The Forgotten Man
Authored by Jason M. Williams - 21st January, 2007 - 10:50 pm

As NBA Commissioner David Stern was putting the finishing touches on his perfected Windsor Knot prior to the 2006 NBA Draft, he knew he was in for a rather entertaining night from the Knicks faithful at Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks coming off a dismal 23-59 record, they were awarded the 2nd overall selection in the draft via the lottery, but had already dealt that pick away to the Chicago Bulls in the Eddy Curry trade. This was sure to incite and anger the fans to say the very least. But what Stern wasn’t expecting was what happened later that night in the draft.

With heralded and lottery-projected University of Connecticut point guard Marcus Williams still sitting in the green room, the Sacramento Kings instead chose Quincy Douby out of Rutgers with the 19th pick in the draft. This led to a frenzy by the fans, as they looked up and saw their precious New York Knicks on the clock. Chants of “Mar-cus Will-iams” reverberated throughout the Garden and Stern must have smiled a bit, realizing that maybe…just maybe, the Knicks would make their fans happy on draft day for the first time since Patrick Ewing was selected way back in 1985.

Stern took his casual stride up to the podium and the fans were coiled up like a jack-in-the-box, waiting to erupt with joy and celebration. But when Stern opened that envelope to reveal the name of the player the Knicks selected, he must have laughed, shook his head, maybe even muffled an expletive or two under his breath, and finally read the following: “With the 20th selection in the 2006 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select…Renaldo (insert pandemonium, screams of horror, probably a suicide or murder in the stands) Balkman from South Carolina.” The fans were in disbelief. The “Fire Isiah” chants were at an all-time maximum. Fans had no idea what to do with themselves. Commentators and analysts were blatantly calling Isiah Thomas foolish and insane. Even Balkman himself was sitting at home watching the telecast in shock. No one had even heard of Balkman entering the draft and was never projected as a first rounder, let alone the 20th overall selection. It was ugly.

But when the smoke cleared and the preseason camps were getting underway, Isiah defended his draft decision by explaining that the Knicks did not need another scoring point guard (since they already had four on the roster), but rather needed a defensive oriented player who didn’t even want the ball. After all, anyone who watched the 2006 NCAA NIT tournament would have seen the type of ferocity Balkman plays the game with, as he was named tournament MVP despite scoring only 9.6 points per game. He also played an integral role in the Gamecocks’ two wins over eventual national champion Florida during the 2005-06 NCAA basketball season. His performance in the NIT championship vs. Michigan was so dominant that he irritated the Wolverines to the point forward Brent Petway pushed him down to the floor in frustration, resulting in a technical and removal from the game.

Plus, Isiah’s previous track record indicated perhaps everyone should give Balkman a chance. Let’s not forget he found impact players and draft steals in Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady, Trevor Ariza in the second round, and 2006-07 Most Improved Player and 6th Man candidate David Lee. He also played a major role in the acquiring, drafting, and development of Jermaine O’Neal, Brad Miller, Al Harrington, Jamaal Tinsley and Ron Artest into the all-star caliber players they are today.

So what has Balkman done to back up his new coach’s decision thus far? Due to the early season injuries to Jared Jeffries, Quentin Richardson, Channing Frye, Steve Francis, and the brawl-related suspensions to Nate Robinson and Mardy Collins, Isiah has found himself with a short bench. This has given Balkman ample time to contribute and show that his thick dreadlocks do not hinder his head-turning athleticism and tenacity he brings to the court. He became a fan favorite in the preseason as the fans appreciated the hustle and heart he exerts each and every play. He has responded by averaging 10 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 offensive rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2 steals per 40 minutes. He has at least 2 blocks or steals in 14 of the 28 games he has played in at least 10 minutes. His season and career-best 15 rebounds vs. Utah in December are also the most rebounds in a game by a rookie this season. Despite possessing no jump shot, he excels at scoring in transition and on put-backs under the basket.

When given the opportunity to play, Balkman has thrived as a defensive menace and disruptive force when guarding perimeter players because he provides toughness along with his quickness and long arms. In an early season win over the Cavs on the road, Balkman was given the chore of guarding insta-legend LeBron James, and did not back down. He hacked LeBron on a move to the hoop in the 4th quarter, and when LeBron got in his face following the hard foul, Balkman did not back down. Instead he got in King James’ head, and James failed to record a single point for the rest of the game. His contribution to the team is one reason the Knicks sit only five wins behind last season’s total despite having 40 games left to play.

However, now that Isiah has nearly his entire arsenal available after all of the injuries and suspensions, he is finding himself with no time for Balkman on the court. Let’s take a look at how the Knicks have done since Balkman’s role has been reduced. In the past 11 games following the return of Jared Jeffries from suspension to regain his role from Balkman as the primary “defensive stopper”, the Knicks have gone 5-6. In those 5 wins, Balkman has played more than 10 minutes three times. In those 6 losses, Balkman has played less than 10 minutes all six times. The only 2 wins the Knicks survived with Balkman playing fewer than 10 minutes, if at all, were the home “7-point rout” of the NBA-worst Philadelphia 76ers and the hold-your-breath 108-106 win in Indiana as Danny Granger missed what would have been a game-winning three-pointer as time expired. And oh yea, Indiana was playing with four new players on its roster for the first time, so this should not have been that close.

Obviously, the argument is not that Renaldo Balkman is the key to winning basketball, but rather that the team plays harder, more aggressively, with more heart, and rebounds a lot better when he is on the floor. It is Isiah Thomas’ job to realize he has found another diamond in the rough, and put him on the court for 20 minutes per game. Balkman’s ability to disrupt the opponent’s premier players can not be taught and must be utilized. He has proven more valuable to this point than anyone could have expected, and Knicks fans should be thankful for Isiah’s uncanny ability to pick players out of the draft that become instant impact players. Perhaps Stern should prepare his “just-wait-and-see” smile for next year’s inevitable raucous that explodes following the naming of Isiah’s selection.



- Balkman definitely makes Jeffries expendable, now the trick is seeing if we can get anyone to take him.

Yeah, this is why I opposed signing Jeffries. I thought Balkman could do most of what Jeffires would do for us at a cheaper rate. Now I am convinced that Balkman is better than Jeffries at about everything other than experience. Jeffries does not make the rookie mistakes, but Balkman plays with greater intensity, is a better shot-blocker and rebounder, is better on the break, and IMHO plays better defense. I think we would really give our team a boost if we played Balkman 20 minutes a game.

he isn't going to, again he has to justify the fact that he isn't a terrible judge of free agent talent and the team will suffer....we play our best basketball with balkman lee out there....

you want to win games

Marbury
Q
Balkman
Lee
Curry

JJ needs to bring his sorry butt off the bench. Balkman is worlds better at doing "the little things". Too bad hell be a throw in in some weird azz trade the Isiah will make.

Jefferies & Frye for Etan Thomas, Jarvis Hayes & a future pick.

Posted by TMS:

Jefferies & Frye for Etan Thomas, Jarvis Hayes & a future pick.

heh if Washington wanted JJ and this contract they could have had him. it's not like he's taken it to the next level this year or anything.

Balkman >>>>> Jeffries

In Isiahs world, he drafted Balkman but counted on Jeffries.

In Isiahs world, he could not have the luxury to develope Balkman.

i'd rather rock some "Start D Lee" shirts instead.

Posted by TMS:

i'd rather rock some "Start D Lee" shirts instead.

i'm fine with dlee not being a starter if he gets 44 minutes a game. keep that chip on his shoulder, why not.

I don't think Isiah is stupid enough to be playing Jefferies over Balkman in order to justify the signing. He must have this vision of what Jeffereis will bring (he is a month behind in development - more reason to give Balkman some of those minutes). I don't exactly see it, so I imagaine as Balkman gets minutes again and produces, he will keep him in. As much as he wants to justify his signing of Jefferies, if it's going to hurt the team in the short and long run, why? I can't buy that, but I'm questioning what it is that Jefferies is clearly doing to warrant next to nothing for a player who appears better.