BigNasty

For what its worth, I thought I would give an overview of what I see happening in 06 for the Knicks. Keep in mind these are just my opinions, if time proves that I am completely off base then so be it.

First of all let me say I am assuming Brown will be our coach. Their has been a bit of talk about the youth movement of Isiah vs. the tendency of the LB to not play the younger guys. I see it like this, however; LB deals in absolutes, he is not a fan of the should be good, would be good, could be good players that populate this league, he will play those who get results. Given that in an LB system these results stem from the defensive end of the floor first, I think our perspective on who is good and who will play needs to alter a bit.

I am well aware of the many pro-Sweetney posters out there, but I think you will be dissapointed, he is a raw player who could be good, but has issues including weight and court speed/agility, that do not let me see him being effective in an LB defensive structure. At the four spot I expect to see Malik Rose and Mo Taylor get a lot of burn ( I think LB can get something out of Taylor). In Channing Frye I think he will see someone who has a ceiling taht could result in him being a Rasheed type player, but in absolutes I don't think LB will use him until HE thinks the kid is ready - Frye says all the right things, so time will tell.

Ariza and Robinson I can definitely see being guys that Brown will use, specifically because they have the ability to be disruptive in defense and both have defense-to-offense capabilities, that can provide spark. David Lee will have to carve his own niche.

Now the enigma - Tim Thomas, LB will give him one chance I believe, and if he responds the Knicks will obviously be much the better for it. But if he is to be any part of LB's plans I think it will be at the 4. The other big question mark is Q. If he proves capable of defending on he perimeter, he may fit, otherwise I think Crawford would better suit (athletically).

Marbury will be Marbury. I think their willb e moments, but I also believe that Marbury is right when he says he has never played for a good coach, this is his chance to become a winner - I think he'll take it.

Given all this, I think we'll see a lineup a bit like this:

Marbury/Robinson
Crawford/Richardson/Houston
Ariza/Richardson/Houston/Hardaway/Lee
Rose/Taylor/Thomas/Sweetney
James/Frye/Sundov

Trade bait: JYD,Sweetney,Hardaway, Thomas (maybe some kind of package to bring in a solid jumpshooter from the wing.)

I think if Houston gets healthy (unlikey, but if) then LB would find a way to use him, veteran head, will serve LB with passion.

Remember, my thoughts only...don't flame me too much
ie; please none of the Zeke didnt trade for Q to bring him off the bench, or Sweetney is our future, Brown doesn't care about that, he cares about results and who is better now, regardless of their ceiling or how much they earn. If guys like Q, TT, and Sweets earn it, then they'll get it.

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Jordan, the drive, in the lane...JAM!

ERAFF

"Given that in an LB system these results stem from the defensive end of the floor first, I think our perspective on who is good and who will play needs to alter a bit."

That is exactly right---and it points out Isiah's lack of understanding of the game as reflected by the roster that he has assembled. Great teams start with defense---it doesn't slump and it plays well on the road!

The biggest problem with this FRANKENTEAM is being able to fill 48 minutes with combinations of 5 who can guard another team. Guys like Fat Mo treat the defensive end as a place to get some rest and WAIT until your team gets the ball back.

BRING LARRY IN!!!!

Shady*

I don't know...

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