Van Gundy's Observations

Berman's blog features an entry that reports on JVG's Knicks prediction:

"They have a definable identity and it's the first step in turning it around,'' VG said. "I definitely think they'll compete for the playoffs. I can't see them not making a dramatic jump in wins, from the low 20's to high 30's or even the 40's. That's what they should expect, to make the playoffs. You don't pay those players all that money if they don't have talent.''

I have had my differences with JVG over the years but I tend to agree with his analysis.

I think the Knicks are going to make the playoffs at the six or seven spot. They are in a pack of teams some of whom are worse and many of whom are over-rated. A season of uninterrupted play is really what the Knicks need. And that means no more delusional ideas that the size of the salary dictates the number of minutes.

So far, D'Antoni is doing what needed to be done for years - make the players earn their playtime.

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On a sidenote, the pre-season play of Zach Randolph apparently is opening the eyes of a contending team or two who are front-court player away from the top.

I'd hate to lose Zach but he might get reluctantly traded for a deal previously believed to be too good to be true (think three-way).

Houston Can't Stop Kicking JVG

JVG suggested altering the court size and the Houston Press is making him out to be a loon suggesting the idea come "out of left field". Last year he suggested just allowing all teams to participate in the lottery process equally.

Given the recent suggestion that the Knicks need to be given a break because of their "importance" to the health of the NBA, I have to laugh.

Look, it is not so much that the Knicks need relief from the dumb-ass NBA regulations, it is the league itself that needs to grow up. The NBA sucks because lots of teams have created a situation where the majority need to only appear to compete and when it is obvious they suck, they tank the season to play lotto in Secaucus. So the entire season is deformed into a ritual of perfunctory games that lull good teams into hubris (say, Dallas) and offer the fans of the NBA local Tankers years of unsatisfying mediocrity.

IMO, the draft needs to be eliminated entirely - it is a pathetic joke. But, barring that, JVG is (gulp) RIGHT! just let everyone have an equal chance at the lottery. Nobody has to tank and maybe a near contender stands a chance to shine.

And, by all means make the court longer - Phil Jax, JVG, and I agree on this as well. Put some excitement back in the game.

As the NBA Turns

JVG is on the loose.

Larry Brown in Houston? Let's call it a ready-made for LB.

JVG in Miami???? Would Pat Riley do that to the Knicks after all these years? Oh, the irony.

Stan Van Gundy with the Knicks???? Would Stan do that to Riley? Oh, the double irony.

Just one fan's speculation.

We'll see.