I Don't Like Them.....But I Respect Them....

I went to the Knick game last night. My boss got last minute tickets, so I joined him. My boss is actually really cool and gets tickets to games all the time. Anyway, the seats were sick and since we had an extra ticket my boss asked if I had a friend to come with us. Knick games are weird because a lot of people either don't like the Knicks or just don't like the NBA in general. In the same breath, some people like going to Knick games just for the scene and excitement of the crowd, etc. I asked the big guy if he wanted to come and he obliged. The seats were even better than expected and we had a great time. Knicks blew out the Sixers and we had beers and food bought for us all night.

I honestly do not see myself ever fully jumping on the Knicks bandwagon as long as Isiah Thomas is still a part of the franchise. I truly dislike him and Stephon Marbury. In any event, he has a assembled a mish-mosh of talent that has been able to sort itself out through numerous injuries, suspensions, and an us against the world mentality. I have to say that this team battles every night and continually sticks together. Two things that could potentially damage this is if Stevie Francis comes back, and if the Knicks decide to sign Chris Webber. Assuming that neither of those things happen, the Knicks could easily make the playoffs and be a tough out in the first round for a Detroit, or Chicago.

Rotation

Eddy Curry...The only man who can stop him in the low post is himself.
Channing Frye....As smooth a jump shot as any 6'10" in the league.
Jared Jefferies....Terrible offensive player, good team guy and tough on defense.
Jamal Crawford....Chucker, but has good chemistry with Marbury and Curry.
Stephon Marbury....Still takes it to the bucket as well as anyone. Is comfortable with Isiah.

David Lee....Constant energy and great rebounder
Quentin Richardson....Best 3 point shooter on the team, good rebounder and tough defender.
Ronaldo Balkman...Still raw, but understands the team concept and will fight to win.
Nate Robinson....Fan favorite and flashy. Very good shooter, and is starting to play smarter.

Obviously I am praising all of their strengths and not pointing out that they still have trouble with turnovers and defense. Crawford and Marbury can never keep their man in front of them, while Frye, Lee and Curry can't guard anyone in the post. They are helping each other out though, and their front line is very long. They don't have a truly great player, and they could use more three point shooting. Now if they only fired Isiah, I could really start to like this team...

New thing I am going to try.....Links to article I like from NYC newspapers, and possibly other sports venues. Sorry Buster Olney, but two can play this game....(for NYTimes, you need an account, some article are free, some are pay)

http://select.nytimes.com/2007/01/11/sports/football/11anderson.html?ref=sports
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/487682p-410640c.html
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01112007/sports/giants/surprise__players_ok_with_tom_return_giants_paul_schwartz.htm
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-sprang115048020jan11,0,5152118.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spmets115048034jan11,0,6511198.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

Two last things. Jets might very well be losing their offensive coordinator (Dolphins? If so...goodbye Smurph and hello Relaxo!). That would definitely put a damper on the momentum the Jets have built up this season.

I really like the fact that the Mets have a mini-camp in January. It is very good for the prospects and builts further team unity for the veterans if they choose to attend. Good to see both David Wright and Pedro Martinez attending this year..

STKAFI