Despite what expectations the media and the franchise set for itself the last 2 seasons leading to the beginning of the 2010 free agency period, Donnie Walsh did well. He's also proved he was well prepared to implement his Plan B. In fact, Plan B might have been Plan A all along since it is now clear that there was some form of tampering going on that will likely get addressed in the next NBA Collective bargaining agreement.
The signing of Amar'e Stoudamire proved that the Knicks in fact were in control of their own destiny. Even before that "Decision" the Knicks already had a deal in place with Golden State sending David Lee for Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, and Ronny Turiaf. Once it was finalized, the whole climate surrounding the Knicks changed. Now all of a sudden, the Knicks can block shots...all of a sudden Amar'e was the eldest statesman at 28 years old. The Knicks all of a sudden are young and athletic. Amar'e Stoudamire's statement before the official press conference, "The Knicks are back!!!", all of a sudden doesn't sound too far from being a reality. All the Knicks needed was a point guard. Rumors spread immediately that Amar'e was pushing the Knicks to sign Luke Ridinour because he was close to Nash and was able to hit the 3pt shot consistently. Donnie didn't take the easy way out...he instead went for the proven defender...proven ball handler. A kid proven to have guts, strength and toughness with the speed and creativity to run and uptempo offense.
He chose Raymond Felton who played AAU basketball for Dan D'antoni in the 8th grade and also won a national championship leading the North Carolina Tar Heels uptempo attack. There is no question the man was born to play a running style. You would be a fool if you said he had a chance to display those skills under a Larry Brown coached team. Larry wants to slow the pace and for the PG to give up the ball early. He also was adamant about getting the ball inside to the post where frankly there is no threat in Charlotte. Early in his career, that organization had Felton playing shooting guard. Regardless of his past experience, Felton is essentially "Home" now. D'antoni wants his point guard to push the ball and force tempo. He wants his point guard to operate in the pick and roll making creative decisions. He needs his point guard to react. Raymond Felton will be like a kid in a video game store this season...especially with the horses he's inherited.
On paper the Knicks are right there with the best talent the Eastern Conference has to offer. Chicago has a potential starting line-up or Boozer, Deng, Noah, Rose, and Ronnie Brewer. Compare that to the Knicks probable starting line up of Amar'e, Gallo, Turiaf, Felton and Wilson Chandler. I'd say the Knicks are on par with that team...again...on paper. Games aren't won on paper. They also aren't won on WWF style, pyrotechnics laced, circ de sole'esque, Rocky horror picture shows either.
The Knicks will run. Not because they finally have the players that can do it...well yeah...but they will run because that's what the coach in place demands of his teams. The Knicks will not be "Suns East". I think the level of toughness is different now. These Knicks will defend and if you are caught sleeping...players 1-10 will all dunk on you. This is where we are now and this is what Knicks fans should take with them during the days leading up to training camp.
"Knicks are back" Indeed!!!
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