Hi everyone. I signed up a few days ago and was encouraged to post a "hello new here" post. I hope it's alright in the Knicks Forum. I've been a Knicks fan since 1994, when I first moved to this country from the Former Yugoslavia. I moved to New Jersey, where a classmate asked me what my favourite basketball team was. I said "the Knicks", even though I didn't know much about the NBA or even much English. Well, I stuck with it and was soon watching every game on tv with my father. Over the years I became a big fan and never went back on my choice. I remember the LJ 4 point play, hating Reggie with all my heart, rooting for Anthony Mason, Van Gundy hanging on Zo's leg, and many more happy Knick moments. So I'm glad I found this site.

I believe the Knicks are guaranteed a playoff spot this year at the very least and are capable of a 45-win season at best. I am basing this opinion on several simple observations. The culture of Isiah's Knicks was so corrupt, cancerous that I don't think they would've won more than 30 games with Kobe Bryant. However, and to Isiah's credit, I've always felt that he had put together a very talented team; if they could only get 'their heads right'. The switch to D'Antoni and his player friendly attitude will do wonders for this team. The culture switch itself has already done something no other coach has done in the last decade- tamed Marbury to the point of non-distraction and a bench role. This is a huge accomplishment and a sign of what is ahead. The players have a system to believe in, a coach that knows what he's doing, and finally some discipline and accountability. It seems so simple, I'm amazed that Isiah was not capable of instilling this long ago. There is nothing more to it than that. This team was born to run and gun.

welcome. your english is better than half the people who post on this site.

Thanks martin, and I hear ya fishmike. As long as they have a plan and something to work towards, I would be happy to watch them lose this season. It's one thing to lose Isiah-style and something entirely different to lose under D'Antoni this year, where we will be able to notice improvement and growth.

Posted by martin:

welcome. your english is better than half the people who post on this site.

Half? 3/4 is probably more like it, haha.

Welcome to the site knicksfan.

It's preseason......... we need to see how the knicks do when the other team cares.

welcome, man.

45 wins is a pretty bold prediction. I like how we looked, and even though I've probably been pitted as a so-called "lover" in the past (That's UK speak for the usually more hopeful and optimistic fans, or blind and naive according to the "haters") I am not so sure we will do that.

Can we? That's practically doubling our entire win total last year (23).

Sure, I suppose it's possible, but I'm looking more at somewhere around 35-39 wins as more likely. I do think we will be in far more games than over the last few seasons, and that has a lot to do with the coach.

Looks like Earl has a new friend.

45 Wins? Not a chance.

Two reasons.

First off look at how good Boston, Philly, Atlanta, Orlando, Cleveland, and Detroit are. With those guys roaming around 45 wins is likely impossible for any other EC teams.

Secondly, we got a glimpse at how good this roster can be two seasons ago. Healthy, happy, and everything perfect they put together a 50 game .500 streak sandwiched in with a 5-11 start and then the injury collapse. We were on pace for 38 wins before the injuries.

I think that is the ceiling for this roster. 38 wins. I won't even look at 41 given that injuries and personal meltdowns will always be an issue with the present roster therefore the ability to play at .500 wire to wire is unlikely.

Mike's system will once again get the most out of this roster but I think "the most" has already been previewed fully two seasons ago.

I believe had:

*There been no Isiah trial
*There been no Zach trade
*Frye was benched, Lee was started
*There was no Marbury implosion

That MAYBE we would have won 40 games last season. MAYYYYBE.

And...that would have been the best you'd ever get out of this particular roster.

Hello Knicksfansince94. Welcome. Use this poll below. I picked them to win at least 40 myself.

"yous got da nam broath-da momsot stops sod jkslkks"l! (I had to live up to Martin's view of us other posters english writing skills).

http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topic.asp?t=28339

Yugoslavia huh?

As long as you have a bitch rant where you "wish to **** curry's sister in the mouth till her teeth bleed" in the spirit of Darko Milicic you will be welcome round here buddy boy.

Welcome to the UK...already I like you. I'm perhaps the most optimistic Knick fan in the world, so i'm impressed with your prediction.

I do think this roster has more to offer than we've seen from it and tho i've taken flack for it, I still stand by it. Last year I pretty much blasted Isiah for the complete collapse. I think under MDA this team can finally be judged for what it is. If it wins more games and looks pretty professional doing it, then we know his coaching made a real difference and that the players really do care.

I think LB and Isiah both did these players a disservice, but now we've got a Coach who really wants to win here without the hidden agendas. 45 is possible, tho that would take all the stars being in alignment and 110% from the players. 82 games is a long run for a team that hasn't played consistently for even one full game before. We'll see.

Posted by nixluva:

Welcome to the UK...already I like you. I'm perhaps the most optimistic Knick fan in the world, so i'm impressed with your prediction.

I do think this roster has more to offer than we've seen from it and tho i've taken flack for it, I still stand by it. Last year I pretty much blasted Isiah for the complete collapse. I think under MDA this team can finally be judged for what it is. If it wins more games and looks pretty professional doing it, then we know his coaching made a real difference and that the players really do care.

I think LB and Isiah both did these players a disservice, but now we've got a Coach who really wants to win here without the hidden agendas. 45 is possible, tho that would take all the stars being in alignment and 110% from the players. 82 games is a long run for a team that hasn't played consistently for even one full game before. We'll see.

Nixluva, if I ever go on trial for mass murder, I want you as a character witness. You're a stand up guy because you see the best out of everyone. No matter what.

[Edited by - pharzeone on 10-10-2008 02:23 AM]