Yeah, this is what 80% of my grief can be attributed to....Team Record:  13-28
Grade:  F

Expectations for this season were high.  While no one was expecting a championship contender (or even a division contender), the Knicks were at least expected to be .500 for the season, show some progress, and compete for the playoffs.  Instead they have failed to meet those expectations.  They have taken a big step back, and the only question now is where to go from here.  Let's take a moment to look the players, coach, and GM (and owner), and determine how they are doing.

Renaldo, seen here teaching future generations of ballers how not to shoot a "j"...Renaldo Balkman:
Grade:  B+/D

Balkman has played in 31 of the Knicks' 41 games, but only in 21 games did he top 10 minutes.   Completely true stat, and perhaps related: The Knicks are 6-3 in games this season in which Balkman played at least 18 minutes.

Yes, he doesn't help himself when he comes in and gets sloppy, like he did yesterday against Boston.  In only two minutes of play he managed to foul three times, and shot an ill-advised three (two people who need never shot threes:  Balkman and Jeffries).  That's one game after playing 5 minutes against the Heat, bricking a shot, and again somehow fouling three times in such a short span.  No rebounds, blocks, points or assists in either game.

However, when Balkman is on, and not playing sloppy, he's a game-changing force. Take his 18 minutes against the Wizards (a game the Knicks won), in which he scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.  Or his strong defensive performance against the Pistons, in which he had 3 steals and a block to go with 7 points.

Must improve:  He has to come out with his A-game regularly, and stay in the game, avoiding the stupid fouls.  The Knicks need him, as they don't have a better SF option.  He has to play more in the second half of the season. 

Absurd moment of the season:  Nothing more infuriating about Isiah Thomas than his weird "politician" behavior all the time.  Case in point: reporters asked him about Balkman's performance after his great back to back performances against the Pistons and Wizards:

Isiah:  "It's good to have him back.  He was MIA for a while there."
Reporter (my interpretation):  "Yeah, why was he MIA?  Why wasn't he getting minutes before this week?"
Isiah:  "You'll have to ask him."

The reporters go over to Balkman, and ask him why he wasn't getting minutes before.

Renaldo: "You'll have to ask Isiah that."

Of course you have to ask Isiah that... he's the bloody coach.  So why can't he just answer the question?  Was it something Renaldo did in practice?  Was it an Isiah mistake?  Why can't we have some straight answers?!?

Sigh.

From the Blowtorch.comWilson Chandler
Grade:  Inc.

That image, by the way, is from The Blowtorch.  It's very cool, okay?  The rookie has played a whopping 7 games this season so far.  If the Knicks don't turn it around soon, he may get more playing time.  He did have a solid preseason, and did well in the summer league in Vegas. 

In his best action of the year a couple of weeks back, he played 16 minutes against the Kings, and scored 7 points (3-7 shooting for the fearless chucker), with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block.  He also turned it over twice, and got called on two fouls.  He's another Balkman, but with a more complete offensive game.  The only question is whether he can, in fact, have the all-around impact that Balkman does when he checks into the game.  If so, he might be become a decent option at SF, sort of like a Trevor Ariza (a similar player Isiah drafted). 

Must Improve:  Stop chucking every time you touch the ball.  Also, Isiah needs to a few more injuries to occur, so Chandler can get some playing time.  Maybe a little kick to Quentin Richardson's back?

This is an amazing photo. It's like The Last Supper of NBA fights...
Mardy Collins
Grade:  F

Seriously, 65% of the photos of Mardy Collins found via a Google search involve him fighting. 

Mardy got three starts after Marbury went AWOL in November.  The results were a combined 14 points, 6 assists and 6 turnovers.  And thus it was decided that Collins was not the point guard of the future, and since then he has topped 5 minutes only three times.  In those three games, he's a combined 2-7 for 5 points, with 7 assists and 5 rebounds.  Sure, he hasn't gotten consistent playing time, but... what has he done to warrant it?

Must Improve:  Left hook, ball handling skills.  And why does he look so damn old?  It's hard to believe he has any potential for growth when he looks like Malik Rose's skinny twin brother.

"Hey Jamal... don't forget the play, okay?" "Iso for me at the top of the arc, right?"Jamal Crawford
Grade: C+

Really, I don't know what to say about Jamal.  He may be the Knicks' most valuable player, if last season is any indicator.  He's played the second-most minutes of any player in the NBA (other than Allen Iverson).

Every time he shoots, and I'm like "Ugh, that's a bad shot"... he generally hits.  On the other hand, give him a wide open three, and he'll brick it.  The tougher the degree of difficulty, the more likely he'll hit it. 

As a shooting guard, his defense is atrocious.  As a point guard, it's only slightly better.  He's looked good against smaller points, but against a similar sized Rondo yesterday... he got eaten alive on a few plays. 

On the flip side, the Knicks' three game winning streak might be directly attributed to it being the three best games of Crawford's season.  He averaged 26.33 ppg, with 5.33 assists (versus 2.0 turnover) during that streak.  And most importantly, he made over 50% of his FGs (26-49).   The decreasing turnovers and higher FG% are trends we hope to see continued.

Of course, it seems very unlikely they will.  Hence, a C+ is the best we can offer.  If Jamal was our second or third best player, we would like him a heck of a lot more. 

Must Improve:  It would be nice if he could keep his turnovers lower.  Or had better defense.  In lieu of that, we'll settle for this:  just hit the open shots, too.  And keep the FG% over 45%, okay?
 
Hey, at least he's better than Roger Powell and Will Bynum, right?Eddy Curry
Grade:  C-

After being the go-to guy last season, the Knicks went away from him early this season.  In a related event, Curry felt slighted a bit, and lost his focus.  Now, given that he doesn't exactly come to games with a tremendous amount of focus or energy, this was not a good thing.

This month he has been used more as the go-to guy again on offense, and is averaging 16 ppg for January.  He has shot 69-123 (56.1%) on FGs this month, raising his FG% this season back towards his average for last season.  His rebounding and block numbers are awful to look at, but at least his FT% is getting better.  Maybe it's just a statistical anomaly, but Curry has hit 27-34 FTs over his last 5 games (79.4%).

More than anything, Isiah needs to decide what he wants out of Curry.  Does he want Curry to be the number option while he's on the floor?  Because, if so, then he needs to feed his big man, who is still the most efficient offensive weapon the Knicks have, while also keeping a unit that can make up for his defensive deficiencies. 

Must Improve:  Handle.  Just kidding.  Nah, just keep hitting those FTs, and maybe, just maybe, we'll get to see more games with a motivated Curry, like the second half of yesterday's game.  After getting pissed off at Perkins, Curry went off and scored the next 6 straight Knicks points, and even grabbed a few rebounds in the process.  If only he was pissed all the time.

I couldn't boo James harder if he was bringer of The Apocalypse...Jerome James
Grade:  F-

Listen, I want James to do well.  I really do.  I think if he could stay healthy and play, he would be a good addition for the Knicks.  He blocks shots, something that... the Knicks need more of, for sure.  He could team up with Curry, and disguise Curry's defense weaknesses.  This is what Jerome James could bring to the table.

He's what he really brings, though.  He's a guy that, upon being made activated for the Knicks for the first time all season last week, said something along these lines:  "Yeah, maybe they should activate me, since they have a three game winning streak and all... don't fix it if it ain't broke."

Homie, you need to get your priorities in life in order.  I know you can't get fired, and I know you've made enough money to live nicely, to drive fancy motorcycles and go hiking and travel and have a nice big home, with a nice wife.  I get it.  I'm not a hater... I wish you much success and happiness.  But you did sign the contract, right?  Every dollar you steal hurts the next guy in the league, okay?  That's a guy who's not getting paid, a guy who can't break into the league because you are getting paid.  That's the next owner demanding an end to guaranteed contracts, because you are to basketball what Carl Pavano is to baseball.  One day there will be no guaranteed contracts in the NBA/MLB, and it will because of guys like you and Pavano.  And that's who you need to apologize to.  And that's who you need to work for, just a little bit, just enough, so that they can get the same opportunity you have now.  Don't ruin it for the next generations, you selfish f*ck. 

Must Improve: Your social responsibility to your people.  I hope that's your kid that can't make it to the NBA someday, because the stigma of Jerome James is attached to his DNA. 

BTW, speaking of Jerome James' DNA, true story:  About 10 years ago, when Grant Hill was first coming into the NBA, some savvy scientists took some of his DNA and attempted to create an even bigger version of Grant Hill.  Unfortunately they took the DNA out of Hill's troublesome ankles.  Even worse, a Big Mac got mixed into the DNA test tube. 

Jeffries, seen here making sure Israel is at least 20 years behind the NBA in shooting%
Jared Jeffries
Grade:  C

He can't shoot.  He can't really do much on offense, except occasionally snag a rebound, and maybe tip in a ball.  His defense, his best attribute, is so-so at times.

Yet he's the best SF on the team this season. 

Sigh.  Who is the best SF available in the draft this year?  How is it that there are like 29 absolute studs at SF in this league, and the Knicks are the one team without one?!?  Seriously, look at the list: Paul Pierce, Richard Jefferson, Kevin Garnett, Shawn Marion, LeBron James, Rashard Lewis, Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala, Vince Carter, Gerald Wallace, Caron Butler, Michael Redd, Josh Howard, Jason Richardson, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Antawn Jamison, AK47, Luol Deng, Lamar Odom, Danny Granger, Corey Maggette, Ricky Davis, Ron Artest, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, Stephen Jackson, Tayshaun Prince... ugh.

And that was just off the top of the dome.

Young Fred Jones getting interviewed by David Lee crossed with that dude from Knocked Up.
Fred Jones
Grade: C

See the last paragraph, please.

David Lee does not shave his armpits.David Lee
Grade:  B

He's been the Knicks best role player for a long time now.  As a role player, he's been better than most of the starters (if not all of them).  Yes, I personally think he's a bit overrated.  He has zero-offensive moves, misses 15-footers, and gets stripped or blocked waaaay too often.  His defense is far from "tough".  He's a one-dimensional rebounder.

However, he's got great hands.  He works hard every game, and is improving.  He doesn't slack off, and he's the best asset the Knicks have right now. 

Must Improve:  I'm tired of watching him get stripped, so let's work on the 15-footers.  He hit them yesterday, and if he can hit them regularly, well... he's Zach Randolph without the ballhogging.  Or better yet, he's Kurt Thomas in his prime.

You can recognize Steph and Ben Wallace's games... by the smell...Stephon Marbury
Grade:  F

Damn, I had high hopes for Steph.  He was out doing good all summer long, releasing positive vibes into the karma-sphere.  I guess he should have been practicing his game, as he look a bit slow at first.

Then he overreacted to the benching by Isiah.  And in doing so set the scene for the Knicks' unraveling, as the team voted to bench him, but Isiah overruled their vote, realizing they needed someone at the point (Mardy Collins was not getting it done).  In retrospect, I bet Isiah wishes he had benched Marbury, and started Jamal Crawford or Nate Robinson at the point that night.  It might have kept his team motivated for a bit longer.

As for Marbury... his season, and perhaps his Knick career, is most likely over.  He had his worst season ever (even worse than the Larry Brown year).  He'll probably never win the fans back, nor will he win back the support of Isiah, not after he sold him out for benching him.  Maybe the Cavs will come a calling, if they don't make it to the Finals this season, and lose out on the Mike Bibby sweepstakes.  Maybe the Heat will call.  Or  maybe no one will, and Marbury will quietly linger on the team, on permanent "rehab" (like Steve Francis was for most of last year), until his contract expires. 

Must Improve:  Tradeability.

Randolph Morris has seen enough...Randolph Morris
Grade:  Inc.

He's played in two games.  He has an expiring contract, which means the Knicks can resign him, but he is a completely free agent.  My bet is either the Knicks trade him this year (unlikely), or they pay to keep him around.  The fact they aren't playing him probably means that the Knicks are trying to keep his free agent value down, so no one throws too much money at him.  Problem is that someone might.  And by not playing him, he's less likely to want to re-sign with the Knicks.

Must Improve:  Who knows?  He's played two games.

What, me worry?Zach Randolph
Grade:  B-

True fact:  65% of Google images for "zach randolph" have him doing that "What, me worry" shrug. 

The good:  He's been a hard worker for the Knicks.  He's their most consistent source of offense, and he grabs rebounds at an even higher clip here than he did in Portland.  He has a good touch on the entry passes to Curry, and he's the Knick's best perimeter shooter.  He's also not a terrible defender, though not great, either.

The bad:  He's a ball hog who turns off his teammates, and gets blocked almost as much as David Lee because he pounds into double teams instead of kicking it out to open, disillusioned teammates.  He's a bottleneck in the Knicks offense too often.   And he shoots threes.

The Knicks could trade him for Michael Redd straight up right now, and solve their SF problems, improve the perimeter game (Redd is a better shooter than Randolph), while not losing much by way of rebounding and defense (if Lee replaces Randolph in the lineup). 

Must Improve:  Please keep the ball moving. 


Unfortunately the Knick is the one not on skates...
Quentin Richardson
Grade: D

A generous D for Richardson, since that's really all he's been able to provide.  His offensive numbers are awful; even with his good outings over the last couple of weeks, he's still shooting less than 30% from behind the arc; he's shooting less than 35% overall.  His two good outings - the two games against the Wizards - are essential one good quarter, and one good half.  As Cosellout has pointed out, he's never topped 50% on FGs in any game this season. 

Defensively, he's not even as good as Jared Jeffries. 

Wait, if he's not as good as Jeffries in defense, or offense, why is he still starting?  His minutes need to go to Renaldo Balkman, and Wilson Chandler.  And if they play well, they need to take some minutes from Jeffries, too.  Because right now, the biggest problem plaguing the Knicks is not point guard play (though that is certainly high), but SF play. 

Must Improve: He has to be able to knock down those open jumpers.  He's been open all year.  Time to hit them regular, or hit the bench regularly.


Nate Robinson
Grade:  C+

It may not be his fault he hasn't gotten the playing time.  He looked great in Las Vegas, and in preseason.  Then the season started, and he had 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist and a turnover against the Cavs.  He hit over 50% (7-13) that night.  Was he shooting too much?  Not running the right plays?  Too emotional?

Whatever the case, he got bury on the bench for a long stretch.  Now he's been getting the playing time again in January.  So far this month he has 25 minutes in every game, after a month of barely topping 25 minutes. He's scored in double figure all but one time, and is averaging 16.25 ppg since December 21st (when his 25 mpg streak began).   He's got 3.75 apg, including 6 apg over the last 5 games.  Those same 5 games he's had 30 assists versus 8 turnovers.

His shooting is still streaky.  He's shot 22-57 over the last 4 games (38.6%), which is still better than Quentin Richardson's best 5 games of the year.  But prior to that he was 47-97 (48.4%) over the previous 8 games. 

When he's able to hit shots at a high %, push the ball upcourt while taking care of it, and play tough defense... he's the best Knick point guard.  Will he continue to get the minutes? 

Must Improve:  Keeping the turnovers low, keeping the FG% high, and pushing the ball while providing tough defense on the perimeter.  If he can do all that, the Knicks can have a productive second half.  Big if, of course.

We're going to skip Malik Rose, and go straight to management:

Isiah Thomas (Coach)
Grade:  F

It's hard to find much good in Isiah's coaching this season.  The younger players have not improved much.  David Lee is picking up bad habits.  Balkman and Robinson haven't gotten enough time, when they should be playing regularly in the rotation.  Chandler and Morris have seen no PT, and Mardy Collins has become a forgotten man.

The vets at various times have fought with Isiah.  Richardson and Randolph have both had words with Isiah during games.  Malik Rose has spoken out against Isiah at points.  Curry seems disillusioned, and Marbury is a done deal.  In fact, only Crawford seems to not have any noticeable beef with Thomas, and that's probably because Isiah let's him shoot all game long. 

Isiah seems to not know how to call plays.  The offense rarely uses screens, pick and rolls, or curls, much less complicated stuff like "back door cuts", or motion of any kind.  It's basically a "feed the ball inside, let them go back outside, let whoever has the ball create" kinda offense. 

Thomas has also had no consistency on the rotation, with almost every Knick at one time or another puzzled to how much playing time they would get.

Isiah Thomas (GM)
Grade: C+

Decent grade.  Say what you want, but haven't a lot of Knicks' fans/writers been vocal about not making any more stupid trades?  Well, Isiah has stayed pat with this team for almost two years now (only one trade in that span:  Francis for Randolph).  He's not cleaning house just yet, nor is he panicking.  Perhaps he should have, maybe earlier in the season when things started falling apart, but right now... it's probably too late to reverse this season's fortunes, so leave the team alone.  For now. 

If Isiah the GM makes it to the offseason, he has some big decision to make.  Whom to draft?  What to do with Marbury's (and Rose's) expiring contracts?  How does he improve the PG/SF positions?  Does he give up on Randolph/Curry working together, and, if so, which one does he get rid off (if not both)?   Clean house, or be patient?


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6 Comments

Comments

[January 22, 2008 4:03 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Rickhouse said

Very nice review, quite objective.

Why give Chandler and Morris some minutes? I love Q, but he's awful, and Wilson at leasts adds some athleticism. I know the front court is kinda crowed, but Morris should be able to fit in the roto as the fourth big, right?

Also, Jamal Crawford is Ben Gordon but 4 inches taller. Exact same guy.

[January 22, 2008 6:07 PM]  |  link  |  reply
stopmikelupica said

Ha, TUP, that's pretty accurate. I actually like Ben Gordon a little better - he seems like a higher % shooter, but that might be based on my skewed perception, from all the times he's blown up playing the Knicks. But yeah, they are both essentially streaky shooters, and streaky passers.

[January 23, 2008 1:43 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Joe said

http://www.82games.com/0708/0708NYK5.HTM

pretty much helps show the ineptness of your 3 spot...

[January 23, 2008 2:50 AM]  |  link  |  reply
MODI said

SML, good analysis!

A generous D for Q. I gotta give him an F-. I'm giving Nate a B (A in January!)

The rest sounds about right even if some "Knick Defenders" and thank you for getting Jamal right as everyone rates him too high.

[January 23, 2008 11:33 AM]  |  link  |  reply
GreekProf said

it's times like this, when our 6th letter can't properly capture an existing level of misery, that i wish for a letter grade lower than "F"...

(i believe in high school we had a "Z" grade which translated into having never shown up to an assigned class)

or maybe we should switch to a 0-100 scale, so we can drop some 25s up in here.
-

also, aside from a marginal fringe of isiah-true believers, i don't know many who were expecting a .500 season.

i had them pegged at 30-34 wins, essentially a repeat of last season with some minor fluctuation thrown in.

[January 23, 2008 4:54 PM]  |  link  |  reply
stopmikelupica said

Joe: Yep, that link about sums it up. To recap - the Knicks are about even at every other position, in terms of "net points"; the backcourt is a little uneven, but they net out to 0; the frontcout is also uneven (oddly, unless you follow this site, the center position on the Knicks outscores the opposition by about 6 points a game) but the difference in points nets to zero.

The SF position? -9.2 ppg vs. the opposition. That's the number one priority to fix on this team.

What happened between last season and this season at SF? One, less Balkman, and two, a supremely less efficient Q-Rich. Modi is right, I probably went too easy on Richardson.

Greek Prof: I could never give another person a "25". I have two "15's" on my high school transcripts (for real, for freshman Global), and that sh*t is why I did not get into the Ivy Leagues as an undergrad, yo! Not that I care that much, but man... 15's are just wrong, man!
Spring Training 08



























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