Posted: Tuesday, 15 January 2008 12:57PM
Roberts Blog: Analyzing The Thomas Error
Evan Roberts
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Birth of a Travesty....Just how did the Knicks get SOOO BAD.
As the 2007-2008 season rolls on, it is becoming painfully obvious that after 82 games the Knicks season will end. There will be no April cameo for the Knicks, where Isiah Thomas can tell the fans proudly at MSG "welcome to the playoffs." The only warm welcome the Knicks will get is to the NBA draft lottery, where luckily their pick has not been traded away (As of this blog). So how did this team become so damn bad. Interesting question, that we will analyze in this installment of "Boy this team stinks" blog.
The First Big Splash
 After dumping Clearance Weatherspoon, President Thomas acquired Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway for Antonio McDyess, Charlie Ward, Howard Eisley (other players involved but not important enough to talk about.) At the time this was a no brainer, obviously the Knicks weren't giving up much in talent and Marbury without question was and is a very talented performer. But off the court this was the first building block in the disaster that became the Knicks. Steph had a horrific contract and an even worse attitude. This wasn't the worst deal, but this one set the tone for the following 4 years.
Steph's 1st Trade
Keith Van Horn and Michael Doleac for Nazir Mohammed and Tim (FOOGAZY) Thomas. This was Marbury's first deal as the voice in Isiah's ear. This killed all of the good feel the Knicks were building as they headed towards the playoffs. Marbury didn't like Van Horn so Van Horn goes bye-bye. The trade was as simple as that. Tim Thomas had the talent, but like many he was not a fit at all for the Knicks. He inspired Kenyon Martin in the playoffs and sat out most of it.
Lets Help the Bulls Part I
Jamal Crawford comes over along with Jerome Williams for Frank Williams, Dikembe Mutombo and Othella Harrington. Again talent wise no big deal, but contract wise not pretty at all. Crawford may be one of the few deals that Isiah won't regret. Though financially it stunk, Crawford actually plays with some heart and passion. This was President Thomas' best deal! Congrats big boy!
Steph's 2nd Trade
Stephon didn't like Kurt Thomas, so Thomas goes bye, bye! Another bad contract in Quentin Richardson comes back in return, but along with Q is the draft rights for Nate Robinson. That's the saving grace of this deal!
Jerome James Comes to Town
Seriously, did Jerome show up with a mask and threaten Isiah! How else could this guy get such a ridiculous contract. One strong round in the playoffs?! This deal is like a really bad meal, you feel the after effects for a long, long time.
The Franchise!
Forget Tom Seaver, its E-City. The Knicks paid a king's ransom for a guy with a bad heart and an even worse work ethic. Tim Thomas, Michael Sweetney, and how many big time draft picks! This was the trade that Thomas really put his reputation on. It was a gamble, that so far looks like an unmitigated disaster. A Bad contract (what else is new) and lottery picks. Maybe the worst trade Isiah has made.
Stevie FRANCHISE
Earl the Pearl and Clyde in the same back court = Steph and Francis? Ha! But don't blame Isiah trading the expiring contract of Penny and Trevor Ariza for Steve Francis... this was all Larry Brown's idea.
The Finishing Touch
The cherry on top for Isiah! Zach Randolph, Dan Dickau and Freddy Jones for Channing Frye and Steve Francis. Again talent wise its no big deal. But attitude and contract wise this one is just another "pile on the terrible contract" trade. Zach has tremendous talent, but he ALREADY wants out!
The best one? Jamal Crawford coming to NY. The worst one? Probably Eddy Curry. The only saving grace for Isiah is that the worst deal in the last 10 years for the Knicks, may be one that his predecessor made. I mean seriously how can you deal Marcus Camby for Antonio McDyess?! Bottom line for Isiah...this best decision he has made recently is saying he doesn't want to make a trade. Clearly that is the best idea. |
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Roberts Rant: Sorry NBA...It's 2005 All Over Again!
I gotta tell ya...the 2008 NBA playoffs have been quite entertaining. We've seen a bunch of Game 7's, and we have seen the teams we expected advance to the NBA's final four. The league and David Stern are now this close to their nirvana...
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Roberts Rant: The Right Choice?
Mike D'Antoni is a fine coach with a solid resume. He has had great regular season success with the Suns and great all round success while coaching in Europe. Mike seems like a nice guy, who I'm sure we'd all love to have a beer with. With that said...
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Roberts Blog: The Aftershock!
So how do things look for the locals now that the trade deadline has passed? Eh, more of the same! We'll get to the Knicks in a bit, because they still stink, and I'm starting to run out of ways to express that obvious fact.
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Roberts Blog: A Dear Jason Letter
Dear Jason, Wow, I can't believe it's really over! I mean all the good times and all the hard times and now its finally really finished. Man, I'll tell ya these 6 ½ years went by like the speed of light.
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Roberts Blog: Power Down Isiah
It's like knowing you are going to break up with your girlfriend, but before dumping her, you let her rearrange your house! It's like giving her the control to sell your car, or name your dog! That would be insanity.
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Roberts Blog: Time To Rebuild
Ok deep breath. The New Jersey Nets will NOT win a championship anytime soon. For many this has been obvious for years, but for some diehards this is a cold, hard taste of reality. This week it finally happened...reality sank in! It's time...It's time...to put the Kidd era Nets out of its misery.
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Roberts Blog: Knicks Have The Knack
I know its tough to get excited about a team that still trails the 8th seed by more than 6 games, but how bout them Knicks!! I guess when you set the bar so low, anything, and I mean ANYTHING can get a fan base excited.
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