The New York Knicks and Amy Winehouse.
What could a struggling basketball franchise and a drug-addicted singer have in common? A whole lot, actually.
Both used to be in prominent positions. Amy Winehouse was hailed as a fresh, innovative artist after the release of her second album Back to Black, which as of this time has sold an excess of 10 million copies and counting worldwide.
The New York Knicks were one of the most respected franchises in all of sports, winning two NBA Championships in the 1970s (1970, 1973) with Hall of Famers Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Willis Reed.
After four straight losing seasons from 1984-1988, the Knicks were able to turn things around and become championship contenders once again, this time with players such as Mark Jackson, Charles Oakley, John Starks—and, of course, the legendary center Patrick Ewing.
Ewing and company would not only bring the Knickerbockers to the postseason twelve straight seasons ('87-'88 to '99-'00), but led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999. Unfortunately, the Knicks have not had a winning season since 2001.
Instead, one of the teams of my youth has fallen into obscurity with bad trades, signing mediocre—and in some cases, downright awful—players. (I am talking to you, Jerome James)! The main catalysts of the era of embarrassment for the Knicks have been owner James Dolan and former team president and head coach Isiah Thomas.
For those that do not know, Mr. Thomas was relieved of his duties as president and coach, after an embarrassing sexual harassment case and yet another losing season. I cannot remember a happier time to be a Knicks fan than that faithful night. Sadly, the damage has been done.
Amy Winehouse decided to immerse herself in a deadly lifestyle of drugs and recklessness. She has indulged herself so much to the point where doctors have warned the British singer than death will be the end result if she continues on this path.
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Courtesy of HoopsHype.com
As displayed above, the Knicks are saddled with expensive contracts of nearly immovable players—Stephon Marbury, Zach Randolph, and Eddy Curry—along with a cast of mostly mediocre talent. The $90 million-plus of player salaries are a result of careless spending by former team president Isiah Thomas—and even more so, careless ownership by James Dolan.
Recently, however, the Knicks, much like Amy Winehouse, have attempted to repair their tarnished image. The Knicks signed former Indiana Pacers President Donnie Walsh, along with ex-coach of the Phoenix Suns Mike D'Antoni. Both have not only had past success, but command great respect.
Likewise, Amy Winehouse has surprisingly made attempts to seek rehabilitating treatment and clean up her act. Those attempts may be half-hearted, but at the very least, she is trying.
Try as they may, the New York Knicks organization can sign the most respect figures in basketball, whether they are Mike D'Antoni, Donnie Walsh, Larry Brown, Lenny Wilkens, or anyone else.
Much like Amy Winehouse, for every glimmer of hope the franchise displays for its fans, it is extremely difficult to NOT fathom that those signs of recovery are merely a delay for the inevitable......
Disappointment.
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3 months ago
What will happen first, Amy Winehouse's death or the Knicks making the playoffs?
$10 on Amy
3 months ago
yeah, double down.
3 months ago
Patrick Ewing. One of the best players ever without a ring.
3 months ago
I'll raise that to $50 on Amy.
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