Jeremy Lin's Contract Saga: Part VII

[omerome]

Oakley was struggling to even say Jeremy Lin. Calling him Jerry Lynn or something.

Couldn't pronounce Mike D'Antoni and actually said we had Nash and SAS tried to correct him but he just kept on talking.

I do agree with his point that we need Kidd because of his experience against the Heat but that's why you have Lin. Kidd will be a good person to mentor him on the court.

[Bill Bradley]

I'm kind of down the middle right now anyway: The way this was handled, I think it's best for Lin to go. And if they show me that they're dumb enough to let him go while still pretending to be title contenders, then I'll be liberated from the hopes that drive continued fan interest.

I'll just know that they're all getting their comeuppance. But there will be nothing to see here and I'll just be able to walk away knowing that you can't invest in something that has nothing to give back.

Knicks would be proving that they don't have a clue. And Melo will be targeted and end his tenure in miserable fashion, rightly or wrongly.

Raymond Effin Felton. Unbelievable.

Right there with you. I almost want us to NOT match Lin so I can be freed from this rotten organization.

That really makes you seem quite fickle and disloyal. You're going to stop rooting for a team you've always rooted for just because a certain player isn't retained? Have some courage and stick with your team through and through like a real fan (short for "fanatic," I'll remind you).

The only reasons I would be OK with Lin not being retained is because I don't think it automatically equals no shot at contending by any stretch and I would be happy to trim the fat of "Knicks fans" who really only care about Jeremy Lin. I knew you wanted to keep him, but didn't think you were one of them.

That being said, I think the smart business and basketball move is to match the contract and bring Lin back. He still has a ton of potential, I think he will be a solid starter in this league for years if he can stay healthy, and his marketability alone makes him a trade chip even if he doesnt live up to his contract on the court.

The deifying of this guy and the crucifiction of anyone who isn't sold on him being the savior or be-all and end-all really needs to stop, though.

I don't think you get it. This isn't about one move but it's more of a final straw. To me, essentially trading Lin for Felton just reaffirms that Dolan and his cronies don't care about the fans and aren't really interested in winning. It's all about paying off people who are part of their group and who tow the company line. Without Lin, Fields, and Jeffries we are basically a team of guys with poor character who I can't relate to or support on any level. We will be a team of iso chuckers, prima donnas who can't even take their jobs seriously enough to stay in shape. Our PG will be selfish fatass, his backup will be a wifebeater with a criminal record. At SG will get a guy who was just photographed smoking a blunt out of his window. At SF we have a guy that is considered one of the most selfish and overrated stars in the league. At PF we have a guy who only cares about living the superstar lifestyle and who couldn't give a damn about trying on the defensive end. Chandler and Novak are the only guys that I would actually be able to root for on this team.

Lin, Fields, and Jeffries were more team oriented and unselfish players, and instead we are going back to the days of Marbury, Eddy Curry, and Zach Randolph. We become an Isiah team once again and I want no part of it. I wouldn't expect you to understand since you supported every move Isiah made when he was here and bashed other posters for not being on board, but I just can't get with the program.

[AmazingJason]

Oakley is rambling about a whole lot of nothing.

is this because he isn't agreeing with some who say jeremy lin has to be re-signed?

Oakley hasn't said whether to match or not to match Lin. He just keeps saying that Lin should play within himself (i agree) and shouldn't expect to be the superstar alongside melo/amare/chandler.

I honestly don't see where Lin would pose that sort of problem. That seems like more of a problem from Melo or Amare.

[21shumpst]

Matt Moore CBS ‏@MattMooreCBS
Report: Lakers close to adding Jermaine O'Neal. http://cbsprt.co/MFr6na Raise your hand if you thought JO had already retired. No cheating.

They really don't want to relinquish the title of "Oldest Team in NBA" to the Knicks, do they?

[MKCATL]

What time of the day did word drop we weren't matching Landry?

[Red Vines]

Isola still has it on his timeline:

Frank Isola ‏@FisolaNYDN
Also, Raymond Felton had better numbers with Knicks than Lin. Big difference is that Ray didn't have a catchy nickname like "Felton-sanity"

[Oakley then tweets: ok get over it, who the better player]

Frank Isola ‏@FisolaNYDN
Would you sit out a playoff game because you're only 85% healthy? RT @CharlesOakley34 @FisolaNYDN ok get over it, who the better player

[AmazingJason]

What time of the day did word drop we weren't matching Landry?

Word dropped the moment he signed the offer sheet

[NYStateofMind]

Are you ready to convince yourself that Felton can lead the Knicks to a title? Simple question. Or are you saying that you will still invest even though you'd know the Knicks are stuck with this roster and stuck with no chance at a title?

I'll be 100% honest here.

The chances that the Knicks will win a title - either with or without Lin - are extremely slim no matter which way you decide to slice it.

As far as I'm concerned and given the fact that there is a team in Florida that will dominate the league until age and/or injury intervene, Ray Felton's chances and Lin's chances of leading NYK to a title are pretty much even.

I say that because while we know Felton's shortcomings and are familiar with them, Lin is a tabula rasa - a blank slate upon which people can project the rosiest scenario possible. If he continues to improve, he may lead the Knicks to the promised land. If he works on his game and overcomes his deficiencies, he'll be in the pantheon.

If, if, if. I look at it as an open question, while you and others accept Lin developing into a top PG as a matter of faith. I can't do that, because that is a setup for disappointment if he just becomes average or goes the route of so many other Knick prospects who showed big promise and failed to live up to it.

As a result, I am completely resigned to letting chips fall. If Lin is back, he's my dude. If they don't match and he goes to Texas, good luck to him in every circumstance except when he faces the Knicks.

If we end up having to ride with Ray Felton, I'm good. I want to see how Woodson integrates the Hoveround crew to augment the starters, and I'll be happy to see a full season without the ridiculous compression of last season.

Repeating what I said up top, we've got just about as good a chance at a title with Felton as with Lin, because the Three Amigos with Ray Ray are standing in the way of both of them.

I don't begrudge anyone's feelings toward Lin, but I'm looking at it differently from most of you.

Either way. NYK, ride or die.

Pretty much my exact thoughts. Well said.

[21shumpst]

What time of the day did word drop we weren't matching Landry?

Pre twilight.

[makeitstop]

Cool, I can genuinely respect and even admire everything you just said.

Thanks.

It's become a little too easy in these threads for people to be thrown into the 'hater' box, and I want to make it clear I'm not hating on anyone. I've always favored matching Lin, and I'm probably one of the few who still thinks they will. I'm hoping they do, given the amount of energy people have invested in bringing him back.

But if he's not back here, I'm still behind this team and I think they'll be improved this season. How much, who knows? As long as everyone plays hard and keeps their eye on the ball, I'm good.

[swisscheeseD]

Are you ready to convince yourself that Felton can lead the Knicks to a title? Simple question. Or are you saying that you will still invest even though you'd know the Knicks are stuck with this roster and stuck with no chance at a title?

I'll be 100% honest here.

The chances that the Knicks will win a title - either with or without Lin - are extremely slim no matter which way you decide to slice it.

As far as I'm concerned and given the fact that there is a team in Florida that will dominate the league until age and/or injury intervene, Ray Felton's chances and Lin's chances of leading NYK to a title are pretty much even.

I say that because while we know Felton's shortcomings and are familiar with them, Lin is a tabula rasa - a blank slate upon which people can project the rosiest scenario possible. If he continues to improve, he may lead the Knicks to the promised land. If he works on his game and overcomes his deficiencies, he'll be in the pantheon.

If, if, if. I look at it as an open question, while you and others accept Lin developing into a top PG as a matter of faith. I can't do that, because that is a setup for disappointment if he just becomes average or goes the route of so many other Knick prospects who showed big promise and failed to live up to it.

As a result, I am completely resigned to letting chips fall. If Lin is back, he's my dude. If they don't match and he goes to Texas, good luck to him in every circumstance except when he faces the Knicks.

If we end up having to ride with Ray Felton, I'm good. I want to see how Woodson integrates the Hoveround crew to augment the starters, and I'll be happy to see a full season without the ridiculous compression of last season.

Repeating what I said up top, we've got just about as good a chance at a title with Felton as with Lin, because the Three Amigos with Ray Ray are standing in the way of both of them.

I don't begrudge anyone's feelings toward Lin, but I'm looking at it differently from most of you.

Either way. NYK, ride or die.

[ORANGEandBLUE]

I don't think you get it. This isn't about one move but it's more of a final straw. To me, essentially trading Lin for Felton just reaffirms that Dolan and his cronies don't care about the fans and aren't really interested in winning. It's all about paying off people who are part of their group and who tow the company line. Without Lin, Fields, and Jeffries we are basically a team of guys with poor character who I can't relate to or support on any level. We will be a team of iso chuckers, prima donnas who can't even take their jobs seriously enough to stay in shape. Our PG will be selfish fatass, his backup will be a wifebeater with a criminal record. At SG will get a guy who was just photographed smoking a blunt out of his window. At SF we have a guy that is considered one of the most selfish and overrated stars in the league. At PF we have a guy who only cares about living the superstar lifestyle and who couldn't give a damn about trying on the defensive end. Chandler and Novak are the only guys that I would actually be able to root for on this team.

Lin, Fields, and Jeffries were more team oriented and unselfish players, and instead we are going back to the days of Marbury, Eddy Curry, and Zach Randolph. We become an Isiah team once again and I want no part of it. I wouldn't expect you to understand since you supported every move Isiah made when he was here and bashed other posters for not being on board, but I just can't get with the program.

+1... People are nuts if they don't see how big the downside is here.

Like I said yesterday, biggest loss of fans for any team in a long time, considering the Nets moving to BK and all.

[daBockas]

WHo the hell is Jerry Lynn?

ECW Wrestler

So that's who Oakley was talking about. Ofcourse he cant play point for the Knicks.

Jerry Lynn is business partners with Baren Davids

[seren]

I'll be 100% honest here. I would take an unproven talent that showed serious signs of brilliance who has a small probability of being a bust and at the very worst a serviceable player over a proven mediocre player who has zero chance to take the team to the next level.

[suicidedeuce]

You presume to know what I believe in my heart ...

I presume to evaluate your posts here. Only tool I have.

Hypocritical right? You think you know what I think

What do I think I know what you think?

Not even sure I understand what this means?

Me?

I believe he's staying.

I KNOW I don't know for sure.

[GONYK]

I'll be 100% honest here. I would take an unproven talent that showed serious signs of brilliance who has a small probability of being a bust and at the very worst a serviceable player over a proven mediocre player who has zero chance to take the team to the next level.

Exactly. Ray is what he is at this point. And really, it's not much.

[Knicker23]

Are you ready to convince yourself that Felton can lead the Knicks to a title? Simple question. Or are you saying that you will still invest even though you'd know the Knicks are stuck with this roster and stuck with no chance at a title?

I'll be 100% honest here.

The chances that the Knicks will win a title - either with or without Lin - are extremely slim no matter which way you decide to slice it.

As far as I'm concerned and given the fact that there is a team in Florida that will dominate the league until age and/or injury intervene, Ray Felton's chances and Lin's chances of leading NYK to a title are pretty much even.

I say that because while we know Felton's shortcomings and are familiar with them, Lin is a tabula rasa - a blank slate upon which people can project the rosiest scenario possible. If he continues to improve, he may lead the Knicks to the promised land. If he works on his game and overcomes his deficiencies, he'll be in the pantheon.

If, if, if. I look at it as an open question, while you and others accept Lin developing into a top PG as a matter of faith. I can't do that, because that is a setup for disappointment if he just becomes average or goes the route of so many other Knick prospects who showed big promise and failed to live up to it.

As a result, I am completely resigned to letting chips fall. If Lin is back, he's my dude. If they don't match and he goes to Texas, good luck to him in every circumstance except when he faces the Knicks.

If we end up having to ride with Ray Felton, I'm good. I want to see how Woodson integrates the Hoveround crew to augment the starters, and I'll be happy to see a full season without the ridiculous compression of last season.

Repeating what I said up top, we've got just about as good a chance at a title with Felton as with Lin, because the Three Amigos with Ray Ray are standing in the way of both of them.

I don't begrudge anyone's feelings toward Lin, but I'm looking at it differently from most of you.

Either way. NYK, ride or die.

Pretty much my exact thoughts. Well said.

Lin is the more fun choice and has potential... But to act like we're going to drop off the map bc Felton is here is giving him too much credit.

Lin may be the [perhaps much] better player than Felton... But Felton very well may mesh better with these guys.. And he will certainly be "good enough" to where the pressure is on our stars to perform -- as it should be.

[seren]

I think taking Felton over Lin is the equivalent of taking Eisley over Nash when he was not an all-star yet.

[Realmatic]

with the nets moving next door, i dont see dolan letting lin get away. So far this offseason the nets have made more headlines and i dont think dolan digs that.

This lin thing is overshadowing dwights twitter drama, very telling.

[blackbishop]

We'll see. If they don't match.

We'll see how the crowd receives Melo and how forgiving they are.

You want to talk about how Dolan's received walking down the street - you may be onto something.. I bet a lot of fans will be annoyed with him..

The fans will also have less tolerance for the team in general, IF they are losing... Simply bc of the possibility that things may have been different with Lin... And perhaps, as the star of the team, Melo will take the blunt of that.

I think you're underestimating the level of anger and depression. And you're overestimating the solution that winning will provide. Fans in NY are sophisticated -- they know you're not going anywhere with Ray Felton at point. The wins will keep the boos at bay but they won't satisfy the fan base.

MSG will be a morgue or a hostile environment. I promise you.

I think you do not realize how many people remember Lin and his 85% comment while we were losing people left and right in the playoffs. The garden was filled when we were a 20 win team, so now because we might possibly lose Lin, the garden will be a morgue. If the knicks play hard, the garden will rock as usual.

you talk about the knicks fans being sophisicated then knicks fans will realize when a player was looking out more for himself than for the team.

People attack Carmelo but he PLAYED though injuries as best he could. He didnt bow out cause he was more worried about the perception that he may suck and thus lost money than trying to help his team win NOW when they could use him the most.

His i cant jump and cut is the true BS or he wouldnt have been going hard in 3 on 3 and 4 on 4 contests.

Do you know how doctors judge how a player is doing and whether he can play? They go "how are you feeling"?

The timetable for said injury is 4 to 6 weeks. He initially was like im a fast healer and will be back. Then he is like I have to take my time and be careful. OK.

We can infer about melo and his "ridiculous" comment but we cannot infer what the above statement really meant?

Not everyone is in love with Lin like you may think. People remember his falling on his face with no one touching him like once or twice every game. His picking up his dribble in the lane with no one to pass to. The fact after we won those 6 games we also went on a 6 game losing streak. The fact he couldnt cover his position and shump had to do all the defensive dirty work.

I want lin back cause more competition means better chance for the cream to rise to the top.

But lin is not a mythical hero. He is a player who is using his brief fame to get paid and did everything he could do to protect that payment.