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fishmike
Posts: 53902
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 7/19/2002
Member: #298
USA
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You can end it. One of my favorite writers quotes a phrase I KNOW originated here... I think with Marv or DJ.
'Big Snacks' is back for Knicks
Thursday, January 5, 2006
By STEVE POPPER
STAFF WRITER
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Jerome James was back on the practice floor with the Knicks on Wednesday, working his way into shape and - he hopes — back into the good graces of the organization.
James, who was suspended after he reported to a New Year's Day session in a condition the team would only describe as "unprepared to practice," was practicing again. He also was still drifting in the limbo of suspension and inactive status, unlikely to be activated for Friday's game against Washington.
The sizable James, who was nicknamed "Big Snacks" while in Seattle, and the Knicks each seemed reluctant to speak about the suspension. Asked if he was active again, James said, "I don't know."
Larry Brown, who has rarely been reluctant to speak about anything, sat with Isiah Thomas for a long time at the far end of the court as the team finished off practice, and added only, "I'm not going to comment any further on it. I'm just happy he worked hard and you know, he had a great practice today. Hopefully we'll build on that."
The sweaty embrace between James and Brown - and James seeming willingness to accept the punishment as well as $46,000 in lost pay - hardly solved all the team's problems, though. Trevor Ariza, who was vocal about being upset when he was pushed from the starting lineup to the end of the bench Monday, was the target of Brown's acerbic humor Wednesday.
"Well, if he's miffed he's not as smart as I think he is," Brown said. "I'm not worried about it. He had a great practice. His thing is. he's a young player, he'll have an opportunity to play. It's entirely up to him."
Brown has shuttled players in and out of the lineup this season, more due to the failings of each trial lineup than any desire to see all 15 players in action. Ariza bristled Monday at the demotion, citing a lack of communication.
"Guys know," Brown said. "I mean, I don't buy this. Trevor knows. He knows why he didn't get to play. I believe it's important that you communicate, but sometimes by your actions, you know.
"I don't expect kids to always totally understand," Brown added. "You've got to keep reminding guys to do what they do best. And you talked about roles consistently, but I think young players especially now, the way they've been brought up, playing time is the thing that they value most."
James has been one of the most disappointing pieces of the roster this season, enduring a series of injuries since training camp after signing a $30 million contract in the summer. The injuries have contributed to his lack of conditioning - and it's about the only thing he has contributed, as he is averaging just 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds this season.
"You never expect it," James said. "But it's the lows and highs of the NBA. All I can do is continue being a professional, coming to work every day, making it get better."
BRIEFS: Quentin Richardson (back spasms), Jamal Crawford (sprained left foot) and Antonio Davis (back spasms) all sat out practice. Crawford and Davis are listed as probable for Friday's game, but Crawford said he was having trouble even walking on the foot.
E-mail: popper@northjersey.com
"winning is more fun... then fun is fun" -Thibs
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1/5/2006 11:42 AM
