Bad omens for Nets and Knicks

[slang711]

Interesting article.

Two thousand and eight feels an awful like 1987, especially around here.

Eighty-seven started with the Giants winning the Super Bowl. A few months later the Nets and Knicks failed to make the playoffs. Those looking for solace from the area baseball teams were disappointed by the Yankees and especially the Mets. And there was a stock market crash.

It seems like we’re in a time warp.

The Giants won to start ’08. The Nets and Knicks played miserably and the Yankees and especially the Mets disappointed again. Twenty-one years ago was the last time those four teams didn’t make the playoffs in the same year until now. And we’re in an economic crisis, far worse than ’87.

The Giants and Jets have given fans reasons for optimism that the end of 2008 and start of ’09 could be interesting if not enjoyable. The Nets and Knicks are another story.

Little is expected of the Nets. They keep talking about making the playoffs and proving everyone wrong. It would be a great story, but it is improbable. They could have a long road ahead of them.

Like 21 years ago, the Knicks have someone named Pat Ewing on their team, but junior isn’t giving them the hope his father did.

The Knicks have new leadership, but similar issues as last year. Their point guard is a distraction and probably will be until he’s traded or bought out.

Anyone doing this job appreciates that Marbury, for the most part, isn’t hiding his feelings. If the Knicks want to buy him out, he said he won’t accept anything less than what he’s due. You also have to love that Marbury told a reporter who had written that he is toxic that he would "pray" for him.

So ’87 has nothing on ’08. And anyone hoping the Nets and Knicks will ease the pain the Mets and Yankees caused probably should wait until next year.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/knicks/30079224.html