September 03, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Dennis D’Agostino, the Knicks team historian, wrote a feature about a long-time Knicks fan who kept a newspaper scrapbook from the 1969-70 championship season. The fan recently gave it to the Knicks... Read on
August 24, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
The Knicks, who obtained the draft rights to 7-foot center Jerome Jordan on Draft Night, will allow the Jamaican pivot to play in Serbia this season for Hemofarm. Jordan, out of Tulsa, was deemed a... Read on
The Knicks, who obtained the draft rights to 7-foot center Jerome Jordan on Draft Night, will allow the Jamaican pivot to play in Serbia this season for Hemofarm.
Jordan, out of Tulsa, was deemed a project by Mike D'Antoni after an erratic summer league in Las Vegas and the club decided he'd be best off with a year in Europe at least. The Knicks still maintain his rights and will monitor his progress. The Bucks drafted Jordan 44th and traded him to the Knicks for cash considerations, believed to be $1 million.
Jordan averaged 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 18.1 minutes in five games at summer league. The Knicks roster now has 14 players.
August 16, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Stephon Marbury realizes he'll never be allowed to play for Team China, which competed at the Garden this weekend in World Championship tune-up games. China's national-team guidelines are pretty... Read on
Stephon Marbury realizes he'll never be allowed to play for Team China, which competed at the Garden this weekend in World Championship tune-up games. China's national-team guidelines are pretty strict, despite Marbury's three-year commitment to play professionally there.
But Marbury's got a bigger goal: to one day own a team in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Marbury, the former Lincoln superstar out of Coney Island, is all-in on his investment in China, citing the 350 million people who play basketball there and the country last week leaping past Japan as the world's second-biggest economy.
"The NBA has deals to build arenas in China,'' Marbury told The Post. "It just takes time. Owning and investing there, how can I go wrong business-wise?''
Marbury signed a three-year deal to play again for Shanxi that includes a coaching stint starting next season. The most important part of the deal is his club will finance the opening of three Starbury stores in the city.
"It's all Starbury stuff. Like you go to a Nike store, it's going to be Starbury,'' said Marbury, who has his logo tattooed to his head. "In Year Five, my goal is to have 150 stores.''
Marbury is still trying to end his basketball career with dignity, though he has no interest in an NBA return.
"How it ended with me playing in the NBA is the way it was supposed to end,'' said Marbury, who last played with the Celtics in the 2009 playoffs. "It's time to write another chapter. I'm in a different place. This is a way deeper project. It's bigger than basketball.''
He is putting 10 percent of his contract toward helping basketball schools for boys and girls. It's a charitable move and sound business, investing in the grass roots. The bigger basketball becomes in China, the more apparel Marbury can sell.
Team USA's Chauncey Billups, one of Marbury's best friends in the NBA, said over the weekend after practicing at the Knicks facility, “Steph has always kind of been ahead of the curve as far as business and always being innovative with little things that he tries to do. So I’m sure that whatever he’s doing over there in China, it’s gonna work out big for him.”
Marbury is training again in Los Angeles, running the Hollywood Hills, getting ready for the Chinese season that begins in December.
Billups said he would rather see Marbury in the NBA.
“Steph is Steph, man,” Billups said. “Y’all know Steph. He kind of toots to his tune, man, and that’s just kind of been him since high school. Really I’m just happy that he’s playing basketball again. I wish he was playing in the NBA. I feel like he’s still an NBA player.”
August 13, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Kevin Durant graced the Knicks practice court this afternoon with his Team USA mates. Those who know Isiah Thomas as a draft savant won't be surprised by this: He was probably the only NBA GM-type... Read on
Kevin Durant graced the Knicks practice court this afternoon with his Team USA mates.
Those who know Isiah Thomas as a draft savant won't be surprised by this: He was probably the only NBA GM-type who would've chosen Durant over center Greg Oden, then being compared to Bill Russell.
Thomas told me that privately before that 2007 Draft, not after. He understood dominant big centers come along once in a while. But Thomas countered that a 6-11 player who can do what Durant can may never come around. (Durant is actually 6-10, a source said, though he's listed at 6-9).
David Lee at No. 30, Nate Robinson at No. 23, Wilson Chandler at No. 23, Trevor Ariza at No. 43 ... even the Channing Frye pick (No. 8) is turning out sound. I'll never knock Isiah for his drafts, but I will say the Thomas segment on MSG Network's "Knicks Live'' last night was an embarrassment and insult to their diehard fans.
The panelists – Kelly Tripucka, Wally Szczerbiak, and a writer from Cablevision-owned Newsday whom I don't want to embarrass by naming him – glowed about the Thomas re-hire. Disgraceful TV.
There had to be one voice pointing out the obvious: That this recent move turned into a nightmare.
When the segment displayed James Dolan's over-the-top statement, it cut out the most damning part, that Thomas will "always have strong ties to me and the team.''
This is how Dolan's statement should have read following the NBA's blockage of Thomas' return:
"I am disappointed Isiah Thomas can not be a team consultant but we continue to wish him the best of luck at FIU and in the future.''
The end.
August 12, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
When the Knicks sent out their press release to announce their 2010-2011 schedule, there was a glaring admission of the LeCon James-led Miami Heat.In a paragraph listing their highlighted Garden... Read on
When the Knicks sent out their press release to announce their 2010-2011 schedule, there was a glaring admission of the LeCon James-led Miami Heat.
In a paragraph listing their highlighted Garden games this season, the Lakers, the two visits each by the Celtics and John Wall's Wizards were named. The Christmas Day game vs. Chicago was noted. So was the MLK Day matinee vs. Phoenix.
But the two nationally televised visits by LeCon – Dec. 17 and Jan. 28. Not in there.
Oh yes, it was no coincidence the Heat's Dream Team – James and Knicks targets Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade - was left out of the release. Bitter? Just a touch.
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Jerry Colangelo, Team USA CEO, echoed a thought a couple of Knicks staffers have uttered since Friday's announcement about Isiah Thomas' consulting contract that has since been rescinded. That because Dolan is a recovering alcoholic and cocaine user, he believes in second chances.
"If that's why, it's wholly different,'' Colangelo told The Post. "
If the intent is to get someone a second opportunity, if it's about forgiveness, about second chances, that puts a whole different light on the subject.''
"But if that's what's behind it, then you have to applaud someone who'd give out a second chance,'' Colangelo added.
August 11, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups reiterated his optimism 2011 free agent Carmelo Anthony will remain in Denver. Anthony has a three-year, $65 million contract extension on the table. The Knicks... Read on
Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups reiterated his optimism 2011 free agent Carmelo Anthony will remain in Denver. Anthony has a three-year, $65 million contract extension on the table.
The Knicks will have cap space to sign Anthony outright next July and he's close friends with Amar'e Stoudemire.
"I'm optimistic he'll be back,'' Billups said after Tuesday's Team USA practice at John Jay College. "Of course I'm biased, I'm optimistic he's going to play for the Nuggets. I know he's optimistic and loves the city and loves Denver. I'm optimistic, but again I don't know. I wish I did.''
Billups hope he either takes the extension soon so it doesn't distract from the season. "For his sake, he should,'' Billups said. "He doesn't want to have that every game, every city. Nobody wants to go through that. For his sake I hope he does.''
August 10, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Mike D’Antoni said as long as the Knicks win he does not foresee new consultant Isiah Thomas climbing the corporate ladder. “I don’t think so,” D’Antoni said when asked about Thomas gaining more... Read on
Mike D’Antoni said as long as the Knicks win he does not foresee new consultant Isiah Thomas climbing the corporate ladder.
“I don’t think so,” D’Antoni said when asked about Thomas gaining more power in the organization. “It could happen; anything can happen. That means we didn’t do our job well and failed. We are not planning on doing that. It’s just that he can add something as a consultant, but Donnie (Walsh) is in complete control.”
Sources told The Post that Walsh was livid when he heard that owner James Dolan had hired Thomas as a consultant on Friday. Walsh was brought in to repair much of the damage that Thomas caused by wasteful spending as team president, but some believe that the consultant role is just the first step for Thomas’ return to the Knicks and he has his eyes on the vacant GM job.
Walsh did clear the cap space that Thomas cluttered and was able to bring in Amar’e Stoudemire, but lost out on LeBron James to the Heat. Still, most think the Knicks have a roster that can compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
D’Antoni, who talked after a Team USA practice at John Jay College in Manhattan, said he is unfazed by the hiring.
“It’s really not my area,” said D’Antoni, who is an assistant for the national team but will not travel to the World Championships in Turkey because of a bad back.
“It’s not changing what I do, so I am cool.”
August 10, 2010 ,
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POST STAFF REPORT
The Knicks didn’t land LeBron James, but the addition of Amar’e Stoudemire was enough to get them back onto more national television games. The Knicks will play 11 games on either TNT or ESPN this... Read on
The Knicks didn’t land LeBron James, but the addition of Amar’e Stoudemire was enough to get them back onto more national television games.
The Knicks will play 11 games on either TNT or ESPN this season including both MSG matchups with James’ Heat on Dec. 17 and Jan. 27. ESPN will also televise Stoudemire's return to Phoenix on Jan. 7.
October
Wednesday 27 at Toronto 7 p.m.
Friday 29 at Boston 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 30 vs. Portland 7:30 p.m.
November
Tuesday 2 vs.Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 4 at Chicago 8:00 p.m. TNT
Friday 5 vs. Washington 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 7 vs. Philadelphia Noon
Tuesday 9 at Milwaukee 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10 vs. Golden State 7:30 p.m.
Friday 12 at Minnesota 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 14 vs. Houston 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday 16 at Denver 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 17 at Sacramento 10:00 p.m.
Friday 19 at Golden State 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 20 at L.A. Clippers 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday 23 vs. Charlotte 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 24 at Charlotte 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 27 vs. Atlanta 1:00 p.m.
Sunday 28 at Detroit 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday 30 vs. New Jersey 7:30 p.m.
December
Friday 3 at New Orleans 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 5 at Toronto 1:00 p.m.
Monday 6 vs. Minnesota 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8 vs. Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Friday 10 at Washington 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12 vs. Denver Noon
Wednesday 15 vs. Boston 7:00 p.m. ESPN
Friday 17 vs. Miami 7:00 p.m. ESPN
Saturday 18 at Cleveland 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 22 vs. Oklahoma City 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 25 vs. Chicago Noon ESPN
Tuesday 28 at Miami 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 30 at Orlando 7:00 p.m. TNT
January
Sunday 2 vs. Indiana 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday 4 vs. San Antonio 7:30 p.m.
Friday 7 at Phoenix 10:30 p.m. ESPN
Sunday 9 atL.A. Lakers 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday 11at Portland10:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12 at Utah 9:00 p.m.
Friday 14 vs. Sacramento 7:30 p.m.
Monday 17 vs. Phoenix 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday 19 at Houston 8:30 p.m.
Friday 21 at San Antonio 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 22 atOklahoma City 8:00 p.m.
Monday 24 vs. Washington 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 27 vs. Miami 8:00 p.m. TNT
Friday 28 at Atlanta 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 30 vs. Detroit 7:30 p.m.
February
Wednesday 2 vs. Dallas 7:30 p.m.
Friday 4 at Philadelphia 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 6 vs. Philadelphia Noon
Wednesday 9 vs. L.A. Clippers 7:30 p.m.
Friday 11 vs.L.A. Lakers 8:00 p.m. ESPN
Saturday 12 at New Jersey 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 16 vs. Atlanta 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 23 vs. Milwaukee 7:30 p.m.
Friday 25 at Cleveland 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 27 at Miami 8:00 p.m. ESPN
March
Tuesday 1 at Orlando 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 2 vs. New Orleans 7:30 p.m.
Friday 4 vs. Cleveland 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 6 at Atlanta 6:00 p.m.
Monday 7 vs. Utah 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9 at Memphis 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 10 at Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Sunday 13 vs. Indiana 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 15 at Indiana 7:00 p.m.
Thursday 17 vs.Memphis 7:30 p.m.
Friday 18 at Detroit 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 20 at Milwaukee 3:00 p.m.
Monday 21 vs. Boston 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 23 vs. Orlando 8:00 p.m. ESPN
Friday 25 vs. Milwaukee 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 26 at Charlotte 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 30 vs. New Jersey 7:30 p.m.
April
Sunday 3 vs. Cleveland 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 5 vs.Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 6 at Philadelphia 7:00 p.m.
Friday 8 at New Jersey 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 10 at Indiana 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 12 vs.Chicago 8:00 p.m. TNT
Wednesday13 at Boston 8:00 p.m.
August 10, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
The Knicks formally announce the signing of free agent combo guard Roger Mason today to a one-year deal. The Post reported Thursday that Mason agreed in principle, but his addition got completely... Read on
The Knicks formally announce the signing of free agent combo guard Roger Mason today to a one-year deal. The Post reported Thursday that Mason agreed in principle, but his addition got completely overshadowed by the Isiah Thomas hiring Friday.
Mason, 29, started two seasons ago for San Antonio when Manu Ginobili was injured and excelled, shooting 41 percent from the 3-point line. But he had a mediocre season in 2009-2010, falling out of the rotation late in the year and playing sparingly in the playoffs.
The Knicks like Mason's 3-point shooting ability - a team need - and they feel he can play some backup PG. The Knicks get him on the cheap at $1.4M - as he likely is the final piece to their summer reconstruction. They are still about $1.2M under the cap but Mason gives them 14 players now. Mason also becomes another potential trade chip in a Chris Paul deal down the road.
August 09, 2010 ,
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By MARC BERMAN
Isiah Thomas brushed off reports Donnie Walsh is livid over his recent hiring as part-time consultant. The Sunday Post reported that Walsh told Thomas two weeks ago he did not want him to work for... Read on
Isiah Thomas brushed off reports Donnie Walsh is livid over his recent hiring as part-time consultant.
The Sunday Post reported that Walsh told Thomas two weeks ago he did not want him to work for the organization. Thomas and owner James Dolan then secretly worked out a part-time consulting deal that allowed Thomas to stay as head coach at Florida International.
Even Hank Ratner, the second-highest ranking Cablevision executive, tried talking Dolan out of naming Thomas even a part-time consultant.
“Donnie Walsh and I, and Jim and I, we’ve always had great respect for each other,'' Thomas said on Dan LeBatard's Miami radio show this morning. "Donnie and I have worked with each other. Actually, Donnie gave me my first job in the NBA in terms of coaching with the Indiana Pacers. The relationships that we have and our ability to work together and understand how tough it is to win in New York and try to assemble talent to go out there and compete, I’m glad they have given me the opportunity to come back.”
VOTE: DOLAN'S DUMBEST MOVES
The NBA is reviewing the contract because it could be a conflict of interest in violation of league rules. The Post reported today at least two NBA owners have objected.
Thomas said in the radio interview he would leave FIU for a full-time consulting or GM gig.
"If I was to leave FIU, the only positions that I would be interested in looking at would be to be a general manager for a team or consulting or advising with a team,'' Thomas said. "I don’t see myself coaching in the NBA.''
Thomas tried downplaying his Knicks role, saying his first responsibility is with FIU. But his ties with Dolan, who wanted him back in a full-time position before Walsh said no, leads to speculation he'll be back soon.
"I’m happy that it works out for FIU that I will still be here coaching,'' Thomas said. "I think we are building a fantastic program. We have good recruits coming in. We are in on a lot of the top recruits. I’m excited about what we are building here. And also having the possibility of building the Knicks towards a championship. Lord knows we have our hands full with what they have put together here in Miami (referring to the NBA's Heat).''
Thomas added, "It really is just consulting. It all depends on what Donnie is asking me to do and what the Knicks are asking me to do. If they want my advice on the phone or want my advice on a meeting, I will make myself available. But my first priority is FIU.”
Thomas reiterated the sexual harassment suit vs. Anucha Brown-Sanders did him wrong.
"I’ve always maintained my innocence,'' Thomas said.