You really don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. I’ve been in a daze for a full day, and I’ve come to a realization. I think I’m done with the star chasing plan. The Knicks have stars. Brunson is a superstar. He’d be fully maxed out by 30 teams if he hit the open market. Randle is pretty close as well. I’ve been half glass empty on the Randle news so I feel like it may be too late for this season, but moving forward.
Just go for it with what you have. Fully healthy, we’re a top 8 team in the NBA right now! Stop saving them all for Embiid, Booker or Luka. We have oodles of tradeable first and second round picks and fungible salaries. Use some of it. No more saving Fournier’s salary slot for the perfect trade. Get someone in there who can contribute. No need to be reckless, but set yourself up to take multiple swings at this.
Bravo!!!!!! Been saying this for weeks. We’re good now, & who knows what’ll happen next year. Most of the best teams this year are vulnerable, & we could go toe to toe with nearly any team in the league before JR’s injury. Make it happen Mr. Rosas!!!!
I was at Saturday’s game and left in a daze, and like so many was waiting all day yesterday for an update. It took me a long time to even watch Jon’s postgame when ordinarily after a win like that, I’d have dove right in with anticipation. Like Jon, I tend to be conservative in my assessment of the team, but also like him, as I was watching the game unfold I was getting ready to ‘jump out the window.’ It was dawning on me that while not the most talented, there’s not a team in the league that plays better than the Knicks. And that maybe with the way they play, and with the closer they have in Jalen, maybe it’s good enough. And then it happened. The franchise and this fan base deserves good news and a legitimate shot to see this out. I’ll continue to hope for the best, but man, as a fan since the late 70’s, that is not easy.
Thank you once again Jon for such a well written article! After so many (continuing) years of moronic national media takes and jabs at the Knicks (the fact that the ABC crew didn't take 30 seconds to even discuss either the Knicks performance after the Saturday game or speak on Randle's injury was aggravating AF - I hate watching games on ESPN / ABC), You (and Katz at the Athletic) are absolutely appreciated for your informed takes. Now that KFS is so established, it is hard to picture Knicks coverage without it (and I remember the bad ol days of garbage local NYC coverage, stupid opinions and media agendas masquerading as news coverage). Even on such a topic as Randle's injury status, the newsletter is a joy to read each morning.
Phil, thank you so much for this. It is, I promise, an absolute honor and a privilege to do what I do. I also have to thank the crappy national media, because otherwise, KFS would never be as popular as it is!
I am reminded of one of the best, if not the best, political movies, The Candidate. Robert Redford plays a young, idealistic lawyer who is totally anti-politics. So not to bore you with all the details (watch the movie, it really is excellent), Redford wins a race for senator, that he did not want to win, he was just running to shake up the establishment.
The movie ends with Redford calling his campaign manager into a bathroom, while a wild celebration is happening outside the bathroom celebrating the win. The end of the movie shows the door closing and Redford mouthing, “Now what?”
And that’s how I feel. I’ve been a fan of this team since their first title in 1970 and since then I have seen devastating injuries to Bernard King, Patrick Ewing, Alan Houston, Antonio McDyess, Amare . . .and lousy management with people like Scott Layden, Scotty Stirling, Steve Mills, Phil Jackson, and the worst of the worst, Isiah Thomas.
We now have a solid front office; a host of first round picks (they used to trade those like baseball cards); a superstar (yes Jalen is a superstar, national media be damned; an all-star and other good-fitting players.
The Knicks have broken my heart too many times to mention (did they really need to trade a top 10 pick for McDyess who had terrible knees?) but this one is the worst. And it is the worst because, since my 1970’s teams, we had a top 7-8 team of young players who looked like they were on the road to becoming a serious title contender. Not this year maybe, but in the very near future.
It's been on my watch list for years. I love old movies, going back to the late 30's. Peak Redford was as big a star as this country has ever seen, and my understanding is that this is one of his best performances.
You must watch it JM. I love political movies (All ThePresident’s Men is my second favorite) but this one has awesome acting and even though the movie debuted in 1972, the themes still hold up.
Much can be shared after reading Jon’s as usual excellent newsletter which unfortunately had to cover the state of our KnIcks team with an injured Julius Randle. For ne personally, I reflect on the universal truths that life is change, guaranteed constant change; love / positivity is the most powerful force and energy; and our every thought, feeling, word and action are co-creative and come back to us multi-fold. So right now, I send out all the best and highest energies to Julius and the NYKnicks team. And with love and positivity, I look forward each day and game to continued winning adventures with this resilient tough and amazing KnIcks team!
Despite how much time we spend cursing him, Randle’s grit and toughness stand out nearly every game. On a team full of good guys who play hard he helps lead the pack. Will miss cheering for that guy - hopefully for not too long. 🤞
If he plays PG in 2nd unit he slides Duece into the 2, which I think is a more comfortable offensive spot for him. And Flynn is better offensively than playing Sims or Precious at the 4 would be (though Precious might be ok for short stints there).
I'd planned to hit the Spectrum tonight to see the Knicks live (I missed the earlier game this year) but unfortunately I'm not going to be able to make the game. Knicks fans definitely roll deep here in Charlotte (prob all the NY Transplants...LOL! I'm originally from Upstate NY before Charlotte). Anyway KFS family is in the building - NY Stand UP and LFGK! Enjoy the game Sir!
I had a rough weekend that unfortunately started with Randle getting hurt, and today's newsletter was an uplift I desperately needed. Thank you Jon for starting with that section about the good things Randle has been able to do so far in his career.
I'm conflicted about what change to make to the starting five. IMO Grimes should be the one to make his return, because he's certainly earned another look there since getting demoted, and he's been with the team longer; but moving Precious up would give Sims some earned run with the bench mob, and keep OG in at his natural position at the 3. Maybe the X's and O's make the decision a lot clearer than I might think.
Sorry to hear about your weekend Drazov...hope the week gets better from here! I wouldn't be surprised if its Grimes. I think it makes a lot of sense, both in that it spaces the floor and it keeps Hart as the spark plug off the bench. I just wonder if Thibs worries about their ability to rebound well enough.
That's a very valid thing to consider. From where I'm sitting, I look at a lineup of JB/DDV/QG/OG and think "that's four guys who can all make a wide open 3 if you let them have one". Then you consider that JB is a middy magician, QG has shown some ability to go inside for layups, and OG is a cutter. DDV is the more "one-dimensional" of the four (take this hot take with a grain of salt and a pinch of oregano), but he's also top of the league in 3P efficiency.
Of course, they aren't perfect and won't hit every shot. But what if the ball movement almost always leads to one of them being open? Theoretically, there's less OREB to go around because all those guys hit at a good clip. It's very salivating to think about, and a scenario I couldn't imagine this team having just a few years ago. I love this regime so much.
I think having Grimes out there over Hart would put more on Brunson's plate, which is another consideration. Hart can really keep the offense moving even if he isn't a typical initiator. I think both DDV and OG would really need to step up their playmaking if it is Grimes.
As others have said - Thanks for covering this so sanely, Jon. Going with the Ian report from last night, I am holding on to some hope that the reason we haven’t heard anything yet is that there is a belief that Randle can avoid surgery and through some rest and rehab at least attempt a return to the court in the next 4-6 weeks. Hoping for that for now. Trying to ignore the feelings that mirror the ones that accompanied the KP, McDyess, and Ewing injuries... just a sinking, hollow feeling. Hoping for the best for Randle most of all.
You're incredibly welcome Sean. I'm praying for the same. Heard from someone who heard from someone that the MRI was positive, but that person didn't feel comfortable reporting it themselves, so I'd never put it out there (except just bullshitting in here, obviously). We'll see if it comes true.
We’re all waiting...thinking “this last month was real and maybe we could’ve legitimately finally dreamt of greatness after so many years. Is the rug about to get pulled out from under us again?” Yes that pit in our stomachs is the price we pay for being true fans, so just roll with it and think positively.
Get ready for an 8 man rotation where Brunson gets run into the ground. Then again in fairness to Thibs, the idea of watching Simms paired with Achiuwa . . . . .
You really don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. I’ve been in a daze for a full day, and I’ve come to a realization. I think I’m done with the star chasing plan. The Knicks have stars. Brunson is a superstar. He’d be fully maxed out by 30 teams if he hit the open market. Randle is pretty close as well. I’ve been half glass empty on the Randle news so I feel like it may be too late for this season, but moving forward.
Just go for it with what you have. Fully healthy, we’re a top 8 team in the NBA right now! Stop saving them all for Embiid, Booker or Luka. We have oodles of tradeable first and second round picks and fungible salaries. Use some of it. No more saving Fournier’s salary slot for the perfect trade. Get someone in there who can contribute. No need to be reckless, but set yourself up to take multiple swings at this.
Bravo!!!!!! Been saying this for weeks. We’re good now, & who knows what’ll happen next year. Most of the best teams this year are vulnerable, & we could go toe to toe with nearly any team in the league before JR’s injury. Make it happen Mr. Rosas!!!!
I was at Saturday’s game and left in a daze, and like so many was waiting all day yesterday for an update. It took me a long time to even watch Jon’s postgame when ordinarily after a win like that, I’d have dove right in with anticipation. Like Jon, I tend to be conservative in my assessment of the team, but also like him, as I was watching the game unfold I was getting ready to ‘jump out the window.’ It was dawning on me that while not the most talented, there’s not a team in the league that plays better than the Knicks. And that maybe with the way they play, and with the closer they have in Jalen, maybe it’s good enough. And then it happened. The franchise and this fan base deserves good news and a legitimate shot to see this out. I’ll continue to hope for the best, but man, as a fan since the late 70’s, that is not easy.
Thank you once again Jon for such a well written article! After so many (continuing) years of moronic national media takes and jabs at the Knicks (the fact that the ABC crew didn't take 30 seconds to even discuss either the Knicks performance after the Saturday game or speak on Randle's injury was aggravating AF - I hate watching games on ESPN / ABC), You (and Katz at the Athletic) are absolutely appreciated for your informed takes. Now that KFS is so established, it is hard to picture Knicks coverage without it (and I remember the bad ol days of garbage local NYC coverage, stupid opinions and media agendas masquerading as news coverage). Even on such a topic as Randle's injury status, the newsletter is a joy to read each morning.
Phil, thank you so much for this. It is, I promise, an absolute honor and a privilege to do what I do. I also have to thank the crappy national media, because otherwise, KFS would never be as popular as it is!
I could not agree more!
I am reminded of one of the best, if not the best, political movies, The Candidate. Robert Redford plays a young, idealistic lawyer who is totally anti-politics. So not to bore you with all the details (watch the movie, it really is excellent), Redford wins a race for senator, that he did not want to win, he was just running to shake up the establishment.
The movie ends with Redford calling his campaign manager into a bathroom, while a wild celebration is happening outside the bathroom celebrating the win. The end of the movie shows the door closing and Redford mouthing, “Now what?”
And that’s how I feel. I’ve been a fan of this team since their first title in 1970 and since then I have seen devastating injuries to Bernard King, Patrick Ewing, Alan Houston, Antonio McDyess, Amare . . .and lousy management with people like Scott Layden, Scotty Stirling, Steve Mills, Phil Jackson, and the worst of the worst, Isiah Thomas.
We now have a solid front office; a host of first round picks (they used to trade those like baseball cards); a superstar (yes Jalen is a superstar, national media be damned; an all-star and other good-fitting players.
The Knicks have broken my heart too many times to mention (did they really need to trade a top 10 pick for McDyess who had terrible knees?) but this one is the worst. And it is the worst because, since my 1970’s teams, we had a top 7-8 team of young players who looked like they were on the road to becoming a serious title contender. Not this year maybe, but in the very near future.
So I quote Robert Redford, “now what?”
It's been on my watch list for years. I love old movies, going back to the late 30's. Peak Redford was as big a star as this country has ever seen, and my understanding is that this is one of his best performances.
And to your point, I'm wondering the same thing.
You must watch it JM. I love political movies (All ThePresident’s Men is my second favorite) but this one has awesome acting and even though the movie debuted in 1972, the themes still hold up.
70's movies are the best. ATPM is a personal fave. They don't make 'em like they used to.
Much can be shared after reading Jon’s as usual excellent newsletter which unfortunately had to cover the state of our KnIcks team with an injured Julius Randle. For ne personally, I reflect on the universal truths that life is change, guaranteed constant change; love / positivity is the most powerful force and energy; and our every thought, feeling, word and action are co-creative and come back to us multi-fold. So right now, I send out all the best and highest energies to Julius and the NYKnicks team. And with love and positivity, I look forward each day and game to continued winning adventures with this resilient tough and amazing KnIcks team!
I love how you put this MW. Talk about spitting truth.
I just keep asking “why can’t we have nice things?!”
Despite how much time we spend cursing him, Randle’s grit and toughness stand out nearly every game. On a team full of good guys who play hard he helps lead the pack. Will miss cheering for that guy - hopefully for not too long. 🤞
cant WAIT to see this squad with a healthy Mitch.
I always go to one of the Knicks at Charlotte games, so naturally I picked tonight's game (which will probably be 75% Knicks fans).
I wonder if Flynn might get some time if Grimes spends time at the 3.
Certainly hope Julius can come back this season, but if not the Big Picture is what matters most.
I didn't mention him in the newsletter, but I don't think it's crazy at all to think Flynn can help.
If he plays PG in 2nd unit he slides Duece into the 2, which I think is a more comfortable offensive spot for him. And Flynn is better offensively than playing Sims or Precious at the 4 would be (though Precious might be ok for short stints there).
I'd planned to hit the Spectrum tonight to see the Knicks live (I missed the earlier game this year) but unfortunately I'm not going to be able to make the game. Knicks fans definitely roll deep here in Charlotte (prob all the NY Transplants...LOL! I'm originally from Upstate NY before Charlotte). Anyway KFS family is in the building - NY Stand UP and LFGK! Enjoy the game Sir!
Got my Josh Hart jersey ready to go!
I had a rough weekend that unfortunately started with Randle getting hurt, and today's newsletter was an uplift I desperately needed. Thank you Jon for starting with that section about the good things Randle has been able to do so far in his career.
I'm conflicted about what change to make to the starting five. IMO Grimes should be the one to make his return, because he's certainly earned another look there since getting demoted, and he's been with the team longer; but moving Precious up would give Sims some earned run with the bench mob, and keep OG in at his natural position at the 3. Maybe the X's and O's make the decision a lot clearer than I might think.
Sorry to hear about your weekend Drazov...hope the week gets better from here! I wouldn't be surprised if its Grimes. I think it makes a lot of sense, both in that it spaces the floor and it keeps Hart as the spark plug off the bench. I just wonder if Thibs worries about their ability to rebound well enough.
That's a very valid thing to consider. From where I'm sitting, I look at a lineup of JB/DDV/QG/OG and think "that's four guys who can all make a wide open 3 if you let them have one". Then you consider that JB is a middy magician, QG has shown some ability to go inside for layups, and OG is a cutter. DDV is the more "one-dimensional" of the four (take this hot take with a grain of salt and a pinch of oregano), but he's also top of the league in 3P efficiency.
Of course, they aren't perfect and won't hit every shot. But what if the ball movement almost always leads to one of them being open? Theoretically, there's less OREB to go around because all those guys hit at a good clip. It's very salivating to think about, and a scenario I couldn't imagine this team having just a few years ago. I love this regime so much.
I think having Grimes out there over Hart would put more on Brunson's plate, which is another consideration. Hart can really keep the offense moving even if he isn't a typical initiator. I think both DDV and OG would really need to step up their playmaking if it is Grimes.
As others have said - Thanks for covering this so sanely, Jon. Going with the Ian report from last night, I am holding on to some hope that the reason we haven’t heard anything yet is that there is a belief that Randle can avoid surgery and through some rest and rehab at least attempt a return to the court in the next 4-6 weeks. Hoping for that for now. Trying to ignore the feelings that mirror the ones that accompanied the KP, McDyess, and Ewing injuries... just a sinking, hollow feeling. Hoping for the best for Randle most of all.
You're incredibly welcome Sean. I'm praying for the same. Heard from someone who heard from someone that the MRI was positive, but that person didn't feel comfortable reporting it themselves, so I'd never put it out there (except just bullshitting in here, obviously). We'll see if it comes true.
I’m reminded of the Seinfeld episode where George gets the biopsy results: ‘Negative is good?!?’ I’m hoping in this case you mean positive is good 😂
Yes, sorry!
We’re all waiting...thinking “this last month was real and maybe we could’ve legitimately finally dreamt of greatness after so many years. Is the rug about to get pulled out from under us again?” Yes that pit in our stomachs is the price we pay for being true fans, so just roll with it and think positively.
Of course . . . . things were going too well.
Get ready for an 8 man rotation where Brunson gets run into the ground. Then again in fairness to Thibs, the idea of watching Simms paired with Achiuwa . . . . .
Ou es tu, Fournier?
My biggest fear, easily, is burning out JB
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Agreed! And remember, Jalen played two rounds in the playoffs, then all Summer in the international games.
I almost wish he doesn’t get picked for the all-star game so he can get a break.
😭😭😭
We get to see how Thibs and Knick coaches move their pieces.
Let's see who's ready for prime time.
No crying in basketball.
Weeks not months! https://x.com/wojespn/status/1751993626308321519?s=57&t=ofg9TxGCT6bQmPy707Fq4w