Well, say good bye to the Porzingis Era in New York. It looks like management did not like his negative comments about team culture and with the direction of the team. Phil Jackson drafted him and he’s no longer here to protect him and soothe his ego. New regime, new game plan, wants their own players. SU must admit that since the Isiah Thomas era as Team President, I just don’t care that much about the Knicks. Personal note: SU was on a flight this week with Isiah but as he was sitting in 1st class, I didn’t have time to share my perspective with him (or sign him up for SU). Several people did shake his hand and pose for pictures with him. He’s a likeable guy; bad team executive; doesn’t age.
But I digress. The Knicks have officially started a new rebuild. SU liked Porzingis and they packaged him with Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Trey Burke (other SU faves) so I really have no reason to watch any of their games now. Zip, zero, nada. In return from Dallas, they get all of the “expiring contracts” (which all NBA trades include) and a possible #1 pick. It appears that the Knicks are going all in to get Durant this off-season, Zion Williamson as a #1 pick and then pick up a few free agents (how about Manny Machado?). If they pull it off, you are a contender in 2019 – 2020 – especially in the NBA Eastern Conference. I can’t say I love the moves but I do give management credit for being bold and maybe, just maybe as Melania Trump says, “Be Best” (one wonders what else she says but that’s not why you are here).
Meanwhile, there is a big game on tap for this Sunday. SU is always asked to make those bold predictions and I am happy to oblige:
- This will be a high scoring game. Indoors, strong QBs, not so strong defenses, and hey, we all like scoring.
- You have to give Brady a lot of credit this year. He has the Pats back in the Super Bowl without any top notch receivers. Edelman is still there but he has dropped a ton of passes this season – many more than in past years. He does have good running backs and no doubt that will be their strategy to keep the Rams’ offense off the field.
- Let’s go with the Rams: 35 – 31. Another close Super Bowl that is entertaining.
As always, SU asks the intergalactic subscriber base for its predictions and the chance to receive major notoriety come Monday as we post the score that comes closest to the actual result. This is your chance for fame and fortune (well, certainly fame although maybe we can get you that SU logoed windbreaker as a prize). Have at it. What’s your prediction? You may even want to embellish your prediction with a key play that will happen.
And while you’re at it, thoughts on the blockbuster Knicks’ trade?