Real 411 On Knicks
Peter Vecsey (NY Post)

WHICH pat-ently base-less Knicks report should we bash first?

Lenny Wilkens being in immediate danger of termination? Renewed trade talk with the Timberwolves regarding Wally Szczerbiak? Penny Hardaway's demand to be traded? A heated argument between Penny's agent and Isiah Thomas? Or the summation of Thomas' oration to his players following last Tuesday's loss at home to the Kings?

As investigative reporters we're only are as good (or bad) as our sources. And then there are those whose vivid imaginations consistently run amok.

As much as it wouldn't upset a number of us wishful thinkers if Wilkens were replaced by someone with a tighter grip on tactics, he is not in job jeopardy, I'm informed; if his team's ignominious national televised 104-79 no-show yesterday in Cleveland doesn't get him deported, you've got to assume he's here for the season's duration.

For one thing, Wilkens' removal wouldn't be faintly fair; the Knicks' roster is perforated with critical injuries. Besides, I defy you to name an available coach who's better than what's in place. Now is not the time to take a chance on an unknown quantity; see the Nuggets' experiment in error with Michael Cooper.

Next in need of panning is the regurgitation of the Knicks' pursuit of Szczerbiak. This is ancient history. There is no info to reveal. Nevertheless, a couple of days ago it was presented as breaking news in these parts; naturally, those who've never seen the light fell for it.

Hopefully this will clear up the murkiness: Yes, Thomas is interested in acquiring Szczerbiak. No, conversation between the Knicks and Timberwolves to that end has not been renewed. In fact, sources in both organizations confirm the last time the two teams talked about that particular deal was in late summer.

Prepare to be further enlightened:

According to the implicated parties, Hardaway did not "demand" to be traded before being placed on the injured list with a genuinely hurtin' hamstring. Nor did anyone affiliated with him or his representatives have harsh cell phone words with Thomas a propos Penny. Contrary to one written version, that, or anything like it, never happened.

Has Hardaway expressed a desire for additional playing time? Yes. Did he demand to be traded or so much as ask? Not in so many words, no.

What he said to Thomas was, "I don't see a place for me once everybody's back healthy," divulged someone privy to their civil conversation.

"You've got to make your own place," Thomas replied.

Last but not least, testify two Knick players, Thomas' locker-room sermon, with team owner James Dolan at his side, was entirely constructive — not admonishing or menacing — the opposite of newspaper accounts and descriptions.

"He said he wanted us to know they were behind us," disclosed one veteran. "He wanted us to know they understood we were going through some rough times, what with all the injuries. He said they appreciated how hard we worked to get from where we were a year ago to where we are, how tough that is to do in this league. And he urged us to stay together and weather the storm."

oh now peter vescey makes sense...


is it that you agree with what he said
and not necessarily that he makes sense?

It's good to hear we're not as big of a soap opera as articles recently said we were.

But Zeke and them could have cleverly used vescey to write an article like this, in hopes of cooling things off. In return they would promise to give him the real deal on a trade when it is about to happen. Lets see.

Posted by martin:

Posted by Killa4luv:

But Zeke and them could have cleverly used vescey to write an article like this, in hopes of cooling things off. In return they would promise to give him the real deal on a trade when it is about to happen. Lets see.

true, true.

I seriously doubt that is the case.

media is selling it, and many fans react very ficklely to it. everyone calling for lenny's head or even isiah's should really take a step back, chill, and relax. oh, and drink some kool aid.