In the past two weeks I have read Isiah's statements to the press that express his commitment to rebuilding the Knicks and restoring the franchise to something worth being proud of.
The press and a sizable number of fans mock these assertions. I take them at face value and I believe he's sincere and I also admire his perseverance against all odds. Should he run the media gauntlet long enough to survive, this man will become a sports legend beyond his playing years legacy.
Surviving while losing is an improbable proposition in NY. In my memory, only Casey Stengel comes to mind as someone who managed the feat in a different sport with a much different personality.
Admiring Isiah is an acquired taste. He is attacked for not being an emotional bench coach, yet great coaches can be quiet leaders whose words resound in practice and their lessons get quietly exercised during games.
He is attacked for being a lousy General manager despite having inherited a terrible mix of players and being saddled with a Collective Bargaining Agreement that designates big city teams as dumping grounds for expensive contracts gone bad. Isiah has navigated these waters too with dignity, occasional success and occasional failure. There are more gifted GMs in the league for sure but there are also much worse franchises. Assembling character and chemistry is not an easy task.
Fans spend endless hours (myself included) wondering what if this player or that were traded instead. It's the curse of being a sports fan.
And finally, Isiah is attacked for his drafting by fans who inevitably ask why he didn't select all the players who are succeeding instead of players who are merely human. I admit my guilt here as well. I wish Isiah had drafted a young point guard capable of leading the team.
Nonetheless, Isiah's draft record is brilliant considering the profound odds of coming up empty handed.
I'm beginning to admire Isiah Thomas because he embodies a quality that is rare in American business today, he won't quit until the job is done right. I tip my hat.
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Sunday, January 13, 2008
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Here, dear readers, is the final resting place of all weary Knicks fans. Yes, here is where one comes when the Triangle refuses to have three sides, when biting one's lip from losing to win later is one loss too far,or when said fan simply hits 'rock' bottom. In short, "the ship be" eternally "sinking" here. Welcome aboard, rearrange the deck chairs as you please.
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