Fat P*ssy Toad

Famous words uttered by The Boss concerning his famous Japanese import at the time, Hideki Irabu. Irabu came to the US labeled the Japanese Nolan Ryan, with the same dominating fastball and intimidating presence. Instead he got knocked around by the American League and became Carl Pavano before Pavano was Pavano. Irabu never made it in New York and soon was back in Japan having failed in his short lived, buy hyped MLB career.

If Steinbrenner were the owner of the Knicks right now, it is safe to assume that he would have similar words to say concerning the overweight and undereffort of Eddy Curry. Curry came to New York in a blockbuster trade in which the Knicks gave up two first round draft picks and two other players. He had a stigma of a weak heart and weight problems, but the potential of a dominant post presence was too tempting for the Knicks (Isiah Thomas) to pass up. Over a year later, Curry still is overweight, doesn't have the heart of an 80 year old man, but instead of the Lion in the Wizard of Oz. He literally has none. He lumbers up and down the court, barely plays defense, rebounds or hustles. He was given the nickname "Baby Shaq" in high school. I am trying to figure out how he got that. He has all of Shaqs' baby fat maybe? He is 80% baby and 20% Shaq? Either way, he does not deserve to be mentioned in the same paragraph, let alone sentence of Shaq. I will not do that again.

I would be stupid not to mention the potential that everyone has seen in Curry though. FIrst of all he is a beast. He is 6'11", 285 lbs (more like 310 lbs now) and he has soft hands, and quick feet to accompany that. He has the physical gifts to be a dominant low post scorer. These are players that do not come along often. Even in todays up and down style of ball, a dominant big man is a very desired commodity. There are only a handful in the game today. That is Currys' lure. Even with his lack of conditioning and effort, Curry has averaged 15 ppg each of the last two years and is averaging about that same amount again this year. That is pretty remarkable considering he gets almost no "effort" points, ie offensive rebounds, fast break, etc. Curry is the ultimate enigma in the NBA today.

What does this all mean? Curry is only 24, but this is his sixth season since he came into the League directly from high school. Scouts are split over whether he has reached his potential or if he still can be a dominant player. I feel that the entire curve of "prime years" and development has been skewed by players coming into the league so early. The NBA is a grind that college is not. Preseason game, followed by an 82 game regular season and potentially many playoff games. While in the past a players' prime years may have been ages 28-32, now they may be 26-30. Basketball is a high intensity, contact sport and the grind takes it toll more than in a sport such as baseball.

In addition, if you look at the "high school generation". starting with Kevin Garnett, every successful NBA player has reached his "potential" by about his fourth year latest. Obviously players were not the best they could be in the fourth season, but from that season on, "they are who we thought they were", as Denny Green would say. Everyone from Kobe, to T-Mac, to Al Harrington, to Jermaine O'Neal. High school players are like any other prospect, some become all-atars, some role players, and some bums. It looks like Curry fits into the role player mold, even with the frustration that it beings every talent evaluator that watches his skill set.

So the question arises of how do you win with Eddy Curry as your starting center? Usually you want an intimidator who will rebound and block shots, both things that Curry does not do well. I feel that the Bulls had a very good system two years ago. A defensive minded coach, only defensive guys in the starting line-up (exception of Curry) and a team oriented offense. If you look at the Bulls this season and last, what is the main thing that they are missing? A guy who can score on the low post. Curry was that guy for them and they got rid of him. I am not saying it was a bad move for them (they did get two potential top 10 draft picks), but they traded a valuable commodity.

While the Knicks are a mish-mosh of talent, I saw an interesting glimmer of hope last night. They paired Curry with David Lee and Ronaldo Balkman up front. Tow guys that love to hustle and battle inside. The guards were Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford, also two guys who like to push the ball and work hard. This group sealed the victory for the Knicks and I think it is the type of line-up that Curry can thrive in. It is not perfect, but its a start. If the Knicks feel that Curry is the answer at center then they need to have players around him that compliment both his strengths and weaknesses. Do not ignore them, embrace them.

As far as Eddy Curry goes, I honestly like him. He seems like a nice guy, who is stuck in a 6'11" body. I don't know if he loves basketball as much as it came easy to him and he was pushed due to his size. I can not blame him for that. I know he means well and has never had an off the court problem (besides the McDonald's drive thru). In all seriousness, he is a player that has a unique talent, but he will never be the hall of fame center that some projected him as. He is just a good teammate who wants to play well and for people to like him. I hope it works out for him in New York, but he is in a tough spot. His acquisition sits right along side the Marbury deal as Isiahs' two signature trades in New York. Considering Isiahs' place with the fans and media, that is not an enviable place to be.

Hits

• Big win for the Knicks. I got tix again and had a great time. Holler Nelha.
• Thanks for the call leo....Sat night celts/knicks...gunna be a battle!
• Busy yesterday....did not get a chance to write anything...

STKAFI