Posted by islesfan:

What, I can't agree with Nalod?

Yes, you can and you did (and you know full well that no one can tell you who or what to agree with - so don't pull that sarcastic "Thanks, for letting me agree with him." crap - I've seen how you operate). I just wonder how you can and do agree with him. From reading both your posts and his I don't think you are both in line with each other's attitudes. The only thing you have in common is that you like to bring down overly optimistic Knicks fans. Now, in Nalod's case I think he does it because he can see both sides, process the info and then synthesize his understanding of both into a well-rounded opinion that is neither overly high nor overly low. Because of that, I think he wants people to curb their enthusiasm and embrace all sides before condemning the negative. You, however, I just think you hate Isiah or maybe you're just a generally negative dude. Either way, I feel silly to be discussing this because you roped me in again and now the discussion is based on you and not on the topic at hand (and maybe that's your goal anyway - attention. Who's to say? I can't know for sure.) Finally, I'd prefer if this didn't become a dialogue because it really is pointless (I wish I didn't say anything, but I've typed this much - I might as well post).

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That said, I just wanted to share that I think it's healthy to embrace both sides of the spectrum. Only then can you really believe strongly about how you feel. Remember that it's just as bad to be blindly optimistic as it is to be obsessed with negativity. I fall on the positive side because that's how I would like things to turn out. The whole time though, I realize that there's more than one possible outcome to all of this.

Baller, when you realize Islesfan has the same point no matter what the scenario or player it loses its objectivity.

Anyway there always risks when you build a team this way, but this notion of a total loss of flexbility is a little silly. Chad Ford (mr. NY pessimist himself) said even if this doesnt work Isiah still has some flexibility with Penny, TT and Naz ($31mm) enter their walk years next season.

Anyway there always risks when you build a team this way, but this notion of a total loss of flexbility is a little silly. Chad Ford (mr. NY pessimist himself) said even if this doesnt work Isiah still has some flexibility with Penny, TT and Naz ($31mm) enter their walk years next season.

that's true, and like i said i like what isiah is doing with the team so far. we did lose some flexibility by adding another long term deal, but since crawford is young and will take over for one of our remaining odler players in houston, i think it was worth the risk. it's good that we at least get a lot of salary off around the same time

I thought PPD stood for Pollyannish Personality Disorder. Something that a great many on these Knicks boards are afflicted with. Some more than others.

You guys realize that eVil's post works both ways, right? It also doesn't apply to me as much as you think. I had no problem with the Knicks using the MLE to sign Dampier. I even agreeg wholeheartedly with Fish when he brought up the fact that signing him for 2 years makes the most sense.

eVil, if I have any agenda, it's that I'm tired of seeing how most people on these boards refuse to look at the negative side of any Knicks move and become almost belligerent towards anybody who does.

BTW, I'm not the one looking to make these discussions about me. I have no use for that either.

isles,

Some players have problems being the 'alpha-dog' or best player on a team. The Bulls as they were built last year needed Jamal to be their leader. On the Knicks, he can fall in line behind Stephon and learn from Stephon. Steph and Isiah seem like perfect mentors to Jamal, that's why we're all so happy. Could it backfire? Of course. But this is a young, exciting, explosive combo guard who, for my money is almost as good as Arenas (not there yet, obviously).

Look at the difference between Rasheed Wallace on the Blazers and Rasheed on the Pistons. Night and day. Sometimes a players attitude problem is more about WHERE he is than WHO he is. I think Jamal will thrive in the right environment and Isiah seems well suited to making a positive environment. As you say, everyone is drinking the Kool-Aid. I think the interesting thing is, most players on the free agent or trade market this summer are drinking the Kool-Aid too. The Knicks team environment is now a positive place and that's the ideal place to bring a developing young player like Crawford.

whoever busts on this trade is just being obtuse. i feel like im a realist fan, and i will give a negative spin when i feel it's just. Getting Crawford for the price we paid at his age is a fine deal. Does it guarantee many more wins? of couse not? does the team have another talented young athletic piece in the backcourt for what represents close to his market value. yes --what were we getting out of the players we gave up nothing much although its to bad we couldnt elevate FWs value more because he does have game--but its partly his fault to for spotty play. there is nothing bad here folks--yeah we need a C but we werent getting it with this pile of dung. knick fans should be thankful on this trade--we didnt over pay we traded old for young and we got the best player in the deal. A C is a whole different avenue--take this for what it is, a solid deal for a good young player. We dont have shaq's and kobe but if you add up enoguh jamal crawfords and mike sweetneys--hopefully ariza et al then you are talking.

No offense to anyone, but giving a **** about what Russo says is crazy.

Posted by simrud:

I'm with BRIGGS 100% for once.

Ditto!

Actually Marbury's a slightly above average defender; he's quick and strong and he has success guarding people much taller than he is. Crawford's only slightly below average and has the ability to improve. They're a lightening quick backcourt that could be a nightmare to try to contain.