Posted by newyorknewyork:
Posted by Bippity10:
Earl, don't listen to GKF, we aren't going to respect you no matter what you write.
I love that Chandler didn't pout and leave the plane before the game. I love that he accepted his "reassignment" focused and got his game on track. He needs to learn from this so in the future we don't have to worry about him being benched to see this offensive fire from him. But he really stepped up and took the "benching" like a man. That's the type of attitude we have needed and have missed for so long here. Not that they care but I'm proud of both him and Al for the way they handled these things. The culture is definitely changing.
On one side there are different players then before so that is attributed to the change in culture. Then on the other side, I bet you that some of that is attributed to how D'Antoni communicates to them, how he talks and treats them(for the most part other then the Marbury fiasco). They most likely have respect for him because of that. They are more willing trust him that he is out for there best interest and not only his.
It's all tied in together. Nobody gets all the credit. Dolan for the moment staying out of everyone's hair has represented cultural change. Donnie Walsh standing by his decisions and not lying to us has represented change. A GM/Coach on the same page more often than not represents change. The players not whining about their coaches and the fans represents change. The players giving an honest effort represents change. Getting rid of those that choose themselves over the team represented change. Marginalizing malcontents represents change. Placing the coach in charge represented change. Playing players based on their willingness to fit in the team concept instead of the size of their salary represents change. Giving the young guys a shot represented change. Bringing in a true leader who may not be the most skilled but understands the team concept represented change...............
It goes on and on. Making the playoffs, not making the playoffs in the long run isn't important. What is important is that our players and our organization are getting out from under the side shows. They no longer lead to team implosion and infighting. We no longer whine and complain, we just play. Now there are still some holdout whiners, but most of the fans are starting to get it. The fans are understanding that barring a lucky break in the draft or the free-agent market we still have a ways to go. But we are making progress regardless. You change the culture from a losing culture to a winning culture and the breaks just magically start coming your way.
