NEW YORK – It has been a while since we’ve done one of these sports specials (the rare article not concerning the Giants but the world of sports) but the recent news about Carmelo Anthony coming to New York is too big to ignore. Donnie Walsh and James Dolan are putting together something special in New York and I expect Madison Square Garden to be rocking once again. It has been a long time since I checked the Knicks schedule and made plans to watch a game. Normally, I flip through the channels and will come across a game and watch ten minutes or so before changing the channel but not anymore. I haven’t been this excited to see a Knicks game (the Carmelo debut) in a decade. Head Coach Mike D’Antoni must be licking his chops at the thought of coaching all of this talent.
The Knicks can expect to have season ticket sales skyrocket and a massive boost in jersey sales by the end of this week. There are currently more pre-orders for Carmelo Anthony Knicks jerseys (Carmelo will wear No.7), then there are physical jerseys available. Let the madness begin in New York! The fact that tonight is “Legends Night” at Madison Square Garden (vs. Bucks) will only add to the drama as the team introduces Anthony to the crowd. No one knows if he will play or not tonight but he will certainly get introduced. The guy must be exhausted after this six month journey and the team may opt to give him a short break. But one thing I know for sure is he will play against the Miami Heat on Sunday. This is the game I have marked on my calendar (Sunday 2-27-11 at 8 PM EST).
Interestingly enough, I was at game 5 of the NBA playoffs back in 2000 when the Miami Heat were hosting the New York Knicks. This was the last time I was really excited about a Knicks game. Yes, they have had other accomplishments since then but I never had faith in the teams put on the court. I’m embarrassed to admit that but my interest just wasn’t there. I have always been a fan of the Knicks and rooted for them but it was hard to defend them after those atrocious years. Today is completely different though. Fans can see that New York is trying to win games and become better and the fans can do nothing but respect that. With the ever changing landscape of the NBA the past few years, it seemed like the Knicks had fallen way behind the rest of the league but not anymore.
When the Miami Heat made their “super” team last year by brining in LeBron James and Chris Bosh to play alongside Dwayne Wade, NBA fans were left standing stunned with their mouths open. The Heat simply employed the same strategy that the Boston Celtics have had success with, so can you blame them? The NBA of the future will consist of a few “super” teams dominating the league for decades, if teams do not plan for it now, it will be impossible for them to compete later on down the road.
Reports have confirmed that the Knicks are looking to grab a Center before tomorrows trade deadline but it is unlikely that will happen. Ronny Turiaf will play Center until the team can work that out. Amar’e Stoudemire, Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields and Carmelo Anthony will round out the starting five. Something that is more likely to happen then grabbing a Center by tomorrow is bringing in an all star guard to round out New York’s own “Big Three”. The top name on that list is Chris Paul, followed by Deron Williams. If the Knicks are able to get one of those two guys over the summer, the Knicks will be in the playoffs for the next 6-8 years guaranteed and will probably win one or two rings. When the New York Knicks win that first ring, it will be bigger then the New York Yankees winning a World Series because Knicks fans have been waiting longer for it to happen. I’m extremely excited and ready to see what this new group of men can do for the organization, the fans and the city.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the New York Knicks?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
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UPDATE: Deron Williams is officially off the table as he has signed a deal with the New Jersey Nets earlier today. This makes Chris Paul look like the most obvious addition to the team over the summer.
The Knicks beat the Bucks last night in their first game with the new squad! The Garden was rocking on Legends Night and the fans were losing their minds. It’s a great time to be a Knicks fan!
UPDATE:
The Knicks are playing the Boston Celtics in Round one of the playoffs tonight. The New York Knicks are Back! They made good by getting Amar’e and Carmelo and have found themselves back in the post season.