Sunday, January 13, 2008
The road to redemption.......
By no means am I being cocky, or overlooking the Cowboys, but since we have finally beaten J. Garcia in the playoffs, wouldn't it be poetic justic if we could somehow avenge the two (best teams) conference loses, and wind up in the Superbowl and WIN, against the undefeated Patriots, when it really counts. Wow, that would be some story book ending for the ages.... But back to reality... Contrary to popular opinion, Eli doesn't need to outplay Romo, he needs to stay within himself, and play like he has the past three weeks. The rest will be decided by our defense. And don't forget about Bradshaw.... Go Big Blue!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
A Champion's Opinion........
Amen.... I'm glad this is coming from someone who actually played the game, and not from someone who has probably lacked any semblance of athletic ability their entire lives, or someone who has absolutely no idea about what it takes to compete. Sounds EXACTLY, like what I have been saying all year. BTW, Willis is not an MSG employee either, just one of the greatest legends that has ever donned the uniform. If Curry gets in shape, we can beat anyone, period. The onus is on Curry... Isiah's job is getting that message through to the most important piece in the "current" roster. Unless we could get Kobe, and possibly, add Artest next year, we have to be resigned to the fact that Curry is the one individual who's progress (conditioning/ defensively/ etc) can propel the Knicks into a contender and/or champion. If he can do that, watch the chemistry flourish... Mark my words.
Willis Reed defends Isiah Thomas, laments losing ways of Knicks
Friday, January 11th 2008, 4:00 AM Bedford/Getty - Willis Reed -Farrell/News
Reed's dramatic and historic effort in Game 7 against the Lakers on May 8, 1970 helped spark the Knicks to their first title.
The May 9, 1970 front page of the Daily News.
These should be heady times for Willis Reed. He is eagerly counting the days until the NBA All-Star Game arrives in his native Louisiana, providing another much-needed economic boost to New Orleans. And he is looking forward to seeing one of his neighbors in Ruston, La., Karl Malone, get his ticket punched this spring to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
But when Reed sees what is happening to his beloved Knicks, he feels as frustrated as any season ticket-holder. But where the team's legendary captain and former coach draws the line is in calling for Isiah Thomas' head.
"I can't say I'd make a move with Isiah," Reed said Thursday at an appearance at the NBA Store. "I think he's doing all he can. He's got talent there. But they just don't have the chemistry right. Hopefully, my guys will turn it around. Sometimes, it takes time and I hope that's the case."
While the collection of players Thomas has assembled is flawed, Reed kept coming back to the obvious lack of cohesion.
"When we played and when we won, we were a team," said the lone Knick to win the NBA's MVP award, in 1970. "We were like brothers. We were there for the same cause, we were there for each other, we worked for the same goal, and we won two championships."
But these days, the Knicks are known only as accomplished losers, which pains Reed.
"I'm a fan and I believe Isiah will eventually turn it around, but I am frustrated because we all want to win," he said. "I'm sitting down there in Ruston, watching their games on TV, and I just know they're trying everything. They're willing to spend the money. They've got good talent. But it just has not clicked. There's something missing."
Perhaps more than a few of the players are not cut out for New York, a point Reed concurred with.
"I know that New York is not an easy place to play," he said. "You better have tough skin, thick skin, around here. We had some bad teams, too, and we got booed, before we got good. So my advice to the players is, don't read the paper. Stay focused on doing what you can do as a player to make your team better."
While he monitors his old team, Reed has been appearing in public service announcements on behalf of the Louisiana Bureau of Tourism to promote his state as a travel destination. He will be in New Orleans Feb.16-17 for the All-Star Game.
"When I watch TV, I see the same footage all the time - New Orleans is underwater," he said. "But New Orleans is not still underwater. There's a lot of excitement about the All-Star Game. It's going to be a phenomenal event for the city and the state. You see, a lot of good things are going on down there."
Among them, Reed lists Malone's expected nomination to the Hall of Fame.
"His longevity and work ethic were phenomenal," Reed said. "The only reason he didn't get his ring was because of Michael (Jordan). That's all he's missing from his career. But anybody who plays power forward in our league should look at what the Mailman did to see how it's done."
mlawrence@nydailynews.com
Willis Reed defends Isiah Thomas, laments losing ways of Knicks
Friday, January 11th 2008, 4:00 AM Bedford/Getty - Willis Reed -Farrell/News
Reed's dramatic and historic effort in Game 7 against the Lakers on May 8, 1970 helped spark the Knicks to their first title.
The May 9, 1970 front page of the Daily News.
These should be heady times for Willis Reed. He is eagerly counting the days until the NBA All-Star Game arrives in his native Louisiana, providing another much-needed economic boost to New Orleans. And he is looking forward to seeing one of his neighbors in Ruston, La., Karl Malone, get his ticket punched this spring to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
But when Reed sees what is happening to his beloved Knicks, he feels as frustrated as any season ticket-holder. But where the team's legendary captain and former coach draws the line is in calling for Isiah Thomas' head.
"I can't say I'd make a move with Isiah," Reed said Thursday at an appearance at the NBA Store. "I think he's doing all he can. He's got talent there. But they just don't have the chemistry right. Hopefully, my guys will turn it around. Sometimes, it takes time and I hope that's the case."
While the collection of players Thomas has assembled is flawed, Reed kept coming back to the obvious lack of cohesion.
"When we played and when we won, we were a team," said the lone Knick to win the NBA's MVP award, in 1970. "We were like brothers. We were there for the same cause, we were there for each other, we worked for the same goal, and we won two championships."
But these days, the Knicks are known only as accomplished losers, which pains Reed.
"I'm a fan and I believe Isiah will eventually turn it around, but I am frustrated because we all want to win," he said. "I'm sitting down there in Ruston, watching their games on TV, and I just know they're trying everything. They're willing to spend the money. They've got good talent. But it just has not clicked. There's something missing."
Perhaps more than a few of the players are not cut out for New York, a point Reed concurred with.
"I know that New York is not an easy place to play," he said. "You better have tough skin, thick skin, around here. We had some bad teams, too, and we got booed, before we got good. So my advice to the players is, don't read the paper. Stay focused on doing what you can do as a player to make your team better."
While he monitors his old team, Reed has been appearing in public service announcements on behalf of the Louisiana Bureau of Tourism to promote his state as a travel destination. He will be in New Orleans Feb.16-17 for the All-Star Game.
"When I watch TV, I see the same footage all the time - New Orleans is underwater," he said. "But New Orleans is not still underwater. There's a lot of excitement about the All-Star Game. It's going to be a phenomenal event for the city and the state. You see, a lot of good things are going on down there."
Among them, Reed lists Malone's expected nomination to the Hall of Fame.
"His longevity and work ethic were phenomenal," Reed said. "The only reason he didn't get his ring was because of Michael (Jordan). That's all he's missing from his career. But anybody who plays power forward in our league should look at what the Mailman did to see how it's done."
mlawrence@nydailynews.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Call me a dreamer......
By no means should the Knicks feel giddy about last night's victory, but they should feel encouraged by the "collective" TEAM effort, and the defensive presence Curry (finally) displayed.
Now it's a matter of being consistent, on both fronts. I have always maintained that Curry is the key, if he can stay focused WE WILL, no doubt, be able to string a couple of victories together, and in the long run, we will make the playoffs. That will save face, and it will ensure Isiah has an opportunity to finish what he started, but in order to contend for a championship, I still think we are "1" franchise player away.
If L.A. has a disappointing playoff run, and we could somehow get Kobe next year; with Artest pretty much declaring his preference for the hometown team, I envision finally bringing that trophy back to the Garden within the next 3 years. Call me a dreamer ppl.... But I truly believe in what Isiah is trying to accomplish, he just needs a little luck now.
Now it's a matter of being consistent, on both fronts. I have always maintained that Curry is the key, if he can stay focused WE WILL, no doubt, be able to string a couple of victories together, and in the long run, we will make the playoffs. That will save face, and it will ensure Isiah has an opportunity to finish what he started, but in order to contend for a championship, I still think we are "1" franchise player away.
If L.A. has a disappointing playoff run, and we could somehow get Kobe next year; with Artest pretty much declaring his preference for the hometown team, I envision finally bringing that trophy back to the Garden within the next 3 years. Call me a dreamer ppl.... But I truly believe in what Isiah is trying to accomplish, he just needs a little luck now.
Security Detail, no surprise.
I'm glad Obama has consistently taken the high road all throughout his campaign, but I'm not running for office, and I am not on his staff, so I am afforded the right to speak bluntly.
Hillary benefited from the sympathy vote (emotional showing on Mon), and the anti Obama vote. I have contended all along that Barak's best chance of getting in would be as VP, not because I don't think he is capable, or the best candidate, but because of the prejudice that still permeates the American landscape to this day.
Hillary won by the slightest of margins last night. Barak had a double digit lead in some polls until late. The women who sympathize with her emotional outbursts came out in droves, and I'm sure those who were upset/irate/scared that Barak may be running away with this thing made sure their voices were heard too.
Another reason I think he should take the back seat is because the country is mired in economic/political/ and various international crisis' right now, and becoming the first black President at this time can be a blessing or a curse, but I think it would be more of a curse unless he was able to fix "ALL" (not realistic) of what ails the country in his first term. The fallout would set back minority candidates for another 30 years.
Just check out his security detail already, this is unprecedented, yet this is not the first time we had a black candidate.... Just the first time we had one that has a "realistic" chance of winning. They won't admit whether or not he has had credible death threats, but they know something, otherwise, they wouldn't have given him such a large detail so quickly. You know the fanatics are getting their rifles ready as we speak. Sad but true.........
I think any continued success he has will further motivate the voting masses. Either way, this is a good thing for the country. More people voting, means the country is paying attention, and even if Hillary wins, she is head and shoulders, better than any GOP candidate, although I have a soft spot for R. Paul (but he'll never win the GOP nomination).
**From the NY Post 1/09/08 ** (below)
O-RING OF SECURITY FOR SURPRISE DEM
By DAPHNE RETTER Post Correspondent
January 9, 2008 --
WASHINGTON -
The Secret Service has dramatically increased the number of agents protecting Democratic front-runner Barack Obama since his victory in the Iowa caucuses.
COMPLETE ELECTION 2008 COVERAGE
PHOTO GALLERY: New Hampshire Winners
The size of Obama's security detail now rivals President Bush's, The Washington Times has reported. The agents also have been seen guarding against people with high sight lines to the Illinois senator and have asked viewers standing on chairs to step down.
No one will comment about whether death threats have been received, but there have been fears that Obama, as an African-American making a serious bid for the White House, could be a target.
Reporters on the campaign trail have at times noticed a dozen agents surrounding the Illinois Democrat at public appearances - many more than had been spotted before he emerged as the Democratic front-runner.
Obama on Monday told NBC's Brian Williams that he tries not to put a lot of thought into the need for the constant security presence around him, but "it's hard to pretend that you don't have big guys who are 'packing' around you at all time," Obama said. "I think that every presidential candidate, certainly every president these days, is a potential target."
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff assigned Obama a security detail back in May, giving the senator the distinction of having the earliest Secret Service protection ever for a presidential candidate. Federal officials and fellow senators said then that concern about chatter on racist Web sites was part of the reason for the unprecedented move.
Four years ago, Democratic presidential candidates John Edwards and John Kerry were given Secret Service protection after the New Hampshire primary. Hillary Clinton retains Secret Service protection as a former first lady.
Secret Service spokeswoman Kim Bruce said yesterday the protection afforded a candidate is carefully monitored and may be frequently adjusted. "We are constantly evaluating the security with all of our protectees - not just with Obama but also with Clinton," Bruce said.
Congress provided $85 million for protection of presidential candidates in fiscal 2008, but Bruce would not comment on whether assessments of Obama's security needs would force the Secret Service to request more funding.
The Secret Service began protecting presidential candidates 40 years ago after Robert Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan as the New York Democratic senator was leaving a Los Angeles campaign appearance.
Additional reporting by Charles Hurt in Manchester, NH
daphne.retter@nypost.com
Hillary benefited from the sympathy vote (emotional showing on Mon), and the anti Obama vote. I have contended all along that Barak's best chance of getting in would be as VP, not because I don't think he is capable, or the best candidate, but because of the prejudice that still permeates the American landscape to this day.
Hillary won by the slightest of margins last night. Barak had a double digit lead in some polls until late. The women who sympathize with her emotional outbursts came out in droves, and I'm sure those who were upset/irate/scared that Barak may be running away with this thing made sure their voices were heard too.
Another reason I think he should take the back seat is because the country is mired in economic/political/ and various international crisis' right now, and becoming the first black President at this time can be a blessing or a curse, but I think it would be more of a curse unless he was able to fix "ALL" (not realistic) of what ails the country in his first term. The fallout would set back minority candidates for another 30 years.
Just check out his security detail already, this is unprecedented, yet this is not the first time we had a black candidate.... Just the first time we had one that has a "realistic" chance of winning. They won't admit whether or not he has had credible death threats, but they know something, otherwise, they wouldn't have given him such a large detail so quickly. You know the fanatics are getting their rifles ready as we speak. Sad but true.........
I think any continued success he has will further motivate the voting masses. Either way, this is a good thing for the country. More people voting, means the country is paying attention, and even if Hillary wins, she is head and shoulders, better than any GOP candidate, although I have a soft spot for R. Paul (but he'll never win the GOP nomination).
**From the NY Post 1/09/08 ** (below)
O-RING OF SECURITY FOR SURPRISE DEM
By DAPHNE RETTER Post Correspondent
January 9, 2008 --
WASHINGTON -
The Secret Service has dramatically increased the number of agents protecting Democratic front-runner Barack Obama since his victory in the Iowa caucuses.
COMPLETE ELECTION 2008 COVERAGE
PHOTO GALLERY: New Hampshire Winners
The size of Obama's security detail now rivals President Bush's, The Washington Times has reported. The agents also have been seen guarding against people with high sight lines to the Illinois senator and have asked viewers standing on chairs to step down.
No one will comment about whether death threats have been received, but there have been fears that Obama, as an African-American making a serious bid for the White House, could be a target.
Reporters on the campaign trail have at times noticed a dozen agents surrounding the Illinois Democrat at public appearances - many more than had been spotted before he emerged as the Democratic front-runner.
Obama on Monday told NBC's Brian Williams that he tries not to put a lot of thought into the need for the constant security presence around him, but "it's hard to pretend that you don't have big guys who are 'packing' around you at all time," Obama said. "I think that every presidential candidate, certainly every president these days, is a potential target."
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff assigned Obama a security detail back in May, giving the senator the distinction of having the earliest Secret Service protection ever for a presidential candidate. Federal officials and fellow senators said then that concern about chatter on racist Web sites was part of the reason for the unprecedented move.
Four years ago, Democratic presidential candidates John Edwards and John Kerry were given Secret Service protection after the New Hampshire primary. Hillary Clinton retains Secret Service protection as a former first lady.
Secret Service spokeswoman Kim Bruce said yesterday the protection afforded a candidate is carefully monitored and may be frequently adjusted. "We are constantly evaluating the security with all of our protectees - not just with Obama but also with Clinton," Bruce said.
Congress provided $85 million for protection of presidential candidates in fiscal 2008, but Bruce would not comment on whether assessments of Obama's security needs would force the Secret Service to request more funding.
The Secret Service began protecting presidential candidates 40 years ago after Robert Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan as the New York Democratic senator was leaving a Los Angeles campaign appearance.
Additional reporting by Charles Hurt in Manchester, NH
daphne.retter@nypost.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Interpreting mom now??????
The critics are a bunch of jerks. Now they are interpreting how his mom must "really" feel. That's her son, how many of your moms came out and defended you when the chips were down? Everyone with any sense knows the only reason Isiah has been unsuccessful is because he is one "franchise" player away from completing the puzzle. Eddy and Marbury are peices, but we need a megastar. We needed Rasheed Wallace but Detroit had first dibs. This off season we needed Kobe, or Kevin. Kobe, obviously went nowhere. Kevin on the other hand; was gift wrapped to the Celts, courtesy of the good old boy connection between McHale and Ainge. Can someone tell me what the Timberwolves got out of that deal, uh, NOTHING!!!!! NOONE can honestly say they seen that trade coming either. Everyone thought Kevin was going to L.A. or N.Y. All of you fly by night fans would have been singing Isiah's praises had he landed that deal. It is a tough job, and someone has to take responsibility, but unfortunately franchise players are not a dime a dozen.
Monday, January 7, 2008
1st step towards goal....
Again, I'm proud of the way we played against the Pats, and I'm kind of happy we lost that game too.. I think it allowed us to get a glimpse of how good we could be, but at the same time; losing enabled us to focus more intently on the task at hand, with a little chip on our shoulders to boot.
I knew Eli was capable... As I stated in the past, he doesn't need to be a superstar, he just needs to play under control and take what the defense gives him, someone will always be open, especially, if the line is able to keep the opponents off of him, as they did yesterday.
We didn't force anything, and that must be the mindset going into Dallas next week. Protect your quarterback, have a balanced attack, don't give up the big play, and take care of the football. If we do those little things, we have a chance to beat all the teams in contention. We definitely have the talent this year.
I knew Eli was capable... As I stated in the past, he doesn't need to be a superstar, he just needs to play under control and take what the defense gives him, someone will always be open, especially, if the line is able to keep the opponents off of him, as they did yesterday.
We didn't force anything, and that must be the mindset going into Dallas next week. Protect your quarterback, have a balanced attack, don't give up the big play, and take care of the football. If we do those little things, we have a chance to beat all the teams in contention. We definitely have the talent this year.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
ZEKE.... Stay out of the crosshairs
Isiah sure set himself up for ridicule this time. I happen to be one of the few fans left that actually believes this team has the potential to win, but my beliefs like Isiah's projections mean nothing if they don't translate into wins; both he and I just end up looking like idiots. I truly believe the achilles heal of this experiment is Curry, and I can't believe no one in Mgmt put the onus on him to get his body in NBA shape this past off season.
It is what it is and they are who their record says they are, but as for "the light at the end of the tunnel" comment, he would have been better served relating that to the state of the eastern conference. They are 10 games behind Toronto, 6 behind Jersey, and 4 behind Philly with a ton of games left to play. Realistically, if we could get some kind of continuity and string a couple of victories together, we can still make the playoffs, but please leave the championship talk at the door.
Until we're mathematically eliminated, I'm still a believer. As most "true" Knick fans are. One thing about Isiah, he took a chance few others would have taken, and that's rebuilding the Knicks with young/athletic players, for this very reason.... It takes time to win after you rebuild, and you will become the laughing stock of the league if you are unsuccessful. But someone has to get on Eddy, he is the key, make him work out (much harder), make him work on his defense and rebounding (ad nauseam), please!!!!!!!! If relaying this obvious fact to him fails, this experiment will crash and burn, definitely.......
It is what it is and they are who their record says they are, but as for "the light at the end of the tunnel" comment, he would have been better served relating that to the state of the eastern conference. They are 10 games behind Toronto, 6 behind Jersey, and 4 behind Philly with a ton of games left to play. Realistically, if we could get some kind of continuity and string a couple of victories together, we can still make the playoffs, but please leave the championship talk at the door.
Until we're mathematically eliminated, I'm still a believer. As most "true" Knick fans are. One thing about Isiah, he took a chance few others would have taken, and that's rebuilding the Knicks with young/athletic players, for this very reason.... It takes time to win after you rebuild, and you will become the laughing stock of the league if you are unsuccessful. But someone has to get on Eddy, he is the key, make him work out (much harder), make him work on his defense and rebounding (ad nauseam), please!!!!!!!! If relaying this obvious fact to him fails, this experiment will crash and burn, definitely.......
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