What's next: The Knicks will practice on Thursday to prepare for a back-to-back with Toronto beginning on Friday. It's fair to wonder whether the embattled Woodson will be coaching the team at that point. - Ian Begley
Sports writers who hold vigils for firing the ooach do NYK basketball followers a disservice.
There are only two players in our backcourt capable of playing at a modern, uptempo pace with halfway decent court awareness. Toure Murry and Tim Hardaway Jr.
The rest of the roster is composed of plodders. Carmelo Anyhony included. The contrast with OKC (or the Lakers bench for that matter) is stunning. While these teams make the extra pass to hit the open man - we struggle with a simple entry to the post. That is a lack of quick decision making.
We dribble too much.
If it were as simple as firing the ooach, even The Answer Man would be down. Unfortunately, the coach cannot handle the ball or find passing angles on the break.
When was the last time the Knicks ran a fast break without fumbling the ball into traffic?
Yes, our defensive leader tyson Chandler gives effort, but he may, quite possibly, be the most clumsy big man in the history of the NBA at catching the ball on the move, in the paint, and finishing in traffic. Iman Shumpert has ability but his decision-making has not improved with reps - it has gotten worse. Amare shoots from outside like a small forward. Andrea Bargnani is somewhere in between looking for threes or mid range jumpers. JRSmith thinks he is World B free. Me first.
No one goes to the glass hard. No one.
There is something wrong here. Smething very wrong here.
We need new and quick thinking players and a dominant floor leader who can teach his running buddies how to love the assist. It starts with transitioning from the half court, three point shot crutch - and acquiring players who can push the ball, and pass the ball, in transition.
Toure and Tim are a start. Not the answer. Just a start.
Defense?
Don't get me started.
