Bleacher Report - New York Knicks

Iverson and the Knicks: What Could Have Been

Dwyane Montell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:46:45 -0500

Allen Iverson, one of the games greatest players and arguably the third best shooting guard in league history, was so close to getting a chance at resurrecting his career and turning the New York Knicks into a lovable team.

Fans were ecstatic when they heard Iverson was going to sign a deal over the weekend with the Knicks and people were already talking about how were going to get his jersey the first day it drops.

Tickets would have sold out and fans would have for the first time in a long time, got to cheer for a player on their own team.

The best thing New York gets is when Kobe, LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade comes to town. The crowds go crazy because New York loves stars. Especially those who can take over a game and make exciting plays.

Iverson could have been the star the Knicks have been searching for. He would prove to everyone how is still one of the best players in the league. He would be playing in a system that fits his style of play.

Iverson could have put up 25-30 points a night and lead the Knicks. Who knows, maybe he could have even led them to the playoffs as a seventh or eighth seed.

I could picture it right now, it would have been just like his days in Philadelphia. Iverson lacing up a pair of orange and white Answer 13's, getting handshakes from the celebrities sitting court side, and having those 40 point nights and running around the worlds most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

He would have his hand to his ear while the crowd chants his name and the Knicks would be winners again. Iverson's face would be all over the signs and billboards in Times Square. He would be the talk of the city.

His jersey would sell like crazy and Iverson would prove that he still has the skills he showed as a Sixer and a Nugget.

But the Knicks decided they didn't need a former MVP and four time scoring champion. They didn't want a player who has 24,020 points and is arguably one of the top 25 players all all-time.

They thought he would stunt the growth of the young guys on their team. The same young guys that are so good that they are supposed to attract superstars like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to play in New York in 2010.

The Knicks blew it big time.

They could have done so much for Iverson, but Iverson would have done even more for them. They could have signed LeBron or D-Wade in 2010 and the Knicks could contend for a championship next season.

The Knicks had nothing to lose on this move but had everything to gain. Unfortunately, they decided to pass.

The Knicks do not have a leader. Iverson could have been that leader.

Iverson could have been that superstar the excites the city and makes the Knicks the talk of the league.

Now the Knicks can have fun trying to win games with their current roster. They don't have a first round pick next season and they are NOT getting LeBron or D-Wade if their best player is Al Harrington. LeBron and Wade already have a lot of help where they are playing and they aren't going to come to New York saying, "Yes! I get to play with Danilo Gallinari."

The Knicks had a golden chance and they blew it.

Allen Iverson playing for the New York Knicks could have been one of the best sports stories of the year.

But Donnie Walsh has 2010 in mind. Good luck with that buddy.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

New York Knicks Needed Allen Iverson

Eric Ball — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:57:04 -0500

The NBA is about winning, just like every other sport. It is also about entertainment. You must entertain the people that decide to dedicate three hours of their life to watch your product. The 2009-2010 New York Knicks are as exciting as a Joe Lieberman speech. That’s why they swung and missed with free agent Allen Iverson.

Team president Donnie Walsh confirmed the decision early Friday at the team’s training center.

The Knicks are not a very good team; the 2-9 start is not quite playoff material. The Knicks are already six-and-a-half games back of the Celtics in the Atlantic standings. The Yankees have as many wins this month as the Knicks. The defense has been abysmal, giving up almost 110 points a game. I could go on but I’ll spare the Knick faithful.

In other words, the Knicks are going nowhere this season. It is painfully obvious that the front office is hoping to jump in a time machine and set the date to July 2010. They could also go the Austin Powers or Eric Cartman route and freeze Donnie Walsh till July. In other words, this is a complete throw-away season.

So when a player like Iverson is coming off the scrap heap, eager to prove all the doubter wrong, you HAVE TO GET HIM.

The guy has been a top-10 talent for the past decade-plus in the league. His highlight reel is a mile long. A.I. plays with a fearlessness that anybody can admire. The Knicks are one of the only teams that could start him, something extremely important to Iverson.

Iverson would have been given only a one-year contract, probably for the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million. His signing would have no direct impact on the Knicks plans to pursue a superstar free agent next summer.

But it’s more than that. The Knicks need a star, a recognizable name. It’s safe to say that most people could not name three players on the current squad.

The Knicks have few players on the team that excite the crowd. Maybe Nate Robinson, but that’s even a stretch. Putting a player like A.I. on the Knicks would insert some instant energy in the team and fans. If the Knicks didn’t play in Madison Square Garden, the team would be playing in front of half empty arenas on a nightly basis.

With Iverson drawing the attention of opposing defenses, there would be better scoring chances for Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and David Lee.

There would also be some short-term disruption. Either Chris Duhon or Toney Douglas would lose a starting job. Iverson would also cut into the playing time of Larry Hughes and Robinson. One of those players might fall out of the rotation entirely. Was this the reason they didn’t want to sign Iverson, so Hughes could continue to play? Garbage.

The team needed some sort of energy boost and declined.

“Our goal this year was to try to develop the young players and to see which of the young veterans we have could fit into what we want to do in the future,” Walsh said.

Way to waive the white flag in November Walsh, just remember that it’s going to be mighty hard to convince LeBron, D-Wade, or Bosh to come to a last-place team that doesn’t even own a 2010 first-round pick. It could get extremely ugly in the “Mecca of hoops” by the time Santa is making his rounds.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Is Allen Iverson Really The Answer for the NY Knicks?

Jack Stentwiller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:48:17 -0500

The Knicks have problems.

In searching for solutions for an NBA team's struggles, one would inevitably stumble upon The Answer.

The problem is that The Answer is really no answer at all. Just part of the same old solution that has failed the Knicks before and put them in the problem they are in now.

Confused? So are the Knicks if they think signing Iverson is a solution.

Admittedly, I have not seen the books for the Knicks. It is possible that they are just desperate to sell tickets for the remainder of this season. I am not convinced that Iverson does that, however, beyond the first several games he plays.

The Knicks have many problems, the most serious of which is image .

The Knicks have earned a reputation for taking junk off of the scrap heap and an image of bringing in me-first, offensive-minded guards (i.e. Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury, etc.).

The Knicks are finally on the rebuilding and looking forward wagon. Signing AI would be a relapse of Isaiah like proportion.

They hired a respected basketball man for operations, they hired a good coach, now it is time for the Knicks to take their medicine for this season. They have the right pieces in place. Yet all of these positive from a PR standpoint, are reversered if Iverson is signed.

Summer 2010 is right around the corner, and the Knicks best long term success hinges on offering a ton of money to a player to simply do what industry, jobs, and cleanliness have been doing for decades.

Leave Cleveland.

That sounds like a tried and true "answer" to me.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

The New York Week That Was (11/20/09)

Hot Stove New York — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:57:56 -0500

The Knicks won a game this week!

And The Answer may be coming to New York (so the question must be: Will a desperate team do anything to keep their fans interested?). But with last Friday’s loss, the Knicks established the worst 10-game start in franchise history. Things could be a lot worse, though; here are some other bad starts throughout history that may help them feel better about themselves:

The Hindenburg blew up over New Jersey on the first of its 10 scheduled round-trips between Europe and the United States, killing 36 people; the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk four days into its maiden voyage; William Henry Harrison died of a cold one month into his presidency in 1841; Wally Backman lasted four days as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks before he was unceremoniously shown the door; Gilligan’s three-hour tour got off to an inauspicious start, getting stranded on a deserted island for 15 years, until the castaways were miraculously rescued, followed by them buying the island but almost losing it in an evil scam until they we re helped out of the jam by the Harlem Globetrotters; Richie Cunningham’s brother Chuck on Happy Days appeared in only two episodes in the first season and was never heard from again; the Seattle Pilots existed for one measly year before moving to Milwaukee; and my career selling rodeo tickets over the phone lasted two days before I woke up and came to my senses.

The lesson in all this for the Knicks is that they could explode in a fireball over New Jersey at any moment, sink to the bottom of the ocean taking Leonardo DiCaprio with them or be written out of the NBA altogether like Chuck Cunningham was. The best case scenario for the team: The Harlem Globetrotters come to the Garden and save their ass.

That takes care of the Knicks; now let’s look at the other local teams and we’ll put fun, convenient labels on them to boot:

An Efficient Machine

Devils : Their nine-game road winning streak (one short of tying the NHL record) and eight-game overall winning streak both ended on Monday night in Philly on Dave Schultz (Slap Shot as an opposing player.) Night, as he was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame. Is there any significance or special meaning to that? Schultz was the personification of the brawling 1970s, and holds the all-time single-season record for penalty minutes, with 472 in 1974-’75. Isn’t it about time that somebody started a Hockey Goon Hall of Fame?

Jacques Lemaire and the Devils are the epitome of defensive hockey. They rank 21^st in goals per game, at 2.56, but their league-leading 2.07 goals against average has them in first place in the Atlantic Division (despite two losses in a row). Lemaire spent much of his playing days learning how to play defense by centering a line with Guy Lafleur and Steve Shutt, as he had to backcheck his way through many a game, while those two sharp shooters poured in goal after goal.

Surprise Team

Islanders : After getting off to a rocky start, the Islanders are one of the surprise teams of the NHL. That’s what hard work will do for you. John Tavares is living up to his billing (19 points), while Matt Moulson is turning into the find of the century (18 points). They’re going in the opposite direction than the Rangers, who they’ve caught in the standings, both totaling 23 points.

Sinking (But it’s a Long Season)

Rangers : The good times (7-1 start) are over (4-8-1 since). They can’t score, they’re not tough enough, they’re too easy to play against, they take too many penalties, they have too many defensive breakdowns and they’re shorthanded at center with no replacements in sight. Can they recover or is the makeup of the roster too much to overcome? Maybe John Tortorella should start crying. That seems to be the coaching technique du jour.

Sinking (But There’s Still Hope)

Giants: They had their best week in over a month, with Dallas, Philly and even Atlanta (if you’re starting to keep track of the wild card race) all losing. The Giants haven’t looked this good since they defeated Oakland. The key to their success, of course, was not actually playing a game. Their best strategy from here on out may be to not take the field at all. Can you decline the rest of your schedule the way you can decline a penalty and take your chances on your present record?

Sinking (And They’re Running Out of Time)

Jets: The Jets players are making their coach cry. But poor clock management, wasted timeouts, a plethora of turnovers and a defense that can’t make the big stop are making Jets fans cry. The team has the swagger part down; it’s just the beating the opponent part that’s troubling them. Mark Sanchez has a prepared statement all set to go for his next postgame press conference on why he entered a hot dog eating contest at halftime of their game up in New England on Sunday.

Disaster

Nets: The Nets are doing even worse than the Knicks and are planning to jump back to the ABA before they have a chance to go 0-82. They’re hoping to put a schedule together and play against the Spirits of St, Louis, San Diego Conquistadors, Virginia Squires, Memphis Tams, and Kentucky Colonels once again and regain their dominance in that defunct league. They play the Knicks on Saturday (if they can scrounge up enough players). Will the world explode if one of those teams actually wins the game?

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Knicks Legend Earl Monroe to Appear at Best Buy in New York City

Keith Schlosser — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:29 -0500

One of the NBA’s most flashy and dazzling players of all time is coming to New York City, but no, I am not talking about Allen Iverson…yet.

Event Info:

NBA Legend: Earl Monroe

Date: Saturday, November 21

Location: Best Buy 1531

Union Square Grand Opening

52 E. 14th Street No. 64

New York, NY 10003

Time: 1:30-3pm

New York Knicks Legend and Hall of Famer Earl Monroe will be appearing at the Best Buy located in New York City thanks to a partnership between the NBA, HP, and Microsoft.

Monroe and other NBA legends throughout the nation are providing assists in promoting the launch of Microsoft’s highly anticipated Windows 7 operating system.

Fans in attendance will not only be able to meet and greet Earl Monroe for an autograph, but also have the opportunity to enter sweepstakes making them eligible to win great prizes such as NBA tickets or a brand new HP computer complete with Windows 7 Home Premium.

I am proud to say that I have the privilege of representing Bleacher Report at this event, being given the opportunity to meet and interview “Black Jesus” himself.

I am quite excited for the event, and all those interested in reading my interview with Monroe should stay tuned over the weekend.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Allen Iverson: Broadway Bound?

Sean Bafaro — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:49:03 -0500

As you all know, the Allen Iverson era in Memphis came to an end this past week as the Grizzlies and Iverson came to a mutual agreement to part ways. Iverson spent just under two months in Memphis, but it was quite clear that this situation simply was not going to work, not only for Iverson himself, but for the Grizzlies franchise as well.

Today, Allen Iverson cleared waivers and is able to sign with another NBA team. There are reports surfacing that he may be closing in on a deal that will see Allen Iverson heading to New York.

Although New York Knicks’ president Donnie Walsh has not officially said that he will sign Iverson, but according to the New York Daily News Walsh has hinted that the Knicks are strongly leaning towards signing the disgruntled star.

The Knicks have gotten off to a very poor start as they are currently sitting at a rudimentary 2-9 record. To make matters worse, the Utah Jazz are sitting with New York’s unprotected 1st round draft pick this season which means that there is no light at the end of tunnel for this franchise, at least in terms of a top notch prospect.

While adding Iverson to the roster will by no means make the Knicks a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, it may be enough to help them pick up a few more victories and, more importantly, might be able to spark some excitement back into Madison Square Garden.

By signing with New York, Iverson will look to re-establish his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier scorers. The Knicks, under Coach Mike D’Antoni, love to play a fast paced, high octane offensive game and this style of play suits Iverson very well. Iverson, despite all of his off the court problems recently, is still a very dangerous scorer and would fit right in with D’Antoni’s system.

His defensive shortcomings won’t be a huge deal because of the lack of emphasis on that end of the floor (the Knicks are giving up the 2nd most points against at 109.5 points per game). He will be able to get away with gambling in the passing lanes and defensive breakdowns as long as he continues to put up points on the offensive end of the floor.

The Knicks already have some talented offensive players on their roster in Al Harrington, who leads the team in scoring, and Danilo Gallinari, the sharp shooting sophomore.

Iverson has never been known as a pass first player, but the attention that he demands, along with his ability to break down the defense, creates great opportunities for his teammates. A shooter like Gallinari could end up getting some great looks off of dribble penetration. Harrington could also thrive off of the attention that Iverson will draw.

There are a couple of potential snags in Iverson heading to New York though. According to the New York Daily News the Miami Heat are interested in adding Iverson to their roster.

It is also believed that James Dolan would have to sign off on the deal. Dolan has had a history of not wanting to acquire players that could be considered as controversial and he was behind Latrell Sprewell and Stephon Marbury leaving the Knicks. He may be put off by Iverson who does not have the greatest of track records by any stretch of the imagination.

Although Iverson may not be the same player that he was during his prime, he is still a dangerous scorer and can put up points in a hurry. The deal is by no means a sure thing, but if you ask me, this is a no risk move as the Knicks really can’t get much worse. Iverson may be able to rejuvenate his sputtering career by joining the Knicks and finishing the year strong and in the process help the Knicks pick up a few more wins.

Will New York take a chance and sign Iverson? Only time will tell.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Knicks, Raptors, or Another: Who Should a Scottish Italian Support?

Giancarlo Rinaldi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:55:08 -0500

While you are sleeping, we catch up on your sporting action. And as we are heading to bed, you are usually settling down to watch the day's big game.

By necessity, the UK-based fan of US sports is an unusual creature.

You could argue that we have to be even more dedicated than your average American, due to the time-difference issues. We are certainly an idiosyncratic bunch.

For me, it all began with the San Francisco 49ers.

British Channel 4 snapped up the rights to screen the NFL in this country and Joe Montana hooked me. As a Scottish Italian, he had the kind of surname that hinted at some kind of Mediterranean ancestry.

It did not hurt that the boys in red used to win a lot.

Next, much later, came the St. Louis Cardinals.

This time it was all down to fantasy sports and Albert Pujols. He was a powerhouse for a couple of my teams and dragged me into having an interest in MLB.

It was two down and two to go in terms of major US sports.

My problem with basketball, however, is that I have yet to decide whom to furnish with my loyal support. I have a couple of nominations, but I am not entirely sure.

The Italian connection tempts me towards the Toronto Raptors. Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli are among the ranks there, so should I give them my precious backing?

On the other hand, there is Danilo Gallinari at the New York Knicks. Should I try to get behind the struggling Nets?

Perhaps there is another team I am blissfully unaware of that I should be backing. What is the team of choice among American Italians?

I have an Irish friend who swears by the Celtics, is there an equivalent for a boy whose family hails from Tuscany?

At this point, there are a couple of things I should make quite clear.

My soccer teams are Fiorentina and Queen of the South so, by and large, I am used to failure. Not for me becoming a fan of some mega-successful franchise.

However, I am a high-quality supporter who dedicates a lot of time and effort (and money on merchandise) to the team I follow.

In short, I am a sports nut.

I know it would transform my enjoyment of the NBA if I had a team to follow. League standings and matches become more exciting if you invest that kind of time and energy.

I may just toss a coin and let it decide between the Raptors and Knicks.

And then I could turn my attention to the NHL.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Allen Iverson a New York Knick: What's the Worst That Could Happen?

Keith Schlosser — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:30:32 -0500

The 1-9 Knicks have had a few much needed days off. You would think that a team doing as poorly as the Knicks would take those few days to rest and lay low from the media.

Well, think again.

The Allen Iverson saga is already over in Memphis, which means Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni are fielding nonstop questions about the possibility of the disgruntled guard joining the Knicks.

Both have pointed out that there are many things to consider when it comes to Iverson. The decision whether or not to sign him is obviously at least a few days away.

In the meantime, here is some advice.

Everyone knows that the Knicks are all about 2010. If the team’s record does not prove that, who knows what will? Nevertheless, the team needs to look presentable. The Knicks are completely lacking a go-to scorer, and lose on account of their poor defense just about every night. D’Antoni is certain to become the scapegoat at one point or another this season, if he has not already.

The fans need a distraction, and that is exactly what Allen Iverson would provide. Iverson is one of the most well known players in the NBA. Once one of the league’s most exciting players, his career took a hit last season while playing for the Pistons.

Iverson needs to be the center of attraction for a team. He would easily become the biggest profile player the Knicks have had in years, and furthermore, would be allowed to reign free and supreme in D’Antoni’s offense.

Were last season’s struggles just a fluke for Iverson? The answer is yes. Iverson has never been one to play in a “team-oriented” offense, and when you are replacing Chauncey Billups in that type of atmosphere, how can you possibly succeed?

Although he can only be judged by three games in Memphis, Iverson looked good. After averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 assists while shooting nearly 58 percent, (including an 18 point and 7 assist effort against Golden State) Iverson became frustrated.

People need to start looking at the situation from Iverson’s point of view. Being a reserve is one thing, but playing only 22 minutes per game? Those minutes are not even sixth man worthy. If it were not for the Knicks and the Nets playing worse than expected, the Grizzlies would again be hitting complete rock bottom. If Iverson was playing so effectively in limited minutes, why not give him more opportunity? Are the Grizzlies crazy? The team could not do any worse.

And that is the mindset the Knicks should have when considering Iverson—what is the worst that could happen?

There are numerous potential immediate, as well as long term, benefits. The Knicks optimist in me begs the question; what if Iverson were to do well? D’Antoni and the Knicks would be credited with rejuvenating Iverson. If Iverson can become relevant again, it is possible that he could opt to re-sign with the Knicks and become the team’s one major asset as far as credibility goes to other stars.

Does it hurt that Iverson and LeBron James have the same agent?

Granted, he is known to be somewhat of a locker room cancer if he does not get his way. There is no way Iverson could make this team any worse. Should it not work out, he would only be signed through the rest of the season, and would be ushered out as soon as it is time to welcome the 2010 free agents.

If it really became so out of hand before the season is over, the team could terminate Iverson’s contract just as quickly as Memphis did.

Walsh and D’Antoni alluded to their concern for Iverson stunting the growth of the team’s young players. Although becoming a prominent force in the Knicks’ offense, Danilo Gallinari needs to learn how to efficiently pass the ball, and having to defer to Iverson every now and then may help him improve that. Wilson Chandler is already going in the wrong direction, and there seems to be no current cure.

Only Chris Duhon would stand to lose his starting job, and at this point, maybe he deserves to. Toney Douglas thus far has been impressive, but as a shoot-first guard, perhaps he could learn from Iverson.

At the end of the day, is Iverson “the answer” to all of the Knicks’ problems? No. I am not necessarily advocating signing Iverson.

At the same time, I simply ask Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni, when envisioning Iverson as a Knick, to join me in pondering...what is the worst that could possibly happen?

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

With Brandon Jennings, The New York Knicks Would Not Have Had To Wait For 2010

Amar Panchmatia — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:58:32 -0500

Somebody needs to wake up Donnie Walsh and the New York Knicks.

Come to think of it, don't bother. It is already far too late.

But if you get a chance, here are some things you can tell Mr. Walsh and his brass: No NBA team, based on previous precedents, should ever -- ever -- bank on free agency as a way to get better. And the single most effective way teams have been able to rebuild themselves is on this day in June called the NBA Draft.

You know, that day and phrase that seems foreign to most Knicks fans.

Ever since taking over as the President of Basketball Operations for the Knicks in the spring of 2008, Walsh has become obsessed with clearing salary cap space for 2010. On the outside looking in, you can't blame him. New York may be the league's most desired market to play in, and the Knicks have never been serious players in free agency due to exorbitant payrolls established by Walsh's predecessors, Isiah Thomas and Scott Layden.

However, during Walsh's time up to date, he has had two top 10 draft picks to work with, the sixth overall pick in 2008 and the eighth overall pick in 2009. Many a franchise player has been found in this range, and Walsh had not one but two chances of getting it right.

And although the jury is still out on Danilo Gallinari and Jordan Hill, Walsh swung and missed both times considering the players that were selected afterwards.

Sure, Gallinari has looked good as far as numbers go, but almost everyone gets inflated numbers playing in a system such as the one ran by Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni. But right after New York took the "Italian Stallion," the Clippers took Indiana's Eric Gordon with the seventh pick.

Gordon, 20, has been flourishing despite playing in that train wreck known as L.A.'s redheaded stepchild. He put up 16.1 points per game on 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 38.9 percent (131-for-337) from 3-point range. In seven games this year, Gordon is averaging 18.9 points to go with 4.1 assists and 50.6 percent shooting from the field.

But forget about Gordon. Last Saturday night in Milwaukee gave basketball fans a glimpse of a young kid who could have really taken over Madison Square Garden: Brandon Jennings.

Saturday served as the NBA's introduction to the kid who just turned 20 yet accomplished a feat that a player like Carmelo Anthony never has and one like Dwyane Wade just accomplished last May in the midst of his sixth season in the league.

Jennings dropped a double nickel -- 55 points -- in just his seventh game in the league. And this came a month and a half after his 20th birthday.

You can say that hindsight is 20/20, but it seemed like Jennings wasn't even on the Knicks' radar. Fans and media in New York couldn't stop obsessing over Davidson's Stephen Curry, a 21-year old trigger-happy point guard who lit up scoreboards in college.

In the end, the Knicks settled on Arizona's Jordan Hill, a project big man in a draft that lacked any significant frontcourt player after the Clippers took Blake Griffin at No. 1.

Two picks later, Jennings went to the Bucks. And Milwaukee had its franchise player.

Meanwhile, the Knicks continue obsessing over free agency. And as mentioned earlier, that is never a tool -- especially in this day and age of the NBA -- to rely on. Max contract free agents just don't leave their teams anymore.

Shaquille O'Neal left Orlando for L.A. because the Lakers simply offered more money. Steve Nash left Dallas for Phoenix because the Suns offered more money. Carlos Boozer and Kenyon Martin left Cleveland and New Jersey, respectively, for the same reasons.

Rest assured about these facts: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh are getting max offers from the Cavs, Heat, and Raptors, respectively. You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: All of those teams can offer those players far, far more than the Knicks can regardless of any of the teams' cap situations.

James and Wade are already household names and amongst the most recognizable names in all of sports. Both play for winning teams, with Wade's Heat winning the NBA championship in 2006 and James' Cavs winning a league-high 66 games last year.

New York may offer the "big market" and endorsement possibilities -- possibilities that certainly don't elude either of these megastars -- but they don't offer a shred of hope at the Larry O'Brien trophy. And a guy like Jennings, at the very least, could have been a pretty attractive "Scottie Pippen" for a guy like LeBron James when it came time for James to evaluate the Knicks' roster in free agency.

Walsh has been so obsessed with clearing enough cap space to lure two superstars that one potential stud just slipped through his fingers while he was busy crunching numbers.

And when the Knicks, one of the worst teams in the league through 10 games of the 2009-10 season, strike out in free agency this summer, they won't have a lottery pick to fall back on this time around.

That's because their 2010 pick is owed to Utah. But based on how Walsh has fell asleep at the wheel on draft day, it does not seem like it would have mattered, anyways.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

12 Compelling Reasons to Make Allen Iverson a New York Knick

Lamont Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:53:37 -0500

Twelve reasons:

Wilson Chandler
Eddy Curry
Toney Douglas
Chris Duhon
Danilo Gallinari
Al Harrington
Jordan Hill
Larry Hughes
Jared Jeffries
David Lee
Darko Milicic
Nate Robinson

Keeping it completely real, the Knicks suck this year. A record of 1-9 and the highlight of the season so far is the fact that Eddy Curry has lost enough weight to start earning some of the $10.5 million we're paying him this year.

In the midst of this folly, I say why not bring "The Answer" in? He'll bring much needed scoring and something the Knicks have lacked since Sprewell left after the 2003 season: a fourth quarter go-to-guy.

Let's sign A.I. to a one-year deal, sell some jerseys and watch someone in a New York Knicks jersey finally score 30 points in a game.

If we're going to go off the "don't play any defense, just outscore the other guys" cliff that Mr. D'Antoni has ready to jump from, let's jump hard . Let's get one of the most offensive-minded scoring guards of the last ten years in here and win a couple of games—or at least lose with some pizazz.

I fought against the very idea of bringing Allen Iverson to the team before the season because I held out hope that having played together for a full season, this current group of Brickerbockers would have gelled and learned how to play together. Consider the towel thrown in on that notion.

I'm now stranded with all the other Knicks fans on this deserted island called "Loserania" and we're burning an S.O.S. made of palm trees in the sand hoping that The Tattooed One will come and rescue us—or at least take us to Halfway Decent Island. He scored 17.5 ppg last season for the Nuggets so he's still got some gas left in the tank.

Everything will change in 2010 anyway and actually winning a few games will prevent Chris Bosh or Joe Johnson from throwing up in their mouths at the very idea of playing for us.

Come on, Allen. Don the Orange and Blue. You won't even have to practice. I promise.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

For Knicks, Iverson Is Not the Answer

Anthony Tripicchio — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:58:30 -0500

The Answer doesn’t solve this problem.

New York Knicks’ GM Donnie Walsh would be wise to steer clear of current free agent and future hall of famer, Allen Iverson.

Although he is one of the most prolific scorers to ever play in the NBA, Iverson would be an impediment to the development of young building blocks. Iverson’s insistence on starting in Memphis proves he continues to be unwilling to take a deferential role in the twilight of his career.

“I’d rather retire than do this again,” said Iverson about coming off of the bench. “I can’t be effective playing this way.”

Memphis, despite an ill-advised decision to ink the four-time scoring champ in the offseason, eventually came to its senses before it was too late. Ticket sales that Iverson’s signing was supposed to attract should take a backseat to the future of the franchise. With Mike Conley and OJ Mayo in the backcourt, there was simply no place to put Iverson but the bench.

The presence of a disgruntled superstar not only creates a horrendous distraction, but sets an awful example for the rest of the team.

Though there certainly is room in the Knicks’ starting lineup this year with Chris Duhon struggling mightily at the point, Iverson conflicts with New York’s top priority on the court.

This season, the play of Danillo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Tony Douglas, and Jordan Hill is more significant to the Knicks’ franchise than wins and losses. The aforementioned four players will need to be, at the very least, complementary players after owner James Dolan throws his checkbook around during the 2010 summer free agent frenzy.

Meanwhile, Iverson serves no purpose beyond this season and the inevitable summer spending spree.

Let’s be serious. Already a woeful 1-9, the Knicks are going nowhere this year. If you are only going to circle a cul-de-sac anyway, would you rather do it with a 13-year veteran or teach someone else to drive?

Acquiring Iverson would take shots away from Gallinari and minutes from Douglas. The short-term benefit of adding a few more victories should pale in comparison to hindering the growth of the youngsters.

One advantage Iverson does have in his corner is the fact that he is represented by Leon Rose, who is also LeBron James’ agent.

While the Knicks may want to placate Rose to curry favor, Rose will not let a veterans’ minimum signing determine the destination of his ace client.

Teach the kids how to drive.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

LeBron James To New York: Remember the 2008 Celtics

Brad Falcone — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:31:59 -0500

The 2006-2007 Boston Celtics finished 24-58.

How did they finish the following year again?

The New York Knicks will be horrible this season, but that doesn't mean they can't win an NBA Championship next season because in the NBA one or two players can change an organization.

If anybody thinks that LeBron will not go to New York next season because the team will be bad is out of their mind.

He makes everybody else on that team better with his presence. Take Rajon Rondo as an example. He was a nobody in the year leading up to the Celtics championship run. Then he was a solid starting point guard with Pierce, Garnett, and Allen on the floor.

LeBron can make players like Nate Robinson and David Lee great role players for the Knicks next season. Some players are not made to be their teams' No. 1 option but thrive as the second or third options.

Remember New York is not Cleveland. It matters more and it's more appealing to players in a league where stars stand out in the crowd. LeBron can make much more money in endorsements in New York and he will be more of a global icon in New York.

With the amazing free agent class of 2010 next season, all the Knicks have to do is sign LeBron and they'll have stars like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh knocking on their door and willing to take less money to win in New York.

Again, all of the talk that says LeBron won't go to the Knicks because they will be a bad team is ridiculous.

Look at the Cavs roster now and when he led them to the NBA Finals in 2007. Without LeBron, that Cavs team would have looked a lot like the current Knicks squad. With LeBron, the Knicks will be NBA Championship contenders.

Remember the 2008 Boston Celtics. From 24-58 to NBA Champions in one year.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Why Allen Iverson is "The Answer" for the New York Knicks

Dwyane Montell — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:04:08 -0500

Allen Iverson is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and arguably the third or fourth best scorer in league history.

Yet his career is on the line after being waved by the Grizzlies due to a lack of communication between the two sides.

Iverson is contemplating retirement but Iverson's manager Gary Moore said Iverson would still love to play and still has a lot left in the tank. He says Iverson would love to play for the New York Knicks.

According to the Daily News, the Knicks are supposed to meet Iverson on Wednesday.

Iverson is a man of faith. He believed God chose the Memphis Grizzlies and that high faith he has in God is the same faith he has in himself. Iverson kept that faith and now I believe God may reward him with a spot on the Knicks where he can excel.

The Knicks need Allen Iverson right now. They are 1-9 and in need of a scorer who can bring that energy to Madison Square Garden. Iverson would obviously fill the arenas. But the decision to sign Iverson is better for basketball reasons than it is for management reasons.

Playing in Mike D'Antoni's run and gun offense is the kind of system Iverson could excel in as long as he is not the go— to guy on every play like he was for the Sixers for 10 years.

Two seasons ago, Iverson was arguably the second best guard in the league. Playing for the Denver Nuggets, he put up 26.4 points per game and 7.1 assists, while shooting 46 percent from the field. The Nuggets ran a similar offense then as the Knicks do now.

Iverson could still be the best player on about 16-20 teams in the league, but the media is leading everyone to believe that Iverson is washed up and a cancerous distraction to team chemistry.

But, he is a different person then he was 10 years ago.

Raised in the tough streets of Hampton Va., the only way he knew was his way.

He swore at coaches and played selfishly at times. But, Iverson was so talented that he could win games himself and I feel he still can.

Now a more mature, family man Iverson respects his coaches and teammates.

The Knicks should start Iverson and this season could still end well. I am not saying Iverson guarantee a spot in the playoffs, but an eighth seed at least isn't out of the question.

It is apparent New York needs a go -to scorer. To be sure, they can't lure the top flight talent in the 2010 free agent class, including Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, without a proven scorer. All three superstars would likely only come to New York if they had someone of Iverson's talent in place already.

Among his honors, including being named 2001 NBA MVP, a four-time scoring champion, 1996 Rookie of the Year, 10-time Al l-Star, Iverson is arguably the best little man ever.

Wade wanted Miami to sign Iverson in the summer, but Pat Riley passed even after Wade made it clear Iverson still had game left and he wanted to play alongside him.

The Knicks should get Allen Iverson as soon as possible so they can salvage this season and contend for that seventh or eighth seed in the East.

Iverson could become the player who attracts big free agents to the Knicks in 2010. He would have no problem being a second option to James, Wade or Bosh. The Knicks could, conceivably, contend for a title in 2010 because they would have one of the greatest guards in the league on their side.

Donnie Walsh it is time you take a risk and make a move that could save the Knicks franchise and make you an even stronger team in 2010. Sign Allen Iverson!

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Allen Iverson: Me First, Team Later

Fred Richani — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:03:02 -0500

Just when you thought the "me first" culture in New York Knicks basketball was changing, post-Isiah Thomas era, THINK AGAIN!

Knicks president Donnie Walsh claims his team will at least look into signing the recently-waived guard Allen Iverson. Yes, A.I.'s tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies is done already. Go figure.

Sure, on the surface, New York looks to be a good fit. Iverson would have a great coach in Mike D'Antoni and a nice cast of young guys that desperately need a spark at 1-9. But here's the thing: New York is a good fit for A.I., yet the future Hall of Famer is NOT a good fit for the team.

Why, you ask?

His tenure at Memphis barely lasted a couple of weeks. His stint in Detroit last season was embarrassing to the game, considering the fact he openly complained about coming off the bench.

I mean if he was a backup to say, Acie Law, then I could understand. But the guy was backing up Richard "Rip" Hamilton, a.k.a. former NBA champion. A.k.a. the leader of the Pistons, who last time I checked has been to a lot more Conference/NBA Finals than Iverson has in his entire career.

How about Iverson's time in Denver?

Iverson always complained about not playing with a true superstar. He got his wish when he was traded a few years back to the Denver Nuggets to play with All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony. The result? A team that couldn't distribute the ball properly and underachieved.

Now like I said, Allen Iverson is a Hall of Fame guard. He's also one of the most selfish players in recent memory—at least for his caliber of play. Keep in mind, this is the same Allen Iverson that contemplated retirement if he didn't find a starting job in the NBA! Newsflash: it's a young man's game.

And if A.I. does sign somewhere as a starter, the only place that would make sense is Charlotte, where his old Philly 76ers coach Larry Brown is currently at.

Let's be real here. There's a reason why this guy is not on contending teams such as the Spurs, Celtics, Lakers, Blazers, Magic, and Cavaliers. The reason is because he is Allen Iverson: great player, who still, at the age of 34, can't understand the concept of team. Perhaps, he should ask Manu Ginobli if he'd rather start or win championships.

So maybe I'm a bit biased at the moment. No, not because Iverson played in Philly. No, not because I hate A.I. (I don't). I'd rather not have one of the teams of my youth be further plagued by someone selfish. Sure, he's nowhere near of a jerk as estranged guard Stephon Marbury, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't cause problems.

And while Iverson would be a huge upgrade from Chris Duhon, I doubt he'll distribute the ball much or trust his teammates. If anything, it seems like nothing's ever good enough for him.

He wants to win and has a chance to join a contender, but spurns them due to a sixth man role. He wants to start in Detroit and when he starts losing, it proves that the man was a bad fit—guess what happens?

"Hey coach, I have issues. See ya later!"

I know the Knicks are "straight up trash, homey," but if Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni truly want to build a winning culture in New York, Allen Iverson is NOT the answer.

See, folks. ESPN2's Skip Bayless can be right. And his old assessment of A.I. could never be more true.

Even to this day, A.I. is still all about Me, Myself, and I-Verson.

Fred "The F-Bomb" Richani is a columnist for The Sports Courier , 411Mania.com , and everythingyntk.com . Richani founded The Sports Courier in 2009. His work has been featured on CBS Sportsline , Pro Wrestling Torch , GOOGLE News , and USAToday.com .

He has also interviewed Platinum-selling bands Blue October and OneRepublic . Richani currently resides in Freehold, N.J., just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Who Will the Knicks Get in Free Agency in 2010?

Andrew Jordan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:13:56 -0500

For the last several years, teams, players and fans have all looked forward to one day: July 1, 2010, the start of free agency in the NBA for that offseason. But this upcoming offseason will be bigger than any other year, as many different stars will now be eligible to join a new team, which could bolster that team on their way towards an NBA Championship. The most high-profile team leading up to this free agency has been the New York Knicks, as there has been much speculation on who the Knickerbockers might pick up as they will attempt to win their first NBA title since 1973. Since the Knicks management has replaced Isiah Thomas for Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni, the Knicks have started to dump players and their salaries in order to make cap room for the 2010 Free Agency. In this article, I will name the players that could be pursued by the Knicks in the free agent market, why they will or will not join the Knicks and if they will play their home games at Madison Square Garden next year.

Begin Slideshow

Hey Knicks Fans, Take a Deep Breath and Relax

paul angelo — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:12:03 -0500

We are witnessing the perfect storm of panic and despair for Knick fans. Not only has the team dropped to a miserable 1-9, with their latest loss coming at home in the Garden to an awful and dysfunctional Golden State team.

Then, as if that weren't bad enough, the very next night, Brandon Jennings, the super quick point guard that the Knicks passed up in the draft, drops 55 points, rubbing salt in the Knicks wounds, increasing all the rookie of the year hype we'd already been hearing, and intensifying the speculation as to why the Knicks chose Jordan Hill instead of Jennings.

I am already starting to hear the calls for boycotting the team, and the incessant Walsh/D'Antoni bashing and second guessing of their big plan to clear cap space for the 2010 free agent class, is starting to pick up a lot of steam. Ok, I will admit, almost all of what we've seen thus far this season is bad, and I don't blame my fellow Knick fans for feeling glum. However, I think we all need to step back, take a deep breath, and relax. I know its hard for many New York sports fans to do, but lets put this all in perspective.

Firstly, this season is still young. Yeah, we are a pathetic 1-9, but there are 72 games left for the Knicks to at least show some promise and be competitive. This may be wishful thinking, but it is true. It is not inconceivable that the team can settle down and put together a half respectable season, which is really all we should have been expecting in the first place—which leads us to my next point—what did we expect?

Again, 1-9 is really bad, and perhaps worse than we should be willing to accept. However, did anyone really think this team would be very good? No. In fact, all the preseason talk was about how bad the Knicks would be, so lets not all of a sudden act as if Walsh and D'Antoni had a star studded roster and have somehow mismanaged the team into the league cellar.

This team is a mish-mosh of misfitted pieces and still raw young talent. So, it very well could be that the Knick fans expressing outrage either haven't been paying attention or are completely irrational. This is a bad team and we should have known it would be.

Then there are the supposedly "knowledgeable" Knick fans who say that Donnie Walsh's plan to clear cap space for 2010 is "unrealistic," and that the team could be competitive right now if they didn't trade away Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph.

You'll hear this opinion not only from some Knick fans on the street, but also from sports journalists, all over the blogs and on talk radio. Ok, here's my question—would it have been a better idea to keep Crawford and Randolph, thereby staying in salary cap hell, probably scraping into the playoffs this season, losing in the first round, and then having no choice but to sit on the sidelines for perhaps the greatest free agent bonanza of all-time next summer?

I say no, and I suspect that the same Knick fans complaining about the Walsh plan right now, would be raising hell if the Knicks were unable to at least try to compete for the big name free agents next summer.

Lastly, about the future. People are getting upset about the emergence of Jennings in Milwaukee, and the Monday-morning quarterbacking about how Walsh should have taken Jennings is intensifying, and devolving into a general critique of Walsh's overall record as the Knicks draft night decision-maker.

While I will admit that Walsh may have made a mistake by passing on Jennings, keep in mind that eight other teams also passed on him, and the Knicks concerns about him made sense—his lack of size and unfamiliarity with his game due to his year playing in Italy.

Also, there is some evidence that Jennings is a Marbury-type diva, with a future of idiotic behavior and locker-room cancer causing behavior. In fact, I suspect Walsh may have seen this coming.

As for the rest of Walsh's draft decisions, I defy any sensible Knick fan to criticize his choice of Danilo Gallinari, who has thus far shown himself to be a pretty deadly offensive weapon from long range, and who's size and instincts project an even more diverse and formidable offensive game down the line.

Sure, Jordan Hill has yet to show his worth as a lottery pick, but let's give the guy more than just 10 games to prove it.

What about Toney Douglas? Seems to me he is one of the few bright spots in the past couple of weeks, and is proving he has a future in this league.

Draft success doesn't usually manifest itself overnight, so let's try some patience for once and appreciate what looks to be some pretty decent young talent.

So Knick fans, let's try to calm down a little. No one likes to suffer through pathetically bad seasons such as the one we are seeing so far. But lets try to remember, and accept, that there is a larger plan, and all today's suffering is in hopes of better days ahead.

Even if those better days don't involve LeBron, that 25 million or so dollars of salary cap space the Knicks will be holding next summer will lure someone, and create the kind of flexibility needed to pull off trades that would appear impossible right now. That is the bottom line after all. Cap space is everything in this league, and it brings with it endless possibilities. Walsh knows this and needs us to be patient.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Knicks Boycott: It's Now or Never

Zachary Charles — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:19:39 -0500

I have watched some horrific Knick teams take the floor: overpriced players, guys who no other team wanted, soft lazy players, but I have never seen anything like this before.

The Knicks have started 1-9, the worst start in franchise history, and if the Nets weren't so bad, we would for sure be the worst team in the league. I have written articles about firing D'Antoni, replacing Donnie Walsh, how this team is only going downhill while crazy/hopeful fans actually think Lebron or Wade or even Bosh or Amar'e will be in orange and blue next year.

The guys who are calling numerous times a day to tell you to buy season tickets and that the future begins next year are all reading from a script. They lie. There is no future in sight for this ball club. Until James Dolan is no longer the owner of the club, until, Donnie Walsh—who has screwed us up even more with horrific draft picks and trades, a guy who was chased out of Indiana—is gone, until D'Antoni is gone, who doesn't care about the squad now and basically tells them that 99 percent of the team will not be returning; how can a team be motivated to win knowing their own coach and GM has no faith in them and will replace them at year's end.

We as Knick fans who bleed orange and blue MUST BOYCOTT THE GAMES.

There are many fans who are still willing to pay these ridiculous prices to go watch a team lose by double-digits beginning in the first quarter. Families spend $20,000 a year to sit close to the action, to watch our team lose year after year. I myself am always looking for tickets to go and watch the team I really love, but that time is over, I am sick of wasting my money, sick of people telling me that $250 is what they are selling the tickets for.

The Knicks should pay the fans to come out and watch the abomination of a roster. Who do they think they are, charging tons of money for season tickets or even single game tickets and for what? So that we can watch Darko Milicic run around? Jared Jeffries miss layups? Larry Hughes go 1-10 or even watch Nate Robinson moan to an official after taking a horrific shot claiming he got fouled, while his man has a fast break layup the other way. It's time for people to take action

It's time for all Knick fans who care about this team, to finally stick up the Dolans and the Walshes and the D'Antonis and say its time for change. Since they are playing Boston on Sunday and probably will lose by 20+, I am urging all Knick fans to give up their tickets, boycott that game and other games, and bring this team back to its winning ways with new ownership, management and a new coach.

SO EVERYONE SPREAD THE WORD!

any questions or comments please ask

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Calling All Knicks Fans: Chant For Mike D'Antoni Firing

Zachary Charles — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:38:52 -0500

Last night the Knicks lost once again, no surprise to anyone. They now stand at 1-9—the second worst record in the league.

Now the question, is who to blame?

You can blame Isiah Thomas because some of his moves put us in the position we are in today. You can blame James Dolan for not being an effective owner and making sure a team from New York has a team that can compete.

While you can say all you want about Donnie Walsh, I think he STINKS! Yes he cuts cap room, but I honestly believe if we kept Crawford and Randolph last year we would have been a playoff team.

He has been talking about 2010 ever since he has come to New York and this summer after his attempt to sign Grant Hill failed, I realized how can you think you're going to sign Lebron James if you cant even sign Grant Hill. However, the worst move he has made was signing Mike D'Antoni.

While no one will argue that D'Antoni worked for the Suns, everyone will now argue that he was the worst coaching choice for the Knicks. The Suns had a star point guard in Nash and athletic forwards in Marion and Amare.

The Knicks had Curry and Randolph with D'Antoni's own Chris Duhon. He ruined Stephon Marbury's career and he is ruining the Knicks. He does not fit this team.

The Knicks should have hired Marc Jackson or someone new and given them a trial run, rather than being stuck with D'antoni.

He will never win a championship because there is no way you can win without defense. Show me one team in the league that has gone to the Championship or deep in the playoffs without superstars and defense.

In his defense, the roster he was given was sub par yet his rotations are horrific. He should not be over-playing Duhon, being so high on Gallinari, or benching Jordan Hill.

Start Toney Douglas.

Say you made a mistake with Duhon.

Play Jordan Hill.

If you're going to attract free agents let them see the players that will actually be there next year.

He is a selfish man and like all those guys who will not be there next year, I hope we have a new guy on our bench calling the shots—I for one can not take it any more!

I am calling for all fans and people who love the New York Knicks like I do to please chant, yell scream, and heckle Mike D'Antoni. Demand Donnie Walsh fire him. We need a new guy who will lead us in the future!

Any comments or questions please ask

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Chris Duhon No Longer Overachieving for the New York Knicks

Keith Schlosser — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:16:57 -0500

For years, the Knicks have been searching for a pass-first point guard. The general consensus is that if a point guard can effectively distribute the ball, he will in effect make his teammates better, and the wins will follow.

That theory was stressed even further when Mike D’Antoni became head coach. D'Antoni helped Steve Nash win two MVPs during a successful run with the Suns.

When D’Antoni handpicked Chris Duhon to be his point guard pupil, there was an immense amount of hope.

Here was a player, who was a team captain and productive in limited minutes with the Bulls. In four seasons, Duhon averaged 6.9 points and 4.5 assists in nearly 26 minutes.

Duhon was expected to build upon those numbers as a starter with the Knicks, which he did, nearly doubling his averages.

Although last season was another losing effort for the Knicks, Duhon was a rare bright spot and proof that a point guard can easily elevate his play under D’Antoni.

Well, that was last season.

The Knicks are off to their worst start in franchise history at 1-9. Not to say much else was to be expected, as the Knicks are anxiously awaiting the summer of 2010.

That being said, this team lacks heart. The level of effort is dismal, and very few of the Knicks actually have passion to play.

The Knicks’ fans and organization, including the players, are all already just waiting for this season to be over with.

Duhon has been quick to criticize his teammates for their lack of effort on numerous occasions, when in reality, he should begin by looking in the mirror. He is shooting under 25 percent for the season and is certainly not the point guard he was last season.

Duhon and David Lee have both been less effective because of the lack of pick and roll that was so efficient last season.

D’Antoni claims that Duhon is “in a funk,” but is he? Besides his shooting percentages, he is putting up numbers close to his career averages.

During this desperate time, are the Knicks are expecting too much out of Duhon?

Duhon had never posted numbers close to what he had last season in his career, so you really cannot suddenly expect him to be that type of player year in and year out yet.

This season was to be the one where people looked at Duhon and asked, “what kind of point guard is he?”

While it is still early, I think it is safe to say that we have gotten our answer. Like many of the Knicks on this current roster, perhaps Duhon is not considered a starting player throughout the league.

I am just here to ask, is there anything wrong with that?

The answer is no.

Duhon overachieved last season, but nobody can really blame him for that. After signing a full mid-level exception contract, he was out to prove himself. However, the more the team relied upon him, the more exhausted he became as the season wore on.

"You just have to play through it," Duhon said. "I know how important I am to this team. I know when I play well how good we can play. It's disappointing. You kind of feel like you're letting your guys down, your coach down, and letting the fans down."

It is proven that when Duhon plays well, the Knicks have a better chance of winning. Granted, he does not have the best supporting cast.

Players like Al Harrington and Larry Hughes, whom Donnie Walsh traded for in cap-clearing moves for 2010, have established themselves as certified ball hogs throughout each of their careers.

The key to last season’s limited success was getting Lee involved in the offense, but this season that seems to be phasing out. This season’s offense has, for the majority, centered on getting Danilo Gallinari his shots.

With the struggles of Duhon, rookie point guard Toney Douglas has been making the most of his newfound opportunity to play.

He has shown flashes of smart play, able to drive to the basket at will. He is a decent defender, but has a very limited jump shot and does not often pass the ball. If Douglas is in the game, the offense is centered on him.

If put in the right situation with the right players, Duhon could play very well, be it as a starter or a backup.

Other teams have Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, or I dare I once again mention, LeBron James. The Knicks do not yet have a player like that.

Instead, they have David Lee, Danilo Gallinari, and Toney Douglas. If D’Antoni were able to involve all three players in the offense at once, Duhon could assist him in establishing a very balanced attack.

Would it be a playoff-worthy attack? Not quite…but anything is worth a try when the team is 1-9.

The players on this Knicks team, however, are certainly not the ones to help him prove that. The countdown to 2010 continues….for everyone.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com