Amar’e Campaign Trail Gets Started Early in D.C.

NYK 101 – 95 Wizards

You could hear the chants in MSG the other night, and they followed the Knicks on the road to Washington. “M.V.P!” “M.V.P!” “M.V.P!” It’s not even half-way through the NBA 2010-2011 season, and Amar’e Stoudamire is already making his case for the NBA’s most valuable player. He’s scored 30+ points in each of the last seven games, and he’s lead the Knicks to seven straight road wins, putting them atop the league with 10 overall. He’s the minutes leader, he’s the plus/minus leader, and to be fair the turnovers leader tonight also. I guess you can say STAT even had a triple double tonight with his 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 turnovers. That last part certainly isn’t pretty, but when it matters most Amar’e Stoudamire takes the game over with points, blocks, and confidence. I’ve been saying it all season, STAT is the best player to where the Knicks uniform since Patrick Ewing.

Free throws were the biggest weakness in the Wizards game tonight. They missed eight in a game where they only lost by six. Anytime that happens a coach should make their team shoot 1000 free throws each. The free throw department has been one of the most impressive improvements made by the New York Knickerbockers this season, and tonight’s game is a testament to how important such an improvement can be. Knicks were also dominant in another area I’ve been preaching, blocks (6 to 1). The Knicks even won the rebounds department by a couple, so they remain consistent during this surge of wins. The Knicks only scored ten points on the fast break tonight, which may seem strange from a D’Antonni coached team, but this is a half court team. They still play an exciting, high scoring game, but they do it all with a set offense.

Landry Fields continues to play a quietly solid game. He’s possibly the third most important player on this team. He rebounds and plays defense the whole game, and any time the Knicks need a clutch shot, Landry nails it. I’m still not sure about the Shawne Williams love, but if a trade ever goes down, it is nice to know other fans have faith in his ability. I liked the little bit I seen of Mozgov tonight, and I’m still hopeful he can be a major part of the rotation by year’s end. Danillo Gallinari played a controlled game tonight. Instead of chucking like he’s guilty of some nights, he drove the rack, and went to the charity stripe for nine freebies. When you can hit free throws like Reggie Miller, you have to take the ball to the hole. Gallo needs to keep playing like this. He was 100% from the free throw line and from beyond the arch.

The Knicks get the Nuggets on Sunday. I want Carmello Anthony in blue and orange as much as any fan, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time until that happens. Whether it’s through a trade, or the free agent market, the Knicks will make a play for the services of Mello. Pardon the Interruption had coach Mike D on today, and they also said that having the Knicks playing well is good for the NBA and the country. It’s nice for the Knicks to be in the mainstream again. Hopefully they can keep this up for an entire season, but I’m having fun while it lasts either way. Let me know what you think on Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr!

LeBron Who? The Knicks Keep On Rolling…

I have admitted more times than I care to remember that I wanted LeBron James on the Knicks. He’s not coming, and that’s that. I could go on and on about how he’s like a phone on vibrate, no rings. Or that he’s a coward, or that he took the easy way out, or that he’s Benedict Arnold, but I won’t do that. Instead I’m going to focus on the most important part of the NBA (to me), the New York Knickerbockers. Donnie Walsh is still manning the ship for the NYK, and as long that’s the case, this team looks to improve with every passing season.

“Diamond” David Lee traded to Golden State Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike, and a 2nd Round Pick

David Lee was my favorite player on the Knicks from the moment he put on the Jersey. I was a fan of his work in Florida, and loved the fact that he was ambidextrous. He was basically the most consistent double-double in the league since his arrival (besides Dwight Howard), and is easily one of the best rebounders in the league. He’s a good ball handler, free throw shooter, passer, and overall great teammate. He flourished offensively under Mike D’Antoni, and will be a fan favorite in Golden State.

In return the Knicks pick up one of my favorite spark plugs in the league, and heart surgery survivor, Ronny Turiaf. This guy was great for the Lakers, and earned a solid contract from the Golden State Warriors. I cannot wait to see him in the Garden. The man is great for spelling anyone in the front court, and can even play heavy minutes in case of foul trouble. He cleans the glass with great tenacity and enjoyment, which is what you need down low to succeed in the NBA. Kelenna Azubuike is coming off an injury that kept him from playing all but 9 games last season. There was a time when Azubike was a great sixth man in Golden State, so hopefully he can replicate that for the Knicks.

The centerpiece of the trade for New York is said to be Anthony “NOT Zach” Randolph. A skinny 6-10 power forward who turns 21 on July 15th. He’s said to have not been a Don Nelson-type player, which probably means he doesn’t like being yelled at by an angry old (possibly drunk) man. He’s clearly an athletic freak, loves to swat people, and can run the floor with great fluidity. Randolph may get a chance to start for the Knicks, which he didn’t get to do a lot of for Golden State. With Amar’e Stoudemire to help teach Randolph D’Antoni’s system, I imagine he’ll be a much more confident player than he was with the Warriors. I can’t wait to see what Randolph is all about.

New York Knicks Sign Raymond Felton for 2 Years

For at least the last couple of seasons there have been rumors stating the Knicks wanted to trade for Felton. David Lee was usually thrown around during such conversations, and now Felton is a Knick, and David Lee isn’t. They weren’t exactly traded for one another, but nonetheless here we are. Felton is one player who doesn’t miss a lot of games, and his consistency alone is impressive. Hopefully Mike D’Antoni can make him into a more successful playmaker, as he’s never averaged more than 7 assists a game, but he’s also never really been on a good team. The Knicks look to be a fast break monster, and hopefully Felton can keep up, and direct traffic. This signing was a no-brainer, as Toney Douglas is not a starting point guard, and Amar’e and Gallo need someone to get them the ball. I imagine Felton will be the sleeper signing of the off-season.

Knicks Sign Timofey Mozgov

A man whose birthday is one day after fellow recent Knicks acquisition Anthony Randolph’s. Mozgov looks to be another giant who can run the fast break. He’s about 7’1, can handle the ball, jump out of the building, and board. He’s built like a hockey player, weighing in at 270 pounds. He’s been great in national play, and will be a New York Knicks for the next three years. He’s another player that looks to make a name for himself on a very offensive minded NYK team. I only know what I’ve seen on tape of Mozgov, but the dude looks like he’ll be perfectly fine on a fast break. I’m interested in seeing more of his defensive work.

2010 New York Knicks Roster

PG: Raymond Felton, Toney Douglas

SG: Wilson Chandler, Billy Walker, Andy Rautins

SF: Danillo Galinari, Kelenna Azubuike

PF: Amar’e Stoudemire, Ronny Turiaf

C: Anthony Randolph, Timofey Mozgov