Resurrecting the Knickerbockers

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by Digger

2000-01 was the last winning basketball season in New York (team history). Six Head Coaches endured losing seasons as Knicks teams disgraced one of the leagues most famous franchises. GM/Coach Isiah Thomas was finally driven out amid swirling controversies on and off the court.

New York's resurrection began with the firing of Thomas and hiring of two key cogs for years to come. New President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh (former Indiana Pacers Prez) impact has already been felt. He's slashed payroll and improved team cohesiveness. After a couple of key early season trades NY finds itself sitting pretty well below the salary cap. NY papers and Garden faithful quickly started cheering for LeBron James. Speculation ran amuck suggesting Walsh's deals were aimed at better positioning NY to sign James when he becomes a free agent. Garden fans will be howling for him tonight when Cleveland squares off vs NY.

New Coach Mike D'Antoni has reshaped how the Knicks play ball. Early results are already paying huge dividends with his team challenging for post-season play. NY closed out January 9-7, their first winning month in a long time. Even with Kobe setting a new MSG scoring record (61 points)... the Knicks are playing tough hoops. Big challenge #2 is Cleveland. James is probably dreaming of winning over New Yorkers by smashing Bryant's 61.

My guess is it'll be a different superstar, not LeBron, wearing Knicks colors after this year. Cavs would be absolutely insane not to keep the leagues best player. Anything short of pulling off a Hershal Walker type trade would doom them for years to come.

D'Antoni's Knick resurrection is a work in progress. It's amazing how quickly two people who actually know something about the game can turn around a struggling organization. The past seven years were wasted on overpriced underachieving brick tossers making headlines for misconduct more often than wins. This is a young team with a bright future playing inspired basketball game in and game out.

Go Knicks!