The Knicks are suffering the consequences of the NBA's chronic problem with the long list of over paid, unproven talent. How could Isiah Thomas justify the money spent to bring a player like Marbury, James, Richardson, Crawford or even Curry? What have they done so far? The Knicks, on paper, are a solid Eastern Conference contender. However, with a 13-26 record half way through the season, they are 13th in the conference and 5 full games the eighth and last spot in the playoffs.
What a mess? How could you fix it? There are a couple of scenarios that may save the Knicks and take them out of life support.
1- Get KG: Marbury needs a real go to guy. They've played together in Sota and they like each other...yes they do! I'll gladly give the any combination of Jerome James, Qyntel Richardson, Malik Rose and Maurice Taylor. Even if they want all of them, take them. But, keep Eddie Curry so that he could learn from KG and develops into a dominant center. This will bring back some excitement back to the Garden, may be even a playoff berth.
2- Trade away: Get ride of players that haven't proven to be worth the cash. I would start with Anfernee Hardaway and Jamal Crawford. When was the last time Hardaway played more than 20 games in a season? Poor Jamal! Now that Larry Brown has completely removed any ounce of confidence he ever had, he isn't worth the mula he is getting paid anymore. I know there are more of those players but, it's too hard for me and I don't want to cry.
3- New GM: Thomas had his chance but, he hasn't delivered. His formula for success has the Knicks in such financial hart ship that it makes my back account look good. I don't know what's easier to handle, the National deficit or the Knicks salary expenditures. Who is spending more with nothing to show for? Isiah Thomas in NY or George Bush in Iraq?
I truly miss the Patrick Ewing years. Times where success and excitement ruled the "Mecca" of basketball. Now all you hear is "boos" echoing in the Garden...even Spike Lee is booing the Knicks. I long for a day where I see the Knicks competing with Detroit, Miami or Indiana for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. I just hope it happens before I get tired of waiting and jump ship. Western Conference teams need love too, you know!
Prospect