Congrats on your anniversary and your beautiful family. May your home be blessed.
As to the Knicks... At 66, I've become a patient fan. Last season was an unexpected gift. I am happy that it was. And, I have let it go. The only thing that matters is the now.
Team building is a [dialectical] process. Inevitably, there are steps forward and reversals. Successful adaptations and mistakes. It can't be avoided. But, errors can be ameliorated. Let's see what the Knicks do. A PIVOT would be dramatic. However is it necessary?
Rome wasn't built in a day and champions are won in a season. If good people are in command and the players have the right stuff [do they?] - they will find their greatness in time. And, it may not be THIS year. As a fan I will hold on and enjoy [find the good in the bad] the journey.
Thanks to you and the KFS Crew. Wishing everyone joy!
Thanks so much for the kind words Jonathan, and for making me look up the word dialectical, which is a perfect adjective for team building. I TRULY believe in this front office and this coach, and there is real young talent on this roster. That is something, but not everything. They have moves they can make; flexibility has been behind all of their decisions. Now let's see how creative and/or bold they can be.
Great column and one that will be written by many others before we hit the MLK Jr. annual day game on January 17th. It is now clear that everything that was mentioned last as an “excuse” for their good play was true. They were the healthiest team, the luckiest team (# of open misses for their opponents) and a team that caught a lot of teams by surprise.
Now, we are back to reality. Unfortunately, the FO blew a chance at some long-time rebuilding (went into the off-season with two firsts and the team with the most money under the cap). I won’t rehash how they blew it but they blew it big time.
Getting back to reality means admitting their mistakes and geting back to the long term rebuilding that was the real plan Post hiring Leon Rose. Trade Robinson for whatever you can get, he will be a UFA this off-season; it pains me to say it, but find out what DRose is worth on the open market; trade Burks if you can; give up on the RJ optimism and find out if packaging him gets you picks and /or young players, etc.
Give real time to Obi, Q, Grimes, Deuce, Sims;
and
TAKE THE DAMN BALL OUT OF RANDLE’S HANDS. He is not a point forward and you can’t run your offense through the best ball-stopper this side of Melo.
After reading your comments I can’t help but remember this conversation and others like it a few seasons ago. Unfortunately this season feels like the “Same Old Knicks “.
All very fair. I think the FO would do over certain aspects of this summer, but I will give them this: they didn't box themselves in, and I believe they never lost sight of the big picture, even if this year has been a bust so far. Very curious what happens over the next 2 months, and how they approach the rest of this season.
Happy Anniversary to you & Dolores. She must certainly be a saint to manage (even encourage) the hours you devote to us fans and KFS. As a numbers freak who fills his gas tank to $51.15 for the pleasure of seeing the numbers repeat in reverse, I love the 12/13/14 sequencing! So...this Knicks situation is SOOO interesting to me at this precipice and I have two key takes. I'm fascinated to see how Thibs will handle a clear situation where playing the younger guys at least more is both good for the organization long term and for any coach's key priority which is winning now. This ties to my 2nd point that tanking is not the answer with this team. Simply tinkering with minutes (+Obi, +Grimes, +IQ, + even Jericho) and reducing minutes for "vets" (-Fournier, -Ju, -marginally all other centers (it is ridiculous that we have 4 centers on our roster and none of them are truly what we need), -Barrett) we could have a very different energy and cohesion. Tanking is overrated as a strategy particularly in the new structure where getting the upper echelon pick is not as likely as it seems and Knicks jerseys are selling at much higher rate at MSG ($$$$). Plus...how many up and comers and draft picks can you have? At some point you need to quit being a pick collector and salary cap spacer and translate those to results. We will need to insert those young players into a somewhat winning culture/team for any picks to be of max value. Last bonus take is I'm opened to trading Randle, but I suspect what we think we could get for him in return is a lot less in reality. While he is blocking Obi to a degree, he's not an addition by subtraction situation...yet.
I co-sign everything with one caveat: tanking comes in many shapes and sizes. Going out and playing the wrong way to enforce losing habits is bad. I do not believe they should do that, nor do I think they should intend on losing games. That said, IF (and it's a big if) there is an opportunity to move some vets and reinforce the core while still keeping the roster competitive enough to be in most games, I wouldn't hate it if only because the hellfire that is this year's Eastern conference means you can be a darn feisty team and still end up 12th or 13th. That could get them a real shot at a top three pick. Also, thank you so much for the kind words! I will pass along to my better half :)
Well said. If they can get something of even modest value for Noel, Mitch, Fournier, Kemba or even Burks (which would hurt the most) I’d take it. They need to keep Rose bc without him they lose the ability to create and even stay in games.
100% I'd like to keep Rose. Also, as an aside, thanks always for your thoughtful comments. I know I don't get back to them every day but the conversation is very much appreciated.
Absolutely. Yes, the Knicks without Rose are truly unwatchable. Appreciate you and the KFS Team for the info and outlet to indulge the sad, pathetic gambler at the blackjack table hoping the next hand turns a 21 (we Knick fans for far too long). We care far too much about a team that is maybe, possibly beginning to barely touch mediocrity. Damn this NY fan (long form fanatic) blood. Runs too frickin' deep.
I know I keep harping on this, sorry, but the Myles Turner fascination plagues me. It is sooo typical a Knick move. Take someone averaging 13.2 pts. and 7.8 rbs. a game and make him out to be the answer to out prayers- and give up draft picks, young players and sign him to a big contract. His stats are 12.6 and 6.7 for his career. He disappears for multiple games at a time. With one of the best big men and point guards around, his team has a worse record than the Knicks. Why would you expect anything different for the Knicks. Once again the Knicks are the answer to a struggling teams' prayers. How many players and coaches has the Pacers gone through with Turner on the team? We need fast athletic players at the wing and point guard positions. Based on last year's success, we went to a three point focus on offense only to find out that last year was an outlier and the team cannot shoot threes. We need easy transition baskets.
I agree he does not cure all of what ails them, but I keep going back to the same thing: a Thibs defense cannot function without top notch center play. Turner, for his warts, is that on defense. On offense, I agree his shooting is not the be all, end all, but I wonder how it would re-invigorate Randle. Obviously, I've somewhat turned the corner on Julius, but him looking better can only help long term. Most of all though, it comes down to the cost. I wouldn't give up a single young important player, including Grimes.
Congrats on your anniversary and your beautiful family. May your home be blessed.
As to the Knicks... At 66, I've become a patient fan. Last season was an unexpected gift. I am happy that it was. And, I have let it go. The only thing that matters is the now.
Team building is a [dialectical] process. Inevitably, there are steps forward and reversals. Successful adaptations and mistakes. It can't be avoided. But, errors can be ameliorated. Let's see what the Knicks do. A PIVOT would be dramatic. However is it necessary?
Rome wasn't built in a day and champions are won in a season. If good people are in command and the players have the right stuff [do they?] - they will find their greatness in time. And, it may not be THIS year. As a fan I will hold on and enjoy [find the good in the bad] the journey.
Thanks to you and the KFS Crew. Wishing everyone joy!
Thanks so much for the kind words Jonathan, and for making me look up the word dialectical, which is a perfect adjective for team building. I TRULY believe in this front office and this coach, and there is real young talent on this roster. That is something, but not everything. They have moves they can make; flexibility has been behind all of their decisions. Now let's see how creative and/or bold they can be.
Great column and one that will be written by many others before we hit the MLK Jr. annual day game on January 17th. It is now clear that everything that was mentioned last as an “excuse” for their good play was true. They were the healthiest team, the luckiest team (# of open misses for their opponents) and a team that caught a lot of teams by surprise.
Now, we are back to reality. Unfortunately, the FO blew a chance at some long-time rebuilding (went into the off-season with two firsts and the team with the most money under the cap). I won’t rehash how they blew it but they blew it big time.
Getting back to reality means admitting their mistakes and geting back to the long term rebuilding that was the real plan Post hiring Leon Rose. Trade Robinson for whatever you can get, he will be a UFA this off-season; it pains me to say it, but find out what DRose is worth on the open market; trade Burks if you can; give up on the RJ optimism and find out if packaging him gets you picks and /or young players, etc.
Give real time to Obi, Q, Grimes, Deuce, Sims;
and
TAKE THE DAMN BALL OUT OF RANDLE’S HANDS. He is not a point forward and you can’t run your offense through the best ball-stopper this side of Melo.
After reading your comments I can’t help but remember this conversation and others like it a few seasons ago. Unfortunately this season feels like the “Same Old Knicks “.
We had a one-year reprieve. . . .back to rooting for lottery positioning.
All very fair. I think the FO would do over certain aspects of this summer, but I will give them this: they didn't box themselves in, and I believe they never lost sight of the big picture, even if this year has been a bust so far. Very curious what happens over the next 2 months, and how they approach the rest of this season.
Happy Belated Anniversary!!!
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary to you & Dolores. She must certainly be a saint to manage (even encourage) the hours you devote to us fans and KFS. As a numbers freak who fills his gas tank to $51.15 for the pleasure of seeing the numbers repeat in reverse, I love the 12/13/14 sequencing! So...this Knicks situation is SOOO interesting to me at this precipice and I have two key takes. I'm fascinated to see how Thibs will handle a clear situation where playing the younger guys at least more is both good for the organization long term and for any coach's key priority which is winning now. This ties to my 2nd point that tanking is not the answer with this team. Simply tinkering with minutes (+Obi, +Grimes, +IQ, + even Jericho) and reducing minutes for "vets" (-Fournier, -Ju, -marginally all other centers (it is ridiculous that we have 4 centers on our roster and none of them are truly what we need), -Barrett) we could have a very different energy and cohesion. Tanking is overrated as a strategy particularly in the new structure where getting the upper echelon pick is not as likely as it seems and Knicks jerseys are selling at much higher rate at MSG ($$$$). Plus...how many up and comers and draft picks can you have? At some point you need to quit being a pick collector and salary cap spacer and translate those to results. We will need to insert those young players into a somewhat winning culture/team for any picks to be of max value. Last bonus take is I'm opened to trading Randle, but I suspect what we think we could get for him in return is a lot less in reality. While he is blocking Obi to a degree, he's not an addition by subtraction situation...yet.
I co-sign everything with one caveat: tanking comes in many shapes and sizes. Going out and playing the wrong way to enforce losing habits is bad. I do not believe they should do that, nor do I think they should intend on losing games. That said, IF (and it's a big if) there is an opportunity to move some vets and reinforce the core while still keeping the roster competitive enough to be in most games, I wouldn't hate it if only because the hellfire that is this year's Eastern conference means you can be a darn feisty team and still end up 12th or 13th. That could get them a real shot at a top three pick. Also, thank you so much for the kind words! I will pass along to my better half :)
Well said. If they can get something of even modest value for Noel, Mitch, Fournier, Kemba or even Burks (which would hurt the most) I’d take it. They need to keep Rose bc without him they lose the ability to create and even stay in games.
100% I'd like to keep Rose. Also, as an aside, thanks always for your thoughtful comments. I know I don't get back to them every day but the conversation is very much appreciated.
Absolutely. Yes, the Knicks without Rose are truly unwatchable. Appreciate you and the KFS Team for the info and outlet to indulge the sad, pathetic gambler at the blackjack table hoping the next hand turns a 21 (we Knick fans for far too long). We care far too much about a team that is maybe, possibly beginning to barely touch mediocrity. Damn this NY fan (long form fanatic) blood. Runs too frickin' deep.
you and me both. I just like that I'm not in it alone :)
https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/status/1470751377529966592
Happy Anniversary Delores & Jon!!! Blessings to you both and daughters!!!
Thanks so much!
I know I keep harping on this, sorry, but the Myles Turner fascination plagues me. It is sooo typical a Knick move. Take someone averaging 13.2 pts. and 7.8 rbs. a game and make him out to be the answer to out prayers- and give up draft picks, young players and sign him to a big contract. His stats are 12.6 and 6.7 for his career. He disappears for multiple games at a time. With one of the best big men and point guards around, his team has a worse record than the Knicks. Why would you expect anything different for the Knicks. Once again the Knicks are the answer to a struggling teams' prayers. How many players and coaches has the Pacers gone through with Turner on the team? We need fast athletic players at the wing and point guard positions. Based on last year's success, we went to a three point focus on offense only to find out that last year was an outlier and the team cannot shoot threes. We need easy transition baskets.
I agree he does not cure all of what ails them, but I keep going back to the same thing: a Thibs defense cannot function without top notch center play. Turner, for his warts, is that on defense. On offense, I agree his shooting is not the be all, end all, but I wonder how it would re-invigorate Randle. Obviously, I've somewhat turned the corner on Julius, but him looking better can only help long term. Most of all though, it comes down to the cost. I wouldn't give up a single young important player, including Grimes.
Happy Anniversary.
Thank you!
Correction - championships are NOT won in a season