Pretty good article from Hoopsworld – sad but true…

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8052


A common theme of the 2008 presidential election has been the belief that Americans, disillusioned with the current, ineffective regime are desperate to make a change.

Healthcare reform and progressive tax cuts aside, some would argue that the Democratic candidates' biggest appeal is that they represent a fundamental shift away from George W. Bush and all that his presidency represents. Of course, throughout the U.S., there are also those Americans who are determined to keep a misguided, befuddled Republican in office for four more years.

However, in Knicks Nation, the voter-base is almost universally aligned. It is common knowledge that it's basically impossible to get New Yorkers to agree on anything. But amongst the remaining hoop-heads and loyal Knicks fans left in New York City, there is one universally accepted belief: Isiah Thomas must go. Regardless of religion, race, creed or sexual orientation; no matter if they live in a cramped apartment in Queens or a townhouse on Park avenue; irrespective of their political affiliation – Knicks fans throughout New York and across the country (both 'Blue' and 'Red' states alike) are united on one prevailing issue: Isiah needs to be impeached and the organization needs to clean house ASAP.

Yes, Isiah's approval rating is likely lower than Knicks winning percentage, if that is even possible. Zeke makes even Bush look about as popular as a young John F Kennedy Jr.
By any standard method of measurement, Isiah's four-plus years in office have been a complete and unmitigated disaster. The overall record, 133-231, including a 53-101 mark as head coach, is horrendous. (You could also tack on one more defeat if you count the loss Isiah and MSG suffered in the sexual harassment lawsuit.) The trades have been dreadful. The free-agent signings have been laughable. There is no need to get into specifics at this point, we are all well aware of the irreparable damage that has been done.

And while the Knicks organization has provided the media as well countless opposing players, coaches, and fans with endless laughs, poor Knicks fans have had to live through this disaster. At the end of the day, Jerome James still has $30 million in his checking account. And even Isiah will be laughing all the way to bank once he gets bought out.

But it is the Knicks fans who are the victims here. New York has a special connection with basketball. New Yorkers have a passion for hoops, and this current cadre under Dolan has robbed this city of something they truly love – a competitive NBA team they can root for. Knicks fans were instrumental in helping turn Madison Square Garden into the "World's Most Famous Arena." During the halcyon days of yore, when the Knicks played hard and actually competed in meaningful games after the All-Star break, MSG was one of the most intimidating venues in the entire league.

For fans hewn on the gritty Knicks teams of the 1990's, as well as an older generation that was lucky enough to witness those legendary championship teams of the early 70's, it has to be torture watching these guys refuse to defend or hustle and generally play uninspired, spiritless basketball. The last few seasons have been one long nightmarish string of defensive lapses and embarrassing blowouts.

Nowadays, it is amazing how many Knicks fans have been forced to hope that their favorite team loses each night – praying that enough defeats would finally force owner Jim Dolan to see the light and give Isiah the boot.
Thus, when news broke earlier this week that Donnie Walsh had agreed to come to New York, Knicks fans felt something that hadn't felt in a really, really long time: Hope.
Recent reports have surfaced that there is no deal in place, but that is almost irrelevant. And never mind that Jim Dolan has (predictably) handled the entire affair incredibly poorly; of course he should have at least spoken to potentially more attractive candidates such as Jerry West or Jerry Colangelo. But let's not get lost in semantics. Instead, we need to accentuate the positive; it appears that Jim Dolan has finally come to his senses and realized he needs to make a change.

In the movie "Shawshank Redemption," Andy Dufresne tells Red, "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." At this point, Knicks fans feel like Red. They have been in basketball prison so long that they have become institutionalized. Like a disillusioned electorate that has been burned by scandals, in-fighting, and unimaginable ineptitude, they are weary of placing their faith in those that have let them down time and time again. But Knicks fans are a resilient bunch, and they are ready to put their faith in a higher power – as long as Isiah isn't involved in the process.

As Obama is fond of saying: "Change We Can Believe In"
While the Walsh hire may not be the dream scenario, it is certainly a step in the right direction; which basically constitutes a step in any direction as long as said step is moving away from Isiah Thomas. Granted, the dream outcome would be David Stern instituting some sort of national "No Knick Fan Left Behind Program" and forcing the Dolan family to sell the Knicks to a responsible and competent owner – but beggars can't be choosers. Unfortunately, with Dolan in charge, Knick fans have to settle for a form of "keep it simple, stupid."

In this, an election year, the constituents of Knicks Nation are now single-issue voters. Hopefully they will have a new leader in power real soon, a leader they can trust and believe in. Yes, the audacity of hope is a strange and scary concept around these parts; but New Yorkers are ready. They hope...