The Knicks Thread....

[Doobie]

I can't wait for this weekend. I just want the playoffs to start already.

[Andrew]

Got tickets for any games?

[Jeffx]

Tyson Chandler is questionable for Game 1 with a bad case of the flu.

[Andrew]

Chandler played, Shumpert left the game with a knee injury. A lot of that going around this year.

[NovU]

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Will he be back as a Knick though? To be safe, I will pick up Tyson Chandler jersey.

[Jeffx]

Some tough words from Woodson in yesterday's NY Daily News, saying Carmelo needs to be in better shape. Also Carmelo and the entire team have to do things this summer to raise their game_

Preach it coach!

[Andrew]

Well, the losing streak is over. I'd say that officially makes it the Knicks' best season in years, with some promise for the future.

[Jeffx]

It shows you how far the Knicks have sunk when the fans are giddy over ONE playoff win in 11 years. During the 90s, anything less than the conference finals was considered failure. After that it was Scott Layden, Isiah Thomas, bad contacts, Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, etc. And we have James Dolan to thank for turning the Knicks into a laughing stock. I still don't think they'll win anything as long as he & Cablevision own the team.

[Andrew]

Baby steps, I guess. Combined with an eagerness/desperation to see the losing streak end and something positive come out of the series, which has now officially wrapped up.

I still think there's a lot of promise with the Knicks, if everyone can stay healthy. They're talking about keeping Woodson on which right now seems like a good move, they've got two stars in Melo and Amar'e, good young players in Lin and Fields, the Defensive Player of the Year in Tyson Chandler and a couple of other serviceable players. It's not perfect and Dolan could sabotage the whole thing with boneheaded decisions and hirings, but it's the brightest outlook for them in some time.

[Jeffx]

Knicks don't have the freedom to make a lot of moves. Lin, Smith, Novak & Fields are free agents. Even if Lin comes back, Knicks need an established veteran PG who'll challenge the two stars. I like Lin, but he's not good enough to pose a threat to Miami. That's the team to beat. Knicks also need a lights-out shooter - someone to help Carmelo.

[SkyLine03LT]

Knicks don't have the freedom to make a lot of moves. Lin, Smith, Novak & Fields are free agents. Even if Lin comes back, Knicks need an established veteran PG who'll challenge the two stars. I like Lin, but he's not good enough to pose a threat to Miami. That's the team to beat. Knicks also need a lights-out shooter - someone to help Carmelo.

The Knicks might try to get Jason Terry or Lamar Odom if they don't resign Novak and Fields. I think Lin will opt to stay with the team, I mean who wouldn't want to play in the Big Apple with guys like Melo, Amare and Tyson Chandler on your side. He pretty much has a starting spot guaranteed. If I'm the knicks I'm thinking long term rather than next season, because Lin is gonna be a blast in two years, the big trio will still be on top of their games, and it's just a matter of having a productive bench that won't get injured every two games.

[Jeffx]

I wouldn't have Odom on my team. Dude's a head case - let him go back to LA.

Terry's interesting, but isn't he in his 30s?

Woodson said Lin's definitely coming back, but didn't guarantee him to start. Besides Nash, I've heard Andre Miller mentioned as a possible PG for the Knicks.

[benji]

Terry will be 35 when next season starts.

[Andrew]

If Nash is leaving Phoenix then presumably it'll be to go to a team like the Heat, who are much more likely to be contending and could indeed be the defending champions when the opportunity to sign on the dotted line comes along. That said, the Knicks could be an intriguing possibility for him. Melo and Amar'e with one of the best point guards of the three point era (who's still playing at a high level) running the offense, Chandler anchoring the defense, a couple of promising young players and a solid coach in Woodson? If everyone stays healthy, there's some promise in that team.

They'd have to make a stronger pitch than Miami, though. There's the rub.

[SkyLine03LT]

They could give Nash the fact that he will be reunited with Amare. I'm sure they have some chemistry left. Plus Nash might eliminate the error when Melo and Stoudemire want to play the same spots as there was no one to actually run the Knicks' offense this year.

I'd love it if Nash went to Miami though One more of my favorite players on my favorite team

[Andrew]

Perhaps. He'd also probably be a better fit with them since LeBron and Wade both handle the ball a fair bit and run the offense. Still, if he leaves Phoenix it'll be for a good shot at winning it all and in that respect, the Heat present a far more attractive opportunity.

[Jeffx]

If Nash wants a title, no way he comes to NY. The team isn't there yet.

[Andrew]

Sources: Knicks to give Woodson long-term deal

Seems like a step in the right direction for the moment.

[Jeffx]

I'm surprised the Knicks front office didn't give Phil a call to see if he's interested in coaching again.

[benji]

Would he really want to spend time with a still building team with Melo as his star? Even with the Knicks ties?

There might be a team in a warmer climate and three stars with an opening soon.

[rise]

If Nash wants a title, no way he comes to NY. The team isn't there yet.

Most of the team's problems stem from not having a legit point guard. Nash dishing to Amar'e, Melo, and TC would be amazing to watch. It would allow Shump to play at the 2. If Nash comes, Lin probably goes, although Nash-Lin would be a pretty sick PG combo.

[Andrew]

Yeah, I'm guessing Jackson probably would've passed on the job. It seems like he's done with coaching, though as always you never say never.

Most of the team's problems stem from not having a legit point guard. Nash dishing to Amar'e, Melo, and TC would be amazing to watch. It would allow Shump to play at the 2. If Nash comes, Lin probably goes, although Nash-Lin would be a pretty sick PG combo.

Absolutely, but if he wants to chase a title there are better opportunities out there than New York.

[Jeffx]

I don't think Phil would coach NY either - not enough talent and Brain-Dead Dolan won't give Phil the power he wants. But I thought they'd at least give him a courtesy call.

[Jeffx]

I heard Toronto's going to make a serious run at Lin. I want the kid to stay, but the Knicks can't overpay for him.

[NovU]

I can see why. It will be for pure marketing purpose though. Toronto has a huge Asian population all around the country and especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Will draw entire nation's attention to the Raptors and steal a lot of attention from hockey.