With no other way to spend more of his friend James Dolan's money, Isiah Thomas has resorted to collecting rookies.
The Knicks now have six players in training camp with under a year of NBA service—if you include Randolph Morris, who joined the team immediately after his college season ended last year.
Thomas must be a huge fan of mine, as he followed my advice in acquiring rookie Jared Jordan from the Clippers for cash considerations on Sunday.
Jordan has shown flashes of being a floor leader who makes his teammates better. If he makes the roster, maybe his passing magic, court awareness, and unselfishness will rub off on the rest of the Knicks.
Jordan's unreliable shooting may improve over time. Though he didn't test out as exceptionally athletic, he claims to be quick enough to defend opposing point guards.
The Clippers must have been more concerned with what they saw of his play.
Dan Dickau was waived and will probably sign with the Clippers. Dickau hasn't received much playing time, partially because of injuries. He projects as a 13-point, five-assist, 40-percent three-point shooter on an average team.
Second-round selection Demetris Nichols was signed Monday to a non-guaranteed contract. Nichols thinks he belongs in NY, which is why he rejected the suggestion to play in Italy this year.
The rookie has impressed Thomas with his shooting.
Money is clearly no object to a Knicks team that has wasted millions on such busts as Jerome James, Jared Jeffries, Malik Rose, Steve Francis, Jerome Williams, and Kelvin Cato in recent years.
The Knicks are now also on the hook for an expensive civil settlement, thanks largely to the "frat boy" atmosphere encouraged by Dolan and Thomas.
Thomas would have been fired by any other organization for his behavior—if not for his fiscal irresponsibility. Commissioner David Stern needs to discipline these two and force Dolan to sell the team.
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about 1 year ago
I can't believe they released Dickau. He's a classic pass-first point guard with more athleticism than many think. He'd be perfect to let the other scorers on the Knicks do their thing. Instead, the Knicks have two bench warmers in Jordan and Nichols. If the team is set on winning in the present, why do they round out their roster with so many projects?
about 1 year ago
Seriously. How can they justify giving a roster spot to Jordan over Dickau. The Knicks are such a joke.
My thoughts on what they need: A new owner, new management , and a new coach...asap.
about 1 year ago
I mean, I wouldn't even mind keeping Dickau as a third stringer behind Marbury and Collins as an emergency guard because I like Collins as a backup. But Jordan and Nichols are---from what I know about their college games---scorers and one-on-one players.
I mean, if everybody on the Knicks gets injured like at the end of last season, I'm sure a creative scorer like Jordan can be a nice asset, but with Curry, and Randolph, and Marbury, and Crawford, and Robinson, do the Knicks need yet another guy on offense who only knows how to play with the ball in his hands?
about 1 year ago
Welcome Harris.
I hate to admit it but Isaiah drafts pretty well. It is the one thing he does well. Everything else is a complete disaster there.
I agree that Dolan is a terrible owner. The 2 deserve each other - it is unfortunate that Knicks fans have to experience all of this.
about 1 year ago
Jared Jordan is known as an amazing passer, not a scorer.
The weird thing about Isiah's drafting ability is that it is based on recognizing talent. How can he recognize talent in young guys but not old? I think what he does is search for players who had proven themselves somewhere. For example, David Lee won the slam dunk contest and played for a great Florida team. Malik Rose was considered a major part of champion Spurs teams. There was hype around Jerome James after he blew up in the playoffs for Seattle. Marbury and Francis were considered stars. This seems to be a better than average formula for drafting success, but not team success. I'm positive I could run the team better. No racism, sexism, or acquisition of players who are either overrated or a bad fit for the Knicks.
about 1 year ago
The Book on Isiah: The Biggest Myth in Sports
Chapter Three: The Salary Cap Myth - http://www.cosellout.com/?p=131
This squarely address many of these statements about Isiah's spending.
about 1 year ago
It's an interesting site, and I agree with much of it. The problem is that Isiah often trades for fading stars, or veterans with limited ability. Then he has to waive the guy. Another mistake with the argument on the site is that certain players such as Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest have expressed interest in playing for the Knicks, so there is a better chance they would sign with the Knicks as a free agent. I do applaud Isiah for trying to find stars like Tracy McGrady.
12 months ago
I have a really good feeling that Knicks will have a breakout season this year. I hate them with a passion but this new chemistry with my fav. david lee might see some changes this season.
Isiah Thomas...no comment
DJ
11 months ago
Blah blah blah. You hate Isiah. Isiah this, Isiah that. You sound like sheep. He's doing what he has to. He's bringing in the best players and creating a competitive environment. Maybe you want Othella Harrington back. If he were white he'd be untouchable for the chemistry he's built among these players. Enjoy the f'kin pie! I hear it's delicious. Dripping with your sweet hatred.
11 months ago
If he's so interesting in having the best players there, why did he waive Dickau while keeping an injured and unproductive Jerome James? Malik Rose is below average. Even if there is talent on the team, he still can't manage a game or build chemistry.
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