The Player and the Blueprint are in L.A.

The player the N.Y. Knicks desperately needs is Kobe Bryant. His relentless passion for the game is unquestioned, and his effort on the floor night in and night out is among the best all time.

I know he caught a lot of flack after the Shaq fiasco, the rape trial, and his trade demand this summer, but he only wanted the organization to make a serious attempt to better the team. Although I do not agree with how he went about it, I believe his criticism of the team, Bynum in particular, was a catalyst in getting those guys to step up their game.

Who is reaping the benefits of stepping up their game, Bynum, Odom, and Ariza (starting now). And Kobe is now the consummate teammate. Deferring to the younger players and keeping them in the game. His shot attempts, and ppg are down this season. He only becomes selfish when he feels he has to carry the load, but he has no problem dishing, playing defense, and supporting the other players, as long as they are striving for excellence.

This is exactly what E City needs, tough love. Isiah was criticized when he critiqued his effort, but unlike Larry Brown, Isiah strategically criticizes his team, when it is apparent his team is not responding, and the criticism is still fair to say the least.

Curry felt slighted when Howard was selected for the All Star Team last season, that should have been his motivation to get in the gym, hire a work out guru, and work out 2-3 times a day if necessary, to elevate his game into the next level. Had he done that, he would have been the best Center in the league, bar none. Have you seen Bynum? That kid took the criticism well, and he is now playing above the rim in big games. This is another kid straight out of high school, but he obviously does not have a fragile psyche. And now his frame is the epitome of what an NBA center's body should resemble (ala Howard).

The guys are faster, and more athletic now. The plodding offense will not get it done if you do not have the ability to get back and defend the lane, especially after you turn over the ball. Teams are feasting on the E City offense. His calves look like one huge drumstick, no definition. He shows flashes of brilliance offensively, and with an occasional blocked shot, he shows you what he is capable of, but without conditioning his game will never be consistent.

I don't know if this has anything to do with his heart condition, but if he will not do the work, it's really time to explore getting rid of him. Benching him is a good start though, albeit a little late. Let's see how he responds. I know Curry is the key to any serious playoff contention/run we make. But only Curry can justify that thought process, with effort, passion, and execution, on a consistent basis, on both ends of the floor. Everything Thomas envisioned will come to fruition if Curry steps up to the plate.