Many have emailed SU over the past several weeks complaining about Derek Fisher. Losing a bunch of close games in a row will help to show you to the door. At some point, you have to figure that coaching is worth 1 – 2 points per game. If you ever listened in on a huddle, you knew that Fisher was not the x’s and o’s kind of coach. Rather, he was more about trying to motivate and push.
The reality is that even with Steve Kerr who they tried to hire last year, the roster does not support a better record. They run a certain offense in the triangle. If you watch Golden State, Kerr is not running the triangle there. They are run and gun with lots of passing, cutting and unselfish play. In the end, they have a lot of talent – much more than the Knicks.
SU saw that Luke Walton’s and Brian Shaw’s names are out there now. But they need some better players – let’s face it. At best, they are a .500 team when clicking on all cylinders. We will see if Kurt Rambis has a different view on playing style and substitution patterns.
Truth be told, SU likes watching Porzingis but that is it. When he is out, hard to get excited. It’s not like Phil Jackson passed over any obvious alternative coaching choices. Tom Thibodeaux is out there but I am sure he has his own way of wanting to run things.
So, what do you think?
Sports Update Intergalactic 
David Blatt? First Jewish coach since Red Holzman- might inspire the fans.
Tom Thibadeou!
Both good choices. SU would be in favor of a non-former player this go-round. Blatt got a raw deal in Cleveland. Thibs has some Jeff Van Gundy legacy. Actually, Van Gundy would be a great choice but he once called Phil Jackson “Big Chief Triangle” so there’s that. Tough question to get ready for in the interview.
Doesn’t seem like a big loss even though Fisher has not been the only problem over the past season and a half. There have been a few games this season where you could point a finger at the coach but they’re just not that great a team.
The Knicks have had many problems for the past 2 decades but for the last several season it has been Carmelo Anthony and the fact that he isn’t going anywhere continues to plague the team. What’s sad is that Donnie Walsh had a master plan that ended up being blown up when he was forced to trade for Anthony. And Jackson also may have had a plan that blew up when he re-signed Anthony. Jackson’s actions and public comments made it clear that this was not something he was fully behind. Now they are stuck with Anthony for 3 more seasons with his not-quite-max contract, his not-quite-team attitude and his not-quite-healthy body. It seems that his team play improved this season but he’s still expensive and he’ll continue to get less healthy. He’s proven that he’s not a draw for free agents. And the team doesn’t get a first round pick this year. The problem with this team is the same as it has been for two decades. They are crippled by contracts and trades to the point where the future seems perpetually out of reach.
Lots of sports news to comment on today…
Cam Newton – Where is your big smile and exuberance now? It’s real easy to claim youthful enthusiasm when you are 15-1 — not so much when you are getting a beat down.
Peyton – Congrats. Retire. Any other option has him retiring next year being carted off the field.
Knicks – JVG is an awesome coach who crafted a team based on the strengths of the players he has. He would be a great choice though an outside shot at best if he and Phil need to be buddies. There are definitely a lot of potential candidates out there so it will be interested to see who they get and if they can put enough together this season to attract another (qualified) big name player or two in the off season.
Seth, you outlined the positives: what about the problems with the Knicks? Just kidding – agree with everything you said although I do think Carmelo has made a conscious effort this year. He is actually a very good passer – has kept it under wraps for 12 years.
Mark N: I think the Knicks are one offensive player away from competing for a playoff spot. They really only have 3 guys that can score consistently. They need another outside shooter who can play with the 2nd team. Kurt Rambis has flopped in LA and Minnesota. No reason to think he will do much for the rest of this year.
DOESN’T MATTER WHO COACHES !
Watching Golden State and San Antonio pass the ball around most of the time with very little one on one stuff that we see during the majority of most games played in the NBA (and more and more in college) what do the Knick players do. Is it the coaching or the mindset and smarts that these players have or should I say don’t have over the rest of the league.In its essence TEAM will beat individual talent most of the times. It’s really a thing of beauty and keeps you watching. Having a superstar like Curry only makes things worse for opponents. If you have noticed he gets his share of assists as well. The Knicks will never get close to that level, even if they have 3 really good players… unless of course passing is one of their strengths.
Golden State may arguably be the greatest team of all time for one year. They must lose no more than 1 game in the playoffs, which The Bulls had accomplished to claim that Tops Of All Time prize.
PS The only other team which does this day in and day out for over the past 10-15 years is U Conn Women’s basketball. Last night against the only other undefeated team and playing on the enemy’s court the Lady Huskies were up by 21 by the end of the 3rd quarter. Passing, passing and very little dribbling… and of course 10 Championships.
PS – I predict that Peyton leaves the Broncos, signs a 1 day contract with the Colts, and then retires.
Old School vs New School…. here We Go Again and Again
“Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a Loser.”
These are the words uttered by “Superman” after many people were disappointment on how short his after-the-game interview was and showing what we consider to be a “poor sport.”
Is this the style of today or simply one individual way on dealing with such a big loss? Well he certainly has no problem displaying his Superman status, which includes wearing an MVP on his cleats. I can get past the cleats stuff….. however we all teach our kids to try to be somewhat humble in victory and humble in loss. Yes, you can be disappointed and feel all bummed out, however its those losses which we all need to identify by picking ourselves up, brushing off the hurt and come back even stronger and more determined than before. That’s how America rolls. Giving credit where credit is due and congratulation the winner shows maturity.
Maybe he simply needs to continue to grow up and in time he will do more of the right thing if he losses a big game again. He has time on his hands.
Under Armour and other big advertising $$$’s will be coming his way so he better start to show some maturity soon or his wallet won’t be Superman size a la LaBron, Peyton or Jordanesque.
PS Anyone hear from Derek Fisher these past few days?
Andy, totally agree. He wants to be the face of the franchise and a leader of his team mates. Well, that means standing up in tough times and addressing the media. The media promotes you and your team to the public. It’s in your job description. And, as you pointed out, it’s the right thing to do. He hates to lose? OK, I get that. But I also think acting out in the press conference was just his way of attracting more attention that he hates to lose, blah, blah, blah. He’s young but this is a guy who was a star at Auburn and has been in the spotlight for years. I don’t give him a pass. Man up. The criticism is justified.