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).

Leaving the Station After 30+ Years

It looks like Dolan has had enough of losing.

The Zach Randolph trade signals a return to the Knicks rebuild with a vengeance. Zach is a very nice pick-up. While the NY Press salivates over bringing the Knicks down, Marbury's reaction as a player is indicative that the pieces are coming together.

“It’s finally happening. God’s plan is working.”

I don't know about God's interest in the Knicks but what Isiah engineered, much to the chagrin of bidder Larry Bird, is the acquisition of a top-five NBA PF.

While most fans prayed for Garnett or Rasheed, Isiah upped the ante. In Randolph the Knicks get a younger, more hungry version of that archetypal player. The fact that he's no angel is no big deal. This Knicks incarnation is going to rock. With Randolph and Curry as twin towers under the boards, there will be few questions as to who owns the paint. While neither has been historically impressive on 'D', one cannot help but think that having tag team giants down low will create a multiplier effect on those defensive stats.

I don't think reports are accurate that Dickau and Jones are throw-aways. I think another multi-player deal is in the works that will bring in the final pieces of what may become an eastern conference steam-roller. Dickau, in fact, may become a significant bench contributor over the course of the season.

Isiah has plenty of pieces to play with and Dolan seems to be giving the green light to bulk up. It's starting to feel like a NY team is in the process of shifting gears. There's a rumble happening here, not a prayer circle.

Again, one might expect Kobe, Artest, or Rashard Lewis to be the next target (and Lewis will need little convincing that the Knicks can win). However, it would not surprise me if someone like Marvin Webster gets snapped up by Isiah. Again, a younger prototype of a Garnett-like player. Webster's name has been mentioned frequently in potential trade talks. Other possibilities might include Luke Walton or Rudy Gay in keeping with the unexpected.

As for the seeming glut of players, I'm expecting Jerome James to get a buy out and potentially see Quentin consider retirement if the bad back doesn't recover sufficiently. Just guessing.