Boston is the true season opener

Right off the bat, these aren't the same Knicks we've watched over the last 10 seasons. No way am I saying the team has finally arrived, but at least the guys have shown up to be counted. Who showed up??? Did the Knicks show any signs of identity??? Did they improve on any of the faults that have plagued the team and the fans for so long??? Is D'antoni ever going to admitt he's really Mr. Mcfeely from "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood"?



Alot of questions were finally answered in the "Season opener" against Tornoto. First question was "What the hell is the rotation going to be?". The pre-season was a train wreck of sorts, kinda just going through the motions. Guys were just out there trying out their new uniforms while getting a good sweat under the lights.

A little compare and contrast:

Jesus Shuttlesworth is not DeRozan - Let's face it...unless you like break away dunks, DeRozan is a bum. Dude can't dribble. He can't take his man off the dribble. He has a horrible first step and he can't pass or shoot. Ray Allen in his twilight years can still play this game and very well. The Knicks have Landry Fields starting at the shooting guard spot. Our boy Landry is no slouch. If you've caught his soundbites he's just playing basketball and doesn't care who is in front of him. His beady eyed focus on the court is evidence on of that. Like Clyde stresses, "see the ball and your man". Landry does this by instinct. Let's not forget, Landry has already met Ray Allen in pre-season. He stripped him rather savagely at center court then broke out for an uncontested dunk. The dude is definitely not afraid to go after it.

D-Bags vs. T-bagger - Yes the Celtics are a bunch of d-bags lead by super D-bag Kevin Garnett. He enjoys yelling expletives while his primary sub "Big Baby" foams as he screams hysterically after a made basket. The O'neal duo are old but still are big, strong and savy enough to cause a problem for their opponents...The T-Bagger is Reggie Evans for obvious reasons (google it!). Amar'e had his problems being harrassed by basically only Evans. What's gonna happen when the Celtics defense drop 3 of their goons in front of Amar'e and dares him to make a play? Who's gonna step up? Timofey Mozgov can help but he had trouble dealing with the retards they have in Toronto. He might foul out against those savy Celtics before D'antoni has a chance to take him out the game. Thank Donnie for Ronnie...Turiaf should help Amar'e if the game gets tough inside.

Gallo (giggity) vs. Pee Pee - I affectionately call Paul Pierce "Pee Pee", frankly because he is a dick. He's just not a likable character...kinda of a cornball by New Yorks standards. Regardless of that, he is a beast. Gallo is going head to head with him. We have two different mindsets. Gallo didn't have anyone worth mentioning in front of him and didn't even try to assert himself. Wilson Chandler on the other hand saw Raptor blood. Wilson showed a willingness to take it right to Toronto en route to a 22 pt night. He's had them before but nothing so assertive. Wilson has had his success facing up against the Celtics so it will be very telling if Wilson carries that aggression over to the next game. Diehards have been praying for it and this blogger has all but given up on him. I'm praying he proves me wrong and has a great game.

Coaching - Doc is a master at game plan and adjustments. The Knicks could be in for a long night if the Knicks aren't ready. Fans that have given up on the team years ago are expecting the Knicks to give up around the 2nd quarter and pack it in. The Knicks have guys that play with pride like Raymond Felton. Last year the lead guard was Chris Duhon...nuff said. You can't expect to rally the troops when the point guard needs a Red Bull at just about every time out. Should be interesting, but this game is the real test for the acquisitions the Knicks made this off-season. D'antoni's offense will get open shots that guys just have to make. The real game will be won once the bodies start hitting the floor.

Go Knicks!!!

Player Spotlight: Anthony Randolph

Before I start...I understand the kid sprained his ankle in practice the other day. I hate to kick a man when he is down but since the dude has some down time...I have to break his game down hopefully someone will link him to it. Knick or not...I want to see the kid succeed in these league they call the NBA...

I also don't want to speak about the past. It's been well documented when the trade was announced that the kid was in Don Nelson's dog house. As crazy as Don Nelson is, he may have had the right idea. The problem with the culture of the current NBA player is they think they already arrived. Truth be told they all have, but not everyone can step in and become Lebron James or Tim Duncan right off the bat. This is where Anthony Randolph is. He believes he is skilled enough to contribute, but along his journey through fantasy land, he never stopped to smell the roses. The kid simply doesn't know how to play the game of basketball. Let me explain...

Again let's not talk about the past. The dude barely played high school ball, and only had one year in college. He never won on either level. Never mind that. Like most fans of basketball, I fell in love with Anthony Randolph's highlights on youtube. He can be seen flying like a bat out of hell, blocking shots, rebounding and taking the ball full court and dunking it over 4-5 defenders. One highlight in particular that is overlooked is a one on one scrimage against Micheal Beasley(youtube Beasley Anthony Randolph and it should pop up). Beasley is not known for his work ethic but he can be seen abusing Randolph with not a single ounce of enthusiasm on his part. The body language is similiar to what we've seen this pre-season. He seems to want to coast. In my opinion, he might feel since it doesn't count he doesn't need to "go hard". The truth in the matter is you play how you practice. Practice is where you break habits and get yourself right for games. Amar'e is a prime example of supreame work ethic because he is like a run away train no matter if Shaq is down low or his mother.

I actually had the opportunity to attend the Knicks/Raptors game in Montreal. Me and my crew left at halftime because we simply had enough. The first strike was watching Randolph spectating 15 feet out with his hands at his side watching his smaller teamates fight for rebounds down low. That's his job. At 6'11" he needs to make his living attacking the painted area not lolly gagging on the perimeter. Which brings me to strike 2. Who told this kid that a step back jumper should be in his arsenal? I almost threw up on the ladies in front of me when he did that on one play. It wasn't even a hard jab. It was something that I do to my 7 year old kid when we are screwing around on the weekend. Dirk Norwitski doesn't even have a step back jumper. Who does Randolph think he is Paul Pierce? Strike 3 chimes in when he attempts layups in position near the basket. Best way I can describe it is a fade away hook shot. Charles Smith will be proud to know another player his size can not finish in traffic with authority. It's sad to see someone so big shy away from contact. The dude reminds me of Trevor Ariza, but if you are talking about your first bigman off the bench, this is definately not a complement.

Potential??? If you ask Anthony Randolph what his game is, he has a laundry list. He shouldn't be allowed to do his own laundry. You can't mix darks with your whites. I paint a perfect picture now, don't I? Let's start off with his focus. Why is he taking step back jumpers at 6'11" with his athetisism??? When he faces up, his focus needs to be attack the basket. If he has to settle for a jumper, let it be with the defense back pedaling trying not to foul. He's too busy doing the opposite, which is stepping back trying not to get fouled. All layups need to be two handed dunk attempts. None of this one handed, "referee please save" nonsense he's shown. Now what is his potential??? Lamar Odom...tired of hearing that comparrison? How about Larry Nance??? Larry was one of the first 6'11" dudes playing small fwd/power fwd making plays all over the court.

Who's at fault? Coaching?...how long can you say that? Eddy Curry has had that nonsense following him since he was in Chicago. Now the Knicks have Anthony Mason following Curry with a bed pan. I don't want Anthony Randolph to spend the next 5-6 years doing the same thing. It's not gaining weight because Kevin Garnett, Rodman, and a journey man like Mikki Moore have made careers while still being bean poles compared to their peers. Anthony Randolph needs to study this game. He needs to watch tape. Request footage on guys like Larry Nance and see how they were successful. Just because they have a three point line doesn't mean you should take them. They make mini skirts in "plus sizes", that doesn't mean fat chics should wear them to the club. I gotta million of them.

Take it in stride brother Randolph...I'm just a blogger. Don't put me in the hater bracket. You are a New York Knick now. I'm writing all this for your own good.

"Go Knicks"

Diehard Knicks Blog: 2010/11 season preview

It's been a long time I shouldn't of left you...without a strong blog to read through...

I'm back dudes and dudets...Without further delay lets welcome these Knicks back to the garden!!!



This has been the most anticipated season in franchise history, coming off possibly the greatest off-season in NBA history! The Knicks put their name and money out there hoping to reel in 2 superstars to revitalize the team/city/brand of basketball. Some fans that talk to me are still crying about Lebron's decision like Donnie did something wrong. They are also still complaining about trading/swapping those picks with Houston. Does anyone really care what Jordan Hill is doing right now? Well I'll tell you...he's sitting at the bottom of the bench behind Yao, Scola and other front court players in Houston. Time to let all that go. Amar'e is here!!! Did he come for the money? Did he come because he thought Lebron was coming? Those of you still on that debate clearly have not been paying attention to the Knicks coverage of the team all off-season. Let it go my brother's and sister's!!!

Breakdown!!!:

Amar'e Stoudamire - Everything starts and ends with Amar'e. He set the tone the day he was video taped walking down 8th avenue after catching a broadway play with his agent in July. He's here and he's not screwing around. He was in the city before day one...he's been filmed working out and every report that has been made involved Amar'e with his shirt off *pause*. Every player has to be aware of the words spoken out against them. Amar'e seems to be one step ahead of the haters and has done nothing but work tirelessly this off season. This is the face of the team now. It's not a matter of will he be able to carry this team, it's a matter of who is ready to follow this example and ride majestically into battle in spite of the bright lights, i.e. ESPN, Post, Daily News hater nation. During pre-season Amar'e has been scoring just about a point a minute. He doesn't wait for the double team to come and there is no front line that can stop him from scoring the basketball. He's been passing at the right times. He's also shown an ability to face up and put the ball on the floor and take what he wants. He's also shown confidence with the 3pt shot. The man is in the best shape of his life. He reminds me of Bernard King out there. Knicks are lucky to catch Amar'e at this stage of his career.

Gallo, Wilson, Randolph: I group these guys together because they are the "question marks" everyone talks about when they mention the Knicks this year. When will these players man up and just play basketball. "Deer in the headlights" can describe all three. Gallo coasts and settles on the offense to free his jumpshot. That's the easy way out because D'antoni's system frees up a jumpshot every possesion. Gallo has to realize that he is the #1 option out on the perimeter. The ball should not simply migrate to him. He has to take the initiative and instill his will on NBA defenses. He's done in europe and he's done it in practice. There is something about those lights with this kid that freezes him. Wilson is another sad case. He's playing out of position but he's still playing and playing alot. He kinda hop steps around the court looking for his teamates help and for the defense to bail him out. I'm not sure if he can truly be relied on to be a starter in this league. I believe he's more suited off the bench backing up both foward spots. Anthony Randolph simply said is a bum. This kid doesn't know how to play basketball. He's athletic and he can do alot of things. It means nothing if the kid has no clue what is going on in front of him. He shies away from contact prefering to attempt hook shot layups and step back jumpers. This kid wants to be Bosh and Kevin Garnett but doesn't know how to be Joe Schmo at your local YMCA. I will go as far as to say the kid doesn't deserve to be a rotation player...at least not right away. The Knicks have players that know the game sitting on the bench that have been clearly out playing him in pre-season.

Landry Fields, Shawne Williams, Toney Douglas: Another grouping...these players simply said...do not give a f***. They play basketball. Landry has that beady eyed look about him at all time. Like Clyde says, "You got to see your man and the ball". Landry is fully aware of this concept. It's something you can't teach. This kid is a ball player. He's shown a no fear aproach and doesn't get geeked by the "star" put in front of him. He's already embaraced Ray Allen with a strip in the middle of the court on way to a break away dunk, and gave Iggy from Philly a little run for his money with his scoring ability. The pre-season finale with Toronto probably solidified Landry's role in the rotation and could possibily start. Don't be suprised Knicks fans. Knicks might have the steal of the draft. Toney Douglas is defense and scoring think Bobby Jackson from his Sactown days with crack sprinkled on him. Shawne Williams is another player that can play this game. He's a Stephen Jackson clone. He barely played in pre-season but he's a live body that doesn't hesitate to make make a play whether its to move the ball immediately or take what the defense gives him. He's a strong rebounder, defender and jumpshooter. Don't be suprised if he plays on day one.

Billy and Roger: Billy can shoot...Roger (at least in pre-season) can not. Roger's defense is probably better on the perimeter but its a wash. I believe it's a matter of who proves they can hit that jumper consistantly...cuz the open shot will be there

Felton and Timo: The Knicks wanted a legit point guard and a center after making the Knicks fans watch Duhon and Jared break our spirits for 2 seasons. Mission accomplished!!! Felton annoyed everyone by being out of shape for basically the whole pre-season. He's ready to go now. He'll essentially will be what Duhon tried to be. Felton doesn't get tired and will not hit a wall because of "over use". That's still laughable to me that Duhon got a free pass from everyone for that. It's a damn shame because you're point guard needs to be your best conditioned player no matter what type of offense you are running. Whooo saaaaa!!! Timofey Mosgov....think Andrew Bogut. The kid is getting used to the puss referee calls and the language barrier. He's the perfect compliment to have next to Amar'e...drink and be merry my friends (the kool-aid that is!!!)

Melo: Say Whaaaaaaaaaat????...yes. Gallo, Wilson and Chandler all have a bullseye on their backs. They need to step up. The Knicks can afford to trade all three, insert Melo at the 3 and still have players like Landry, Shawne Williams and *tada* Azubuike to fill in their slots. Shoutout to Captain Caveman Ronnie Turiaf as well because he can fill the energy bigman role well off the bench if Randolph in fact is traded.

Let's go Knicks!!! No time to complain and look all sad in the face my brother's and sisters!!! This is our time...The possibilities are endless and the players...at least most of them, can actually play this game and play it very well!!!

"Knicks on 3...1,2,3...KNICKS!!!!" - Cap'n Stat!!!