Are The Knicks Really Headed In The Right Direction?

I remember the Patrick Ewing Knicks – a team known for its grit as much as its penchant for being a perennial contender.  Yet once he was traded it was all downhill.  I could go into the Isaiah Thomas regime, but I am sure that you are all well aware of what that means.  Rather I would like you to see how the hiring of Donnie Walsh may just be another step in the wrong direction. 

The firing of Isaiah Thomas and signing of Donnie Walsh was one of those moments that can define a team for a generation.  A New York homecoming and exile of a hated coach/executive – the new regime is there to fix the mistakes of the past decade.  Yet we haven’t seen much.  The New York Knicks have cap space for 2010 – amazing, I know.  What does that really mean though?  They have the chance to sign Lebron James, Dewayne Wade, or Chris Bosh.  All of whom are great players in their own right, yet none of them alone are enough to win.  This is where Donnie Walsh has failed the Knicks. 

            In 2010, the Knicks will not have the talent to win.  In 2011, I expect much of the same – after all, it is the Knicks.  Why is that?  They have talent, but not the talent to win.  David Lee is a very good complimentary player – not a difference maker.  The same goes with the rest of the team.  They are all good complimentary players; however, none of them are stars.  Brandon Jennings is already a star.  A star the Knicks chose to avoid by drafting Jordan Hill.  A player probably drafted more because of his name’s pedigree – Michael Jordan and Grant Hill – than his ability to play the game. 

Looking at the Knicks roster next year, you have to wonder what will happen.  Will Danilo Gallinari take the next step?  Will David Lee and Nate Robinson leave the team and sign for more money elsewhere?  What about point guard, who on the team is capable of making a difference at the position?  Yes Chris Duhon is good – but a starter?  

All the Knicks teams of the early 90s had the same characteristics – tough as nails, and always willing to do what it takes to win.  On their current roster, other than Nate Robinson, I am finding it hard to find someone who is willing to go the extra mile. 

So take this as a warning.  Do not expect the Knicks to become great just because.  And remember, Donnie Walsh never built a championship team in Indiana.  Something tells me, he won’t build the Knicks into a championship team either.