Slow and Steady?

Channing Frye won't be able to carry the Knicks every night. He mustered twelve points against the Heat Monday, but the Knicks still lost 107-94. The game wasn't that close, and the Knicks seemed overmatched by a Miami team that has not played well of late. (Yes, Toronto beat them last week.) With Shaquille O'Neal still sidelined for Miami, the Knicks could have put up a better showing.

Nate Robinson added 16 points, and Stephon Marbury led the Knicks with 19. Eddy Curry's durability has been a problem, which is not a surprise, but his return needs to be as a stronger player inside, not as someone who shies away from rebounds. Quentin Richardson has not starred in Larry Brown's system, and the Jerome James signing continues to be a huge waste of money. People have speculated surrounding how long this team stays together, and with efforts like this one against Miami, it won't be long. Unfortunately for Isiah Thomas, the teams lining up to take players from the Knicks are few. Larry Brown is right to openly complain about this roster. Whether Thomas can do something about it remains to be seen.

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By Tom Boorstein on November 29, 2005 2:13 PM

Comments [rss]

Glenn

I don't read Vecsey or any other sports writers. The Steph problem is just obvious to me. Though he's a statistically good player who can occasionally take over and even win a game by himself, there's something missing. He lacks what really great leaders/pointguards have -- wins, for one thing. Once he's gone and replaced by a point guard who's a decent scorer and a good defender, the Knicks will be a better team.

notfornothing

Not for nothing, but Marbury is not the problem for this team. He has matured like former problem child J Kidd, and he is ready to lead this team. But he is a shooting guard in Brown's system, just as Iverson was. We need a real PG, a true small forward, and an inside presence (Channing Frye is doing great off a steady diet of Marbury passes, but he is a PF). Once Curry/James step up, and they trade Crawford, Antonio Davis and other spare parts for a true SF and PG, we'll be OK. Don't be fooled by Vecsey and the other tabloid journalists: this is not a Steph problem. Watch the games. It's all there in vibrant color.

ken

they need a play maker and need to handle the ball better. but what about that robinson (5'9") dunk in the 4th?

Glenn

There's nothing slow and/or steady about the Knicks. There's a lot of speed but too much poor, erratic play. Good thing I bought the NBA League Pass this year so I can watch something else.

As has been the case in the past, Marbury's team will get better once he leaves.