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Is Basketball Back at MSG? Grading the Knicks Offseason.

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Is Basketball Back at MSG? Grading the Knicks Offseason.

Written by Kevin Meng

* These grades are based on the situation at hand, including available players, the current market, the Knick’s cap space at time of signing, and whether or not the player was named Sasha Vujacic or Jose Calderon. It isn’t an evaluation of how awesome the player is*

2015-2016 was supposed to be a rebuilding year where the Knicks added assets, built a winning culture, grew together and attracted a big name to join up with them. There was reason for hope: a young rookie with boatloads of potential, another rookie who had just quarterbacked a solid NCAA squad to a good tournament showing, actual NBA-level talent in Robin Lopez and Aaron Afflalo, and a hungry Carmelo Anthony.

Hopes were relatively high for the Mecca. Could this team make the playoffs? Could they make noise if they got there? Could Kristaps GOATzingis really be this good? The season blasted off into space faster than anyone could have imagined, with the team playing .500 ball 40 games in and playing some top-level squads down to the wire (San Antonio and current ring-bearers, Cleveland come to mind).

Welp, we all know how that ended. The rocket burst in mid-air, with wicked, whipping flames that engulfed any and all things good in the souls of the Tri-State Area. Partly because of lack of talent, partly because of injuries, partly because of Sasha Vujacic, and partly because of coaching.

When the 2016 offseason started, nobody had any clue what was going to happen. PMFJ (Phil M***** F****** Jackson) had a king’s ransom in cap space but precious few assets, an aging star, and raw rookie to build around. Hardly cause for hope.

Yet here we are, not far removed from the mayhem that was 2016 free agency with a….wait….what is this?….an NBA-level basketball team? This must be some cruel joke. Is basketball back at MSG? This team may pose more questions than answers, and it may be a few twisted knees away from mediocrity, but at least the rotation has 7 guys that most people have heard of, and Jose Calderon isn’t playing the point..

* acquisitions like signing our 2nd round pick last season or acquiring some random Euro guy to warm the bench have been excluded for length’s sake. We know our reader’s have short attention spans*

Coaching change: signing Jeff Hornacek

Coaching salaries don’t really matter. Who cares about spending James Dolan’s money? What does matter is their experience, knowledge, ability to motivate, and ability to get respect from the players. When you haven’t proven yourself in the league or in the coaching ranks, then players rarely respect you(David Blatt or Kurt Rambis, anyone?). Continue reading →

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2015/16 Knicks Roster Power Rankings – Week 19

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Three games this week. We got to see a little of everything; the Knicks clicking and looking like a real team, and then 2 days later the Knicks looking like a team that’s given up.   I’ll try not to make this too negative, but the Knicks have lost 14 of the last 17 games so there isn’t too much to be positive about.
Rank Player Comments Last weeks Rank
1 Porzingis, Kristaps Pretty good week for Porzingis, we saw some good shooting nights, some excellent blocks, and a classy response to a prom proposal. I like this guy more every day. 3
2 Anthony, Carmelo I think it’s about time to start calling Melo our best PG. His shot is off again, and I’m really worried that Rambis is going to destry what’s left of Melo’s knees with all the minutes he’s been getting in meaningless blowout games. 1
3 Lopez, Robin Robin is still looking for his offense, which is really great. He’s been better than people have been giving him credit for. 2
4 Galloway, Langston Langston puts up decent numbers on the bench.   Every time he starts he looks kind of overwhelmed and the Knicks get blown out. 4
5 Thomas, Lance Quiet week for Lance. I miss December 2015 Lance. 5 Continue reading →

Episode 313: Flawed Backcourt

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Marc and Jay talk about the last 3 games, top 5 ways to fix the Knicks, top 5 beards, man on the street, the beast report, and listener questions

Download Episode 313

2015/16 Knicks Roster Power Rankings – Week 1

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Happy first day of the season day.  As usual there are a lot of new faces this season (8), and this opening day roster only has 3 guys from last seasons opening day roster (probably a good thing).  Since the Knicks haven’t played yet this is most likely going to be the most positive rankings you’ll see this season.  This weeks rankings is based on the preseason, expectations for the regular season, and gut instinct.  Lets get to it!
Rank Player Comments Last weeks Rank
1 Anthony, Carmelo He’s the best player on the team and it’s not even close. Melo looks fully healthy and ready to post 20-25 points per game. His defense and shooting percentage are things to keep an eye on. –
2 Lopez, Robin A center!  A real center that does centery things! We started last season with Dalembert who just got cut by Dallas for being fat.  I’d say this is a huge upgrade. –
3 O’Quinn, Kyle Last year Acy had the #3 spot at one point.  A high energy guy that can rebound. Kyle, please be better than Acy! –
4 Grant, Jerian Our backup point guard until Calderon gets injured or just turns into dust.  Lots of potential for this guy. I’m getting hyped. –
5 Galloway, Langston Galloway is already a nice defender and rebounder. If he can work on his shot he’ll be a keeper. Continue reading →

Episode 305: Rounding Out the Roster

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Marc and Jay talk about the newest signings of Vujacic, Seraphin, and Greek salad, and a ton of listener questions

Download Episode 305