Knickstape Podcast Episode 6 - Another Terrible Lost Knicks Season, Live reactions to a Mets collapse (lots of screaming and cursing)

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Mike & Luke are back with another edition of the Knickstape Podcast. We mourn the end to another terrible Knicks season, preview the NBA Playoffs, James Harden doesn't like eating in front of people...and he goes on blind dates. We also talk some baseball and Luke reacts live to a terrible Mets loss to the Nationals

Slaughter at the Staples Center

Stick a fork in them. Wave the white flag. It’s over. Last night with the opportunity to inch closer to a playoff spot the Knicks took a massive dump losing to the lowly Lakers. The estranged Mike D’Antoni’s team made the future estranged coach Mike Woodson and friends look incompetent. You would have thought that Kobe Bryant went off for 40 or 50 points after glancing at the 127-96 final score. He wasn't even suited up. Neither was Pau Gasol or Steve Nash. A team with Xavier Henry as their best player on the floor torched the Knicks for 127 points and scored 51 points in the third quarter!

To say it was a disgrace of a performance would be as big as an understatement as saying Mike Woodson will be head coach next season. The leading rebounder for the Knicks was Carmelo Anthony with 9. Where was Tyson Chandler? Where was Amar’e Stoudemire? Why can’t Raymond Felton play a month of good basketball? Is Mike Woodson trying to get fired or has the locker room given him a giant middle finger and started planning vacations? These are questions that Phil Jackson has to answer sooner rather than later.

Last night’s performance was a microcosm of the whole season. Every time it looks like the Knicks are going to wake up they go back to sleep. During their winning streak there was ball movement, defensive pressure, enthusiasm. Last night? There were more open lanes to the basket than I-105. Woodson showed as much leadership as his team did effort. New President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson had a similar sentiment on the situation. The game left Jackson so disgusted he decided to leave the game with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, to walk his dog.

Jackson got to see first-hand how much work he has to do in the offseason. That’s all the organization should be focused on. This season is over. Last night was the third or fourth time the Knicks have defecated on a chance to right their wrongs. Jackson and the Knicks need to start looking to the future and if Carmelo Anthony is a part of that future. If anyone on the roster right now is part of the future for that matter. Jackson told the New York Times that the team needs a talent overhaul. Yes lots of talent and a prayer should do the trick. 

Knicks Got Their Swagger Back...For Now That Is

“I guess I got my swagger back!”

Those are the words of New York’s resident mogul Jay-Z and the phrase the Knicks were saying after a colossal win over the reigning champion, Miami Heat, last night. Carmelo Anthony and his squad passed every test with flying colors. Matched up essentially one-on-one with LeBron James, Melo held his own and put up 29 points on 50 percent shooting from the field in addition to eight boards and five dimes. James outscored Melo by 3 putting up 32-5-6. Without their defensive captain on the floor for a second straight night the Knicks frontline came up huge. Amar’e Stoudemire had his best game of the season putting up 14 points and 11 boards to help out Melo and Kenyon Martin. Even Raymond Felton added 14 assist and continued his success against the Heat.

The most impressive performance of the night belonged to Mike Woodson. I’ve given the coach a lot of (well deserved) criticism the past few weeks. Last night Woodson ruled with an iron fist benching team clown J.R.Smith. The benching caught everyone off guard (even J.R. himself) and was Woodson’s first real stand against Smith. Woodson has had an equator-long leash on the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, but it looks like Smith has finally reached the end of the road. In addition to the Smith benching Woodson gave his young guns those precious minutes we have all been hollering for. Toure’ Murry played well in his ten minutes of action, picking up two nice steals and slowing down those quick Miami guards. Tim Hardaway Jr. played 13 minutes and had the highlight of the night, baptizing Jesus himself: Jesus Shuttlesworth that is. The rook soured for a put-back slam that punctuated a 32-23 quarter for the Knicks.

The Knicks look to keep the momentum going Saturday in Philadelphia against a Sixers team that’s looking forward to the lottery more than a division crown. If Anthony and the Knicks continue to play like an actual team there is no way in hell they should lose in Philly. Anthony has taken a full leadership role and is navigating hiss team out of the abyss that they drove themselves into with a nonexistent end to 2013. Since coming back from injury the Knick captain has averaged 26.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and a whopping 53.8 percent from downtown. With the supporting cast starting to find their roles watch out...the Knicks may in fact be back (fingers crossed). 

Shump Hits Black Gold in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas and the Knicks got two huge wins in their Texas road trip. They could’ve swept their Texas slate had it not been for late game mental errors. Nonetheless the Knicks have come into 2014 with a new attitude. Amid trade rumors and heavy criticism, Carmelo Anthony and company finally look like a basketball team. Iman Shumpert got his swagger back putting up a career-high 27 points in a win against the reigning Western Conference Champion Spurs. Following that with an equally impressive 26 points in a tough loss to H-Town.  In the finale against Dallas Shump hit big shots late to secure the game.

The team returns to The Garden for the first time in 2014 with hopes of changing their luck in the New Year. Coach Woodson is starting to mix it up giving younger guys like Toure’ Murry decent minutes and it has paid off. Murry’s defense in the second quarter in San Antonio helped the Knicks get going. With Kenyon Martin getting healthier by the day the second unit looks a lot better with Murry, Hardaway Jr. and STAT.  J.R. Smith and Beno Udrih continue to struggle finding their range, but both have had key hustle plays to help keep the Knicks alive. 

The question heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the Pistons; was this Texas road trip a farce or the beginning of turn around the Knicks have been desperately looking for? Carmelo Anthony has had a rough year of criticism and trade rumors, but is starting to look like the leader his team has needed since the veteran presence of Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace left the locker room. Melo willed his soldiers to victory in Dallas and if this continues the Knicks can start climbing themselves out of the giant hole they dug. Detroit is coming off a mauling at the hands of the Grizzlies on their home floor. The Pistons do play better on the road going 8-8 compared to their 6-12 home record.

If the Knicks come out firing like they did in Dallas they can wrap this one up early. Coach Woodson has to continue riding his young guns. Their energy has changed the way the team comes out. If Shump remains hot and J.R. can start getting back to driving to the basket like he did last year he will start getting those open shots to hit. Expect Anthony to continue his good play and focus more on how he leads his squad during those tough moments. Those stretches of adversity will be where the Knicks will win or lose this game. So far the Knicks have given us no reason to doubt them in 2014; let's hope that does not change. 

YOU'RE FIRED: Knicks Edition

The Boardroom

It's Donald Trump time...we're bringing it back 'Apprentice Style' because it’s time to make some changes. Not just A change but NUMEROUS changes before it’s too late. At 5-15 the Knicks are following the steps to successfully tanking. Except there’s one problem; they have no draft pick to tank for...typical Dolan move, always keeping us on our toes.  With that said let's all pretend we are in a dream world where guaranteed contracts are no more. Let’s go through the roster and staff to see who should remain hired or who should be fired. 

James Dolan, Owner: If only you can fire owners.

Verdict: HIRED BY DEFAULT, but go touring with your band for a few months and leave the team to your wife. I'm sure even she could do a better job. 

Steve Mills, GM: Mills has done as much work as the Knicks City Dancers this season. Dolan replaced Glen Grunwald right before the season because Grunwald was too ‘classical’ in his thinking and didn’t embrace the analytical side. Seems like Mills doesn’t embrace winning in his thinking. However let's give him until mid-December to see if he can get creative.

Verdict: TENTATIVELY-HIRED

Mike Woodson, Head Coach: I would not have imagined myself questioning if Woodson could coach this team last year. He was a Coach of the Year candidate. He got the Knicks the two seed and got them out of the first round. Sadly this is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ league and Woodson has done close to nothing. Coaches are hired to be fired and fe refuses to give younger guys more play. He is hell-bent on ruining Shumpert’s development in favor of J.R. Every coach has ‘their guy’ and Woodson’s is Smith. Not a wise choice, Woody. We know you’re not the chief problem, but you didn’t do much to help.

Verdict: FIRED

Raymond Felton, Point Guard: Rip City Raymond is back and it looks like he isn’t going anywhere. Felton has been borderline unwatchable this year and is in the top five worst starting point guards in the league. Any point guard with a decent first step is good for 20 against him. To be fair he has been banged up and said he pulled a hammy last night chasing Kyrie around. Why don’t you take the rest of the year off Raymond, seriously think about it.

Verdict: FIRED

Iman Shumpert, Shooting Guard: I have never seen a team’s only young asset get treated like this. The Knicks should be thankful Shumpert doesn’t have J.R.’s “f**k this” switch and stop trying. Woodson has been benching him late in games for reasons unclear to everyone. It’s known that Melo thinks highly of Shump as does everyone in New York not named James Dolan and Mike Woodson. If the Knicks have any hope of being good in the future they need to hold onto their young assets.

Verdict: HIRED

Carmelo Anthony, Small Forward: Do I really have to go through this? He is the best player the team has by a mile. But he also needs to ignite this team from the inside. He proclaims to be the leader now let's show that you can lead this bunch of misfits out of the fire. 

Verdict: HIRED, but may fire himself at season's end.

Andrea Bargnani, Power Forward: Despite all the bad that has happened, Bargnani has been a pleasant surprise. He’s the second best scorer this year and has a nice mean streak in him. If Bargnani can play like “Bargnani Sabonis” as Shaq calls him, he can be a really nice bench piece. If he can figure out how to consistently play defense the Knicks can get some return on that trade.

Verdict: HIRED

Tyson Chandler, Center: If there is one Knick who assured himself a job in this disaster it’s Chandler. Since he got injured on November 5^th the team defense has reached Dallas Cowboys level. Opponents are getting to the paint like they have EZ-Pass and rebounds have come at a premium. The sooner Tyson is back, the better. 

Verdict: HIRED

J.R. Smith, Sixth Man: J.R. has proved his haters correct time after time this season. Since he chin checked Jason Terry in Game 3 of round 1 in last year’s playoffs he hasn’t been the same. He has gone backwards. He’s back to shooting fade-away midrange shots. He’s shooting 20-percent from the field. With the emergence of Tim Hardaway Jr. Smith has become replaceable. If the Knicks can find a team to take J.R. and his brother Chris the Knicks should not even hesitate.

Verdict: FIRED

Amar’e Stoudemire, Power Forward: Standing Tall And Talented. What used to be. His body has betrayed him. Stoudemire’s significance cannot be overlooked. He helped bring the Knicks back and that should never be forgotten. There is no Melo without Amar’e. Unfortunately like with Woodson this is a “what have you done for me lately” business and Stoudemire has looked like a grandpa. He looks like Uncle Drew in the opening minutes of his video. I wish Stoudemire the best.

Verdict: FIRED

Kenyon Martin, Power Forward: Martin has done a good job in his minutes. He’s brought toughness and overall energy. He rarely takes a play off. The problem with Martin is his health. He’s on the wrong side of 35. It’s a tough decision, but don’t expect Martin back after this year.

Verdict: FIRED

Tim Hardaway Jr., Shooting Guard: Hardaway Jr. has joined Shum in the young asset department. He’s shot the ball well and has provided a spark for the team when he’s been given minutes. I get confused when reports come out saying Hardaway Jr.’s emergence spells death for Shumpert. How? His game more resembles J.R., good scorer and not so good on defense. Moving forward if Hardaway Jr. can work on his defense he looks like he can be the sixth man of the future.

Verdict: HIRED

Pablo Prigioni, Point Guard: Let’s get this out of the way, he should be starting. Kyrie did make him look just as silly as Felton, but Prigioni has played better than Felton. He’s in the top five of three-point shooting percentage and is always good for a couple of steals. The team just resigned him in the offseason for three years, give him a shot. Platooning him and Murry might be the move the Knicks have to make.

Verdict: HIRED

Metta World Peace, Small Forward: It’s always good to have a guy like Metta. He never takes a play off. He plays tough defense and knocks down shots on occasion. He’s a world champion and someone you want on your side in the playoffs when things start getting physical. When Kobe says your one of the few players he will go to war with, that’s saying something.

Verdict: HIRED

Beno Udrih, Point Guard: He’s not bad, but he’s not good. He’s just kind of there. He did have a superb effort against the Pacers, but has done nothing since. No disrespect to Udrih, but he can be replaced with relative ease.

Verdict: FIRED

Toure Murry, Combo Guard: I’ve been saying Murry should get a shot since the regular season started. What can he do that will hurt the team any more than Felton and company already have? He can stay in front of these quick guards better than any other point guard on the team. If history says anything, then Murry can be part of the Knicks 14^th guy trend that has worked out lovely the past two years with Lin and Copeland. Give the young buck a shot damn it!

Verdict: HIRED

Cole Aldrich, Center: When Tyson Chandler went down some thought Aldrich would get a look. Wrong. Woodson has used the seven-footer in garbage time only. In fairness to Woodson, Aldrich didn’t exactly bound and astound in the preseason, but why not put him in for at least six fouls? When Jeremy Tyler begins to improve in the D-league, expect the Knicks to bring him on board and send Aldrich packing.

Verdict: FIRED

Chris Smith, Point Guard: One unnamed member of the Knicks staff said Smith might be the worst player in the league. Enough said.

Verdict: ALREADY FIRED...enjoy taking up $1 mil in cap space in the D-League. Good move again Jimmy D. Nepotism at it's finest. 

It remains to be seen which moves the Knicks will make to help turn things around, but something needs to be done. New Yorkers, not known for their patience have already voiced their displeasure. It’s time for a change to be made.

Kyrie-Bynum Offer Tough Task for Confused Knicks

via the Daily News

Just when you thought they turned the corner, following back-to-back wins, the Knicks got blown out of their building by their bitter foes the Boston Celtics. So much for them being an easy win this year. Maybe the Knicks can’t perform in those hideous orange alternates. Maybe the Knicks just haven’t figured it out. Maybe Boston is not as bad as we thought. Whatever the reason was for that disgrace of a performance doesn’t matter. Let’s move forward.

The Knicks try to add one to the win column tonight against an equally disappointing Cleveland team. The Cavs are coming off an impressive home victory against the Clippers. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson both had bounce back games after scoring a combined 9 points in a blowout loss to Atlanta. Andrew Bynum has been quietly playing well for Cleveland this year and has scored 20 points in back-to-back games.

The Knicks are coming off yet another dud of a performance. Boston shellacked the Knicks 34-11 in the first period and never looked back. Raymond Felton has lost a step. J.R. and Iman are too streaky and Mike Woodson seems hell-bent on not giving Toure Murry a legitimate shot.  The lone bright spot was Amar’e Stoudemire’s 17 points on 7-10 shooting. Against Cleveland the Knicks need to come out and punch the Cavs in the face like what they did to the Nets on Thursday. This game won’t be won in the first period, but it sure as hell can be lost.

For the Knicks to win the backcourt has to play great defense and knock down some shots. Last game the backcourt combined for 5-25 (20%). Coach Woodson really needs to find out if Felton is slumping or has he regressed back to his old Rip City self. You know the overweight and overmatched point guard who Portland fans hated in his one year there? I’ve been saying this for weeks, but with Kyrie Irving on the other side Coach Woodson has to look at another option. If he doesn’t want to put Toure' Murry in for whatever reason at least shift Shumpert to the point and platoon Smith and Hardaway Jr. at the two.

Up front Melo and Bargnani should be able to hold their own as long as they’re physical. We know Bynum can quit when the going gets tough and Thompson cannot carry the frontcourt load especially while defending Melo or Bargnani. This is an extremely winnable game if the Knicks show up. Everyone needs to show up, from Coach Woodson all the way down to Cole Aldrich. If they do that the Knicks will get a much needed win and if they don’t? May Jim Dolan have mercy on their souls.