Knicks News

Knicks Decide Not to Pursue Iverson
Comment
November 20
New York Times
 
"The Knicks' pursuit of Allen Iverson is dead. In an abrupt reversal, Knicks officials decided late Thursday not to offer Iverson a contract, putting an end to their brief flirtation, according to a person close to the deliberations. Although team officials were highly intrigued by Iverson, a four-time scoring champion, they finally decided that he posed too great a risk because of his long history of problems on and off the court. Team officials spent three days weighing the potential merits and pitfalls of signing Iverson, and alternately talked themselves into and then out of making the move. On Tuesday the team president, Donnie Walsh, called it unlikely. Two days later he seemed open ..."
Iverson's a walking contradiction
Comment
November 20
New York Post
 columnist Peter Vecsey
"For A New Yorker who three years in a row purchased season tickets a section removed from the 76ers' bench just to be assured of the opportunity to be entertained by Allen Iverson whenever in Philadelphia, it's distressing to see his career tumbling (bouncing outta Graceland) so unhappily and dishonorably. Two seasons ago, Iverson was an All-Star, averaging 26.4 points for a Nuggets team summarily swept by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Since, if you're scoring at home or sponging off someone else, he's been run out of more towns — Denver, Auburn Hills and Memphis — believe it or not, than Larry Brown. Sad to say, in actuality, Iverson quit his last two pit stops. The same ..."
Walsh, D'Antoni to meet with Iverson before finishing deal
Comment
November 20
New York Post
 
"Allen Iverson became a free man again last night, clearing waivers and clearing the way for him to join the Knicks in time for next week's West Coast trip vs. the Lakers, Kings and Nuggets. Knicks president Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni were planning on interviewing Iverson first as final confirmation of their desire to make this massive move that changes the entire face of this season's club. There's a possibility of Iverson coming to New York for a sit-down meeting — the primary reason for the delay. Walsh and D'Antoni said an official signing may not come until after the weekend. Walsh, who met with his scouts yesterday, is expected to offer Iverson a one-year, $1.3M deal unless the ..."
Garden boss James Dolan hesitant on New York Knicks signing Allen Iverson
Comment
November 20
New York Daily News
 
"James Dolan never played in the NBA, but the chairman of Madison Square Garden has the power to do what few players ever could: Stop Allen Iverson. According to a high-ranking Knicks official, Dolan has reservations about the club signing Iverson, the multi-talented yet controversial guard who became a free agent last night after clearing waivers. Dolan's concerns about Iverson won't necessarily be deal-breakers. In fact, Dolan was not in favor of team president Donnie Walsh re-signing Nate Robinson over the summer and yet, not only did Robinson return, he also received a $2million raise. If nothing else, Dolan wants Walsh to do his due diligence, which could delay a potential signing for ..."
Can Iverson Restore Hope for Knicks?
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November 20
New York Times
 
"Iverson is once again looking for work, and this time the Knicks - appearing more listless than ever - seem ready to pounce. Iverson cleared waivers at 6 p.m. Thursday and became an unrestricted free agent. Publicly, Knicks officials continued to say that the matter was under deliberation. However, a person with close ties to the team said a decision had already been made. He placed the chances that the Knicks would sign Iverson at a percent in "the high 90s" and said a deal could be signed as soon as Friday. The person requested anonymity because he was discussing team business."
Iverson close to deal with the Knicks
Comment
November 20
NBA.com
 
"The New York Knicks' pursuit of free agent Allen Iverson has gone from longshot to even money in 48 hours, with several league sources indicating they believed Iverson would agree to a deal with the Knicks no later than the weekend -- and one source with knowledge of the negotiations indicating an agreement between the team and the nine-time All-Star was a near certainty. The 34-year-old Iverson officially cleared waivers Thursday evening after agreeing to a termination of his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after just three regular-season games. Iverson had requested a leave of absence from the Grizzlies on Nov. 10 after telling the team he had to deal with an urgent family matter. ..."
Knicks on verge of signing Iverson
Comment
November 19
Newsday
 
"Allen Iverson has told associates he is prepared to come to New York and resuscitate not only his Hall of Fame career but also a desperate franchise trying to pacify its frustrated fans as it bridges the gap to 2010. Though no decision has been officially made by the Knicks, indications are that the Iverson Era - however brief it may be - could begin as early as Thursday night after the 34-year-old former MVP clears waivers at 6 p.m. It may all hinge on how both sides come out of a conversation that is expected to take place Thursday. "We wouldn't be considering it if we thought we were functioning well and we're not," Walsh said of the Knicks, who went into last night's game against the ..."
Knicks consider adding Iverson
Comment
November 19
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Knicks, winners of just two of their first 11 games, are seriously contemplating signing Allen Iverson if he clears waivers Thursday evening. "We are at a point where, 'Do we need an influx of something else?' " Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It is always a fluid situation. It is fluid right now. We are just trying to determine what is the best for this organization and these players." This offseason, the Knicks chose not to try to sign Iverson, then a free agent. The Knicks believed Iverson would take too many minutes from starting point guard Chris Duhon and backups Nate Robinson and Toney Douglas. The Knicks also have been playing Larry Hughes in the backcourt. The ..."
No Knicks decision on Iverson offer
Comment
November 19
New York Post
 
"The waiting game for the Knicks and Allen Iverson goes on. Both Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni said this afternoon that the team has not reached a decision on whether to offer the controversial guard a contract if he clears waivers tonight. "I don't think anybody's made a decision yet," D'Antoni said after practice today. "We're going to keep looking at it. Donnie will look at it and we'll arrive at a decision. We're not ready. … I don't think we're ready to say yeah or nay yet. Let's just see how it plays out." Iverson will come off waivers at 6 p.m. tonight if no team claims him. On Wednesday, Walsh indicated the team was likely to make a bid for Iverson. Today after the Knicks practiced ..."
Knicks moving ahead in pursuit of Iverson
Comment
November 19
Bergen Record
 
"While Donnie Walsh spent part of his Wednesday with his wife, family and beloved dogs in what he still considers his primary home, the Knicks' president also spent part of it talking to people about Allen Iverson — including Larry Brown. He also plans, perhaps as soon as today, to talk to Iverson. He clearly sounds like someone who plans to pursue a player for whom fans are clamoring, but would represent — both he and coach Mike D'Antoni say — a significant change in direction for their reeling team. "We wouldn't be considering it if we thought we were functioning well," Walsh said before the Knicks' 110-103 victory. "And we're not." Thus, by the time Iverson is expected to clear waivers ..."
Curry provides spark for Knicks' win
Comment
November 19
Bergen Record
 
"The Knicks may be 2-9 after Wednesday's come-from-behind, losing streak-snapping 110-103 victory over the Pacers — but they're 1-0 when Eddy Curry plays. And with the shadow of Allen Iverson looming larger than ever over them. "Here come the Knicks," coach Mike D'Antoni said after his team snapped its six-game schneid. Even though Larry Hughes said the possibility of A.I. coming is "not even an issue," something got into the Knicks — something old (Curry bullying his way in and around the paint) and something new (defense). Playing his first significant minutes since March 7, 2008 after three cameos during a tumultuous 2008-09 season on and off the court, Curry demonstrated the force he ..."
Curry helps snap Knicks' six-game slide
Comment
November 19
New York Post
 
"The Knicks found their own "Answer" last night in the fourth quarter, playing the best period of the season in rallying for a stunning 110-103 victory over the Pacers that snapped a six-game losing streak. Rallying from a 19-point deficit with 3:25 left in the third, the Knicks pounded the Pacers, 34-17, in the final quarter at Conseco Field House in what could be their last game without Allen Iverson. Eddy Curry's season debut was impressive and Al Harrington went wild with a 13-point fourth quarter. The 2-9 Knicks got a victory and -- from all indications -- may now get Iverson, who becomes a free agent tonight. "Break up the Knicks," a relieved coach Mike D'Antoni said. "They're all ..."
Walsh near making offer to Iverson
Comment
November 19
New York Post
 
"Knicks team president Donnie Walsh gave strong indications he will make an offer to Allen Iverson, possibly as soon as tonight, when the veteran guard clears waivers at 6 p.m. and the A.I. New York Era could begin by the weekend. A source said coach Mike D'Antoni told Walsh Tuesday night he is on board with pursuing Iverson, fearing the team would continue its titanic collapse. Last night, the Knicks rallied from 19 points down late in the third quarter to upset the Pacers, 110-103, at Conseco Field House and move to 2-9. Walsh said he hoped to have a decision one way or another by tonight, and all appearances now are he wants to make the move. The Knicks don't play until Saturday in New ..."
Pacers blow big lead in 4th, lose to Knicks
Comment
November 19
Indianapolis Star
 
"As their lead stretched into double digits midway through the fourth quarter, it looked as though the Indiana Pacers were about to win their sixth straight game and move into a tie for first place in the Central Division. Looks, however, can be deceiving. Reverting to some bad habits that cropped up often last year, the Pacers blew a 19-point lead and fell 110-103 to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. They were outscored 23-3 late in the fourth, and heard it from their disgruntled fans down the stretch. "(The 2-9 Knicks) needed a win and just beat the heck out of us in the fourth quarter," said Pacers coach Jim O'Brien, who got testy with some fans behind the ..."
Answer may be yes as Walsh, Knicks pursue AI; Heat also interested
Comment
November 19
New York Daily News
 
"The answer to The Answer appears to be yes. Donnie Walsh said Wednesday night that the Knicks have yet to make a final decision on whether to sign Allen Iverson but the Knicks president hinted that the club is leaning strongly in that direction. Iverson, a former MVP, is expected to clear waivers at 6 p.m. today and will become an unrestricted free agent. The Knicks could have competition from Miami, who according to a person close to Iverson said the team is "hot" after him. "Until something's done it's not done," Walsh said. "That's the way I've always been. If he's not signed it's not done." It's worth remembering that Walsh used similar language days before Mike D'Antoni was hired ..."
New York Knicks outscore Indiana Pacers by 17 in 4th quarter, win 110-103
Comment
November 19
New York Daily News
 
"The only team that needs Allen Iverson more than the Knicks may be the Indiana Pacers. Mike D'Antoni's team, featuring Eddy Curry off the bench, rallied from a 19-point second half deficit to defeat Indiana, 110-103, last night to snap a six-game losing streak. In what may be their last game before Iverson arrives, the Knicks played their best 24 minutes of the season by holding Indiana to 34 second-half points on eight field goals. "Here come the Knicks," D'Antoni joked after the team improved to 2-9. "I think they decided enough's enough. And they played hard." The Knicks won for the first time in 16 days by relying on their veterans, otherwise known as the Rent-A-Knicks. So much for ..."
Seeking Jolt, Knicks Show An Interest In Iverson
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November 19
New York Times
 
"If Allen Iverson is on his way to New York, he will find a slightly happier locker room awaiting him. Amid growing indications that Iverson may soon join them, the Knicks broke out of their funk, erased a 19-point deficit and snatched a 110-103 victory from the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday."
Knicks considering Iverson
Comment
November 18
Bergen Record
 
"Even Donnie Walsh's stay-the-course, keep-your-eye-on-the-(2010) prize philosophy is subject to change with the Knicks 1-9. "One-and-nine makes me look at my wife differently," the Knicks president said Tuesday before he and his team left for tonight's game in Indiana. Perhaps Allen Iverson, too. Only days after saying Iverson didn't fit his forward-looking, player-development plan, Walsh acknowledged he and the organization would "check into" whether the just-waived, lightning-rod guard could help the reeling Knicks. Nothing more. "Basketball's fluid and things change every second: standings, how it's going and all that," coach Mike D'Antoni said of the team's altered interest in a player ..."
Donnie Walsh, New York Knicks hold Answer to Allen Iverson's future
Comment
November 18
New York Daily News
 
"The Knicks politely passed on signing Allen Iverson this past summer when The Answer was an unrestricted free agent and clamoring for a chance to play in Mike D'Antoni's system. What has changed between July and today that would make Donnie Walsh look at Iverson differently? Here's a hint: a 1-9 record. "One and nine makes me look at my wife differently," Walsh says. The Knicks, according to a high-ranking Garden official, already have contacted Iverson's representatives to express their interest in the 34-year-old former MVP. That doesn't necessarily mean they want Iverson. In fact, both Walsh and D'Antoni sounded lukewarm about the possibility of acquiring him. But the move is ..."
Iverson signing with Knicks looks like long shot
Comment
November 18
New York Post
 
"Allen Iverson won't suit up in a Knicks uniform tonight at Conseco Field House, or probably ever. But Knicks president Donnie Walsh won't have the final "Answer" on his Iverson investigation for a few days. The Knicks president told The Post yesterday morning before practice that signing Iverson was still "a long shot" despite a media frenzy. After practice, Mike D'Antoni's remarks were noteworthy for what he did not say. The Knicks coach never once indicated Iverson would be a good fit for this franchise. Iverson, 34, was officially put on waivers yesterday after his Memphis divorce and won't be a free agent till tomorrow. A source said Iverson is holed up in Atlanta. The Knicks are on ..."
Allen Iverson isn't the answer for the New York Knicks, but who else these days?
Comment
November 17
New York Daily News
 columnist Mitch Lawrence
"It's kind of sad that the Knicks are thinking of signing Allen Iverson. He'd be good at the box office and would help a team that can't shoot, doesn't play hard on most nights and needs players who can score. Trouble is, he'd be arriving about 10 years too late to make a difference. But if he were to come to the Garden, it would be particularly sad for Iverson. The Knicks wouldn't be a much better fit for the Hall of Famer than the Memphis Grizzlies. And how did that work out? So well that Iverson is free to negotiate with 29 other teams. The same 29, incidentally, who did not want any part of his services over the summer. The Grizzlies, as lost a franchise as David Stern has in his ..."
Mike D'Antoni's almost as down as New York Knicks about worst start in franchise history
Comment
November 17
New York Daily News
 
"Mike D'Antoni blamed himself Monday for the Knicks' 1-9 record, saying he "should take all the responsibility" for the worst start in franchise history. "My job is to get them to play," D'Antoni added. "So far we haven't done that. That's about all I can say. I'm leading the team and I haven't led them anywhere so far." D'Antoni is in the second year of a four-year, $24 million contract. His record as Knicks' coach is 33-59 heading into tomorrow's game at Indiana. Although there have been calls for D'Antoni's head, team president Donnie Walsh reiterated that he fully supports his coach. "I hate to put a coach in this position," Walsh said. "It's a difficult position and I've definitely ..."
D'Antoni: Blame me for bad start
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November 17
New York Post
 
"Donnie Walsh told The Post over the weekend that he, not Mike D'Antoni, deserves the blame for the Knicks' disastrous 1-9 start. But when D'Antoni was asked yesterday if he deserved any of the criticism coming his way, the coach said he had no problem with it. "I take all of the responsibility," D'Antoni said after yesterday's practice. "My job is to get [the team] to play well, and so far we haven't done that . . . that's about all I can say. "I'm leading the team, and I haven't led them anywhere so far." From the day Walsh was hired in April of 2008, followed by hiring D'Antoni that summer, the organization's top priority has been having as much salary-cap space as possible for big-name ..."
Knicks curious about Iverson
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November 17
New York Post
 
"During the summer, the Knicks showed no interest in Allen Iverson when he was a free agent. But after the Knicks' franchise-worst 1-9 start, team president Donnie Walsh told The Post yesterday he will look into the possibility of signing Iverson and investigate why he divorced from Memphis. In what was called a mutual agreement, the Grizzlies announced yesterday they have ended their one-year contract with the 10-time All-Star and former league MVP. Iverson complained about his playing time and a lack of a starting role before leaving the Grizzlies for personal reasons. "Because of personal matters that forced him to leave the team on Nov. 7, Allen will step away from the game at this ..."
D'Antoni's job is safe
Comment
November 17
Bergen Record
 
"Murmurs about a coach's job security often increase over a lot less than a 1-9 start. Just ask Byron Scott, whose Hornets were 3-6 when he got whacked last week, or countless coaches fired (or encouraged to leave) as victims of expectations — including Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix. But although New York-caliber murmurs are simmering about D'Antoni in the wake of the Knicks' worst-ever 10-game start — for which he invokes Coaching 101 by taking full responsibility — team president Donnie Walsh said his coach is safe, doesn't have to change his style and should have expected this. "I hate to put a coach in a position that's a difficult position, and I've definitely done that," Walsh said after ..."
Knicks to meet with Iverson
Comment
November 17
New York Daily News
 
"Can Allen Iverson save the Knicks' season, rescue them at the box office or at least make them relevant again? Donnie Walsh will spend the next 48 hours debating what impact, both negative and positive, Iverson could have on the organization. Walsh, the Knicks' president, confirmed Monday night that the club will explore the possibility of signing Iverson, the former league MVP who was placed on waivers yesterday by the Memphis Grizzlies. "We'll look into it," Walsh told the Daily News. "Right now, I'd say probably not but we'll see." A source close to Iverson says he'd be eager to play in Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Iverson had similar interest over the summer but the Knicks ..."
Knicks and D'Antoni Appear to Be Undone by a Rebuilding Plan
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November 17
New York Times
 
"If an expression, like a picture, conveys much more than words, then Mike D'Antoni's face reads like an encyclopedia of pain. On a recent night at Madison Square Garden, the camera focused on D'Antoni as he plopped himself on the bench. D'Antoni looked down, clasped his hands, took a deep breath, puffed out his cheeks and let out a sigh so powerful that his bottom lip fluttered. He glanced toward midcourt and blinked several times. The scoreboard read 0-0. The game, against the Utah Jazz, had yet to begin. Since that moment, the Knicks have lost three more times, dropping them to 1-9, the worst start in franchise history. D'Antoni, the celebrated coach who came to New York last year to ..."
Slimmed-down Eddy Curry could return to New York Knicks against Indiana Pacers
Comment
November 16
New York Daily News
 
"The New York Zombies, er, Knicks, returned to the practice floor Sunday in Greenburgh, with Eddy Curry taking a step toward returning to action this week and Wilson Chandler accepting a potential demotion to a bench role. Curry could see his first action of the season Wednesday in Indiana. Mike D'Antoni, who called his players "zombies" after it went through the motions Friday in a loss to Golden State, isn't sure how many minutes Curry will get against the Pacers. For Curry to play Wednesday, "he can't have any more setbacks," D'Antoni said, referring to practices today and tomorrow. Yesterday marked Curry's first full practice since last season, when he played in only three games. "He ..."
Lighter Curry eager to give Knicks needed lift
Comment
November 16
New York Post
 
"It would require a bigger dreamer than John Lennon to imagine the return of Eddy Curry will catapult the 1-9 Knicks back into the realm of respectability. After all, the oft-injured center was a full-time contributor to -- or culprit of -- the 56-108 record the Knicks racked up in his first two seasons with the club in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Since then, Curry has played in 62 games spanning three seasons, and only three games since the beginning of last season. But the Knicks are looking for any reason to buoy their optimism, and the notion of the new, slimmed-down Curry suiting up Wednesday against the Pacers in Indiana does just that. Coach Mike D'Antoni said Curry performed well in ..."
Charles Oakley slams current Knicks for not trying hard in last year of contract
Comment
November 15
New York Daily News
 
"Charles Oakley has only seen the Knicks play two games this season and for him that's two games too many. "It's not good," Oakley says. "I don't know what's going on there." The Knicks are off to the worst start in their history and their 1-9 record tells only part of the story. Mike D'Antoni's team has already established itself as a defensive unit that either can't or won't play hard and play together. The Knicks' defensive woes were a main topic of discussions when Oakley met with team president Donnie Walsh last April. Oakley was critical of the Knicks' defensive philosophies and came away with the understanding that the organization would make a greater commitment to defense in ..."
Knicks are a laughable New York sports myth on the brink of expiration date
Comment
November 15
New York Daily News
 columnist Mike Lupica
"The reality is as grim as the season: They are not the New York Knicks and haven't been for a long time. They are not the Knicks and the idea that the Garden is still some kind of mecca for pro basketball - why, because Kobe and LeBron each show up for a concert event every year? - is just another romantic New York sports myth. Yeah, it's still the mecca and Isiah Thomas just had a few bad breaks when he had the run of the place. We shouldn't even call them the Knicks anymore, we should call them what they are: The New York Expiring Contracts. And, let's face facts, just what we've seen in the first 10 games of the season has Knick fans thinking those contracts can't expire soon enough. ..."
For 1-9 Knicks, Morale Could Expire Sooner Than Players' Contracts
Comment
November 15
New York Times
 
"David Lee buttons his shirt and turns to the reporters and recorders. The questions arrive: why did the Knicks lose again, and when will they emerge as a competitive N.B.A. team? Routines develop from habit. Lee answers the same questions after every loss, which for the Knicks is nearly every game this season. There are few solutions to so many nagging issues. Lee now recycles old ones. "I said it before, coming into this season, I liked the guys that we had in, it was the best chemistry we've had thus far," Lee said. "Most teams that have that tend to be better." No one misidentified the Knicks as title contenders in training camp. Few, if any, predicted they would contend for the ..."
Watson helps spark Warriors win
Comment
November 14
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Warriors' youth movement is on hold, for at least one night. Experienced players logged the minutes and the shots Friday, and C.J. Watson provided the spark as Stephen Curry and Anthony Randolph sat on the bench during the Warriors' 121-107 trouncing of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. "Things were going well for us, so I didn't really need to make a substitution," coach Don Nelson said. "The veterans were really playing well, and they deserved to be on the floor." The Warriors shared the ball with five guys scoring 19 or more points apiece. Kelenna Azubuike (22 points) scored early to open the lane for Monta Ellis (22 points) and Corey Maggette (22), and Stephen Jackson (23 ..."
Knicks' record worst start in franchise history
Comment
November 14
New York Daily News
 
"The Knicks are now so bloody awful that Friday night they were outclassed by the NBA 's most dysfunctional team. Despite having one player, Stephen Jackson , who is working on his exit strategy, and another, Monta Ellis , who got into a very public argument with head coach Don Nelson at Thursday's practice, the Golden State Warriors showed up at Madison Square Garden as the more organized, dedicated and talented team. It wasn't even close. "We should be pissed," Al Harrington said after his former teammates embarrassed the Knicks, 121-107. "We're not playing to our potential. We're not this bad of a team." The record says otherwise. The Knicks' 1-9 start is a franchise worst ..."
Nelson: Jackson divorce will do everyone good
Comment
November 14
New York Daily News
 
"Don Nelson took a not-to-subtle shot at both Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis Friday night when the Golden State head coach was asked about rookie Stephen Curry 's new role. "I took him out of the starting lineup because he doesn't have enough tattoos," Nelson told reporters. "In fact, he doesn't have any tattoos. How can the guy start in the NBA without tattoos?" Nelson, the former Knicks ' coach, has been at odds with Jackson and Ellis since the start of the season. Both Warriors players have multiple tattoos. Jackson already has requested a trade, and Nelson said a divorce would be good for both the player and the franchise. On Tuesday, Nelson and Ellis exchanged heated words ..."
Knicks only work hard at not trying
Comment
November 14
New York Daily News
 columnist Mitch Lawrence
"They're awful. There's no other way to describe the Knicks . They set a franchise record Friday night by losing for the ninth time in 10 tries to start a season. That's quite a feat, considering that the first time they ever took the court, the White House was occupied by Harry S. Truman . But here's what's most alarming in a season that is already in the toilet: The Knicks failed yet again to play hard during a 121-107 defeat to the Warriors , so the fans were right to shower them with boos when they walked off the Garden floor. Almost every time Mike D'Antoni talks about changing his lineup, he talks about the need for speed. But the only things piling up fast are losses during ..."
Warriors notebook: Stephen Curry not happy about not playing much in New York
Comment
November 14
Oakland Tribune
 
"For the first time in Stephen Curry's life, he became the proverbial victory cigar. Making his New York debut as pro Friday night, an event that came with much hype, Curry played two minutes, 35 seconds. Total. He didn't attempt a shot. "It sucks," Curry said. "It sucks. You don't want to be sitting and watching. Especially how the season started, it's kind of a different situation. Hopefully, I won't get used to it. We'll see what happens." Anthony Randolph, the other key youngster on the roster, didn't play much either, totaling four points and four rebounds in just 6:21. But his lack of minutes were overshadowed by the bench-riding of fan-favorite Curry, whom the Knicks and their fans ..."
Warriors get relief with victory over Knicks
Comment
November 14
Contra Costa Times
 
"So that's why Warriors guard C.J. Watson turned down a three-year, $5.4 million contract. In September, banking on a good season to increase his earning power, Watson spurned the Warriors' multiyear proposal to sign a one-year, $1 million qualifying offer. In Friday's 121-107 win over the New York Knicks, Watson showed why he had the faith to turn down so much guaranteed money. Seeing his first significant action of the season, Watson was exactly the spark the Warriors needed, scoring 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting with three assists. "He was great," said guard Monta Ellis, who scored 22 points. "That's what he can do. He can come in and he can score, he can defend, he can run the ball. I'm ..."
Knicks' Start Goes From Bad to Worst
Comment
November 14
New York Times
 
"Mike D'Antoni cracked a postgame smile, in either disbelief or delusion. He saved his usual clichés and instead issued an early-season distress signal. "It's bad, there's no doubt about it," D'Antoni said after the Knicks (1-9) again ended on the wrong side of the scoring ledger Friday. They provided self-esteem to the dysfunctional Golden State Warriors, losing, 121-107, at Madison Square Garden and setting a franchise futility record with their ninth loss in their first 10 games. That is not the record D'Antoni had hoped to set when he joined the organization with the monumental task of righting a once-storied franchise. Now the season is unraveling before Thanksgiving. "I just thought ..."
Knicks' worst start a loss away
Comment
November 13
New York Post
 
"The Knicks have had plenty of sorry seasons, from the pre-Clyde days to the pre-Ewing era. But if they lose to Golden State tonight, they'll be 1-9 and off to the worst 10-game start in their long history. And the worst part is, that might not even be rock-bottom; who knows how deep this pit of a season will go? "It's crucial that we start playing well," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We've only done it for short periods. We've got to figure out why [we're] not able to sustain it for 48 minutes. That's what's driving me crazy and I'm sure it's driving the players crazy, and fans." D'Antoni is starting to find the last part of that out the hard way. In Wednesday's second-half collapse against ..."
Duhon still the starter for Knicks
Comment
November 13
New York Post
 
"A day after saying he didn't know if he was going to bench Chris Duhon, Mike D'Antoni backed his struggling point guard. Even with rookie Toney Douglas emerging and Nate Robinson returning -- he's questionable tonight vs. Golden State -- Duhon's starting job is safe. "Duhon is my point guard; he's in a funk and we've got to get him out of it," D'Antoni said. "He'll get out of it; we just have to keep on going. Toney's doing a good job, Nate coming in will hopefully boost us a bit. I'm not shedding or throwing people overboard." Duhon is shooting just 23.6 percent, and after being booed in a scoreless, three-turnover outing Wednesday against the Hawks, admits he's pressing. "Just a little ..."
LeBron is in an Empire State of mind
Comment
November 13
New York Post
 
"LeBron James is wearing a new Nike shoe saluting his favorite New York team — the Yankees, not the Knicks. Nike designed a Yankee shoe commemorating their World Series title for LeBron James personally and he debuted them Wednesday night in Orlando. On the left shoe, at the toe, the words "New York" is screened over pinstripes bordered by baseball stitching. On the right shoe reads the number "27" over the same background. James was presented the shoe by Nike on Friday night before the Cavaliers' ballyhooed blowout victory over the Knicks in his lone Garden appearance. Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira, who attended the Cavaliers-Knicks game after their championship parade, ..."
Things really as bad as they look for Knicks
Comment
November 13
New York Post
 columnist Mike Vaccaro
"Sometimes, a team can puzzle you, can perplex you, can turn your insides out and your outsides in. The Mets have done that to you a lot the past few years. The Jets have done that to you the past few decades. Your heart tells you one thing about them, your eyes quite another. There is nothing so ambiguous about the Knicks right now. There is nothing bewildering or baffling about them. They are simply an awful basketball team. They are outmanned. They are outgunned. They are a beaten-down eight-track player in an iPod world, an analog throwback in an NBA that went digital years ago. You want to be angry. You want to be appalled. You want to be disgusted. And then you take another look at ..."
Early in season, Donnie Walsh and New York Knicks are already in crisis mode
Comment
November 13
New York Daily News
 
"For years you could tell the Knicks were struggling by counting the number of Madison Square Garden executives and assorted interlopers who fill the hallways after games and attend practices. In recent days, there was a reported sighting of tumbleweed inside the building on 33rd and Seventh but no sign of executives. And at Thursday's practice in Tarrytown, team president Donnie Walsh sat alone watching his slumping team work out. So yes, even the Garden knows a crisis when it sees one. "I don't like losing games," Walsh said. "I come here to practice every day because I know we have to get better. So I don't have time for concern. If we keep doing the right things we can turn this around ..."
The Knicks' Struggles Leave Walsh Mystified
Comment
November 13
New York Times
 
"Donnie Walsh observes Knicks practices with a watchful eye from a chair so close to the sideline he can whisper in his players' ears. The names of players and their retired jerseys, and past glory, hang above him: Frazier, Ewing, Reed and Bradley. The reasons for current anxiousness and caution play before him: Hughes, Harrington, Curry and Duhon. Walsh, the Knicks' president of basketball operations, is the architect of much of the current roster, which has lurched to a 1-8 start this season. He inherited a team with a bloated salary when he joined the organization at the end of the 2007-8 season, and his most urgent task was to wring the excess. The missions he outlined for his first ..."
Knicks' awful start ties team record
Comment
November 12
New York Post
 
"A disgraceful start to the season took another devastating turn last night. Atlanta's Jamal Crawford was back at the Garden -- a reminder of when the Knicks actually had a little talent. Crawford was a Knick last season when the club got off to a 6-3 start after nine games before he and Zach Randolph were traded last November in the name of 2010 cap space. Crawford played a role in the Knicks' 114-101 loss to the Hawks last night, tying a franchise record for season-opening futility after nine games. The Knicks have seen only losses since Crawford left, and that continued in record-setting fashion after the Knicks were bludgeoned 67-47 in a distrastrous second half. In blowing a 14-point ..."
LeBron zipping his lips
Comment
November 12
New York Post
 
"If the Knicks still are on his radar, LeBron James will no longer give out any hints. A frustrated James said yesterday he won't talk about his possible free agency next summer until after this season. The Cleveland star and reigning NBA MVP said the talk is "getting old." James cut off interviews after being hit with questions about free agency and teaming with Miami's Dwyane Wade, who has said the two have discussed forming a mega-tandem. "This free-agent talk is getting old. It's getting old and I think I'm going to stop. Tonight will be the last time I answer any more free-agent questions until the offseason," James said. "I think I owe it to myself, and I owe it to my teammates. It's ..."
Crawford: Trade kept Knicks out of '08 playoffs
Comment
November 12
New York Post
 
"Jamal Crawford is on course to finally break his ignominious streak of playing more NBA games without ever making the playoffs (604). Crawford's Hawks, which won 47 games last season, are 6-2 after last night's 114-101 win over the Knicks at the Garden. But Crawford believes that steak would have ended for him last season if Knicks team president Donnie Walsh didn't trade him and Zach Randolph last Nov. 21 in the name of 2010 cap room. The Knicks were 6-5 when the deals were made. They went on to finish 32-50 season. The Knicks still haven't recovered, talent-wise and are still without a go-to guy who wants to take the big shot -- Crawford's staple. "Yes, we would've made the playoffs last ..."
Hawks' Johnson would fit Garden
Comment
November 12
New York Post
 columnist George Willis
"I know Knicks GM Donnie Walsh hates all the talk about the summer of 2010 and coach Mike D'Antoni has his hands full just trying to win a game these days, but the rest of us are left to deal with the reality that this Knicks season is all about next season and the free agents who will be joining the team. Hot stove basketball doesn't end just because the Knicks front office wants it to or because LeBron James has come and gone, already having made his only appearance at the Garden this season. Each visit by a prospective free agent is significant given the fact the Knicks should have enough cap room to sign not just one, but perhaps two high-profile players. That's why Joe Johnson was ..."