smackeddog wrote:Much as I got annoyed with him, it does feel wrong that his career ended with such a whimper, especially looking at the endings wade and dirk got (although they are champions). Whether you like him or not, it’s important to treat him well (just to show other FAs that we treat players right). Weird how quickly his career ended
We do treat 99% of the players right. Spree had issues but don’t forget spree walked his own beat especially his famous cross country drives where he’d kind of not show up to training on time, or with a broken hand and not be forthcoming. Players and fans loved him but he had a much to do with his problems in the front office. Ewing was often salty to front office and he asked to leave. He has been given every honor except handed a head coaching job. He was offered the Gleague gig. I’m not sure you want a larger than life as assistant coach.
Dolan seemed to have honored hand shake deals (Can Allan Houston’s opt out and new contract be anything else?), was very nice to substance abuse guys like Vin Baker, and most players have good things to say about him. This new culture with Fiz seems to be reaching out to players and wants input.
Melo was given everything he asked for and I think PHil felt betrayed which might have been the cause of his bitterness toward Melo. Melo I thought handled it all very well and Perry executed the trade with a graciousness that Phil was unable/unwilling to do. His decline in OKC and Hou confirmed the knicks did the right thing by moving him.
I think the issue with players is being in a stable environment with assets to improve. Fiz is a players coach and we have cap space. We can show things we could not before. Thus the environment is ripe to sign players.