Hi Alan, thanks for agreeing to do a interview for KnickSwag.com
Leon – Do you think the Knicks have enough pieces in their squad to compete for the East Title?
Alan – Absolutely. They have depth at every position. So “on paper” they have enough talent, depth and experience to be a contender. The issue, of course, is the unpredictable: health. The three main pieces — Melo, Amar’e and Tyson — are injury prone and the depth is loaded with veterans well over the age of 30. So over the course of an 82-game season, this team has to stay healthy and motivated. If they get to April close to full health, they will be a dangerous team. But that is a big “if” to carry from now until then.
Leon – Age and Injuries are concern for a lot of Knicks fans, is it best in your opinion to give these last 2 roster spots to players with youth over other veterans?
Alan – There is too much emphasis on the 14th and 15th spots. These don’t even have to be filled now. Think about it, why lock in this spot when you can always grab a guy from the D-League throughout the season on a 10-day or sign a veteran player who was waived? Why lock yourself into a young player who may get zero burn (even in practice), which would negatively impact his development, when you can have an option during the season to fill it when you need to? Recall Jeremy Lin (no matter how much it may hurt to right now). He was claimed off waivers (filling an open spot), played in the D-League and then when the team needed him, he stepped up. Yes, you can sign a guy and then place him in the D-League, but he costs you a spot (see: Jerome Jordan). These are wasted resources. This isn’t a team that is in development mode right now. The focus is entirely on the vets and winning now.
Leon – What must the Knicks do to beat the teams like Miami, Boston etc in the East?
Alan – It’s simple and it’s something Shaq said recently: the star players (Melo, Amar’e) have to raise their effort to another level. It has nothing to do with talent, just consistent, physical effort. They’ve done it before in their respective careers. LeBron and Wade played at such a high level last season, can they do it again for another season? If so, Melo and Amar’e have to get there, too. You can’t beat them if you can’t match their effort level. As the leaders, if Melo/Amar’e set a standard like that, the rest of the team will rise with them.
Leon – The Knicks will be a pretty good team on defense but do you think they have enough options on offense?
Alan – The only issue they will have with the offense is whether or not Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd can run it with control and confidence. They have two of the best finishers in the game. It’s about execution, trust and control. Period.
Leon – What is your biggest Knicks memory while you have been covering the team?
Alan – My first time standing on the Madison Square Garden court before a game. The bright lights were on and I had never been floor-level at the Garden for a Knicks game in my life. When I attended games, I sat in the blue section, with my back against the wall in the 400s. So it was just special to me to be on the court. I just wish I was wearing kicks and a uniform, but it was probably better that I wasn’t.
Leon – Can Stoudemire and Anthony average 45 points 15 rebounds or higher this season?
Alan – They could, but will they need to? The only statistic that should matter to either of these guys — and fans — is the win-loss record. It’s contradictory to say Melo isn’t a winner because he scores a lot and his team loses, but if his numbers go down and the team wins, you can’t now say he’s lost his scoring touch. If they combine for 38 points and 12 rebounds and the team win 50 games, that’s perfect.
Leon - Which Knick brings the biggest asset that we didn’t have last year?
Alan – It’s a tie: Marcus Camby provides rebounding and defensive depth at the center spot behind Tyson Chandler, which did not exist last season. His presence allows Tyson to remain aggressive and not worry about foul trouble. Jason Kidd may be long in the tooth, but his experience as a leader on the court, an outstanding offensive mind in the huddle, could be critical. They just didn’t have that last season, either.
Leon – What is your favorite Tribe Called Quest and Beastie Boys song?
Alan – ATCQ- “Midnight” on “Midnight Marauders” — “Hits the local bodega to woof down a hero/Son is on a Midnight Run like DeNiro…”
Beasties — “Get It Together” on “Ill Communication” — “See I got heart like John Starks, hittin’ mad sparks/Pass me the mic and I’ll be rockin’ the whole park…”
Leon – Have you seen the KnickSwag.com website and if you have what do you think of it?
Alan – Love the passion. That’s why we do what we do.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions for KnickSwag.com and let this be the year of the Knicks.
Leon Jacobsen @JacobsenLeon - Knickswag Contributor
http://knickswag.com/alan-hahn-interview-knickswag/?utm_campaign=Knickswag&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
9/29/2012 12:37 AM