What we really need...

[Tribute to H2O]

I just realized something. We dont need a better small forward as much as we need a better coach. We dont have a coach. Lenny Wilkens is doing a terrible job. The players are out there coaching themselves and doing their own thing. He does little to nothing for this team. To think I was actually happy when I heard that he was going to be the coach. I thought it was an answer to all Knicks fans' prayers. I thought we would be rolling along with the most winningest coach in NBA history at the helm. But now I see why he's also the most losingest coach in NBA history.

He just stands there, looking cool, calm and collective when the game is getting away from the Knicks. He makes bad adjustments and doesnt utilize players to their full effectivenss. At this point in time I'd rather have Cheaney. At last he knew when the Knicks were about to go into free fall during a game and call a timeout. After being involved in basketball for so long you'd think he has a ton of experience to draw upon but he doesnt show it. It really showed when the Knicks played tonight. There was almost no plays drawn for Houston. On the West coast I see Peja thriving but here Houston is struggling to get good looks. They hardly ever set a pick for him. It's disgusting. It's Lenny's job to get Houston and everyone else who has to be involved involved.

Down by five points he put on the floor a completely defensive lineup devoid of someone who can really put the ball in the basket. He slowly let the Nets get the lead back up to fifteen, still looking as laid back as a cool summer breeze, before he called a timeout to do something about it. And it's not like the first time this has happened. He blunders his job often but because our players are so good he can get away with his weak coaching abilities.

He has done a disgusting job on this team. He has to go. Period. We deserve a better coach than this. Someone who can get this team into shape. Show them how to play defense, draw up a few plays to run in the half court, someone who can give this team an identity. I've seen all the bumbling I can stand from Lenny Too Cool to Call A Timeout Wilkens. If Isiah would fire him and get a new good coach I will forgive him for all the other mistakes he made. Byzdelic is on the market. He's a Riley disciple. He'll teach defense and how to properly execute in a half court. As a bonus he'll actually look like he cares instead of just standing there like a retard. He's the man we want. Isiah needs to fire Lenny and bring Byzdelic in. With that minor adjusment the Knicks will truly be set to make their run deep into the playoffs. But I doubt we'll go far with the losingest coach in NBA history.

 

[sneballa7]

I agree with you Tribute. When Lenny first became coach I thought everything was about to change. It was okay at the when he first started because we were winning. After a while I realized that he just isnt the right coach for us. It doesnt seem like the anyone on the team really takes him seriously. We really need a new coach. We probably should have gotten Mike Fratello when we had the chance. I dont know if Bzdelik would be a good coach for us if he couldnt handle the player on the Nuggets. Maybe Phil Jackson would fit in if he doesnt use the Triangle Offense

 

[Knicks Analyst]

Thank you. Sounds like you finally read one of my last 400 posts.

You're absolutely right. I'm proud of that post, Tribute. Looks like one of mine.

 

[Big C]

Isiah has to step in, because these players don't take Lenny seriously. They look at him as a nice old man not their coach. He calls plays at the end of games and Marbury ignores him. I can't even see him motivating his team before a game.

 

[Ma3oxuct]

Lenny Wilkins is as good a coach that the Knicks can have. Out-side of Phil Jackson (who interestingly enough has a simular coaching style of Wilkins) the Knicks have one the of the best living coaches in the NBA. Wilkins does not force the players to play, he lives off of them having the will to win. He sets up for them an offensive and defensive system and then allows the players to make thier own calls. His system depends on expericanced players making good calls at the right time and players that know when they need to clamp down and not let thier team go into free fall. Phil Jackson did almost the same things. When his team is struggling, he does not call a timeout. He allows the players to play through thier stuggles. Obviosly this can not be done with out Jordan or Shaq caliber players; but Isiah Thomas is surly betting on Marbury to step up and be that leader that Wilkin's system requires to success.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<font size="4"><font face="Tahoma">Before reading my response, please note that my answers are in <font color="blue">blue.</font></font></font>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting xpehbamxyu:</div><div class="quote_post">Lenny Wilkins is as good a coach that the Knicks can have. Out-side of Phil Jackson (who interestingly enough has a simular coaching style of Wilkins) the Knicks have one the of the best living coaches in the NBA.</div>
<font color="blue">
Wow. That was so wrong I don't even know where to begin.
I'm not going to bother with your ridiculous opening statement in which you said that Wilkens is as good a coach as the Knicks could have. That's too wrong.


And then to say that Phil Jackson has a similar coaching style to Wilkens? Just because he doesn't yell like Wilkens? Or because he gets involved with the players somewhat like Wilkens?
So what?

That is simply how they conduct themselves in the prescense of their players. A style is a way of coaching. How they conduct themselves amongst their players is one of many elements of a coaching style.
Wilkens has no half-court offenses planned. He simply can't coach a half-court offense. Remember, his one championship (2nd year coaching - for the Sonics) in his million years as a coach came with a very athletic team. Wilkens coached them to run and shoot and score. Period. He taught them a full-court offense where they simply ran over opponents. Wilkens hasn't won anything since, has he? That's because he won that championship when basketball was a slower game and there was less emphasis on running down court. Now that there is emphasis in such a style of play, he simply can't run a full-court offensive scheme every time down. he never properly composed a slow-down offense.

Phil Jackson on the other hand has mastered the half-court offense. He has implemented a triangle offense and has compiled many half-court offensive plays. And he's won many, many more titles than Wilkens ever will.

Similar 'style'? I think not.</font>
______________________

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">
Wilkins does not force the players to play, he lives off of them having the will to win. He sets up for them an offensive and defensive system and then allows the players to make thier own calls.</div>
<font color="Blue">Yeah, and has that worked since way back when? No, not really. His offensive system thus far has looked sloppy and unprofessional. All this with just about a year to work with.
So that really isn't much of an argument in favor of Wilkens but rather against him.</font>
________________
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">
His system depends on expericanced players making good calls at the right time and players that know when they need to clamp down and not let thier team go into free fall.
</div>
<font color="Blue">Has that worked thus far with New York? No.
Do the Knicks have the players necessary for this to work? No.</font>
_______________
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">
Phil Jackson did almost the same things. When his team is struggling, he does not call a timeout. He allows the players to play through thier stuggles. Obviosly this can not be done with out Jordan or Shaq caliber players; but Isiah Thomas is surly betting on Marbury to step up and be that leader that Wilkin's system requires to success.</div>
<font color="Blue">And Isiah Thomas is surely wrong. So why in the world did you say that Wilkens is the best coach the Knicks could have right now? (Outside of Phil Jackson, you said. To be technical)</font>

 

[02civic]

The Knicks are above .500 for the first time in 3 years and you guys are already pointing the finger at the coach. What he's doing has gotten you where you haven been in 3 years. And its not like you're a much better team now. The only addition was Crawford and he's been out the past little while. Houston and Marbury are both older, and in Houston's case, coming off an injury. In my opinion the Knicks should not be unhappy with their current situation.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks are above .500 for the first time in 3 years and you guys are already pointing the finger at the coach. What he's doing has gotten you where you haven been in 3 years. And its not like you're a much better team now. The only addition was Crawford and he's been out the past little while. Houston and Marbury are both older, and in Houston's case, coming off an injury. In my opinion the Knicks should not be unhappy with their current situation.</div> Based on what I just read from you, I have come to the conclusion that you have not watched more than two Knicks games all season. What you just said is so wrong that I can't even begin to imagine how you thought that up. Wow, you're just really wrong. I'm not going to bother breaking it down for you, I've done that for people like you about 60 times.
Read more of my posts and analysis, watch the games and study them and you'll see where myself, Tribute To H20 and mrj18 are coming from.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks are above .500 for the first time in 3 years and you guys are already pointing the finger at the coach. What he's doing has gotten you where you haven been in 3 years. And its not like you're a much better team now. The only addition was Crawford and he's been out the past little while. Houston and Marbury are both older, and in Houston's case, coming off an injury. In my opinion the Knicks should not be unhappy with their current situation.</div>

I must ask you a serious question. Do you even watch Knicks games? Be honest. Because if you did you'll know what myself, Knicks Analyst and a good deal of the Knicks fans in this forum are talking about. There's a reason why every other day there's a rumor surrounding the head coaching job for the New York Knicks. The reason is Lenny is putting up a disgraceful performance as the head coach. We may be above .500 for the first time in three years but that doesnt mean its because of Lenny. It means our team is doing a great job at coaching themselves and surviving his horrible coaching performances. That's all it means. He has no fire to him. It's almost as if he doesnt care what's going on. I cant even imagine him ripping into his players during halftime in that blowout Dallas game. But if we had Pat Riley or someone like him he would have made the players so mad during halftime everytime a Maverick drove to the basket, he would have hit the floor hard and there would have been a flagrant foul called. And that anger would have carried over to the Celtics game.

But here's the thing. I dont mind that too much. If Lenny cant motivate his players or get them to listen to him, respect him or fear him, its fine. Not all coaches can do that. What really kills me are the decisions he makes. No half court plays, no nothing. We need to get Houston involved, does he draw up a few plays to use for Houston? No. Any plays to use when the second unit enters the game? No. Some sort of plan or idea? No. Nothing. He doesnt even make good adjusments. He just puts players in and hopes it works for the best.

"And its not like you're a much better team now. The only addition was Crawford and he's been out the past little while." I'm not going to respond to that simply because the Knicks are poised to take the third best record in the East and not far off from taking the second best record. So I'll let them respond to that little statement of yours with their play. If you think we should be happy about our current situation I must laugh at you. I have to laugh simply because if we had a decent coach we would already have the third best record in the East maybe even second best record. I consider myself a relatively bright guy. If I was the coach we would probably have the third best record. Yes I said it. I could do a better job than Lenny Wilkens. But then again...who couldnt?

I want Patrick Ewing to coach the Knicks or Herb Williams. Phil Jackson is overrated but I'll take him anyway as well. I'm even willing to give Cheany a second chance. But who I really really want for the job is Jeff Byzdelic. With him at the helm the Knicks will finally start playing at the level their capable of on a more consistent basis. So let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that the crowd at the World's Most Famous Arena start the "Fire Wilkens" chants soon. Maybe when that starts happening Isiah will finally see what Knick fans really want...a real coach.

 

[Platehpus]

If what I've been hearing from my inside sources is true, we should be seeing a coaching change extremely soon.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">If what I've been hearing from my inside sources is true, we should be seeing a coaching change extremely soon.</div>
What source is that?

If it's a pay source I understand. I have tons of pay sources and I am not allowed to say exactly what/who they are. But from what you said it appears as if it can be publicized and since you cited multiple sources I was wondering what your source is.

 

[Platehpus]

They're actually my dad's sources, and I am not allowed to say who/what those are.

edit: By the way, thanks for giving me a reason to register an account. Been browsing for awhile and I love your pre/middle/post-game reports.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">They're actually my dad's sources, and I am not allowed to say who/what those are.

edit: By the way, thanks for giving me a reason to register an account. Been browsing for awhile and I love your pre/middle/post-game reports.</div>
Welcome to the Knicks forum Platehpus. I hope you enjoy yourself here. I too joined because of what saw. Hopefully we can write more quality things here to attract new Knicks.

 

[02civic]

Hey as a Raptors fans i know all about Lenny's play calling and questionable decisions. What bothers me though is how tempramental you Knick fans are...always unhappy, always shifting blame. I think the Knicks have about the right number of wins this year, maybe even more. I'm sure lenny has made some screw ups, i've seen a few myself (i've seen about 10-12 knicks games this year. However, all coaches screw up, and all coaches get thier decisions put under the microscope after a loss. Especially coaching a New York team. Very quick to condemn and slow to praise.

 

[02civic]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post">Based on what I just read from you, I have come to the conclusion that you have not watched more than two Knicks games all season. What you just said is so wrong that I can't even begin to imagine how you thought that up. Wow, you're just really wrong. I'm not going to bother breaking it down for you, I've done that for people like you about 60 times.
Read more of my posts and analysis, watch the games and study them and you'll see where myself, Tribute To H20 and mrj18 are coming from.</div>


And i've broken things down for people like
you 100 times. I read all posts and weigh them accordingly, your posts along with mrj18 and H20's are of no more importance or quality than alot of people that disagree with you on many subjects. Everyone has their opinion, and on some you 3 are right, on others, you are most definately wrong.
The above post carries with it a tone of superiority, which is "just really wrong"

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">And i've broken things down for people like
you 100 times. I read all posts and weigh them accordingly, your posts along with mrj18 and H20's are of no more importance or quality than alot of people that disagree with you on many subjects. Everyone has their opinion, and on some you 3 are right, on others, you are most definately wrong.
The above post carries with it a tone of superiority, which is "just really wrong"</div>
Well if it is factually incorrect how else does one get his message across?
And I am not trying to detract from the value of your posts, I'm just saying that you obviously haven't done much research or haven't watched many Knicks games. We are allowed to disagree with you and make arguments aren't we? And no, we do not find ourselves to be superior, it just that if someone posts something that is completely off base we correct them.

 

[02civic]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">

"And its not like you're a much better team now. The only addition was Crawford and he's been out the past little while." I'm not going to respond to that simply because the Knicks are poised to take the third best record in the East and not far off from taking the second best record. So I'll let them respond to that little statement of yours with their play. If you think we should be happy about our current situation I must laugh at you. I have to laugh simply because if we had a decent coach we would already have the third best record in the East maybe even second best record. I consider myself a relatively bright guy. If I was the coach we would probably have the third best record. Yes I said it. I could do a better job than Lenny Wilkens. But then again...who couldnt?
</div>


Cleveland is a better team, they have the record and they have the pieces. In my opinion they also have the better coach, but i just want to be sure people dont put the blame all on lenny. I do believe it would be possible for this Knicks team to have the 3rd best record in the east. Which sounds great, until you realize that Detroit has been a shell of a champion this year, Indiana has been without its 3 best players since very early on and alot of other key players have been out. Also Orlando is a team that was supposed to be "rebuilding" with all 5 starters being new to the team this year, including one rookie. And washington was a team that was mocked and laughed at by Knick fans at the suggestion that they were a good match. The Nets have up until the VC trade been in free fall since day #1, along with the Raptors.
So although its sure nice be doing well in the standings, try not to get too overconfident. If you put the pressure of being a "next level" team on the Knicks, which they havent proven they are, it might be to much to handle. Underdogs perform the best.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">Cleveland is a better team, they have the record and they have the pieces. In my opinion they also have the better coach, but i just want to be sure people dont put the blame all on lenny. I do believe it would be possible for this Knicks team to have the 3rd best record in the east. Which sounds great, until you realize that Detroit has been a shell of a champion this year, Indiana has been without its 3 best players since very early on and alot of other key players have been out. Also Orlando is a team that was supposed to be "rebuilding" with all 5 starters being new to the team this year, including one rookie. And washington was a team that was mocked and laughed at by Knick fans at the suggestion that they were a good match. The Nets have up until the VC trade been in free fall since day #1, along with the Raptors.
So although its sure nice be doing well in the standings, try not to get too overconfident. If you put the pressure of being a "next level" team on the Knicks, which they havent proven they are, it might be to much to handle. Underdogs perform the best.</div>
I personally feel that the Knicks have a better team than Cleaveland. Maybe Cleaveland has slightly a better record but, in the playoffs Cleveland is too young and inexperienced. But, you are entitled to your own opinion. The Knicks have some great options and should be a better team but, Lenny Wilkens has definitely been a large contributor to some of the Knicks downfalls. No, he isn't at fault 100% because Isiah Thomas was the one who brought in TT, and also sometimes the Knicks just don't play however, one can not deny that Coach Wilkens has not utilized the roster to the climax of its potential or even comes close.

Washington has surprised me and are definitely exceeding expectations but, still I feel they are not as good as the Knicks. Yes, they did win against us but, let's not forget about the officiating. Once the Knicks have a 100% healthy roster and get a decent coach, there is no question in my mind we could be the 2nd seed in the east and keep it secure.

Detroit's struggle is on them. Indiana I understand but now that Jermaine is back they will do better but, not enough to get them to the 2nd seed. Also, NJ is nothing more than a maybe 7-8 playoff seed. They aren't getting the Atlantic. No one here that I know of said NY was a "next level squad but, eliteness isn't far. They can definitely advance in the playoffs and have a legit shot at the conference finals. The way many people like you are talking the Knicks are underdogs and, maybe they might just perform their best quite soon. We have definitely seen flashes the only thing is consistency for us.

 

[02civic]

no one has 100% heath. injuries are part of the game, that's why depth is so important down the stretch. other teams have had more serious injury problems than the Knicks. Until Marbury, or at least 2 starters go down at the same time for extended periods you cant use the health call.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">no one has 100% heath. injuries are part of the game, that's why depth is so important down the stretch. other teams have had more serious injury problems than the Knicks. Until Marbury, or at least 2 starters go down at the same time for extended periods you cant use the health call.</div>
That just puts more blame on Lenny Wilkens if I can't use the injury bug.