The Almost Rans

Isn't it curious that the teams that go deepest into the playoffs expect to be active in the draft and trade market and those that aren't talk about standing still?

It has been apparent for over a year and probably much longer that Garnett wants nothing to do with the Knicks. And it appears he has reconsidered his unwillingness to play in Boston. If he winds up in Boston, the Knicks will be in an unenviable position of watching a Danny Ainge team roar by them next year.

And what's with Phoenix and Dallas becoming the teams that big name stars suddenly check off as favored destinations? Winning is everything. Now that Dolan has tightened the purse-strings, NY will have to win with over-hyped youth, cast-aways, and lady luck. Unless we have a fortuitous summer, the Knicks may be stuck in medicrity for yet another year.

I think Dave Checketts had it right. Spend the money. This is New York, not Peoria and the bottom line is that you can't afford to lose in the Big Apple. If another mediocre year ensues, somebody will need to approach the commissioner to advocate for the sale of the Knicks away from the Dolan cable empire. It just may be bad chemistry.

And, having watched Bruce Bowen and others, rough it out during the playoffs one has to wonder why the Knicks are still running the show as if it were a charm school. Trading for a couple of enforcers on the court looks like best practice if you expect to win. Much as I love the sixties and early seventies Knicks, new times require new thinking.