New York jinx
OVER the past few seasons, the New York Knicks have been the laughing stock of the NBA. The Knicks reputation as a hard- nosed, no nonsense squad disappeared when stalwart center Patrick Ewing was traded way back in 2000. Since that time, the team’s fortunes nosedived. Since 2001, the team has only qualified for the playoffs thrice and the franchise lost in the first round in all these appearances. During this regression, the team was further set back by the controversial Isiah Thomas who was named team president in 2003. While a highly respected player, Thomas did not have the acumen and common sense to manage a team. Thomas single-handedly destroyed the franchise by signing overrated players to overpriced contracts. His shenanigans include being accused in a sexual harassment suit by a former Knicks executive further embarrassing the team. Finally after the 2007-2008 season, Thomas was fired. Things started to look up for the Knicks when the team hired former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’antoni and started unloading bad contracts. However, the team continued to be among the league’s whipping boys as it continued to shuffle players top free salary cap space for the free agent class of 2010 which included superstars Lebron James and Chris Bosh. While they were unable to get James, the Knicks settled for forward- center Amar’e Stoudemire in July 2010. The signing of Amar’e was perceived by many as the turning point for this Knicks franchise. A few months later in February 2011, the Knicks was able to trade for high scoring forward Carmelo Anthony. The duo’s first short season together resulted in the team’s first winning record since the 20002001 season and a playoff appearance albeit short- lived. After the 2011 NBA lockout, the Knicks made another major personnel move with the sign-and-trade deal for Mavericks center Tyson Chandler. Chandler is credited for helping the Mavericks win their first ever NBA title with his rebounding and defensive skills. With Chandler, the Knicks have what many deem to be the best frontline in the NBA. Despite all the hype and obvious talent, the Knicks are a disappointment, languishing in the Eastern Conference with an 8-14 record. Thought to be contenders, the Knicks seem to be lost. While their defense has improved a bit, it is mindboggling to note that despite two high scoring forwards and an offensive-minded coach, the Knicks are struggling to score. Some pundits are looking for the return of veteran point guard Baron Davis to stop the team’s scoring woes but Davis might be more of a bane than a boon. For starters, Davis is a shoot first, pass second type of guard and he will have to take a backseat to Stoudemire and Anthony to make it work. That is if his ego allows it. Indeed, the Knicks have all the talent to make it to the top but the question is do they have the right mix of talent (and egos). We will know the mettle of this struggling powerhouse in waiting over the next few games as they take on stronger teams including Atlantic Division rival Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.