century.
Why does Phil think he can do as well? That's obvious too. He thinks that between his own aura, Fisher's aura, and the aura of New York, he can attract the quality of players that the Heat did through the aura of Riley and Miami. New York fans are looking at history and despairing. Phil is looking at the future with great hope. I'm with Phil
Where are we headed? To me the answer is clear as day. It's 2007-08 and we're in Miami. That was the year that Riley's team won 15 games, cleared cap space and got the #2 draft choice. The draft was botched, but a series of trades went better. And ultimately they made the free agent acquisitions of the century.
Why does Phil think he can do as well? That's obvious too. He thinks that between his own aura, Fisher's aura, and the aura of New York, he can attract the quality of players that the Heat did through the aura of Riley and Miami. New York fans are looking at history and despairing. Phil is looking at the future with great hope. I'm with Phil
11
Well said. New York fans need to adjust their short-term expectations in exchange for putting together a competitive team 2-4 years from now. It's not going to be easy, given the number of first and second round draft choices the Knicks no longer have, but it's definitely the way to go.
The original piece and the comments make the price of admission worth it - thanx guys.
1
When it is all said and done, this Knicks team will prove the great Phil Jackson just another flash in the pan...overrated and overdone...even by the likes of the Dolans who are clearly the greatest clowns to ever play Madison Square Garden.
4
Phi Jackson is an overrated basketball coach and manager. The only reason reasons he won 11 rings because he had Jordan and Pippen at Chicago Bulls and Kobe and Shaq and later Kobe and Gasol at the Lakers.
Team building is not his cup of tea. Give him a few top players and he will win a Championship again. Good Luck Knicks.
Team building is not his cup of tea. Give him a few top players and he will win a Championship again. Good Luck Knicks.
4
"Phi Jackson is an overrated basketball coach and manager."
As a rookie manager, it is a bit too early to call him over-rated. He hasn't even finished his first year on the job, and he inherited a team that has been on the skids for over 20 years, with an incorrigible owner? Not to mention that he is not the coach of the Knicks...Derek Fisher is.
But over-rated as a coach with eleven rings with two teams? Any coach who is going to win championships needs great players, but that does not mean that every coach with great players will win a championship, much less eleven of them.
Phil's genius was his ability to take the talents he has and turn them into champions, and after 11 championships in two conferences ..East and West...with prima donnas like Jordan, Shaq, and Kobe, there is no rational way in the world you can call him over-rated.
Where does he rank? Right there at the top with Auerbach, Holtzman, Popovich, and another small handful. They too all had great players playing for them. Look it up when you have time.
As a rookie manager, it is a bit too early to call him over-rated. He hasn't even finished his first year on the job, and he inherited a team that has been on the skids for over 20 years, with an incorrigible owner? Not to mention that he is not the coach of the Knicks...Derek Fisher is.
But over-rated as a coach with eleven rings with two teams? Any coach who is going to win championships needs great players, but that does not mean that every coach with great players will win a championship, much less eleven of them.
Phil's genius was his ability to take the talents he has and turn them into champions, and after 11 championships in two conferences ..East and West...with prima donnas like Jordan, Shaq, and Kobe, there is no rational way in the world you can call him over-rated.
Where does he rank? Right there at the top with Auerbach, Holtzman, Popovich, and another small handful. They too all had great players playing for them. Look it up when you have time.
2
Phil is still indirectly coaching via Fisher who basically is implementing his system. I doubt unless he can recruit players like Lebron James, the Knicks will win a Championship.
Auerbach was the greatest coach of all times who won 9 rings staying with the same organization. In modern times, Popovich is a better coach than Phil.
Auerbach was the greatest coach of all times who won 9 rings staying with the same organization. In modern times, Popovich is a better coach than Phil.
As long as J. Dolan is running the show, the show will stink.
6
Let us not use the atrocious play of the Knicks as an excuse to underestimate Phil's capability of re-establishing a worthy competitor in NYC. I'm certain that his plan was, all along, to keep Melo while completely rehabbing the team. Why would he have said, "We're tanking, folks, so stop watching and come back next year?" He has used the first couple of months of the season to learn what he had to - that is, which players can learn, and which ones are too full of themselves to ever catch on.
Anybody who seriously believez that Jackson thought the Knicks, as constituted prior to last night, were a winning team is very mistaken. As much as we note the depths to which this team has sunk, we must not think that Phil was not fully aware of this. What else could he, or anybody else have done? Last night was the second step in the rebuilding process.
There are a few more steps in this journey, young grasshoppers.
Anybody who seriously believez that Jackson thought the Knicks, as constituted prior to last night, were a winning team is very mistaken. As much as we note the depths to which this team has sunk, we must not think that Phil was not fully aware of this. What else could he, or anybody else have done? Last night was the second step in the rebuilding process.
There are a few more steps in this journey, young grasshoppers.
4
But Master Po, we have been on this same path many times and have been left with naught.
1
This team has underachieved forever under the sulfurous owner. Why would it change?
I am of the 'winning a championship is much easier with Shaq and Michael' school of thought rather than 'Phil is the Messiah.' Although I suppose the two options are not mutually exclusive.
If Phil is able to make this work, he will establish bona fides for the ages--no one will question his greatness ever again. As a Knick fan, I am willing to wait yet another year or two or three...
I am of the 'winning a championship is much easier with Shaq and Michael' school of thought rather than 'Phil is the Messiah.' Although I suppose the two options are not mutually exclusive.
If Phil is able to make this work, he will establish bona fides for the ages--no one will question his greatness ever again. As a Knick fan, I am willing to wait yet another year or two or three...
6
Maybe the Mets, Yankees and the Knicks should swap some players around to see if one of the three can put a team together. Some of the players appear to be only interested in money and not on delivering results in return.
1
wish all sports writers offered similarly refreshing evaluations!
3
Forget about the team. I love the writing.
1
They need to get rid of Anthony and his monster contract, even if it means not getting much in return. Carmello is not a winner and never has been in this league. He is an aging, me-first ball-hog who doesn't play defense, pass, or work hard consistently and you can't rebuild a winner around him and his massive contract. The Knicks will owe him almost $23 million next year, $25 million the next, $26 million the year after that, and roughly $28 million in 2019 when his skills and body will be eroded and he will be less effective. They need to put an end to the Carmello era and the sooner they can the better. Sadly I doubt many teams will want him at that high a salary so I doubt they get much in return.
12
Watch if Shumpert and/or Smith blossom in Cleveland or wherever. Players that you release or trade away that end up performing better than they ever did when they were playing for you tells you more about your organization and its prospects for success than anything else.
2
JR Smith is a malignancy. A malignancy does not blossom it mutated.
4
I feel bad for Phil -- After the Lakers he didn't want to coach again or even become a GM but someone waved too many wads of cash at him, patted him on the back and said that it would work out just fine. Ugghhh! Phil, you should have trusted your instincts.
It is hard to say. Both have regressed under Derek Fisher/Phil Jackson. Neither played much defense this year. But then again nobody in Cleveland plays defense so they may fit right in.
There is nothing wrong with a super crummy pair of seasons while an aging roster metamorphizes into a young competitive team. That's a normal part of the cycle, which the Lakers are finally experiencing. What's wrong with the Knicks is that they don't stick to a plan, or when they do, with someone as patient as Donnie Walsh, it is completely abrogated just at the moment it could bring success. The same will happen to Phil Jackson. Please suspend the free agent superstar mantra. When you sign a superstar free agent, you almost always end up with an overpaid, over-the-hill player who burns himself out trying to justify his salary.
3
Jackson is right that this team is a tear-down. But his one mistake will prevent him from achieving his goals. Signing Carmelo this off-season for not-quite-max money was just silly. Now the team is stuck with an un-tradeable player who takes more than his fair share of shots and cap space. He makes the players around him worse rather than better.
23
Don't worry. Melo will be gone by this time next year, traded for some expiring contracts or a bucket of basketballs, as will Stoudmire and Bargnani.
And all three, the Knicks and the fans will do a happy dance.
www.newyorkgritty
And all three, the Knicks and the fans will do a happy dance.
www.newyorkgritty
And they should tell Carmelo Anthony to have surgery now if he needs it. While Carmelo Anthony is certainly a great inidvidual player, the rest of the team will not learn to play as a team while he is on the floor, because the natural tendency will be to look to him and he rarely gives up the ball - so why risk further injury to him and hinder the development of the team. And when he comes back, the knicks might try playing him off the bench the way the nets are playing Brook Lopez and Deron Williams. Seems to have worked wonders for that team - maybe it would for the knicks.
7
I wonder if Fisher and Jackson will start benching Carmelo for selfish play to force him to ask for a trade. Not a bad idea, come to think of it.
Another New Yorker who can't see the forest thru the trees. The team is going no where right now and has no way out. Jackson is getting rid of dead wood and may lose some others who are capable, but the objective is to build a foundation. You may like Okafor, but there are several who could help in the draft. There will be some nice bigs in free agency and I have been surprised by the number of quality second tier players available by trade every year. It's all about being able to make quality moves and that is happening now. Jackson and Fisher know what they are doing. Breath in and out sloooooooooooooooooowly.
4
Why are you so sure that Jackson knows anything about running an organization or that Fisher knows anything about coaching. By the record, I would have to say they don't.
Phil Jackson probably wishes he was president of the Chicago Bulls instead of the hapless Knicks. The Bulls are very entertaining. It's fun to watch, and root for, a group of professional athletes who all seem only interested in doing what is best for the team. There doesn't seem to be a conceited, attention grabbing player on the team. Tom Thibodeau and Bulls management have to be given a lot of credit for putting together and managing this team.
1
I have to comment on the wonderful writing of Michael Powell about this once great and currently hapless but hopeful team.
I am a way back Knicks fan when the team was great, the Jackson! Bradley, etc. era. Still can't resist reading about their trials though I now also suffer as a Celtics fan now and then, a fair weather friend, I fear.
Not easy to write with so much energy about all this, so hats off to you, Mr. Powell!
I am a way back Knicks fan when the team was great, the Jackson! Bradley, etc. era. Still can't resist reading about their trials though I now also suffer as a Celtics fan now and then, a fair weather friend, I fear.
Not easy to write with so much energy about all this, so hats off to you, Mr. Powell!
9
I guess Vermonters agree on good writing. Bilbo Baggins,indeed.
3
Jackson needs to make the Knicks as bad as possible before they can be rebuilt.
2
So sorry that I bought my nephew tickets to an upcoming game as a holiday gift. I wasted so much money. And I'm sure I'll be wasting my time as well. These wealthy, incompetent sports franchise owners that seem to rule New York sports should be fined a amount equal to the tax breaks they receive for every losing season.
19
Not a surprise... by all means clean house.
4
How did they win FIVE games?
10
Phil was the magic name, the captain who could right this floundering scow. At the time, I thought they'd have been better off trying to lure Danny Ainge instead. What he's done in Boston is nothing short of brilliant. He'll have a highly competitive team fairly soon since he practically owns the next three drafts.
7
Dany Ainge is not saddled with the Worst Owner in Pro Sports. Two Gardens, very different environments.
2
Donnie Walsh was hired by Dolan to run the Knicks at the insistence of NBA Commissioner David Stern after the Isiah Thomas debacle. Dummy Dolan couldn’t admit Walsh knew what he was doing, and after three years he pushed Walsh out, but only after insisting the Knicks trade away Galinari, Chandler, Mozgov and Felton for Carmelo Anthony. Mind you Anthony would very likely have signed with the Knicks at the end of the season. So essentially the whole team was traded away for nothing. The damage done by this idiocy can be seen night after night by Knicks fans. And there’s little to suggest Jackson know what he’s doing. He’s now gotten rid of Shumpert and Tyson Chandler (his two best assets) for almost nothing and resigned Carmelo to a long term monster contract. Why would any free-agent want to sign with the Knicks?
35
The Knicks signed a guy who has never been a proven winner. They should have let Carmelo go. I have no problem letting JR Smith go - but they should have kept Shump and Chandler.
7
Keeping Carmelo was a bad move, whether Phil's or James'. The team is 5-32 with him. And what kind of character did he show to come back to the Knicks - take the most money and not have to worry about winning? In your article you ask why would Marc Gasol come to the Knicks, yet that is exactly what Carmelo did.
It's what every Knick fan is wondering, exactly who are the clearly all this cap room for? What's the plan? Who would want to play for a team run by Dolan and play with Carmelo (never passes up a shot, any shot) Anthony.
As long as Knick fans (many who just want to be seen at MSG) continue to pay those ticket prices to see whatever they put on the floor Dolan has no incentive to build a championship team. The additional revenue a few playoffs games would bring is just putting a cherry on top of an already huge pile of money.
Expect mediocrity for a long time.
As long as Knick fans (many who just want to be seen at MSG) continue to pay those ticket prices to see whatever they put on the floor Dolan has no incentive to build a championship team. The additional revenue a few playoffs games would bring is just putting a cherry on top of an already huge pile of money.
Expect mediocrity for a long time.
17
Tank the season and get a number one pick. Thirty years ago (can it really be?), I remember watching the draft lottery and jumping with joy as the Knicks picked first and captured Patrick Ewing.
Rebuild with youth.
Rebuild with youth.
12
Just do not put all your eggs into basket full of ping pong balls. Remember many years ago when an egregious Celtics team had a lock, an ABSOLUTE lock, on securing the number 1 pick, some guy by the name of Duncan? Well the vagaries of statistics and the ping pong balls did not cooperate and Rick Pitino, who bet everything on getting Duncan, really had no Plan B. Pitino hung around whining for a while before retreating back to college coaching, but the point is that nothing is certain in the draft and the future cannot be based upon wishful thinking.
1
And Ewing produced exactly what? Certainly not a championship, and certainly lots of disappointment. The draft is ALWAYS a crapshoot, especially as evidenced by this year's class decimated by season ending injuries. Trade Anthony somehow (surely that's been the plan, perhaps with Anthony's blessing) and build through more trades and free agency. If we get lucky in the draft, so much the better.
2
Tank the season and pull the 8th lottery spot.
It can't get any worse so why not? Let's see if the wizard can work his magic in the front office. At least us fans have some hope and something to talk about......And good riddance JR knucklehead !
1
Until the Knicks swallow hard and discover that Carmelo Anthony is not going to be the future of the franchise, they will not be able to get better. They, like the Lakers with Kobi Bryant, have a superstar past his prime who, despite having some memorable games, does not make his teammates better. It is sad that even the Zen master can't save this wreck of a season, but perhaps can save the long-term future of the Knicks if James Dolan has the patience to let him. Otherwise, he may re-retire to his ranch out West.
30
Perhaps the Knicks can surpass the Washington Generals in loss percentage this year.
6
Fisher's great sin is being too pacific with reporters? No, he is not as candid as Coach Hollins or give great sound bytes like Rex Ryan, but what is Fisher supposed to do, throw his players under the bus for caring more about personal offensive statistics than playing defense and getting wins?
A pattern seems to be emerging that does not reflect well on Powell, Cacciola or their editors - may Red Smith rest in peace.