NEW YORK — Before signing with the New York Knicks back in July 2010, Amar’e Stoudemire did his homework. Some 48 hours before his first meeting with James Dolan and the Knicks’ brass, he’d spoken with both Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker. According to him, both were ready to team up with him to begin the renaissance. Although the Spurs were ultimately able to retain Parker, Anthony eventually made his way to the Mecca. Now, almost two years later, if the Knicks dynamic
The Boston Celtics can probably see the end of their monstrous eight-game road trip. But this is not the time to look ahead. The Celtics have two games remaining on their 13-day trek, which began with a marquee matchup in Los Angeles against the Lakers on March 11. But Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks – and, for that matter, Friday’s trip finale in Philadelphia – are probably the most important games on the trip. The Celtics are 3-3 on the trip
Perhaps it is time to re-examine two beliefs that have mostly gone unquestioned during the first three months of this 66-game NBA season. No. 1: The Los Angeles Clippers are going to the playoffs. No. 2: The Philadelphia 76ers are going to win the Atlantic Division. Don’t be so sure of either one. Let’s start with the Clippers, the darlings of December and January who were surpassed in the Pacific Division standings by the Lakers nearly a month ago. They haven’t won a road
The other day, I was stuck behind the Boston Celtics on the highway. I was in the left lane and I wanted to go considerably faster than the car in front of me, who was doing about 60. Against my better judgment, I got up on his tail and applied some pressure, but he refused to go any faster or move into the right lane. Somewhat annoyed, I drove right behind him for about a quarter-mile before a gap opened in the
Hot lingo among the internet world when discussing a player similar to one from years past is to refer to said player as “so-and-so 2.0.” It is a tech term for an upgrade. Well, Draymond Green of Michigan State seems to be Anthony Mason 2.0. Green is not left-handed, and it took a long time before Mason became a trusted jump shooter. But Green is an excellent combination of size and skill. He possesses the rare combination of post-up ability at the
Let the Wood-sanity begin. It has been three games since Mike Woodson took over the coaching duties of the New York Knicks after the firing resignation of Mike D’Antoni. The Knicks have since gone 3-0. Preaching defense and accountability — perhaps the polar opposite of D’Antoni’s style — Woodson has changed the attitude of his players and the results have shown in remarkable fashion on the court. Since going on a nightmare six-game losing streak that saw them fall out of the playoff picture, New
// The New York Knicks have now clobbered two opponents since Mike D’Antoni was fired resigned from his job, which makes it a cinch that Mike Woodson will not only be Coach of the Year but will be given a five-year, $25 million extension by Jim Dolan (pardon the hyperbole). In actuality, the Knicks (Dolan) are going to have t decide whether or not to make a serious run at Phil Jackson, who is spending a year (at least) in retirement and
And now, in the act Knicks fans have waited all season for…. Phil Jackson to the rescue! Imagine that, another Knick dream, shot to hell. It’s not happening. Friends say Jackson is still happy as a clam in retirement, living on the water in Playa Del Rey, about to undergo knee surgery, in a continuing effort to put his body back together and do things like bicycle though Europe. The Knicks are nowhere in his thoughts, at present. Since he does have a New York thing,