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!!!