Category: News

Tyson Chandler Out 4-6 Weeks with Fibula Fracture

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Tyson Chandler is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after an examination today discovered a fracture to his right fibula.

The injury occurred last night in the first quarter against the Bobcats. Guard Kemba Walker landed awkwardly on Chandler’s right leg, causing the knee to buckle. Chandler had to be helped to the dressing room and needed crutches to leave the arena.

The fracture is considered “minor” with no ligament damage, meaning the veteran center will not require surgery during the healing process.

Over four games, Chandler averaged 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and 2.5 blocks.

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I hope the Knicks can expedite their plans to reacquire rights to Jeremy Tyler, because this team has a daunting month and a half ahead with Chandler sitting. Bargnani at center will not work. Stoudemire? NO. Time to dust off Kenyon Martin’s minute restriction, hope Cole Aldrich can withstand a trial by fire, and pray we can at least keep up in the top half of the standings through December.

Melo Attributes Slow Start to ‘Second-Guessing’ Himself

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The NBA’s reigning scoring champion has looked anything but dominant the first week into the season. Carmelo Anthony have struggled with his shooting and alarmingly in fourth quarters, when New York has relied on him to extend leads (against the Bulls) or cap a comeback (vs. the Timberwolves). Is is COach Woodson’s plays? An injury we don’t know about? None of the above. According to Melo, his problem is simply — he’s overthinking.

After practice earlier today, Melo spoke to ESPN on his shooting woes and trying to adjust to new teammates.

For myself, maybe I’m second-guessing myself as well. Maybe I’m a little bit passive out there, trying to do things that’s out of the norm and trying to make people better at the wrong times.

That’s where I’m second-guessing myself. And I’m second-guessing my shot, and should I take this or should I pass this. I got to get out of that mentality quick.

Yes Melo, we need a quick turnaround. At the same time, I’m not going to bash the man and put it all on his shoulders. He’s made a strong effort to be the dynamic player that many critics have slammed him for not being since coming to NY. In the Wolves game, he grabbed 17 rebounds. Against Chicago, he had a Devil’s number in 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals.

The effort and the right ideas are there. When your shot isn’t falling, do other things to help the team. However, there just needs to be more imaginative plays to get Melo the ball in crunch time aside from Felton running around the perimeter until there’s less than 10 seconds on the shot clock. Or just dumping it to Melo repeatedly on the block.

Luckily for the Knicks, they have 78 games and a few months to get it right.

[Video] Iman Shumpert – “New Beginnings”

My one goal is to get my ring… – Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert

With the season beginning tonight, Iman Shumpert has released this excellent video speaking on his focus for the year and the reason for the departure of his trademark flattop. This is a fantastic reminder of why Shump is the heart and soul of this Knicks team (and why he better not be traded).

Knicks Waive Five Players, Retain Chris Smith

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With the regular season starting next week, the Knicks cleaned house yesterday with the waiving of five players: Ike Diogu, C.J. Leslie, Josh Powell, Jeremy Tyler, and Chris Douglas-Roberts.

The surprise among the cut players are Diogu and Tyler. The former played well in his limited minutes (7.2 points, 4 rebounds in 16. 2minutes) and provided a solid inside presence with his 6’8, 255 pound frame. The 6’10 Tyler, who was signed to a 2-year deal in August after a strong showing in the summer league, was unable to play this pre-season after suffering a right foot stress fracture in early September that’s sidelined him until late November.

With the Knicks’ constant rebounding issues, the team announced that they will “keep an eye” on Tyler once he’s healthy should he not sign elsewhere.

The waivers mean that Chris Smith, brother of JR Smith, has made the team despite registering playing time in just three games and averaging 1 point (14% shooting) and 1 rebound.

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I hope the Knicks have a plan because this looks bad on paper. Yes, we kept the 7-footer Cole Aldrich (who frankly was inconsistent this pre-season but has upside…), but the Diogu and Tyler cuts are baffling based on their play. I don’t have much hope Tyler will be available to resign during the season — serviceable and young big men are lacking and any team with sense will pick him up. Unless NY has an under the table deal in place, he’s possibly gone for good. And while Diogu wasn’t in the best shape, he gave a great effort in the post and was the only player outside of Melo that’s shown he could finish around the rim consistently.

As for JR’s brother, we know nepotism is the only reason he’s on the roster. I’ll hold my outrage if he’s cut and sent to the D-League. If he remains on the bench, it shows the organization has no vested interest in putting together a winning team. Roster spots, especially with our needs, are important and should be treated as such.

We’ll see how this plays out in the coming weeks. For now, there’s reason for concern.

[Video] Knicks Orange & Blue Scrimmage Recap

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Earlier this week, the Knicks held a special “Orange & Blue” Scrimmage for fans up in NYC. The below video recap includes comments from Melo, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tyson Chandler. Peep the ending jam session courtesy of Melo, Hardaway Jr. and Shump.

[Video] Tyson Chandler On Developing a Jumpshot, Adding Weight and Melo SF/PF Debate

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Tyson Chandler is coming into this season with a lot to prove. For starters, Chandler has been working extensively on developing a reliable medium-range jumper and hookshot (dont’ laugh). In addition, Chandler speaks on his off-season regimen to get stronger (and hopefully prevent injuries), and possibly letting out the Knicks game plan on which position Melo will be playing most this season.

Amar’e Stoudemire Had Undisclosed Knee Surgery Over Summer

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The questions about Amar’e Stoudemire’s health have intensified today with the disclosure that the veteran forward underwent an unreported knee surgery in July.

The New York Daily News states Stoudemire had the surgery as a “clean-up” procedure on one of the knees.

The sugery marks the third knee procedure Stoudemire has undergone in the last 12 months. Last year, Stoudemire missed the beginning of the season due to a debridement surgery on his right knee. The same procedure, this time on his left knee, caused him to miss the end of the regular season and a total of 53 games.

At press time, the Knicks are preparing for their opening media day. Stoudemire has yet to release a statement.

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I doubt many of us were expecting much from Stat this year, but it’s still disheartening to hear that he’s had yet another surgery. I’m not deterred by the claim it’s not “serious.” Anything having to do with Stat’s knees is serious, as the last 12 months have shown.

I’m sure Amar’e will downplay this and claim he’s in “phenomenal shape,” but it serves as another warning for Knicks coach Mike Woodson that Stat will have to be on a meticulously-managed minute schedule. I’d be shocked if we see him play more than 15 minutes a game this season unless we’re severely short-handed.

Sportiqe’s Clever Grateful Dead Knicks Tee

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A Knicks fan can never have enough gear from their beloved team. With that fact in mind, I bring to you a new stylish tee from the good folks over at Sportiqe Brand Apparel. Aimed at bringing fashion to sports fans, the company has created a unique tee that incorporates the logo of the legendary band The Grateful Dead.

In light of recent events, I’m sure our own “recreational” JR Smith would love to endorse this product. Get your own “fashionable fit” in men and women’s styles. Use the code GDNBA5 to get $5 off the purchase price.

Click HERE to check out the entire Sportiqe’s website.

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Knicks_GratefulDead_womens

Knicks, Nets to Co-Host NYC 2015 All-Star Game

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The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will have to put their rivalry on hold for a few days when the teams will join together to co-host the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York City.

The Knicks’ home, Madison Square Garden, will host the actual game, set to take place on Sunday February 15, 2015. The Nets home area, the Barclays Center, will handle all the preceding Saturday events, including the 3-point and Slam Dunk Contest.

Knicks owner James Dolan and members of the Nets hierarchy held a joint press conference yesterday to express their solidarity.

“The All-Star Game [is an opportunity] to take a timeout from the rhetoric to promote basketball,” stated Dolan. “[Rivalries] are nothing but good, they’re nothing but fun for the fans and they are great for business.”

The last All-Star game played in NYC took place in 1998.

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No complaints, here — now if we didn’t get the game at MSG, I’d have a few comments. Sorry little brothers, we have seniority. All jokes aside, this will be great for NYC and I’m sure both sides will go all out with perks and extras to win over new fans and have bragging rights. I’m already planning my weekend trip.

JR Smith Receives Five-Game Suspension for NBA Substance Abuse Violation

JRSmith

JR Smith has been suspended five games without pay for the 2013-2014 season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

League sources have disclosed Smith was cited for marijuana, which warrants a five-game minimum.

Smith had a breakout season last year for the Knicks, notching Sixth Man of the Year honors after averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. His performance earned him a three-year, 17 million dollar deal with New York earlier this summer.

Smith is expected to miss the first month of the season after undergoing knee surgery in July. The suspension will begin with his first eligible game of the season.

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JR…JR…JR. I guess this should be expected with him having way too much idle time on his hands. I’m not going to flip out about weed, if that’s indeed what he tested positive for, but actually getting caught? JR damn well isn’t the only one in the league that has a recreational puff every now and then, but as a league vet he should know all the tricks to ensure he doesn’t embarrass the team. Leave that fuckery to guys like Michael Beasley.

With that said, I have another concern with whether this is the only drug JR is indulging in. There were rumors in the last few games of the Celtics series, and second round with the Pacers, that it wasn’t just Rihanna’s vagina that had JR playing badly. JR was linked with coke-filled wild parties and that would explain his horrid 33% shooting in the post-season.

What’s done is done. Knicks fans know by now that JR is a knucklehead. But he’s OUR knucklehead, and the man will rightly get a standing ovation at his first home game back.