PG: Nobody likes Black Santa Claus

[Americafkya]

To be honest, things didn't look all that bad in this game until the end once the Knicks lost their legs. We are slow, unathletic, plodding and generally tough to watch, but the game was pretty competitive. Considering how much better the Blazers are and how much better than system is than ours, we should be happy as a team that it was close into the 3rd quarter.

The team needs to work to get Porzingis more comfortable and confident. Not only that, but get him the ball in his sweet spots more. He looks a little awkward posting up unless it is super close to the basket. This will obviously be helped by a better pg, so we will see how that goes.

Some other takeaways from this game....the league really needs to do something about the freedom of guard movement around the perimeter. There were a few times where Lillard wasn't even touched and drew a foul call. Also, they need to understand how the game has changed, and allow a little more physicality around the edges. Basically, any half-competent guard can run impeded around the court, and as much as I enjoy ball movement, open space, and driving down lanes, there needs to be some take on the other end as well.

For as rough as this game was, we have to understand just how much more talented, fluid, and cohesive the Blazers are than us on both ends, plus how their two guards are their star players and we have 0 perimeter defense. I don't understand why so many are calling for Phil's head when everyone knew this was going to be a rebuilding year. I am angry at this franchise for not dealing Melo when we had the chance, and for neglecting Grant and Fredette for the sake of playing Sasha, but in all fairness this is a game we should lose.

Our best player isn't really that good anymore and is hobbled on a bad knee, our second best player is a rookie playing his 60th game in the NBA, and our third best player is an average NBA rotation guy AT BEST. How are we supposed to beat one of the hottest teams in the West with this roster?

The blazers stomped the Warriors with Lillard dropping 51. I am surprised we lost by so little.

[vincccent]

Actually we would be better playing 3 outs with a high pick 'n' roll with Lopez than playing the triangle.

[Floozenheimen]

As much as I hate the triangle Phil is still light years ahead of his predecessors in that he hasn't traded 1st rounders and hasn't overpaid for marginal talent priced near max salary (Monroe).

We have a future now with KP, picks and flexibility. If that is all that Phil leaves us then he's done a better job than the past 15 years of Knicks front offices.

[mpharris36]

Let's relax by saying this is worse than the Isiah era...

Isiah era was the grimmest in franchise history because it looked like it would never end. We had no talent, no draft picks, no young players, and a sexually-harassing GM/coach with a 'superstar' who ate Vaseline.

Isiah was allowed free reign and it really never looked like it would ever end. The fact that he is still around in some capacity tells you how bad it was. The commissioner of the NBA had to step in and basically force Dolan to hire Donnie Walsh.

The entire 07-08 season was dedicated to 'Fire Isiah' chants, with the Knicks trying their best to drown them out with loud music and kicking fans out of the arena. Shameful stuff by Dolan.

This is worse. The Jackson era has already resulted in the worst record in franchise history and there's never been this much negativity and doom and gloom in the garden and fans there...ever.

I will wholeheartedly disagree. If you think being capped out, with no picks, and winning just enough games to not be in the top 5 in the draft is better than this especially for the future I'm baffled.

If you want to go back to dolan running the show (which is will be). And maybe every 5th year fighting for an 8th seed so be it. Honestly what do you expect to happen with Phil gone?

[mpharris36]

Great loss today guys, keep them coming. On the road to Thibodeau!!!!!!!!

With Jackson in charge, unless Dolan talks him out of it (and let's be honest, Dolan can't talk himself out of a contest with a mime), we're likely talking on the road to Shaw.

and if Jackson goes it will be Allen Houston (which will really be James Dolan) who will be getting ideas from Isiah Thomas. So basically what your saying its a lose lose.

[Floozenheimen]

Let's relax by saying this is worse than the Isiah era...

Isiah era was the grimmest in franchise history because it looked like it would never end. We had no talent, no draft picks, no young players, and a sexually-harassing GM/coach with a 'superstar' who ate Vaseline.

Isiah was allowed free reign and it really never looked like it would ever end. The fact that he is still around in some capacity tells you how bad it was. The commissioner of the NBA had to step in and basically force Dolan to hire Donnie Walsh.

The entire 07-08 season was dedicated to 'Fire Isiah' chants, with the Knicks trying their best to drown them out with loud music and kicking fans out of the arena. Shameful stuff by Dolan.

This is worse. The Jackson era has already resulted in the worst record in franchise history and there's never been this much negativity and doom and gloom in the garden and fans there...ever.

I will wholeheartedly disagree. If you think being capped out, with no picks, and winning just enough games to not be in the top 5 in the draft is better than this especially for the future I'm baffled.

If you want to go back to dolan running the show (which is will be). And maybe every 5th year fighting for an 8th seed so be it. Honestly what do you expect to happen with Phil gone?

Listen to this man Moo. You've either forgotten or never experienced the wrath of Jimmy Dolan. We have him in a cage right now and it's best for the world that he stays where he is. Nothing good will come from him making decisions again.

[djdeluxe]

As much as I hate the triangle Phil is still light years ahead of his predecessors in that he hasn't traded 1st rounders and hasn't overpaid for marginal talent priced near max salary (Monroe).

We have a future now with KP, picks and flexibility. If that is all that Phil leaves us then he's done a better job than the past 15 years of Knicks front offices.

No he is not, problem is most players do not want to come here, look at last year when we had some money to spend, all we got was AA, KOQ and Lopez, he couldn't get any top player, he wanted Monroe (glad he didn't come) and he would have over paid for him. He also has players that no one wants, say what you want about Isiah at least he had some talented pieces that he could trade. And everyone is waiting for the summer, who will we get?, who will want to come here with this triangle mess and possibly an unknown coach, if we do not get a star type player it will be the same as this year and we better get a new offense because its not working.

[wang000hk]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/fisolanydn/status/704888573896597505[/tweet]

Wow. Isola dropping knowledge. He's still a douche. This team blows. Makes me sick.

Jimmer is our best backcourt player at this point,except some nights from AA

[N Y K]

**** the world, **** my moms, and my girl...

[Triple C]

**** the world, **** my moms, and my girl...

[duetta]

No he is not, problem is most players do not want to come here, look at last year when we had some money to spend, all we got was AA, KOQ and Lopez, he couldn't get any top player, he wanted Monroe (glad he didn't come) and he would have over paid for him. He also has players that no one wants, say what you want about Isiah at least he had some talented pieces that he could trade. And everyone is waiting for the summer, who will we get?, who will want to come here with this triangle mess and possibly an unknown coach, if we do not get a star type player it will be the same as this year and we better get a new offense because its not working.

We got a better player in Rolo. Please.

Stop whining. You drank the poisoned Kool Aid earlier. Now the purge is taking place.

Isiah was the worst GM in NBA history before Billy King. What attractive pieces did we have to trade? Nothing but picks. And to think that we had them both in New York. That's what impatience brings you.

[mpharris36]

im trying to be realistic here. You can't even tell me he had 2 years because the first year he had Amare and Bargs taking up nearly 50% of our payroll. That isn't on Phil. I don't care what he said about the playoffs, acting like what he says matters. You need to sell tickets because its a business.

This year is on him. No doubt, buts its one year and we do have KP. I think this is the big offseason because hopefully its time to rebuild and move Melo.

If we can get a decent package for Melo our future is set up pretty decently IMO. That is so so so much better than anything we have seen the last 15 years. Baby steps.

[Esq-4]

The biggest problem with this season is not on Phil. It's not having the pick.

Although our team is terrible and unwatchable, many of the issues are pre Phil remnants.

The only thing I think I really fault him on is the Jose trade, which at the time didn't look sooooo bad because on paper Jose was a good vet guard you thought would fit the triangle.

Maybe Phil is not made for this, but we do not want Dolan back in charge.

[mpharris36]

The biggest problem with this season is not on Phil. It's not having the pick.

Although our team is terrible and unwatchable, many of the issues are pre Phil remnants.

The only thing I think I really fault him on is the Jose trade, which at the time didn't look sooooo bad because on paper Jose was a good vet guard you thought would fit the triangle.

Maybe Phil is not made for this, but we do not want Dolan back in charge.

According to some they do.

[Deeeez Knicks]

Things are at least fixable. Upgrade the backcourt, ditch the system, get a new coach and we will be much improved. Either that or just blow it up and trade Melo (my preference). Whether we will do those things is another question, but they are all feasible options. That's where this situation has a major edge over our past. Having a vet star we can trade for assets and a young stud we can build around makes this situation closer to one of the best, then the worst over the past 15 years. At least have options.

[Floozenheimen]

The biggest problem with this season is not on Phil. It's not having the pick.

Although our team is terrible and unwatchable, many of the issues are pre Phil remnants.

The only thing I think I really fault him on is the Jose trade, which at the time didn't look sooooo bad because on paper Jose was a good vet guard you thought would fit the triangle.

Maybe Phil is not made for this, but we do not want Dolan back in charge.

According to some they do.

I'm terrified of Jimmy boy. After 2 years of having no say, he's probably bursting at the seams to do something loud and stupid. If Donald Trump has an actual chance at becoming president, I understand why some people want Dolan in charge, stupidity.

[mpharris36]

Things are at least fixable. Upgrade the backcourt, ditch the system, get a new coach and we will be much improved. Either that or just blow it up and trade Melo (my preference). Whether we will do those things is another question, but they are all feasible options. That's where this situation has a major edge over our past. Having a vet star we can trade for assets and a young stud we can build around makes this situation closer to one of the best, then the worst over the past 15 years. At least have options.

Agreed which pretty much everything. Rather than player moves Phil's biggest downfall is being stubborn with the system which also limits his coaching choices.

Hopefully our struggles opens up his coaching search.

[Blockwatcher]

I hope Phil stays the course. If nothing else we'll keep tanking and have some solid drafts (thanx to Clarence Gaines jr.)

[j4remi]

Things are at least fixable. Upgrade the backcourt, ditch the system, get a new coach and we will be much improved. Either that or just blow it up and trade Melo (my preference). Whether we will do those things is another question, but they are all feasible options. That's where this situation has a major edge over our past. Having a vet star we can trade for assets and a young stud we can build around makes this situation closer to one of the best, then the worst over the past 15 years. At least have options.

Don't forget the fact that we have all of our firsts after this offseason and cap space too. We have every tool on the table to address our needs because Phil hasn't rushed a move since the Chandler trade.

[mpharris36]

Things are at least fixable. Upgrade the backcourt, ditch the system, get a new coach and we will be much improved. Either that or just blow it up and trade Melo (my preference). Whether we will do those things is another question, but they are all feasible options. That's where this situation has a major edge over our past. Having a vet star we can trade for assets and a young stud we can build around makes this situation closer to one of the best, then the worst over the past 15 years. At least have options.

Don't forget the fact that we have all of our firsts after this offseason and cap space too. We have every tool on the table to address our needs because Phil hasn't rushed a move since the Chandler trade.

I just imagine trading a 1st and other assets for Teague. Who is playing mediocre. WIth a banged up melo. We would have probably missed out on the playoffs and been pigeon holed again to just playing for a 7th or 8th seed. Instead Phil did hold strong and keep our picks which most of all allows us to keep our flexibility. That shouldn't be overlooked.