A Piece Stolen, a Shot Missed, and a Dynasty Lost: New York Knicks
The summer of 2010 should make out to be exciting with the pool of free agents expected. The undisputed No. 1 of that free agent pool is LeBron James, conveniently nicknamed "The King" for his dominant playing, that made me recall the last time we (NY) sought after a King of the court.
Anybody remember Bernard King? I do, and I can't forget him either, I can't forget what could have been.
A three-time All-star with the Knicks, twice elected to the All-NBA First Team. Before anyone ever heard of Patrick Ewing, he was the offensive force in NY. He scored 50+ points eight times in a game, even did two back to back, and he holds the record for most points scored by a Knick in a single game at 60.
In the 1984-1985 season Bernard would find himself nearly completing one of the greatest individual seasons by any Knick until disaster struck. In March, nearing the end of the season Bernard received a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury which would not only force him to miss the entire next season, but it was fate stealing what could have been the greatest years in NY Knick history.
In 1985, the very year King got injured the NBA decided to try the new Draft system, the Lottery. The Knicks would go on to win the lottery and select first overall none other that Patrick Ewing, one of the greatest centers of all-time and considered the greatest Knick of all time.
In 1987 Knicks drafted Mark Jackson 18th overall, the same Mark Jackson who would go on to finish second all time in assists behind John Stockton and ahead of the likes of MAgic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, and Jason Kidd.
All in all, over the years the Knicks continued to collect other pieces like the hard working Power Foward Charles Oakley or the emotional competitor in John Starks, they would go on to create a team of contenders, but what I say is that it could have been more.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
