Knickstape Show Episode 7 - Meek is free. Lebron is almost free.

Listen to "Knickstape Show Episode - Meek is free. Lebron is almost free." on Spreaker.Knickstape Show powered by @SportsStockApp Episode 7: Luke and Mike discuss the playoff picture - Cavs looked screwed; Meek Mil's out of jail and Philly is going to win the East. Francesa's back on radio in New York- asshole move, but you got to love it. Knicks head coaching search will never end. Our SportsStock advice and picks and, of course, Knicks Shitty Throwback Player of the week.

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

Listen to "Knickstape Podcast Episode 6 - Knicks Season in Mourning, Live Reaction to Mets Collapse" on Spreaker.

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

The Knickstape Podcast Episode 4 - NBA is finally back after a way too long break

Listen to "Knickstape Podcast Episode 4 - Post All-Star Break" on Spreaker.

We Talk:

- Fergie vs. Blac Chyna. Whose performance was better?

- Fixing the Dunk Contest

- Will the Uncle Drew Movie be better than Space Jam?

- Twitter Question of the Week: Best Knicks Announcer (Walt Clyde Won - debate ensues)

- Life Question: Accidental Venmo. Are you obligated to return money on apps?

- Knicks Throwback Shitty Player of the Week

The Knickstape Podcast Episode 1 is here!

Listen to "Knickstape Podcast Episode 1 - How'd we get here?" on Spreaker. Meet Mike & Luke your hosts of the Knickstape Podcast. In this first episode we talk the Knicks trade situations (prior to the deadline), if they have a shot at the playoffs, best Knicks moments (from the few to choose from), Super Bowl LII reactions and we wrap with the Knicks Shitty Player of the week!

Brutal showing in Indiana, Back to the Garden hosting Memphis

Whats up everyone, hope you all enjoyed that shit show of a game last night. I really thought the Knicks had a shot against the Pacers after a decent performance the other night, but the Pacers offense clearly overmatched the Knicks. Pacers shot 53.5 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from beyond 3-point range. Tough to come out with a win when the opposing team shoots that well. On top of the shooting clinic the Pacers put on, the Knicks turned the ball over 18 times, 18! Can’t expect to win games with that many turnovers. Lastly, the Pacers are known around the league as a fast pace team, pushing the ball down the court, and scoring points on fast breaks. They stayed true their reputation by outscoring the Knicks on the open floor 31-5. 

The Knicks dug themselves in a hole early going down 31-19, and could never dig themselves out of it. The Pacers lead was up to 38 at one point in the game, which at that point is almost unbearable to watch. Miserable game overall, and with an off day today, the Knicks travel back to New York City where they play the Memphis Grizzlies, who broke their 11-game losing streak last night against the Timberwolves. 

Want to read more about the game? Go on the KnicksTape blog or Twitter account and checkout our blogger, Aden Tempsick, for his breakdown of the Knicks dreadful loss the the Indiana Pacers. 
---> http://knickstapeny.blogspot.com/2017/12/no-porzingis-no-hardaway-jr-big_5.html

Some things you need to know about the next game 

Memphis Grizzlies (8-15) at New York Knicks (10-11)

• Kristaps Porzingis (Sprained right ankle/illness) is probable to play tomorrow, per New York Knicks Twitter 

• Tim Hardaway Jr. (Lower left Leg) has begun treatment and will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks , per New York Knicks PR

• Mike Conley still injured and Chandler Parsons is day-to-day battling a knee injury 

• Marc Gasol leads the team in PPG (18.1), RPG (9), and APG (4.2)

• Enes Kanters struggled against the Pacers (7 points 6 rebounds 1 assist), may see more Willy Hernangomez after a 10 point 14 rebound 3 assist night.

• Kanter -34 in 19 minutes on the floor

• As stated above, Grizzlies snap 11 game losing streak last night against the Timberwolves

Here's how the Knicks and Grizzlies matchup. (Credit to NBA.com) 

Can y'all come back now? Im tired of losing #KnicksTape pic.twitter.com/rOBu1zUqbH

— KnicksTape (@KnicksTape) December 5, 2017

Oh yeah, and this happened. Some food for thought.

TREY BURKE HAD A 39 POINT NIGHT AND WE THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT. pic.twitter.com/FfYga3qJ4U

— Westchester Knicks (@wcknicks) December 5, 2017

BUY A SHIRT >>> http://knickstapeny.blogspot.com/p/shop-now_29.html

No Porzingis, No Hardaway Jr. = Big Problems for the NYK

The Knicks are officially below .500 after last night’s beating courtesy of the Indiana Pacers, the final score being 115-97. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. proved to be too much for the Knicks to overcome once again. Indiana saw seven different players score in double figures. The Knicks have now lost five of their last six games. Last night’s game couldn't have started any worse. The Pacers made five of their first six shots and we all thought, “oh Christ here we go.” 

Without KP and THJ, the Knicks two best players are Courtney Lee and Enes Kanter. But in typical Knicks luck, or lack thereof, there was something wrong with these guys as well. Lee is battling a virus, flu whatever it is. He looked a shell of himself all night, which Mike Breen repeatedly reminded us of. He was so ill in fact that one play in the 2nd quarter, Lee’s pass hit the rim and led to a Victor Oladipo dunk down the other end. That was one of his three consecutive TO’s in the 2nd quarter. One of the best hockey assists you will see all year in the NBA. Kanter was battling a sore back, therefore carrying the team was not going to be his thing last night. The two combined for 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. These guys simply weren't close to 100% but hey at least they went out there and tried to compete. I'm giving these two a pass. Both have shown when healthy that they can be solid pieces for this Knicks team going forward. 

So that left the Knicks with one hope, Michael Beasley. Let's just really sit back and think about that. Michael Beasley. Anyway, Beasley actually came out of the gates hot. He was the only threat early on in the game for the NYK. In the NYK’s last game, Beasley scored 21points. However, with Beasley comes turnovers and fouls. He registered two quick TO’s in the game, and in the 2nd quarter, picked up his third foul. At that moment, he had 13 points on 6-8 shooting but was forced to sit. You can say the Knicks were finished before that, but his third foul was the icing on the cake for Indiana. They went into the half up 66-40 on the NYK. 

This game of course featured the antics of Lance Stephenson. The infamous Lebron James ear-blower danced with the ball every time he had it. After a couple horrible possessions, he would finally get it going when he blew by Frank on a sick move which he finished off at the rim. Every time he did something on the court he was dancing and making sure everyone watching in person and at home knew he was in the game. Typical Lance Stephenson. You either love or absolutely hate this guy. There is no in between. This game also had some other bizarre moments such as Enes Kanter forgetting a shot clock existed. He was mid post-move when the 24-second horn went off and he wasn't close to finishing his move. Joakim Noah was legit triple teamed one play in the 4th quarter. And finally, Willy Hernangomez was the leading scorer for the Knicks. He recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Knicks return home tomorrow night with a matchup vs the (8-15) Memphis Grizzlies who last night finally ended their 11-game losing streak. Memphis is without Mike Conley, but it is still unclear how long KP and THJ will be out. Without these two, along with Lee and Kanter not being close to 100%, it will continue to be an uphill battle for the Knicks vs most teams. 

Knicks lose by 18 to the Pacers and are now under .500 (11-12). #KnicksTape pic.twitter.com/tHzY5Zqals

— KnicksTape (@KnicksTape) December 5, 2017

BUY A SHIRT >>> http://knickstapeny.blogspot.com/p/shop-now_29.html

Vucevic and the Magic atop the Knicks 105-100

Whats up everyone, Deven Del Priore here reporting from Point Pleasant, NJ. My twitter handle is DevenDel_18, follow up. Excited to have this opportunity to be apart of KnicksTape, and hope you enjoy the content as much I enjoy producing it. I’m going to try and keep most of these short and sweet, give you guys some notables of the game, and games that are coming up. So, without further ado, lets get it going.

After 4 days off, the Knicks took on the Orlando Magic at home yesterday in a game that everyone expected them to win… That was before Porzingis (ankle/sickness) and Hardaway (leg) were ruled out out for the night. Obviously those two are the heart of this team in every aspect of the game, but like every team, the next man in line has to step up. The three players that stuck out to me were Courtney Lee, Enes Kanter, and Michael Beasley. In my opinion they did their job, Lee playing 35 minutes with 19 points on 19 shots with 5 boards and a couple assists. Lee is a shooter, and #shootersshoot. Kanter with 18 points on 13 shots, gobbling up every board possible, battling with Vucevic all night. Definitely got his moneys worth, Vucevic is solid, definitely a player to look out for as the season goes on. Beasley had a surprisingly good night, looking like he was playing back at Kansas State dropping 21 points on 19 shots. Those guys took the opportunity with Zinger and THJ out and ran with it with it on the offensive end.

The Knicks got absolutely torched by Nikola Vucevic, who what seemed like did he whatever he wanted against Enes Kanter on the Offensive end, putting up 34 points and 12 boards. Gordon and Fournier were doing their thing per usual, but the rest of the Magic are obviously very very average and their record shows it at 10-14.

With basically the Knicks B squad (A squad is with Porzingis and THJ plus B Team), the outcome wasn’t so bad. The Knicks erased a 17 point deficit going into the middle of the 4th quarter of the game, and had a chance to sneak out a win toward the final minutes of the game, obviously didn’t happen, but had a chance. Bottom line is, with the starters put out there today, you cant be competitive. Not for a whole year, not if you want to make the playoffs. Lets chalk this up to the easiest possible thing there is to do, and that is that both Porzingis and Hardaway didn’t play. Which is exactly what I’m going to do every single time the Knicks lose when that duo is inactive. Ill take a healthy Knicks team over the Magic any day of the week.

Knicks take on the Pacers tonight at 7:00pm. Tune in, and don't forget to turn this post notifications on @KnicksTape Twitter to get input on everything Knicks!

.@zteusa Final 📊@Michael8easley: 21p@Enes_Kanter: 18p | 16r@MrLance42: 11p pic.twitter.com/a15CcNhpqd

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 3, 2017

7 out of the 8 next games for the Knicks are against teams under .500... Just something to look forward too. #KnicksTape

— KnicksTape (@KnicksTape) December 3, 2017

So the Knicks head to Indiana without KP and THJ who average 43.6 points total. They are bottom 3 in the league with scoring on the road (96.6). Oh and I forgot they're also 1-6 on the road. #KnicksTape pic.twitter.com/TNKpKS43tf  — KnicksTape (@KnicksTape) December 3, 2017

Lets eat tonight NYK #KnicksTape @KnicksTape @TalkinKnicks pic.twitter.com/lv2CL3K15m

— Ralph Cox (@DevenDel_18) December 4, 2017 

✈️➡️🏡➡️✈️➡️🏡. Join us @thegarden - tix at https://t.co/fn85V5Hfi8. pic.twitter.com/RxQO4NVWQh

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 4, 2017

The Apprentice

After weeks of speculation, tampering fines and James Dolan clashing, Phil Jackson finally found his guy to usher in the Zen Era in New York. The Knicks and freshly retired point guard Derek Fisher agreed to a five-year deal worth $25 million. If those figures look familiar to you it is because that is the exact contract Steve Kerr received from the Warriors after the Knicks reportedly low-balled him with a three-year offer worth a paltry $13 million.

Jackson wanted a young, inexperienced coach that he could mold in his patented triangle offense and who better than Fisher who ran that offense a majority of his career. While together in Los Angeles the two captured five championships including a three-peat in the early 2000s. It is assumed that Fisher will simply be Jackson’s on sideline buffer early on much like what Pat Riley did with Erik Spoelstra in Miami. One of the more respected players in the league, Fisher should not have a problem connecting with his players, something former Knick Coach Mike Woodson prayed for every night before he went to bed.

It will be interesting to see how the hiring is taken by free agent to be Carmelo Anthony. It was reported on multiple occasions that Anthony would embrace playing for Mark Jackson, but mum on other candidates. If Jackson expects to be competitive next year he will need his star back even if it is for an extra year a la Dwight Howard. Anthony has the option to opt in for one more season, allowing him to see how Fisher works out. In order to make Fisher’s job a lot easier keeping a player with Anthony’s skill set is a necessity.

The triangle offense was designed for a player like Anthony, a gifted passer, underrated rebounder and someone that can score with just about anyone in the league. With no draft picks in this year’s draft Jackson has to make do with the roster as is. Young highflyers like Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. (assuming they’re not dealt), Tyson Chandler down low, a sober J.R. Smith and Anthony as the centerpiece of the triangle is a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. If Amar’e Stoudemire can give a similar effort to what he gave towards the end of the season and the Knicks can sneak out an Atlantic Division title.

First, Fisher and the Knicks have to crawl before they walk. A whole coaching staff still needs to be filled and expect a lot of Jackson’s former associates to fill out those spots. Former players ranging from Scottie Pippen to Luke Walton have been connected to assistant coach jobs in New York according to Marc Berman of the New York Post in addition to former assistants such as Kurt Rambis.

When Jackson accepted to come turn around a Knicks franchise that has its focus on the glitz and glamor rather than basketball, he promised to build a winning culture and the Fisher hire shows that. While Fisher is the first to join Jackson in New York he will certainly not be the last. Could the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant end his career with the only two guys he shared his five championships with? Can James Dolan finally get his hands on LeBron James after whiffing on the king in 2010? Will Fisher just be another lame duck coach to leave MSG before his contract is up? These questions will get answered in due time, but until then Knicks fans should focus on the positive, they have a new coach and his name isn’t Mike.

Tale of the Tape: Zen Master's Next Disciple

It’s that time of the year again in the NBA. The Finals are under way and the 28 other franchises are plotting to be on ABC come this time next year. With no playoff appearance, no draft pick and a marquee free agent to resign, the Knicks have a lot of work ahead of them. While James Dolan is enjoying rare success with MSG’s other tenant (the New York Rangers playing in the Stanley Cup) his Knicks staff has been mostly quiet. Since watching Steve Kerr pick the California sun over the bright lights of New York City, Phil Jackson and company have been mum.

Houston is plotting to make a run at the Knicks top gun Carmelo Anthony, looking to clear cap space to sign him to a max deal. Jackson has said he wants Anthony back and feels that he can help recruit talent to New York. In order for Anthony to sign, Jackson has to get a head coach sooner rather than later. Let’s break down the top five candidates for the first head coach in the Knicks’ Zen Era. The tale of the tape:

The Contenders

Derek Fisher: From all media reports and NBA fines, Fisher is Jackson’s number one contender. Fisher and Jackson reportedly had a brief chat this week and Jackson was recently fined $25,000 for mentioning Fisher as a candidate while still playing in the Western Conference Finals for OKC.  He coached Fisher in Los Angeles, winning 5 championships in their time together. Fisher like Kerr share a similar philosophy to Jackson and extremely familiar with the triangle offense. Jackson has said that he prefers a coach familiar with this system since it is the system he plans to implement no matter the coach. After seeing the success the Nets eventually had with Jason Kidd as their head coach the idea of Fisher going from player right to coach is not as farfetched as it would have sounded a year ago. All signs point to this job being Fisher’s to turn down.

Mark Jackson: The Knicks have yet to contact the former Golden State Warrior head coach, but expect that to change if Fisher gets cold feet. Although Jackson recently signed a five-year broadcasting deal with ESPN his contract does not forbid him from taking a head coaching job. There are few people that understand the wacky environment that is MSG and very few that understand the people of New York. Jackson is a native, a former Knicks and a damn good coach. Oh and Anthony has said he would embrace playing for Jackson on a couple occasions. In his time at Golden State Jackson was revered by his players something former Knick coach Mike Woodson never experienced. Expect the silence between Jackson and his former team to end in the near future.

 Kurt Rambis: Rambis was included in Jackson’s initial list and a deserving candidate. Rambis is a former third round pick by the Knicks and can bring a wealth of experience to the team. As a player he won four championships with the Showtime Lakers and was on Jackson’s bench for the Kobe-Shaq three-peat. He is another candidate that fulfills the triangle offense requirement and someone Jackson would feel comfortable giving the reins to.

The Dark Horses

 Mike D’Antoni: Just kidding. He may be a solid option for the New York Liberty down the road.

Jeff Van Gundy: Van Gundy is the last coach to have legitimate success at MSG. Since      fleeing for Houston in 2003 the Knicks have had little to zero success at the head coaching position. Van Gundy, like his broadcasting partner Mark Jackson, does not fit the triangle offense requirement, but does fit the James Dolan management requirement. No other coach has handled Dolan better and can help mediate the Jackson-Dolan dynamic which has shown quiet friction. It is unlikely that Van Gundy gives up his cushy ESPN job for the foxhole at MSG, but a dark horse nonetheless.

 Patrick Ewing: One of the greatest players to ever don a Knick uniform and definitely one of the most underappreciated Knicks, Ewing has recently voiced his desire to be considered for the job. Ewing has put in the work, working as an assistant coach for 12 years. Both Jeff and Stan Van Gundy have said on multiple occasions that Ewing is deserving of head coach job. Ewing served on Jeff’s staff in Houston and on Stan’s staff in Orlando, including the year they went to the finals.  It remains to be seen if the Knicks will reach out to one of their greats, but it would not come as a shock if Ewing is at least brought in for a sit down. 

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. 

The Zen Era

If you told me in January that Phil Jackson would be the Knicks' President of Basketball Operations I would ask "what was in that beer". If you told me James Dolan vowed to cede power to Jackson I would tell you to check into Alcoholics Anonymous. Yet here we are in the middle of March with one of the best basketball minds in the world calling Madison Square Garden his new home. 

Everyone knows Jackson’s credentials by now (if you don’t leave ESPN on for five or ten minutes), Jackson is getting paid a king’s ransom of $60 million to leave the beautiful Cali weather and his fiancée Jeanie Buss behind. What we don’t know is how quickly Jackson can undo almost two decade’s worth of mistakes by a meddling owner who said at Jackson’s press conference “I am by no means an expert in basketball.”

We know Dolan, believe me we know. However, to Dolan’s credit, he took a huge step in the right direction yesterday. He listened to his loyal fan base and confidants and made a move that has franchise altering potential. Was this his way of stopping the embarrassment of the fan protest outside of the Garden Wednesday night? Maybe. Was this a way to say sorry for the Andrea Bargnani deal? I hope so. Is there anyone better to turn around this organization? Maybe, but they’re already employed by other teams.

Jackson brings a firm identity with him, something the Knicks have been looking for since Jeff Van Gundy fled to Houston, an identity not just for the basketball team, but for the whole organization. If this man got Kobe Bryant to share the basketball imagine what he can do to not only the neighborhood ball hogs that fill out the Knicks’ roster, but the power hungry hogs that fill out the Garden executive board.

He brings the basketball expertise that the Knicks lost when Donnie Walsh was sent packing. Naysayers say that Jackson is an exceptional coach, but unproven as a front office executive. That is why they are called naysayers. The hiring of Jackson is already the best move the team has made since they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers last April.

But what does this really mean? Who’s in and who’s out? Time will answer those questions. Jackson told the media yesterday that he plans on talking to the team before their big game against that Pacer team Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how the team comes out after a pep talk from one the best coaches ever.

Looking forward Jackson says he supports Mike Woodson, but it would be an all-time shocker if Woodson is on the bench for the Knicks come next season. Insiders have said that Jackson’s disciples, guys that know his triangle system will be the logical choices. TNT Analyst Steve Kerr who won three championships with Jackson in Chicago has been rumored to be the front-runner. Marc Stein of ESPN went as far as to say it is Kerr’s job to turn down. Other candidates include Brian Shaw who was supposed to succeed Jackson in LA. Shaw is already under contract as Denver head coach, but that won’t stop the Knicks from inquiring (see Thibodeau, Tom).

The long shot candidates are Jeff Van Gundy, someone that knows how to handle Dolan if Jackson ends up having less power than he thought and a cult hero in New York. Find a Knick fan who doesn't love JVG and I show you a Nets fan. The other is Woodson being retained. This is not completely out of the question. If the Knicks get into the playoffs and somehow win in the first round then the team would have to bring him back. It’s a long shot, but still a shot.

What Knicks fans care about most are what this means for Carmelo Anthony and his impending free agency. Will Anthony exercise his one-year option a la Dwight Howard to see what Jackson does with actual cap space flexibility and a first-round draft pick? Will he re-sign for a max contract and put his trust in Jackson to lure that second star in 2015? Anthony has given mixed signals first saying that Jackson’s arrival will have no effect on his free agency decision, but called the move a “power move” by the Knicks. Jackson is known as a culture changing connoisseur and he sure has his work cut out for him. If history serves as any measurement, the Zen Era will be a fruitful one for the Knicks.

New York...We Have a Problem.

In the midst of a four game losing streak it is time for the Knicks to change course. This team is not cut out to compete. The Tin Man has more heart than this team. It is time for the Knicks to realistically look ahead for once. No more pipe dreams please. They need to cut their losses early.  Selling a Rondo, Love and Melo nucleus is a dream, not a reality. To help make that a reality Steve Mills and company need to blow this thing up and go into all out reconstruction mode. There are two routes the Knicks can go at this: with Carmelo Anthony or without him. Let’s map out which ways the Knicks can take this. 

Route 1: Anthony on Board

Let us not forget that the reason the Knicks are in the predicament they are in is because Anthony was hell bent on getting his money sooner rather than later. Instead of waiting to sign in the offseason Anthony told the Knicks now or never. You know the rest of the story. If Anthony is still about his money the Knicks give him the max contract this summer. On the trade front every player not named Iman Shumpert or Tim Hardaway Jr. should be for sale. It was reported last week by Frank Isola of the Daily News that teams have inquired about Chandler, but the Knicks are not interested in dealing him. The team owes it to Chandler that he no longer has to suffer with being the lone defender and deal him to a contender.

A team like the Clippers or Trail Blazers would be nice trade partners for the Knicks. The ideal scenario would be for one of these teams to take Chandler and J.R. Smith’s contract in exchange for a young player or draft picks. However, getting any team to take on J.R.’s contract is as likely as someone taking Amar’e Stoudemire’s. This is where the team would have to part ways with a Shumpert or Hardaway Jr. Teams have already inquired about Shumpert and the Knicks have already shown they are willing to part ways with their best two way player. Shumpert will likely yield the greatest return, but they should make that trade only if there are no takers for Smith (a likely case). Mills can add Felton to any offer with the point guard making a paltry $3 million over 3 years. If Mills can somehow unload Bargnani he should get the key to the city and free up even more cap space to go after Love and maybe entice LeBron James to jump ship. It’s a stretch, but so is saying the Knicks are a playoff team.

Route 2: Anthony Flees

If Carmelo Anthony has finally had enough, which it looks like he has, then the Knicks need to start shopping their star. Anthony is easily their best asset and can flip him to a contender that is willing to roll the dice on him re-signing in the summer. In this scenario the Knicks objective is get young players and draft picks. The building blocks would be Shumpert, Hardaway Jr. and maybe even Jeremy Tyler and Toure’ Murry depending on how they perform down the stretch. The team has treated draft picks with little to no importance and its big reason why they are where they are right now. If the team can turn Melo into a draft pick for this year or next year’s draft (both expected to be deep drafts) then they have to pull the trigger. If Mills can make the team eat Smith’s contract then it’s an even bigger win. Chandler would be the second player traded, if not included in a deal with Anthony. Chandler’s contract is good enough for teams to make a trade with Felton attached. Shedding Bargnani and Stoudemire would likely happen in the summer or next season when they become expiring deals.

Best Route?

Whichever route the Knicks decide if they actually go into reconstruction mode will be dependent on how successful Mills is in the trade market. If Mills can’t wheel and deal then keeping Anthony is unlikely and will have to build with younger guys like Hardaway Jr. and Shumpert. If the Knicks bottom out and get a high pick next year they can run out a nucleus of Jabari Parker or Joel Embiid, two players who have been indecisive of whether they are going to declare for the NBA Draft. This may be another pipe dream, but Parker is more likely to stay at Duke another year giving the Knicks more incentive to bottom out and hope they strike gold.

If Mills is able to wheel and deal, shedding Smith’s contract in a Chandler deal then convincing Melo to stay is the best option. Kevin Love and LeBron James are free agents in 2015 and a core of Melo, Shumpert and Hardaway Jr. doesn’t sound bad. Lakers Nation reported that Love intends to become a free agent and his hometown Lakers and Knicks are two likeliest destinations. Stephen A. Smith said on First Take that if LeBron James leaves Miami the Knicks and Cavs are only places he would consider going. Whatever James Dolan ends up deciding let us pray he lets the basketball people do what he pays them to do.  It’s time he gives the loyal Knick fans a straight answer. We’re tired of dreaming.

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). 

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.