Posted by islesfan:

How many GM's, other than Isiah, do you know of that don't talk much about the salary cap? That's like a lawyer that doesn't talk much about the law.

Quite frankly, I don't care how much they spend as long as we are developing young players and bring it to a level we can do more going forward.

Posted by raven:

how could someone hate IT since all he did untill now was to make us improve ?

That's a great question

Posted by eViL:

Check it out: I know I called Islesfan an Isiah-hater earlier. I don't want people to confuse what I say. I don't care if you love him or hate him, but I think people oughta respect him.

Isiah took one of the toughest jobs in the league. He put himself in the spotlight. And he knows that if he fails, he fails on the largest stage to fail on. There's not too many sports execs that would put themselves out there like that. Some might think it's purely self-promotion and while that might be part of it, there's more to it than that.

Isiah understands accountability. He knows that by putting himself in the spotlight and making moves that he is going to be scrutinized. He doesn't shy away from it, he steps up to it; I respect that. And trust me, his players do too. I don't think any of his players forget that he's putting his ass on the line for them. If Isiah wants you and he comes and gets you - you better be ready to play.

Call me a fool, but I believe that psychology is a major factor in sports performance. I believe that when a well-respected and revered legend like Isiah puts his reputation on the line to sign or trade for you - you become better. Granted, I don't think Isiah can make an un-talented player talented - I think he can help a player play up to his talents.

Look at the players he's bringing together: Stephon, TT. Look at the players he's going after: Dampier, Crawford. These guys are all highly criticized (and for good reason). None of these players has met their famed "potential". I think Isiah is trying to light a fire under these guys; to inspire them. I think by way of him putting his ass on the line to acquire these guys, he's making each one of them think to themselves: "If Isiah is willing to risk his reputation for me, I'm going to do everything I can do to prove him right."

There is a confidence about Isiah that distinguishes him from his predecessor. There is league-wide respect for his achievements in the game. When Isiah has his squad put together, each player is going to have the confidence in knowing that someone (and not just anyone, but a legend) believes enough in them to risk his own ass by acquiring them.

So maybe I think we're going to end up over-paying for Dampier and possibly Crawford. I'm not blind, I can see that. I don't love Isiah blindly, but I believe in his approach. If he can't be a cap-crunching rebuilder like Kiki, he's going to be an inspirational leader like he's always been.

He's a man players respect. And I think fans that hate him blindly are just a wrong as fans that love him unconditionally. I'll criticize him if he fails, but he hasn't. I'll congratulate him if he succeeds, when he does. Until then, I'm going to respect the man that took the hardest job in the NBA without fear and brought confidence back to the Knicks.

I agree. Great post eViL.

Posted by fahkyu911:

where is the improvement? all the hype with marbury and they had the same record they had the year earlier. Where are all the stars that isiah promised this off season. he's done the same crappy job that layden has. the team is way over the cap and that is why they have to beg other teams to trade with them but no other team wants the knicks garbage.