New York Knicks Revive Madison Square Garden with Exciting Offseason
The first time I witnessed a slam poet perform on stage was at Madison Square Garden. The first concert I attended (Glow in the Dark Tour) was at MSG.
My high schools’ basketball team, the Bergtraum Lady Blazers, played its playoff games at MSG.
For every New Yorker, the historical venue has brought some of the most amazing players, coaches and shows.
Unfortunately, after the sixth grade, the excitement of any men’s basketball team left. Anyone who went to "The Garden" only went for a concert, play, or to see a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus show.
It’s obvious why fans don’t go to the Garden as much as they do the New Yankee Stadium; they’re tired of being disappointed.
Luckily, this offseason brought some excellent news for loyal fans like Spike Lee and other season ticket subscribers.
With the new addition of former Phoenix Suns' forward Amar'e Stoudemire plus rumors of the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul and the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony joining the Knicks, there is a good chance of the team cracking a playoff spot in the 2010-2011 season.
Additionally, Knicks' fans have a reason to be more optimistic with a possible superstar trio in their future.
As stated by NESN sources, Anthony is slated to be the top dog in 2011’s free-agency bonanza and New York could be a landing spot. The other contender for that status is Paul, who earlier this summer toasted to the idea of “our own big three” with Stoudemire and Anthony in New York.
“I would love to see Chris Paul receive more game time, but because of the Hornets' poor team playing that hasn’t been the case,” Alula Chelle, 51, said.
Aside from possibly negotiating contracts with the two superstars, the Knicks have already acquired Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, who both averaged 15 points last season. Many believe that all the commotion has reduced concerns that Tracy McGrady will still be on the roster.
Honestly, I do not believe the Knicks nor any other team will benefit from having McGrady, who is passed his prime. It wouldn’t be wise for the Knicks to hold on to the veteran, who may not return from his knee injury.
It seems as though this franchise will never compose a team of players that will remind fans of Hall of Fame Knickerbockers such as Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe and Patrick Ewing.
This is not the aim.
The goal is to bring back excitement to Madison Square Garden and have the city-buzz that everyone talks about after watching an unbelievable performance.
One thing is for sure, the Knicks have received tremendous amount of attention this summer and are still in the fight. This year could be the first of many winning campaigns in a long time.
It might just be the first time I attend a Knicks playoff game.
