Posted by BRIGGS:

Posted by franco12:

Posted by BRIGGS:

this is where the knicks may capitalize this year. they do have depth and talent level to be a player IF they can figure the cluster fck out. I like the three guard concept with the Knicks, especially since JC is the only guy that I feel can hit that mid range J besides Frye. I would NOT discount guys like Francis and Jalen Rose, Rose is in a contract year and Francis should thrive IF we play open court and IF we have other OFFENSIVE options from the wing to open things up for his driving ability----the one problem here is Marbury and Francis are very similar--so they need to move the ball more--they have to want to move the ball--thats where success comes from--the ability to get the ball up court and get up shots within 7-8 seconds per possession and getting the pace up and using our depth. We dont have the guys who can stop another team--we need to be the guys who can put up more points. that is our roster--so they have to find the right groups that mesh and have the Pitino-like second team ready for 18 minutes of hard play a a game.

Briggs- thanks for the positive post- people have been killing you for being overly negative. Let me say thanks.

I agree and this is where you get funny because I think the team would be better off without Francis crowding things.

I'd almost rather start Marbury and Nate than Francis and Marbury- and I might myself prefer Francis and Nate over Marbury and Nate...

I try to keep it real. We are 5 years into scking horribly, and we havent scked conventionaly--weve tried to win. Were spending 2 dollars to other teams 1. If I put you in charge of the Knicks and handed you 500MM$, I bet almost ANYONE on this thread could put together a roster that would hit 23 or MANY more wins. I expect more from Isiah Thomas and I still disagree with a lot that he does, but I think the NY Knicks and Isiah may get off here from an Eastern Conference that took a big step back.

I think its less about other teams not improving and more about whether the knicks, oh so talented on paper, can build some chemistry

[quote]
Posted by crzymdups:

I think Indiana, Chicago, Charlotte, Toronto and Milwaukee will all be a lot better. As will Orlando. It will be a few years before the young talent in Charlotte, Toronto, Milwaukee and Orlando is really clicking and dominant - but those teams have a chance to be fantastic.

I'm assuming Indiana is getting either Bonzi or Al Harrington, they'll be tough and versatile. Also, Chicago clearly had a major off-season.

Miami will be tough, as much as Shaq slips, Wade will improve. Bron will improve, though his supporting cast is not impressive. I think Washington may slip a little. Detroit could slip to the point where they are chasing Cleveland and Chicago. New Jersey is another year older, but will still be tough. It'll be interesting to see Antoine Wright and Marcus Williams start making an impact there.

I don't know - I think the East is pretty tough. IF things break right, I think the Knicks could be looking at a 5 or 6 seed, more likely we'll be scrambling for a 7 or 8 seed with a bunch of teams like Washington, Milwaukee, Orlando, Philly, Boston and maybe Charlotte.

right now, I'd seed things:

1) Miami
2) Chicago
3) New Jersey
4) Detroit
5) Cleveland
then things open up more
6) Indiana
7) Milwaukee
8) New York
9) Washington
10) Orlando
11) Philly
12) Boston
13) Charlotte
14) Toronto
15) Atlanta



Let me tweak this a bit. I agree about teams 1-6--- I think that Washington goes in spot 7. They have a 1st team NBA type talent in Arenas that most teams dont have. They have Caron Butler who looks like he is becoming the next Scotie Pippen Antwan Jamison who is on the olympic team. They have some tough-nosed battle tested chemistry added bench players in stevenson daniels and Songalia. They will incorporate 6-11 Blatche they have Haywood who should still be improving. I think they are better than the team that won 42.



IF everything clicks in Charlotte and everyone is healthy, they will be in there for a run at 8 with the Bucks Knicks Magic and Philly. I think Boston is worse, I think they are legitimately trying to tank for Oden. Toronto will miss CV and Mike James. All toronto had to do was sign James keep CV draft Tyrus Thomas and do some fringe things and I believe they wouldve been in the playoffs. Now I dont know what they are--I cant see cohesion.
Atlata has some talent but they are the Tampa Devil Rays of the NBA.

I see it like this

1.Chicago
2.Detroit[they are still good]
3 Indiana
4 NJ
5 Miami[primed to letdown]
6 Clev[still needs to play out but any team with lebron is going to make the playoffs
7 wash
8 bobcats knicks 76ers magic
13 Atlanta
14 Boston
15 Toronto

a lot of people are looking at Francis as a possible x factor for us- but, I wouldn't be surprised if Jalen Rose stepped up in a big way. He has the one thing we lack- a lethal outside shot with range.

he would always kill us.

After he arrived, I didn't really see him shine- could have been all the bs going on with being traded, team in turmoil, etc.

Rose, more than Francis, could be a great fit.

I know we're set to announce Jeffries as our new addition, but I see Rose, if he isn't bought out or, heaven forbid, traded, being able to really give this team a lift.

Posted by Bippity10:

So if Jalen plays what happens to Q's minutes. Or Jefferies minutes. Or Lee's minutes?

If Jalen plays well, i.e., shoots high %, passes, etc., I think he takes time away from other skill type players- e.g., Francis, Q, possibly Nate & Crawford & Marbury.

Not necessarialy big impact where they don't play.

But, if Francis or Q struggle with their shot, and Jalen does play solid, I can see him impacting their minutes most.

Atlanta will be better. They're a young team with some talent. Shelden Williams will contribute as a rookie defensively, on the boards and to some extent, at the low post. He could be rookie of the year. Marvin Williams will start to play like an early lottery pick. They could surprise everyone and compete for a playoff spot.

Just out of curiosity, anyone think Josh Smith can play the 2?