Category: News

[Video] Phil Jackson Talks Melo Signing Delay: “I’m pretty flat emotionally about all this…”

PhilJackson

As Carmelo Anthony continues to mull his playing future, Knicks president Phil Jackson talked to the media to give his thoughts on the resigning delay, LeBron James’ role in said delay, and if Melo should be taking less than the offered 5-year, $129 million dollar contract. Through it all, Jackson remains composed. He revealed that he thought their last meeting went very well, as verified by Yahoo sources last week. However, Jackson also did confirm that his recent text messages to Anthony over the last few days have gone unreturned.

Whatever happens, one thing remains — in Phil we trust.

[Video] Ball Movement! All Access Knicks Summer League Practice 7/9/14

DerekFisher_Knicks

We finally have footage of Derek Fisher’s new role as head coach courtesy of yesterday’s practice for the summer league team. As you’ll see from the YouTube comments, fans are already claiming this clip has more ball movement than we saw all season with last year’s team. Jokes aside, it’s great to see Fish and new assistant coach Kurt Rambis drilling home importance of moving the ball for open shots. Our offense was such a struggle last season on all fronts that the massive change in culture Phil Jackson is attempting to implement needs to start early. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Knicks Offer Melo 5-Year Max ($129M), Decision Expected July 4th Weekend

Melo-1

The New York Knicks cemented their willingness to retain Carmelo Anthony by offering a five-year, $129 million max contract during last night’s meeting in Los Angeles.

The Knicks offer came after Anthony met with the Lakers, the final team on his free agent list. LA reportedly offered the maximum contract available within their cap — $97 million over four years.

Although the Knicks are reportedly the favorite to resign their star player, Anthony has not given a verbal commitment and advised he would use the rest of the weekend to make a decision. The lead alternatives to New York remain the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets.

*************************

With all the rumors that have spiraled over the last week, I deliberately refrained from writing much about “Melodrama 2014.” Like most fans, I’ll be happy when this is over. I’d definitely prefer him to stay and even the max contract isn’t that big of concern. I’m more worried about what free agent star gets paired with him next year at a max contract.

As of now, I’d say it’s 75% in New York’s favor that he stays.

Bon Voyage! Knicks Complete Six-Player Dallas Trade for Felton and Chandler

 NewKnicks

Yesterday, the Knicks completed their first big trade under the Phil Jackson regime, shipping out starters Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler for point guards Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin, guard Wayne Ellington, center Samuel Dalembert, and the 34th and 51st picks on tonight’s NBA draft.

Chandler missed over 30 games last year with injuries and has struggled in recent years to meet the level of play that made him the Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. He has one year remaining on a four-year, $60 million dollar contract.

Felton had one of his worst seasons last year, shooting 39% from the field and posting a career-low in points (9.7). Felton was plagued by off the court problems as well — he was arrested on felony gun charges and last week plead guilty, receiving a $5000 fine and 500 hours of community service.

“The journey to build this team for the upcoming season and beyond continues,” said Phil Jackson in a statement about the trade. “We have added players with this move that will fit right in to our system while maintaining future flexibility. We would like to thank Raymond and Tyson for their time and hard work with the organization over the past few years.”

***********************************

Sorry Tyson Chandler — any trade that gets Felton off this team gets the stamp of approval from me. While I’m not particularly crazy about Jose Calderon on the defensive end, he can hit open threes, which makes him ideal for the triangle offense Fisher and Jackson are looking to implement. Shane Larkin also has a lot of potential. I can see him becoming a fan favorite and having a string of breakout games next season. I’d be surprised if Dalembert makes it onto the roster. Ellington I’m not well-versed on, but at least he’s not an injury-prone old vet like most of our signings in recent years.

As for Chandler, I loved him when he was healthy and giving full effort. But when is the last time we’ve actually seen that from him? He seemed to always be injured or sick during the playoffs, and his rim protection has taken a severe nose-dive. Not to mention, the man still struggles to finish point-blank shots at the rim.

Chandler also did a lot of finger-pointing last season, taking jabs at Mike Woodson and subtle ones at Carmelo Anthony. His body language and effort told me Chandler had mentally checked out so a change of scenery, especially back to where he had his greatest success, should be a huge motivator and do him good.

All in all, this is a very good trade for the team. And can you believe we actually got picks back?! In Phil we trust…

[Video] Carmelo Anthony Talks Opting Out and Free Agency Decision

Melo_ViceInterview

Just one day after officially opting out of the last year of his contract with the New York Knicks, I’m already over “Melodrama 2014.” Unfortunately, the drawn-out process has just begun. For Knicks fans, don’t give up hope yet, as this interview with Vice Sports shows that Melo is still leaning towards staying home. In this short but informative video, Melo talks about his family loving New York and dismisses the much-reported story that his main reason for opting out is that he wanted to “win now.”

One very important thing to keep in mind — this video was reportedly filmed on June 3. A lot could have happened with Melo’s mindset in the last 21 days.

[Video] Derek Fisher on Knicks’ Current Rsoter – “We can be very good to great.”

DerekFisher

With his first press conference in the books, Knicks head coach Derek Fisher has started making his media rounds. In this short but informative video, he confirms that the triangle offense will be the his first option, but he’ll be flexible enough to modify or discard it if that doesn’t fit the team.

While most fans and observers are looking to see what the Knicks do in 2015 with sufficient cap room, Fisher has faith in the current roster being a force next season. Do you share his optimism?

[youtube http://youtu.be/fxyu_7vPgKo]

[Live Stream] Derek Fisher’s Opening Knicks Press Conference, 11:30 a.m. ET, 6/10/14

DerekFisher_PhilJackson

The head coaching search is over. Today at 11:30 a.m., the Knicks will officially introduce Derek Fisher as team’s new head coach. The press conference will stream live via the below link.

DEREK FISHER’S OPENING KNICKS PRESSER

Cleaning House – Knicks Fire Mike Woodson and Staff

MikeWoodson

Following their most disappointing season in recent memory, the Knicks have announced the firing of head coach Mike Woodson and the entire coaching staff on Monday.

Just one season removed from a 54-28 record and achieving the Knicks’ first Atlantic Division title since the 1993-1994 season, Woodson finds himself unemployed after a season where the group started 3-13, suffered prolonged injuries, and failed to gel as a team. The club missed the playoffs and finished with a 37-45 record.

In an official statement, Knicks president Phil Jackson did not place sole blame on Woodson, but stressed the need for the team to have a fresh start next year.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff,” said Jackson. “The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.”

The other staff members relieved of their duties include Herb Williams, Jim Todd, Darrell Walker, LaSalle Thompson and Dave Hopla.

Woodson’s record over 2.5 seasons with the Knicks is 109-79. At press time, Woodson has declined to comment on his release.

Per the New York Post, possible coaching candidates include Steve Kerr and Derek Fisher.

************************************

It had to be done. As much as I personally liked Woodson, the team’s play this year, on offense and defense, has been inexcusable. We were horrible in fourth quarter execution, ran Melo into the ground every game with too many minutes, and had the worst perimeter defense iamginable (switch! switch! switch!). To go from second in the East to ninth is an indictment on Woodson’s ability too large for Jackson to overlook.

Far as the new coaching candidates, I’m ambivalent at the moment. While the idea of a rookie coach is a little disconcerting, I’d trust Phil gambling there over just hiring retreads from around the league. Above all, at least we can say we’re starting with a clean slate. Your move now, Melo.

[Video] No Country for Old Men – Shumpert Crossover Drops Paul Pierce

Iman_Shumpert

With the Knicks out the playoffs, New York fans will take any small victories we can get over these last two games. Iman Shumpert has been terrorizing Paul Pierce on the defensive end since last year’s playoffs. But tonight, Shump gave old man Pierce the business on offense via this sweet crossover. The Knicks ended up pounding the Nets the entire game and won 109-98.

[Video] JR Smith Sets Knicks Record with 10 Threes Against Heat

JRSmith_celebration

Yesterday’s loss to Miami further dampened the Knicks’ playoff hopes, but that didn’t stop JR Smith from going down fighting. Our streaky point guard made a record 10 three pointers for a new franchise record, and notched an overall NBA record with 22 attempted treys.

The Miami contest caps a three-game stretch which saw JR nail 24 shots beyond the arc. Now if we can only get the team to play some competent defense to go along with this crazy shooting to close out the season…

************************************