Knicks Win 117- 103: Post-Game Thread
Amar'e Stoudemire and Landry Fields led the way to an impressive win with power and finesse. Stoudemire ended the game with 41 points (on 17 for 21 shooting), 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 assists. Fields finished with 25 points and 10 boards; he hit five tres out of seven attempts.
As impressive and essential as the win was, it appears that the Knicks' recent off-court moves may have the most impact this season if the rumors from Chris Broussard are true. The prominent writer for ESPN reports that the Knicks are in conversations with Minnesota and Denver in an effort to get Carmelo Anthony. Donnie Walsh has confirmed that such discussions are on-going.
Additionally the Knicks have hired former Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien as director of pro player personnel, the team announced Saturday. Warkentien was previously the vice president of basketball operations for Carmelo's Nuggets. Walsh says that the hire had nothing to do with the Anthony talk although Anthony and Warkentien are also represented by the same agency.
(While you are mulling over the game, you might also want to check out O&B's latest work on Gullible and Covetous, and the noon LBE which featured appearances by Peaceman, O&B, Prince, DLT, Tman and Lives.)
Melo drama takes on a new theatrical dimension as Chris Broussard of ESPN reports that Lakers have now contacted Denver for the purpose of acquiring Anthony Melo, offering Andrew Bynum in return. See http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6101304. Broussard is given considerable credibility in the sports media, and is considered to have "sources" close to the sitution--bing the 1st to report about a potential Knick, Minnesota, Denver deal. Broussard believes that Denver would be interested in Bynum in a straight up deal for Carmelo, as opposed to either Artest or Odom, whom the Lakers previously dangled. Moreover, Broussard believes that Melo may opt to sign an extension with the Lakers since he and his wife recently purchased a home in LA.
Another wrinkle for the Knicks attaining Melo is the health status of Wilson Chandler, who has missed several games and has not exhibited as much explosive elevation in recent games--the problem being a calf injury but one that is being speculated as related to the ankle on which he has had 3 surgical operations, the latest being this summer. That Chandler is not under a contract and also becomes a free agent on July 1st, is also a concern for Denver, unless Chandler, who is now without an agent, signs a deal with the Knicks and/or Denver prior to a trade.
That Jimmy D. has now reportedly entered the stage is also a sign that Knicks are serious about attaining Melo and is presumably willing to put up MSG money to make it happen as well as offer other players--Rautins, Walker, Azubuike, if necessary. Dolan's role in the Melo drama may be an indication that he no longer has patience for Donnie Walsh's turtle-like movements, and wants to assure Melo that (1) the Knicks are really interested and (2) money is no object.
At any rate, I don't believe that anything will happen before the all star break (Feb. 17-22). The All Star Game on Feb. 20th may be worth watching, not only fo see the elite stars, but also to see if the Melo drama reaches a finale. Even if a deal is close, Stern is probably pushing for no announcement until the 20th, so as to further generate audience interest and attract advertizing revenue. Here's hoping Jimmy D gets it done. LGK
@Basketball_Goals He stepped up in what could have been called a "must win." Kudos to him for that.
Read below "Semper Sic Tyrranus" Thus always of tyrants! Karma may be something you don't want to ruffle . . . .
@Tman OBTW, nice observation on the possible origins of the term trading block. The Carmelo hold up and the threat of the New CBA over Melo and the rest of the players clearly indicates that NBA owners hold some degree of that old mentality in their mechinations.
@Tman That's a good idea, The Garden in respect of the ole Don could shout out Semper Fidelis on behalf of Walsh.
You know I defended Ike. But too me two wrongs don't make it right. R&R as you say should be directed to the Ole Shark. Let him play out this one and retire in style!
@Orange_and_Blue Sic Semper Tyrannus is good, if we had an ax, gun or rope in our hands, fortunately we have a quill or an Ipad.As to the trade, it seems Donnie has moved Fields off the trading block (Interesting word analogy, slaves were traded and sold on a "block".Fields must stay at all costs.Yesterday illustrates this kids versatility and expanding future.Denver seems willing to do other things like Rautins, ec.I'm okay with that even if Rautins is very solid.This thing seems to be shaping up.Unfortunately, the Walsh scenario seems like the usual two faced backstabbing that Dolan the Duper is so blase about.We may not be able to work with Sic Semper Tyrannus, but a Garden Shout out shot the Marine's "Semper Fidelis' in the face might show him how we feel about keeping Donnie Walsh.LGK
While we're at it, here's another co-knicks-undrum.Sure, D'Ant, wants more firepower, Melo is a chainsaw brought to a knife fight, but what does that do to his favorite son's favorite position.Melo is a three, period.How do you move an All Star?There is a little play, but Chandler, strong and somewhat willing, played the four when he was a natural three.Guess where Denver Will play him?Will Gallo do the same?Actually if he got a little stronger which he will eventually age up to it might work well.Slow at the three, he's quick at the four.Fours can't guard Gallo.But you take a beating there.He's got enuff attitude to fight it out, maybe not the strength yet to body up on very bigboned 4's.Really too slow for the two, excepting unusual matchups.Interesting dilemma for D'Ant.Needs fourth quarter offense from Melo, but has to demote his nephew.Whatcha gonna do?As the "Nix" world turns, continues.LGK
@Tman I'm still not sold that the parameters of the trade as outlined by Broussard are set. Gallo may replace Will. Let us pray Fields stays.
Gallo gone might mean D'opey follows, and if so, I'm aight by it. Reall aight by it!
So, you thought my "speculation" scenario was just blowing smoke huh?The Donnie out, Isiah in scenario, I suggested a few days ago seems more likely today.Read it and spit up!Still think Zeke deserves another shot somewhere, just not here!
Daily News
"Mark Warkentien's run as the Knicks' new director of pro personnel may not be a long one. A Knicks source confirmed that Warkentien, who was officially hired on Saturday, has a contract that runs through July 1. It doesn't mean Warkentien, whose main responsibility is college scouting on the West Coast, won't be retained but it's unlikely that he'll be Donnie Walsh's successor. Also, the length of the contract suggests that Warkentien is also keeping his options open should another job become available. Warkentien, from Indiana, is already being mentioned as a candidate to replace Larry Bird with the Pacers.
The circumstances surrounding Warkentien's appointment are sketchy. Walsh, the Knicks' president, maintains that he is responsible for hiring Warkentien and yet several team sources claim that Garden Chairman James Dolan made the hire without Walsh's knowledge."
@Tman R&R to T'Man Respect and Recognize. Well intuited. Also you have to like the way I read the ending of Walsh's option on 04/30/11 with the soon to expire trade deadline 02/28/11 as being pre structured to allow Dolan to push the Mello envelope and allow Ike to return to the Garden.
You T'Man and the rest of our fanatical bretheren do know that some one may cry out! . . . .
Semper sic tyrannus!
For hallucination/elucidation-Here's what was written (So shall it be done., "Let the name of Moses...ha, ha, ha...Dolan II.)
Feb. 4,
Speculation, speculation, methinks Donnie doth protest too much, he’s too slick for that innocent approach, how about… A negotiation between D’olan and Walsh where Walsh agrees to leave, and remains a paid ‘consultant” with the understanding his Denver protege comes in for a year while Zeke preps to take over the team in transition.That scenario makes D’olan look somewhat reasonable, allows Donnie a graceful exit as a man in control and allows Zeke to appear as an eventual reasonable transitional choice.What makes this plausible?D’olan doesn’t have to keep Donnie and Zeke has to be pushing the envelope hard to return.Why would Donnie try to bring Wark in with his own staus in doubt?Doughlan could end all the speculation with a nod.Zeke seems to be high on the D’olan agenda but bringing him in and dumping a very popular Walsh at the same time might be best served with a transitional “beard” who gets the gate in a year, that’s why not allowing someone in-house to take Donnie’s spot might be troublesome.They might be harder to dislodge than a rental.Delivering Anthony may be Donnie’s final deed.Expect an announcement from Ike that he was behind the scene pulling all the strings.Just speculating.
D'Antoni smartly figured he needed to put a little more size in the middle to contain Brand and let Stoudemire loose a little.
Clyde was right. It was a fun defensive battle to watch. The Knicks seemed a little more determined and less winded near the end of the game. The hoem court advantage perhaps? A good win, but we could easily go 2 and 2 or 1-3 before the all-star break.. Beating the Clippers is essential.
Charlotte, Philly and Indiana are beginning to find their stride.
Mozzy da Bear is proving to be very helpful in helping contain opposing teams burly forwards. Griffin is a freak so the Knicks will need to show him multiple looks, mix and match so as not to get Mozzy in foul trouble. Williams and STAT along with Chandler could take turns guarding him.
Knicks need to get the next one against the "beatable" though much improved clippers. Have to get forward momentum going less they slip in the chase for a playoff seeding. Still plenty of games to go to lose their current position.
