Jamal’s gonna have a big year(Photo. Stephen Hill)
As I watched my hometown Knickerbockers give Maccabi Elite the 27-piece McNugget last night, my faith in New York basketball was restored. I feel like now is the perfect time to say, “I told you so!” I’ve been saying all along that my Knicks were a good squad … we were just missing something.
Last year around this time, I predicted that the Knicks would make the playoffs. Everyone thought it was crazy talk, but without injuries to Marbury, Crawford, Lee and Frye we would’ve taken the seventh or eighth seed easily.
But after seeing my boys in action last night, I am now CONVINCED that they’ll be a 4 or 5 seed in the East this year. Now I know this was only one preseason game and, yes, we didn’t play an NBA team, but you have to see the bigger picture here.
Last night not only did NY share the ball, they looked like they wanted to. I can’t tell you how many times last season I watched in frustration as Marbury, Crawford, and Francis would try to force the issue in terms of passing the rock. Even Nate “The Great” looked good swishing and dishing (Thanks, Clyde).
Despite all the negative press toward Isiah and Steph, it seems the New York Knicks as a whole have blocked all distractions out and are hell-bent on success this season.
Again … I know it was only one preseason game but still …
Right now in the East I would say there are only a few teams locked to make the playoffs: Boston, Chicago and Detroit. As a whole, the Eastern Conference has gotten way better. Teams like Cleveland, New Jersey and Toronto better watch out, because the bottom half of the East is coming. Orlando picked up Rashard Lewis and it looks like Redick might do his thing this year; Atlanta has a solid young nucleus along with rookie studs Al Horford and Acie Law; New York got a 20 and 10 guy in Zach Randolph and let’s not forget Boston.
With that said, teams like Toronto (who looked clueless without CB4 against Real Madrid) and Cleveland (who did nothing to get LeBron some help in the offseason) won’t be a lock to make the playoffs. Miami is fairly old. I mean, when your big offseason acquisition is Penny Hardaway … come on. And the Pacers, quite honestly, just ain’t got it.
Other than that, I’m not worried about anyone else in the East. There are teams that are going to make some noise, but there isn’t any reason (barring injury) that the Knicks don’t make the playoffs as a 4 or 5 seed. And before you leave your comments, let me get it out the way: I know they need team chemistry. But I believe that these guys are at the point where they want to win.
And how about last night, during a “meaningless” preseason game, Marbury dove for a loose ball in the first quarter! Trust me people, these boys are so focused. Seven Knicks scored in double figures last night; even Fred Jones got busy! Offensively, we’re going to give teams the fits, and I don’t think there is a team in the L with a better bench.
Bottom line, my Knicks are going to give the NBA the passion this year. My ultimate prediction: In two years, New York will be playing in the NBA Finals.
And I’m out.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Bill says:
Right…and imma get with Megan Fox
October 12th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Coldchain says:
People are sleeping on the Knicks. They got talent at every position and potential All-Stars in Crawford, Zach, Curry and maybe even David Lee. I don’t know about a 4-5 seed but a 6-7-8 seed wouldn’t be too tough.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Monsoon says:
www.cosellout.com
great article (The Book of Isiah) breaking down isiah reign in NY and how he has done a very good job in bringing this team in to contention..
the only thing missing now is that playoff berth you are talking about..
I have faith they will be a 4 - 5 seed, and I agree playing with passion
like the old days..
anyone else who saw the game should also note how fluid the offense looked too…now if we could get back to some 1993 - 95 Knicks D
October 12th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Coldchain says:
That’s the weakness; defense. Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are gonna give up a lot of points inside. No one on that team is a stopper except maybe Renaldo Balkman, Mardy Collins (anyone who played for Jon Chaney at Temple knows how to play D) and Q-Rich sometimes.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
ben says:
This is by far, the biggest load of crap I have ever read on this site. 7th or 8th seed isn’t completely out of the picture for knicks (which i still don’t think will happen), but finals in 2 years??? Are you high man?!?!
October 12th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
acidmamma says:
dude, that is whishful thinking at best. maybe if you had 5 david lee-type players…
when has either one of their other stars played on a winning team? memphis will make the finals before the knicks do.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Triple Threat says:
New York Knicks, the darkhorse of the Eastern Conference, only this time they have a chance at getting back to the playoffs. I hope Z-bo stays health and Curry becomes more of a beast on both sides of the court. If those guys can click early in the season and forget what happen with Zeke, than they should do well this year. The playoffs seems a bit more interesting when you have teams going in to the MSG, so stay up NY. And with Crawford beefing up this off-season, people should expect a bit more out of him. Damn it, get the season started already.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
NateDogg says:
You’re definitely stretching here. I would agree a playoff berth is definitely possible, maybe even probable. But, come on, we’re talking about a “preseason” game here, “preseason.” Imagine Allen Iverson in his “we’re talkin about practice??” rant and insert “preseason”. We’re basing this on the preseason? Sure, they’ll be better, but plenty of teams can look great in the preseason. And NBA finals in two years? Plenty of other teams would like to be there too. I think it would be an accomplishment of James Dolan and Isiah Thomas were still employed by then.
October 13th, 2007 at 1:07 am
jnuh says:
This was easily the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this site. And that is, as they say, saying quite a lot.
October 13th, 2007 at 2:32 am
E-ROC says:
Offensively, the Knicks are one of the top teams in the L. Defensively, they leave a LOT to be desired. That’s why they’ll probably make the playoffs but only as a really low seed like 7 or 8.
October 13th, 2007 at 3:55 am
vince says:
call me crazy buit miamis biggest off season acq. is alexander johnson. with starters minutes he’d be a double double pf.
October 13th, 2007 at 11:47 am
sans says:
I’d agree that the Knicks will be in the Finals in 3 years, but only when they land Kobe. Seriously, who else in the League can offer “comparable value” for “The Therapist”?
October 13th, 2007 at 11:50 am
IGP says:
I think the Knicks will be a 4 or 5 this year too. I remember watching the draft with David Lee and wondering how he lasted so long. They have stars on the team, but they have also done an excellent job drafting. They have drafted good role players the last two years. I don’t think Finals in 2 years is that big of a stretch…
October 13th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Bryan says:
I was disappointed in Cleveland and Miami as far as off season aquisitions go, but atleast Miami tried…they took a shot at Artest, Bibby, Mo Williams, Pietrus….they still have to answer the question to the small forward issue, but atleast they got something in Parker and Hardaway….
October 13th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
nick says:
knicks with the deepest bench in the league, u can’t be serious. the problem with that statement that was made is that the players coming off the bench are all 1-dimensional or are past their prime.
October 13th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Rockco says:
Knicks 5 or 6 seed they got that inside and outside game.
October 13th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Austin Burton says:
One thing you can’t take away from Isiah is that he knows how to draft. He cemented that status with the Balkman pick last year, so much so that the fans trusted him with the Wilson Chandler pick even though a lot of them knew nothing about Chandler. Balkman was better than a lot of guys who were picked ahead of him in ‘06.
October 13th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Jay says:
You are sleeping on the Bobcats if you don’t think they’ll make any noise.
October 13th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
doc says:
they played against marcus fizer and vontego cummings fellas
October 13th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Junebug says:
You’re not out Chris, you’re high. Well, either high or stupid. I doubt anyone would ever hirer you for a real magazine or newspaper. Wise up kid and put down the bong,
They beat a tired Israeli team whose best players are Marcus Fizer and Vontego Cummings. Somehow that should not translate into a 4 or 5 in the East or the NBA Finals in two years. The Knicks are a mess. Corky from Life Goes On makes more sense than you.
October 13th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Coldchain says:
Why is everyone hating on the Knicks? Macabbi is supposed to be one of the best teams overseas, so its not like they’re trash. The Raptors just lost to a European team who probably isn’t as good as the team New York beat.
Anyway, what are the Knicks missing that would keep them out of the Eastern picture? They’re talented at every position 1-5, their bench is good, they have young guys and veterans, they like their coach and they can score. The weak part is the defense. That’s why they won’t win a chip, but no-D teams like the Suns and Warriors can still be in the playoff picture.
October 13th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Bar shoshany says:
They cant defend, they wont pass (dont be fooled by one preseason games against a newly constructed team that is out of shape and lacking two major players, and another player who started last year). Their coach is horrible, and the only thing they did in the postseason was removing the blockade from the back court, and proudly placing it in the paint.
Oh, and they’ll pay Zach more and for a longer period of time.
Zach Randolph. The dude that his HS coach used to say “any day in which zach doesn’t kill anybody, is a day i thank God”. Now take the run-ins he had with the law at Portland, and change the scenery to NY. anyone wanna bed that we will be seeing a lot more of that in the big city?
October 13th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
The Jed says:
I really want to defend my man Christian, but I also made a bet with him immediately after he made this claim.
I think the Knicks will fight for the 8th seed and could hit the 7th seed but I also think the over/under on games Isiah coaches this year is about 30. And I’d take the under.
October 13th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
AlohaDC says:
No love for my boys in DC? Not even an honorable mention? I think folks are getting a little dreamy for their home town crew right now! New York will fall apart within 3 weeks of the break. Cleveland will drop to a 6 seed at best, and my Wizzles will slot at the 4 or the 5. Just wait!
October 13th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
CCL says:
This is the dumbest thing I ever read. Knicks got good O but no D. Playoffs (7-8 seed) is definitely possible but no way on championship in 2 years with the same roster
October 13th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
K says:
He should be fired immediately.
October 13th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
EsK says:
…..you are obviously a die-hard knick fan..and VERY biased… cause the knicks are not gonna win a championship with the knuckleheads they have on the team (ex. “star”bury, randolph, isiah thomas, nate, etc etc)
and you are smoking if you dont think the Cavs are making the playoffs.. im no cavs fan.. but lebron can take on the entire freakin knicks lineup by himself…and that’s more knick bashing than lebron praising on my part
October 14th, 2007 at 2:19 am
Camb0dia says:
Right and my date for the prom is jessica alba
NY wont make playoffs until they get rid of there jack crew
October 14th, 2007 at 6:46 am
NIC says:
Dito Dito Dito
October 14th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
spencer says:
even if the knicks did reach the finals in 2 years, they’d sure as hell not win it, not when they don’t have any D down low, how the hell can they stop amare, duncan, etc when both of their bigs can’t jump. They do have a potent offense but when was the last time a great offensive team won the championship without playing solid D as well?
October 14th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Terrell James says:
Chris, your definetely on to something and its not drugs, regardless of what some of these posts say. First off, the Knicks have as much talent as anyone in the league and although talent doesn’t always transalate to wins, it is reason enough to at least be optimistic.
That said, it’s going to be interesting to see how the shots are divided, between Eddy, Zach and Crawford, as they are the hired guns for the Knicks this year. Also, the Knicks have not been a good defensive squad since the Oakley, Ewing and Starks days and with the current roster, there is little reason to think the trend will change. Are David Lee, Jared Jeffries, Ronaldo Balkman, Malik Rose and Q-Rich hard workers on that end of the floor? Absolutley. But with the exception of Lee and Q-Rich (and maybe Jefferies if he remembers how to shoot a basketball) those guys wont get much playing time when the games are on the line. Which means guys like Randolph, Crawford, Curry and Steph will have to buckle down and get stops.
Last and certainly not least, for the Knicks to have a Joe Torre’s chance in Steinbrener’s hell this season, at even making the postseason, a leader must emerge. Too many times last year, the Knicks blew games in the fourth quarter. This can stem from multiple issues but mostly it comes from not having a leader. Whether, its making the right pass, or the big shot the Knicks don’t have that one guy who consistently gets it done in crunch time situations.
October 14th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
chris says:
Wow Knicks in the finals in 2 years??? You are high, they won’t even make the playoffs this year. Curry, and Randolph? Good scorers who can’t play any D, and combine for less then 3 assists per game, good luck to any of there shooters getting the ball back from a double team.
1. Pistons
2. Bulls
3. Celtics
4. Wizards(only cause they win the division)
5. Cavs
6. Raptors
7. Nets
8. Magic
9. Hawks
10.Heat
11.Knicks
12.Bobcats
13.Bucks
14.Pacers
15.76ers
October 15th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Knickhopeful says:
I am a die hard Knicks fan, and I am not high. But the fact that I still wake up at night in a cold sweat shouting “2 for 18, John Starks” I can only be optimistic. Knicks are a lock for 7th and 8th seed. Until they get some roles players who can stay on the floor and play defence, we ain’t getting into the finals, in 2 or 20 years. (Btw, how can anyone say that the Cavs look good. LBJ cannot do it all over 82 games, and playoffs)
October 18th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Gee says:
That Megan Fox line said it all! LOL
October 18th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Chiefbbc215 says:
It hurts! I was born in NY and I don’t dare look for reasons to cheer for other teams. So why am I a die-hard Suns fan? We beat some rag-tag foreign team but lost to the Celtics by forty(40), 10×4, 10+10+10+10… you get my point. I’m a New Yorker; I need results to be optimistic. Let’s talk after the first twenty games.
October 23rd, 2007 at 3:39 pm
NYC33 says:
Dude I have been a Knicks fan since my grandfather told me who Clyde and Willis were and how I need to love them at the age of 3 my love has grown since Kiki and Patrick played together, through the oak tree, starks,”in Gods hands”, Harper, Herb, Bonner, Grandmama, Spree, Houston and packed up my Ewing Jersey around the time they let go Camby. Im still down but come on they are not quite ready. And u missed the Wizards who have made the playoffs for three years in a row and coach was the East All star coach last year! We have not done that in damn near 10 years. The Hibachi, King James and old Pistons are real and proven and we need more than a bunch of slow heavy forwards to win. Maybe if Starburry can lead the team and make break down his opponents I mean really tell them to “get in the truck” we have a chance it’s just not likely.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Steve says:
1.Celtics(division winner)
2.Pistons (Divison)
3.Bulls
4.Magic (division)
5.Heat
6.Cavs
7.Raptors
8. Knicks/Wizards/Nets/Pacers
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Sagar says:
Look everyone is looking at the wrong side of the town. The nets are going to take people by surprise. Carter was dropping 25,5,5 before the playoffs and wore him out. RJ and Krstic weren’t healthy and everyone knows that Jkidd is a monster (need i remind you of the 38, 14, and 14 kidd dropped on PHX?)! Boone, Marcus, Wright, Boki are all gonna come into this season stronger and more determined. Also the addition of Magloire will only help the nets… so i’m sorry but the knicks will not beat a nets team with jason kidd!
October 24th, 2007 at 12:34 am
shawn says:
bottom line. The knicks were playoff bound last year until everyone got hurt. Q-rich’s surgery was successful and he doesnt have any effects. His explosiveness (pre-injury) has been restored. Nate spent the whole offseason studying and working on his game, it showed last night against boston. another thing that showed.. q-rich’s defense on paul peirce was very good, compared to any one else in the league who tries to guard pierce. The knicks also showed a very effective double team on KG in the second half, and they controlled the game with thier defense. This team has improved tremendously and new addition Z.randolph showed some great chemistry with his new team after only a short time. They looked good. Barring injury, they make the playoffs this season as better than an eigth seed and challenge for the atlantic division title.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Pedro says:
Yo man, you a big a Knicks fan as me! haha…through thick and thin i’ll always wear my NYK colors proudly…last year should have been our year back in the playoffs but we got robbed, this year we’re gonna make it happen!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
The gentleman says:
http://www.thehoopsforum.com/gentleman.aspx
check out my predictions for the east coast at www.thehoopsforum.com