NBA FanHouse

Finally, Some Knicks Cash Spent Well

Tom Ziller — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:10:00 EST

James Dolan spent something like $180 million on the Isiah Thomas abomination. The Knicks spent more money on payroll this season than any other team ... and still ended up among the six worst squads in the league. So it's good to see some of Dolan's ~~hard-earned~~ dollars going to a worthy cause. From the New York Post, via SbB.

Anucha Browne Sanders isn't letting the $11 million she won in her sexual harassment case against Isiah Thomas burn a hole in her pocket. At last week's Arthur Ashe SportsBall, a fund-raiser for urban youth programs, Sanders "was bidding on everything in the silent auction," according to a witness. "She had her name down under every item," said the onlooker, including "an Oprah Winfrey experience, a Roger Federer tennis racket and a Barack Obama basketball.

Oprah experience, or Jerome James? Federer memorabilia, or Jared Jeffries? Tough call. Hell, Anucha could buy $500,000 of Hot Pockets and still spend more wisely than Isiah did. And we're talking Hot Pockets.

Finally, Some Knicks Cash Spent Well originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Knicks Want to Ruin Our Thursday Nights

Tom Ziller — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Media Watch, New York, MSG

Several outlets -- including, um, TNT's Kenny Smith -- are reporting that TNT's Kenny Smith will interview for the almost-vacant general manager role with the New York Knicks. The GM will report to Donnie Walsh; Billy King and Rick Sund have been the other names floated for the gig. Glen Grunwald has the job this morning, and Walsh has said he'll keep Grunwald's crew in town through the June draft.

The Jet, of course, has front office experience ... which means he'll fit nicely with prospective Knicks coach Mark Jackson, who has zero bench experience. But any personnel decisions he makes will pale in import to the void his move to Madison Square Garden will leave in TNT's Thursday night (and in the playoffs, more frequent) studio.

So how about some replacement ideas?

Chris Webber. Webb got mixed reviews for his work last night, with Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer opposed and Awful Announcing's Brian Powell in favor. He has the attitude and chops to hang with Charles Barkley, but remains a bit lacking in the analysis category (which would not be unique to the left side of Ernie Johnson's chair).
Sam Cassell. Sam's getting into coaching once he playing career ends, so this is probably a non-starter. But can you imagine??? Heads would explode with a weekly dose of Barkley and Cassell.
Anyone but Magic. Everyone loves Magic Johnson ... but can anyone stand him on Inside the NBA? Didn't think so.

The Knicks Want to Ruin Our Thursday Nights originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeff Van Gundy May or May Not Want to Be Interviewed For the Knicks Opening

Tom Ziller — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:16:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Media Watch, NBA Rumors, New York, MSG

(Here's one blogger's attempt on boiling down the Jeff Van Gundy situation for you.) Yesterday during ABC's epic Suns-Spurs battle, the Knicks' coaching vacancy -- for which color analyst #1 Mark Jackson is a top candidate -- came up on the air. JVG (color analyst #2) was asked about his interest by play-by-play man (and Knicks broadcaster) Mike Breen. JVG called himself a "superdelegate" and insisted Jackson, his partner who was sitting less than five feet away at the time, was the right candidate for the job and should be hired.

So is JVG interested or not? During Friday's press call on Isiah Thomas's reassignment, new boss Donnie Walsh mentioned he'd be interested in finding out JVG's interest level in returning to Madison Square Garden. JVG's weekend interview with the New York Post's Marc Berman provides a hint of an answer in discussing unresolved tension between himself and Knicks owner James Dolan over JVG's previous hasty exit.

"I made a decision that was right for me and what I thought was right for the Knicks at the time. If that overshadows my service to the Knicks in his mind, I'd be disappointed."

I'm not clear as to why Van Gundy would be concerned with Dolan's feelings on the subject were Van Gundy not interested in spending that earned "service to the Knicks" in order to get back into the franchise. JVG doesn't strike me as someone who needs to feel loved by everyone he's crossed paths with.

Jackson remains a prohibitive favorite -- Phil Jackson would have to abandon the Lakers or M. Jackson would have to seriously blow his meetings with Walsh, I think, to derail Mark's path to the bench. That's not going to happen, so the rest of this might as well be idle chatter. But it bears remembering that JVG holds a bit of interest in this job, and possibly others.

Jeff Van Gundy May or May Not Want to Be Interviewed For the Knicks Opening originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolan Thanks NYC By Feeding Celtics Fans

Tom Ziller — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Knicks, NBA Fans, Boston, New York, MSG

Via With Leather, the New York Post reports Knicks owner James Dolan will open up his wallet to thank his poor, abused fans by making all food and drink at Madison Square Garden free during the team's home finale. Good idea, and hey! the game's already a sell-out ...

... against the Boston Celtics. Which means the stands will filled with Boston Celtics fans. Boston leads the league in road attendance this season, with 98.5% capacity in visiting arenas when Kevin Garnett brings his boys. Just an example: Sacramento will sell out three games this season: Two (including tonight's match) against the Lakers and the December 26 game against Boston. Boston sold out freaking Sacramento before the season started (I couldn't get box-office tix in October); I think they may have purchased some tickets in NYC.

I don't mean to crap on an otherwise nice gesture, but ... this stuff isn't difficult to figure out. If you want to thank Knicks fans, you should make sure they are in the arena when you open up the nacho bar.

Dolan Thanks NYC By Feeding Celtics Fans originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isiah Hangs Knicks With $187 Million Tab

Tom Ziller — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, New York, MSG

Via Deadspin, Portfolio magazine tallied up some estimates of just how much cash Isiah Thomas has lit on fire during his 4-year tenure in New York City. The total is staggering: $187 million, which includes a whopping $137 million in luxury taxes.

As noted in the comments to the Portfolio item, this might be a conservative estimate. The Knicks aren't getting under the tax next season, so there's at least one more season of paying double for Jerome James and Jared Jeffries. And a jury of his peers pinned the blame for the hostile workplace Madison Square Garden had become on Zeke -- and that blame came along with a $12 million bill for James Dolan.

You'd have to go back to Ted Stepien in Cleveland to find a franchise so destroyed by one man (and Stepien might not even beat Thomas).
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Isiah Hangs Knicks With $187 Million Tab originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebuilding the Knicks, Step #1: Cookies!

Tom Ziller — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Media Watch, New York, MSG

New Knickerbockers chieftain Donnie Walsh has already made his first move in his quest to rehabilitate the completely wasted franchise. Neil Best of Newsday's Watchdog blog reports.

[T]he new, happier tone was set even before the news conference began with a time-tested way to butter up journalists: sandwiches and cookies!

Welcome home, Donnie.

This sort of minor detail might seem insignificant ... and it is, to the Knicks. But Walsh wants to rebuild the severed relationship with his town's press, and PR involves everything: the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the spread at a news conference, the friendliness of the doorman, the ease of access, the warmness of a handshake. If you put on a good enough show, you can stand up there and tell reporters you plan on kicking their dog and urinating in their chrysanthemum -- they'll still be sympathetic. (Well, maybe not.)

Besides, food and sex are the clearest paths to a man's heart. I'm glad Walsh chose the former. (And it's working! Lupica is happy. The Daily News is gushing. Newsday is gushing. The Sun is gushing. Peter F'ing Vescey is gushing!)

Rebuilding the Knicks, Step #1: Cookies! originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donnie Walsh Introduced as Knicks President, Undecided on Isiah's Future

Brett Pollakoff — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Videos, MSG

Today is officially the day that the New York Knicks can begin the long process of turning the disaster created by Isiah Thomas into a legitimate team, as Donnie Walsh was introduced as team President. Earlier today Will pretty much nailed the big question, which is will Isiah stay on as head coach? At least initially, Walsh is saying he's undecided, and is trying to go into this thing without any preconceived notions.

So to clarify, Isiah's atrocious roster decisions mean that the Knicks have zero cap flexibility for the next three years. That alone might be reason enough to replace him as coach, although I can't think of a better punishment than to force him to coach this lottery team for two or three more seasons, and then replace him once the team finally starts to turn the corner with some new players.

Donnie Walsh Introduced as Knicks President, Undecided on Isiah's Future originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Success! MSG Security Has Beaten the Sense Out of NY Post Beat Writer

Tom Ziller — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pistons, NBA Media Watch, Detroit, New York, MSG

In the everlong war between New York beat writers and the Knicks organization, it is difficult to side with the basketball team. The New York Post's Marc Berman makes it a little easier.

Stephon Marbury and Flip Saunders spent several minutes in the back room of the locker room conversing. If Marbury is bought out, Detroit may beckon. Marbury loves Saunders and vice-versa.

Mr. Berman, this is Joe Dumars. Heard of him? Of course, he's not beyond making a bad decision or two. Darko Milicic. Nazr Mohammed. Even the best and brightest of this world are allowed a few mistakes.

But if you think for one second he will add Stephon Marbury to his team this summer, you have lost it. Either you're too wrapped up in Knicksland to keep perspective about the rest of the league, or the toxic gases MSG security pumps into the media buffet have finally taken a toll on your cerebellum. There has to be an excuse as to why you'd throw out something so utterly... silly.

A coach and a former player can like each other, sure. Maybe there's indication they would like to reunite. But at some point, common sense has to enter the equation. And I have buckets and buckets of common sense which says Joe Dumars will never "beckon" Starbury -- not for the vet minimum, not as a ball boy. It will not happen.

Success! MSG Security Has Beaten the Sense Out of NY Post Beat Writer originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Isiah's Goose, Take #254

Tom Ziller — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Rumors, New York, MSG

Is this it?! Can the era of shattered logic and manifest putrescence that is Isiah Thomas's reign over the New York Knicks finally be coming to a bloody end?

Via TrueHoop, ESPN's Chris Sheridan thinks so, offering some circumstantial evidence and extended theory to suggest Zeke will meet the guillotine sometime prior to Wednesday night's match. There is a strong disclaimer, of course.

Before we go any further, let's go back and emphasize the word might. Having covered Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan and his New York Knickerbockers up close and personal for as long as we have, which is more than a decade, we have learned one universal truth: If it involves Dolan and the Knicks, err on the side of caution and choose illogic over logic.

Indeed. Let it be said, in Sheridan's pre-emptive defense (should the axe fail to fall), there has not been this much buzz on Isiah's short-term future in at least a month, maybe two. The Iron Maiden is getting feverish!

Cooking Isiah's Goose, Take #254 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Isiah's Scepter Being Taken Away?

Tom Ziller — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Rumors, New York, MSG

The New York Daily News' Frank Isola reported this morning that the Knicks are preparing to remove Isiah Thomas from his executive role to make space for new Net GM Kiki Vandeweghe. Perhaps owing the sheer numbers of times Isiah's demise has been hotly mouthed, there appears to be some skepticism (in the form of yawns) abroad.

For his part, Isola is selling it. He followed up on the arrangement he reported -- Isiah would stick around as coach, Kiki would make future personnel decisions -- a few hours ago.

That arrangement simply won't work. For starters, Vandeweghe deserves the right to hire his coach and by giving up that power he will set a bad precedent. (Who doesn't doubt that, come April 2009, following a 27-55 season, Dolan's fires Kiki and gives Isiah both titles again?) But more importantly, who but Dolan believes that Isiah is the right coach? Really, who has improved as a player?

Even when Isiah's demise as shotcaller is complete, expect a lack of cheers. As old friend Shoals notes at The Sporting Blog, the guillotine would have been too late to matter last week. Nothing in MSG will excite until Kiki selects Derrick Rose with the #2 pick in the draft.

Is Isiah's Scepter Being Taken Away? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Larry Brown Says Knicks Were Spying on Him

Tom Ziller — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, 76ers, NBA Media Watch, New York, MSG

Those accusing the Knicks of running a gestapo inside of Madison Square Garden have a new co-plaintiff: former Knicks coach Larry Brown. Philadelphia magazine has an interview with L.B. in its February issue in which Brown accuses his old bosses of spying on him at the arena. Howard Beck of the New York Times provides a taste.

In an interview with Philadelphia magazine, Brown also described himself as an outcast in the Knicks' offices during his one season as coach.

"Imagine when you get to work, they don't talk to you," Brown said for an article in the February issue. "They had security people standing close to me in press conferences, and spies throughout the arena."

If Brown -- an insider, one of the most powerful men in the organization -- can feel heat like that, no wonder the beat writers are tearing their hair out. And when you consider Brown's prime enemy within MSG -- Isiah Thomas -- it makes the environment seem even more dire.

I mean, even Deadspin is ready to see Isiah's end... and Zeke was Sportshuman of the Year over there! (Disclosure: I voted Isiah for SHOTY, of course.)

Larry Brown Says Knicks Were Spying on Him originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knicks Crush Some Opponents, Like Reporters

Tom Ziller — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Fans, NBA Media Watch, New York, MSG

Boston blitzed through Madison Square Garden Monday... but the Knicks succeeded in crushing one opponent, apparently. Newsday's Ken Berger details a tussle between Knicks staffers and a clan of beat writers.

As we headed back toward the tunnel to continue watching the game, two other reporters and I noticed security guards arguing with a fan in a Yankees cap. The fan evidently was being ejected for unruly behavior and was quite vocal in proclaiming that all he said was, "Get Jeffries off the court." A couple of ushers began escorting the man toward the exit, and we reporters followed, hoping to do what reporters do - interview a member of the public.

Several ushers began shouting at us to stop, telling us we weren't allowed back there. (Even though we were in an area where celebrity interviews are conducted all the time during Knicks games.) ... I would estimate that a dozen ushers surrounded the three reporters, including myself, physically blocking our path and berating us for not listening to their orders, not "respecting" them and not letting them do their jobs. I explained that, in truth, it was the other way around. The security staff was keeping us from doing our jobs. ... One reporter was physically restrained and had his credential torn off his neck.

This is hardly a surprise, and sportswriters certainly aren't angels. (In other words, I could see these reporters being less than cooperative considering the MSG atmosphere.)

But at some point, wouldn't you think the Knicks' PR team figure being decent to the folks who are mostly responsible for your institutional reputation might pay some sort of dividends? I mean, firing Isiah Thomas isn't going to fix the relationships; these beat writers aren't likely to go away when he does. Every night like this would seem to prolong the hard feelings.

Knicks Crush Some Opponents, Like Reporters originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now Zeke Wants Bibby

Bethlehem Shoals — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Eastern, New York, The Word, MSG

From the same computational matrix that brought "Isiah Thomas wants Ron Artest" and "Zeke hearts T-Mac," here's a brand new dance. Reported by the Sacramento Bee:

But according to two league sources who didn't want to be identified because of the private nature of trade talks, New York has an interest in [Mike] Bibby, as well. Yet a possible obstacle in those dealings could be forward David Lee. The athletic second-year big man out of Florida represents the very sort of piece the Kings are coveting as they enter this new rebuilding era at a pace of measured and patient deliberation. Lee has upside galore and a contract (two years and combined $2.8 million remaining) that lends itself to a more sane salary cap.

The frustrating thing is that, despite Zeke's rampant mismanagement, he still could make a deal if he let Lee go. Between the third-year forward (who doesn't start) and a couple of expiring contracts, the Knicks could make a move for the underpaid Artest or the moderately important Mike Bibby. What's more, he's got Stephon Marbury's $20 million coming off the books after 2008-09. Maybe, just maybe, some rebuilding team wants to put up with a year and a half of Marbury. Then, the sky really is the limit.

Admit it, though -- it drives you crazy that, after all he's messed up, Isiah still could swing a deal. Not one that's going to make the Knicks legit, but one to keep his job(s) one more season.

Now Zeke Wants Bibby originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knicks Punish Pistons, Fans Don't Care

Tom Ziller — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pistons, New York, MSG

Even scouring the box score, it's hard to figure out how New York destroyed the Pistons by 24 points on Sunday. Only Zach Randolph went ballistic; only Tayshaun Prince was truly horrendous (though Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace were hardly sterling).

In November, this could've been the dominant victory Isiah Thomas needed to justify his thug, to give a glowing indication of what could be. In January, as the team's been outscored an average of more than 7 points a game and already has 26 losses... the triumph lacks gravity. Just ask Knicks fans.

A timeout coincided with the Dallas Cowboys' final drive in their 21-17 loss to the New York Giants, so the MSG staff played the football game on the overhead scoreboard - with some fans even chanting "DEFENSE!'' while watching.

Play resumed with Dallas facing fourth down, but the staff opted to keep showing the football game, even as Knicks center Eddy Curry was shooting free throws. With Nate Robinson motioning for the crowd to quiet down, Curry missed both shots - though few fans seemed to care because they were too busy watching the Cowboys' drive, which ended with Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters intercepting a pass in the end zone.

The Knicks stomp a championship contender at MSG, and the biggest cheers of the night come for the Giants. Ah, Isiah. What you hath wrought.

Knicks Punish Pistons, Fans Don't Care originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wills Reed Still Believes in Knicks

Bethlehem Shoals — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Eastern, New York, The Word, MSG

Willis Reed might be the most famous Knick ever. He provided the most memorable moment of those 1970's teams reign of glory. He's got rings, and stands for toughness and selflessness. You might even say he's the epicenter of all Knicks nostalgia.

So it's pretty funny to hear him speaking up in defense of today's dysfunctional bunch. In particular, he's optimistic about the Eddy Curry/Zach Randolph tandem. From the New York Post:

"If I had Curry and Zach on my team, I wouldn't give up on them yet," Reed told The Post after appearing at the NBA Store yesterday to promote the NBA's new partnership with Kia. "I love Zach. I was happy the Knicks were able to acquire him. I'd walk in the room and say, guys, don't give up on yourselves. Eventually it will come. I would tell them to stop the reading the papers. Eddy is a very talented player and I hope he doesn't get discouraged."

Call me crazy, but I smell a phone call from Isiah Thomas or Jim Dolan. Curry and Randolph have replaced Stephon Marbury as the Knicks' chief scapegoats, and Reed has as much cred than anyone else in the organization's storied history. It's no accident that he's a big man, or that he's one who embodies everything the Knicks frontcourt currently lacks.

For what it's worth, Reed's not all sunshine and flowers: "I know I've been disappointed. But if they can live through this process, they can become a good team." Then again, he also either compares Randolph to Dave DeBusschere, or says that all the Knicks need is another DeBusschere. Good luck with that.

Wills Reed Still Believes in Knicks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isiah Catches Lyrical Beatdown

Bethlehem Shoals — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, New York, The Word, MSG

Via Deadspin, who got it from Marc Berman's Knicks Blog, here's the mathematical wisdom guaranteed to rip a hole in Isiah Thomas's proverbial vest of self-respect.

Witness Genovese and Gustapo, Queens's finest; I suspect that one is Italian and the other some kind of Jew, or else that second name is just straight offensive. Anyway, they've got this new banger out on the streetz called "Fire Isiah". You can hear it here, but here's a teaser from their vault of poetical madness:

I been reppin' the Knicks, lil' kid around the mid eighties, Bernard King,
Cartwright, shorts tight crazy,
Patrick came, Mark Jackson came,
Pat Riley, Van Gundy showed us the D game,
Starks grabbed his jersey always repped NY,
Oakman and Mase always played with pride,
Last of the true Knicks Camby and Kurt Thomas split,
Now here comes Isiah now we turned to spit,
Got the highest payroll but the worst chemistry fit,
I got "Fire Isiah" tattooed on my wrist.

Dun almighty, these darts is like acid! Gallons of ether, assassination day like WHAT!? What's so dope about this is how real dudes are. They're just two angry Knicks fans who can't hold back any longer. There's no attempt to cash in on a tulip-like frenzy here. None whatsoever. Now that, party people, is the essence of the realness.

[Gunshot sound and air horn]

Update: SLAM has an interview with the two poets of knowledge.

Previously on FanHouse
Random YouTubeMagic: Isiah's Creepy Basketball Feelings
Sell Homemade "Fire Isiah" Shirts? Go to Jail

Isiah Catches Lyrical Beatdown originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stern Helps Isiah Coach By Suspending Z-Bo

Tom Ziller — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, New York, MSG

Who said David Stern doesn't care how bad things get in New York? The league today announced a one-game suspension for Zach Randolph after dude flung his headband at a referee Wednesday night. He got called for a questionable foul on Spencer Hawes, and with the Knicks down double digits to a terrible team, Z-Bo lost it. (Score one for the no-headband contingent.)

This might help the Knicks. No, not tonight when the Knicks visit San Antonio -- they had no shot with or without Randolph. But the more Isiah Thomas sees a line-up without one of his ballhog, sloth big men, the better. David Lee isn't a savior alongside either Randolph or Eddy Curry -- there are further problems all over this line-up. But Lee, a roleplaying rebounder, fits better next to Curry than does ball-dominating Randolph.

But hey, maybe Z-Bo can use the night off to run some wind sprints.

Stern Helps Isiah Coach By Suspending Z-Bo originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sell Homemade 'Fire Isiah' Shirts? Go to Jail

Tom Ziller — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Fans, New York, MSG

You might want to sit down for this: We have reports of more weirdness at Madison Square Garden. Leo Standora of the New York Daily News reports a 22-year-old SUNY student was arrested during Wednesday's game against the Kings for hawking anti-Isiah Thomas t-shirts outside the Garden. The odd part? They locked him up for the duration of the game, then let him go with a fine once the Knicks had lost.

Around a photo of beleaguered Knicks coach Isiah Thomas, black lettering on the bright orange shirts delivers the message, "Don't hate the player or the game. Hate the coach."

"The police came up to me at every game before and asked me what I was doing," said Cash. "I told them. They shrugged, and that was that." But not Wednesday night.

I'm sure the NYPD just had a solitary revelation that unlicensed peddling of wares in Manhattan is worthy of police attention, and the jailing just happened to last three hours. No chance of funny business there.

Sell Homemade 'Fire Isiah' Shirts? Go to Jail originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isiah Thomas on Progress

Tom Ziller — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, New York, MSG

Knicks commissar Isiah Thomas on why he does not foresee making any trades this season, as reported by the New York Post's Marc Berman:

"I don't see us being active at the trade deadline. Simply, because this is the time where you're down, you make mistakes, mistakes that will cost you years and everything you've worked for the last three, four years. You can make a mistake here that sets you back another three, four years."

The New York Knicks through 29 games the past four years:

2003-04: 10-19
2004-05: 16-13
2005-06: 8-21
2006-07: 12-17
2007-08: 8-21

Yes, everything you've worked for, mate.

Isiah Thomas on Progress originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isiah, World Unsure of Starbury's Status

Tom Ziller — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Rumors, New York, MSG

The intrigue (if it can still be referred to as such) coiled around the relationship of Isiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury becomes ever more tight each day. This afternoon, Isiah indicated he has no flipping clue what's going on with his would-be starting point guard (via Dwyer).

After practice today, Isiah Thomas, asked if Stephon Marbury would return to the Knicks this season, replied "I don't know."

In all honesty, Marbury might not know either. As Brian Windhorst notes on TrueHoop, this is a severely mine-laden predicament for the Knicks. Beyond the tricky subject of grief -- an emotional state everyone deals with different -- there's the tricky subject of Steph's supposed role on this team and in this league. Do the Knicks need his presence in the locker room or on the court? Would any team risk the veteran's minimum on him were he bought out? There's too much instability right now for him to help any team, seemingly.

But again, it's really hard to talk about this. When players perceived as soft sit out too many games for some fan's taste, it's a difficult subject for us and Isiah alike; I have called in sick for things less serious than sprained pinky or migraine, to be sure. How can I criticize someone else for the same? Add in the fact that this current "injury" is purely emotional and mental, completely undiagnosable... and the embers of radical insensitivity get stoked even more.

Isiah, World Unsure of Starbury's Status originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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