While they failed to make the Playoffs, the New York Knicks had a strong finish to the 2013/14 NBA season. Add to this, the addition of Phil Jackson in the front office, Derek Fisher as Head Coach and the re-signing of Carmelo Anthony and you would be right to assume that the Knicks were destined for great things this season…
Well we’re now just over a quarter of the way into the season, and the Knicks currently have a terrible 4-20 record, a 10 game losing streak and cracks are beginning to appear among the players. The most recent of which, between Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr.. While they both don’t deny that an argument occurred, Melo and Hardaway Jr. are united that this is not a reflection of their relationship at the Knicks. It’s reported that the two had a verbal altercation where Melo physically threatened Tim Hardaway Jr. after he yelled at Melo for not securing a rebound.
“We’re brothers. Brothers argue in the heat of the moment and then they make up. It’s just that simple. I look at Melo as a mentor” – Tim Hardaway Jr.
[image src=’http://fnx.network/fnxnetwork/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/8521936376_06d12b95da_z.jpg’ width=‘498’ height=’450′ title=‘Source:Keith Allison,Flickr’ align=’left’]Unfortunately, the Knicks’ issues go deeper than a verbal disagreement. There is no questioning the talent that is on the Knicks’ roster. Melo, Smith, Shumpert and Hardaway Jr. are all capable of getting to the bucket on any given day, but today’s NBA is more than getting buckets. The NBA’s reigning World Champs are the definition of team basketball and while many of the top seeded teams are adopting this team style of play, the Knicks still seem caught in the “give me the rock” mentality. It truly astonishes me that New York, with their record of 4-20 and on their current 10 game losing streak just aren’t drawing the negative light that the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Lakers currently are. New York have the second highest salary in the NBA behind the Brooklyn Nets, and are showing very little for their money.
The Knicks really need someone to take charge and lead the team on the court. This doesn’t necessarily mean leading the team in scoring, but taking charge and keeping everyone on the same page. With an abundance of scoring threats, I’d be looking to the trade table for a true floor general and salvage what you can this season, before bidding an overdue farewell to Amare Stoudamire’s overblown contract next season, making room for a potential Free Agent signing.
Be sure to check out our upcoming “Episode 11” of Big Ballers Podcast right here on the FNX Network as we discuss the issues of New York in more depth.
Banner Image Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr
Story Image Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr
