The Knicks pulled out a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, but it’s not something they should be too proud of. Bill Walker and Toney Douglas missed a combined total of five shots (Those shots could have gone into the basket and counted as points), and Tracy McGrady finally made some shots, but that meant that other Knicks players weren’t able to make shots (Because when one player makes a shot, another player can’t make a shot at the same time, so in effect McGrady was stopping his teammates from making shots).

Fortunately, there was one bright spot for the Knicks – the resurgence of point guard Chris Duhon. In just ten minutes of play, Duhon shot a perfect percentage from three-point range, had three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Are those all-star numbers? Not quite. But stretch that out over 40 minutes of play and it is hard to imagine Duhon not in an all-star jersey. Duhon commented after the game: “I just really felt great out there. I felt like I could take anyone, really.” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni also expressed his admiration for Duhon’s play: “Chris really showed me something tonight. As we look toward the end of the season, we’re definitely going to use him in some isolation sets and to try and get the most out of his one-on-one ability.”

Donnie Walsh also made some comments after the game regarding the important decisions he will have to make this summer in free-agency. “There will be a lot of options for us and that’s why we made the moves we made. What we wanted was flexibility and I think we got that. But looking forward I think there’s no denying certain moves we have to make. I was at the game tonight and I can be honest with you, the first thing I have to do this off-season is resign Chris Duhon. You can’t let a player like that slip by. He’s going to end up receiving a contract around the $50 million mark for four years.” Walsh commented further “And as for our young guys, Bill and Toney really showed me what they’re about tonight. And that’s selfish play. These are perfect examples of guys we don’t want on this team going forward.”

When pressed about the Knicks lack of size, Walsh said “There are a few guys we’re looking at. One in particular is Jerome James who will be a free agent this summer. There are certain moves you make as a GM that you regret, and I can admit that trading James was something I wish I could take back.” Walsh added, “I’ve scouted some Bulls’ practices and watched James play and I really like what I see. He’s showing a lot of versatility and that’s what we’re looking for. Whether it’s solidifying the center position or playing some minutes at the point, Jerome is someone we’re looking at for the long-term.”

So there you have it: some good news for Knicks fans. It’s a shame that this summer’s free agent class has been headlined by overrated, washed up players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, and Amare Stoudemire. These are second-tier free agents at best. All the while, players like Chris Duhon and Jerome James go unmentioned. There are other less publicized free agents that the Knicks need to have on their radar. One is the Knicks’ own Cuttino Mobley, who has undoubtedly been the Knicks most consistent player the past two seasons. Here is a jaw-dropping stat: In his Knicks’ career, Mobley hasn’t committed any turnovers. Another player the Knicks should sign is Brian Scalabrine. He is the guy the Knicks need when it comes to raw, natural athleticism. Also, Kenny Thomas would be a solid pickup. Imagine a lineup next season of Chris Duhon, Cuttino Mobley, Brian Scalabrine, Kenny Thomas, and Jerome James. Knicks fans, the dynasty is not far away and is closer than you think.

The only thing left for the Knicks to do would be to bring back their legend, the man who will forever be the face of the franchise: Starbury. This is what championships are all about. This is what winning is all about. Ultimately, this is what America is all about.

Bob Burley is a sports journalist who writes for several acclaimed newspapers in the Northeast and is also a freelance salsa dancer.

Childs2Dudley wrote:It took Mr. Burley 8 days to write this apparently.

actually, it took him a while to cut and paste it from other places who have already deleted their threads on it. Anyway.

Reads like BBJones on some kind of hallucinogenic mushroom.

martin wrote:Can you update us on the whole freelance salsa dance thing?

Sure, once the trial is over. I'm actually not legally permited to talk about it at the moment. It's truly a wonder what will drive a man to acquire his salsa course completion degree.

jimimou wrote:now here's a new one - a newbie comes to the board and posts his own story....HYSTERICAL.

welcome dude - now go post a story in the alba thread.

Why thank you. And yes, my Jessica Alba story is coming along rather swimmingly.

Childs2Dudley wrote:It took Mr. Burley 8 days to write this apparently.

You exhibit quite a commendable guestimating prowess here, however I have to inform you that I've been working on this particular article for well over a year.