A notable former Knick announced his retirement. Plus, some thoughts on Zach Lowe getting laid off by ESPN and the final "Knick You Knew" of the year from Ray Marcano.
I hope that Zach understands the power and freedom of Substack and launches an NBA newsletter. I’m a basketball nut and obviously even crazier when it comes to the Knicks, and I subscribe to four NBA Substack newsletters and if Zach launches a newsletter that would be my fifth NBA-related paid Substack letter. I bet many of us would agree and make a Substack lucrative enough for Zach to continue covering the NBA but also having total editorial freedom.
And best wishes to DRose. I loved watching him on the Knicks (second go-around) as he was exciting to watch even in his diminished state and also a very important team leader. When I heard the news, the first thing I thought was “I hope Thibs hires him to be our PG coach,” although DRose made it pretty clear he wanted to step away from the NBA.
And thank you Ray for all the “Knick you Knew” columns. When Jonathan first introduced these, I was not sure I was thrilled to read about long ago players but pretty quickly, that column became of my editorial favorites. I hope you run them again next season Ray and Jonathan!
I am curious what other substacks you found that you like. One reason I am such a big fan of this one compared to some other forums is the limited hot takes. Other forums are like the Steven A Smith of forums. This is more like Zach.
Over the past handful of years, the only NBA writers I've read consistently are Zach Lowe and you. I've followed Zach since the Grantland days and learned so much about basketball reading his articles and listening to his podcast. His work made me a smarter fan.
One of my favorite Zach Lowe columns was the one he wrote after Kobe's death, when he shared the story about how Kobe reached out to him so they could watch basketball and "discuss the future of media coverage." That tells you everything you need to know about Zach. Kobe Bryant was like, "Yeah, this guy gets it. I need to talk to him."
Today, I'm even more appreciative for KFS. I'm a smarter fan because of the work you guys have done too. I've learned so much about the salary cap and roster construction through Cap or No Cap. You guys have helped me stay as grounded emotionally as possible with an eye on the bigger picture. You are the Zach Lowe of the Knicks. Thanks for all you guys do.
If I recall, Zach was the first BBall writer to put game clips into his articles (at least the first mainstream one). It completely revolutionized how one reads a basketball article. A great guy, and also a trailblazer
Lowe will wind up somewhere great - hopefully with more freedom and more space to write - but I agree with everything you said here, Jon. He's been a huge part of why I've continued to fall in love with the game and I just hope he manages to bring all the remaining talent from ESPN - especially Chris Herring - wherever he goes next
No one was a fan of Derrick Rose on his initial go around with the Knicks, but he did everyone proud upon his return. He reminded me of Mo Cheeks when the Knicks obtained him at the end of his career ( for a young Rod Strickland). All of a sudden we had point guard who actually dribbled forward keeping the entire chessboard in view. No backing into the post, no stagnation on offense, but the ball being moved to the right person at the right time. Derrick had that, alas too late in his career for us.
I tend to get to the games early. Watching Derrick shoot baskets with his daughter was a terrific watch. Good dad.
I stopped being a fan of ESPN on line years ago. Don’t charge for content, sell advertising. ESPN and the lame magazine they forced you to buy with plus was wrong.
As to Mr. Lowe, like all the good ones, he’ll reinvent himself into something better. Too much talent and personality
Might just be my perception, but it seems like they’ve taken the mantle as the only major paper left that still matters. Stock price nearly doubling in the last 2 years doesn’t hurt.
I hope that Zach understands the power and freedom of Substack and launches an NBA newsletter. I’m a basketball nut and obviously even crazier when it comes to the Knicks, and I subscribe to four NBA Substack newsletters and if Zach launches a newsletter that would be my fifth NBA-related paid Substack letter. I bet many of us would agree and make a Substack lucrative enough for Zach to continue covering the NBA but also having total editorial freedom.
And best wishes to DRose. I loved watching him on the Knicks (second go-around) as he was exciting to watch even in his diminished state and also a very important team leader. When I heard the news, the first thing I thought was “I hope Thibs hires him to be our PG coach,” although DRose made it pretty clear he wanted to step away from the NBA.
And thank you Ray for all the “Knick you Knew” columns. When Jonathan first introduced these, I was not sure I was thrilled to read about long ago players but pretty quickly, that column became of my editorial favorites. I hope you run them again next season Ray and Jonathan!
Ray can write here as long as he wants to!
I am curious what other substacks you found that you like. One reason I am such a big fan of this one compared to some other forums is the limited hot takes. Other forums are like the Steven A Smith of forums. This is more like Zach.
I enjoy Yaya Dubin's "Last Night In Basketball." Marc Stein is also good for news and rumors
Really enjoyed this one — two great toasts to two truly fantastic careers! Hope Zach Lowe settles into a new, better role soon
I will make it three great toasts. The Harkness story was pretty cool to go with the Rose and Zach toasts.
Over the past handful of years, the only NBA writers I've read consistently are Zach Lowe and you. I've followed Zach since the Grantland days and learned so much about basketball reading his articles and listening to his podcast. His work made me a smarter fan.
One of my favorite Zach Lowe columns was the one he wrote after Kobe's death, when he shared the story about how Kobe reached out to him so they could watch basketball and "discuss the future of media coverage." That tells you everything you need to know about Zach. Kobe Bryant was like, "Yeah, this guy gets it. I need to talk to him."
Today, I'm even more appreciative for KFS. I'm a smarter fan because of the work you guys have done too. I've learned so much about the salary cap and roster construction through Cap or No Cap. You guys have helped me stay as grounded emotionally as possible with an eye on the bigger picture. You are the Zach Lowe of the Knicks. Thanks for all you guys do.
Chris, it's too early on a Friday to be getting misty eyed.
Thank you. Means more than you know.
If I recall, Zach was the first BBall writer to put game clips into his articles (at least the first mainstream one). It completely revolutionized how one reads a basketball article. A great guy, and also a trailblazer
If someone did it before him, I don't remember it
Thank you, Ray, for educating me AGAIN
Lowe will wind up somewhere great - hopefully with more freedom and more space to write - but I agree with everything you said here, Jon. He's been a huge part of why I've continued to fall in love with the game and I just hope he manages to bring all the remaining talent from ESPN - especially Chris Herring - wherever he goes next
The funny thing is that Chris isn't a hot take guy, so it's interesting that they just brought him in.
Top 10 KFS line: I try my best to be the Zach Lowe of the Knicks, and it’s fucking exhausting.
Agree ZLO is an all-time great and was one of the few remaining reasons I had to visit espn.com. Nice tribute.
You just reminded me I have to cancel my ESPN plus subscription today
I will do the same. Fk let’s all do it. It will liberate!
PS Ray can write. He’s a keeper
No one was a fan of Derrick Rose on his initial go around with the Knicks, but he did everyone proud upon his return. He reminded me of Mo Cheeks when the Knicks obtained him at the end of his career ( for a young Rod Strickland). All of a sudden we had point guard who actually dribbled forward keeping the entire chessboard in view. No backing into the post, no stagnation on offense, but the ball being moved to the right person at the right time. Derrick had that, alas too late in his career for us.
I tend to get to the games early. Watching Derrick shoot baskets with his daughter was a terrific watch. Good dad.
I stopped being a fan of ESPN on line years ago. Don’t charge for content, sell advertising. ESPN and the lame magazine they forced you to buy with plus was wrong.
As to Mr. Lowe, like all the good ones, he’ll reinvent himself into something better. Too much talent and personality
Hi Jonathan, pardon my ignorance or maybe my lack of paying attention :) but how is the New York Times still thriving.
Might just be my perception, but it seems like they’ve taken the mantle as the only major paper left that still matters. Stock price nearly doubling in the last 2 years doesn’t hurt.