the man doesn't play for us anymore, and he still tells it like it is

"There's so much pressure (in New York) from you guys, to having to perform every night, from the management on your back for every little thing, wanting to fine you for every little thing. You just don't have that there, that makes a big difference."


~Sprewell

It's pretty obvious that these guys prefer to live and play in places like Sacramento, San Antonio, Minnesota -- places like that. New York is a high-pressure town where expectations are high.

You gotta be tough to play in New York. Most of these guys don't have that kind of toughness. That includes the emotional toughness to deal with a gritty urban environment. No, they want to be out in the burbs driving their SUVs.

Before, we had the ability to offer these guys higher salaries if they'd play in New York. Now, with the salary cap, we don't have that option anymore.

Posted by Swishfm3:

the man doesn't play for us anymore, and he still tells it like it is

"There's so much pressure (in New York) from you guys, to having to perform every night, from the management on your back for every little thing, wanting to fine you for every little thing. You just don't have that there, that makes a big difference."


~Sprewell

Well Spree played here for 5 years, and no one with sense would question his toughness. With that said, I am sure it is much harder here than smaller cities for playres who are not tough so succeed.

At one time we did have money to pay players to come here. LayDown paid the ones he wanted (SPoon, Shandon, Eisley) and guess what? They are all STILL here.

If the Knicks were any good, there'd be pleny of players dieing to play for them. Yea, there's pressure. But you get to play in the Garden 41 times a year plus playoffs. You get to live and hang in NY as a rich celebrity. You get exposure for your game, and $$ for your image. If you're weak emotionally, it'll tear you apart. We don't want those guys anyway. If you're a winner ... if you're tough, there's no better place to play.