Knicks · Things u were right & wrong about. Confessional (page 1)

We as fans always think we know what is best but when things play out, we are forced to confront reality (some of us not so much).

I wanted to fight someone the day Oakley was traded. I'll never forget it. But it was the right move and paid big dividends. I was wrong.

fast forward to the MDA era.

I never wanted MDA. Didn't think it was NY basketball, and didn't think he focussed enough on defense. He never had a great team, had alot of moving parts, and had some bumps in the road, (like the lockout) but the only thing that was consistent was we underachieved and had alot of excuses. Too many losses to too many teams we should have beaten. The moment we fired him we were better. Addition by subtraction. Woodson had us protecting homecourt, and winning, even after Linsanity and against high caliber NBA teams. I was correct about MDA.

Never wanted Gallo. Thought he'd be a soft Euro big. I was wrong. Whatever his flaws are, softness isn't one of them. He shoots alot of jumpers but slashes to the basket as well. Not a great defender but played inspired sometimes. All in all, he was a young player I grew to like and root for.

Never wanted Amare. Thought he was a limited player, and was convinced his body would breakdown halfway into his contract. I was pissed when we signed him, but thought he was the better option than Bosh and I woulda committed Hari Kari on the Knick logo at half court if we maxed Joe Johnson.
I was wrong about Amare's skills. He was MUCH better than I thought offensively. However, I was right with my concerns about his fragility. He was fun for the first half of the season and wore down over time. Partially due to his style of play and partially due to the wrong coach playing him a crazy amount of minutes. There was no way to know that when we got Amare, we would then get Melo, but if we could have foreseen that, Bosh would have been the better compliment.

I loved Linsanity as much as the next guy. BUT, I didnt believe LIN was the kind of talent needed for us to go the next level. We didn't need a scoring pg, we needed a pick and roll pg who could hit the open jumper, get in the hole aggressively and defend. Lin wasnt that guy as far as I was concerned but I wouldve liked to have had him, just not for that money. I had no problem letting him walk. Replacing him with Felton was a better fit, imo. I never wanted to let him go in the first place. So far i'd say I'm right, I don't think Lin will ever come close to linsanity numbers again, but the season is still young so we'll see.

I hated the signing of all the old guys Kidd/Sheed/Camby. I just couldn't get excited about it. I especially hated the Kidd signing because I especially hated Kidd from his Net days when he used to really give it to us and make smug remarks in the papers. But I couldn't have been more wrong. Signing the Senior Citizens was brilliant actually. They are complimentary pieces. A few minutes here and there. We aren't relying on Kidd to run the offense, hes just some additional help out there, another shooter another distributor. Sheed has been awesome, and Camby I think will be a great help for a few minutes off the bench and against certain matchups.

So theres my UK confessions. Anyone else wanna confess to some things they think they were wrong and right about?

So far I've been right about Felton over Lin.

100% dead wrong on thinking that Melo and MDA could co-exist.

I was wrong to think that I could make my heart love a sexy new team that moved into my home borough and stop pining for my first love.

I am right that my first love is petulant, abusive, narcissistic, dysfunctional, and unworthy of said love.

sigh.
go knicks!

During the offseason I predicted...

Our strongest roster/team since the 1993-1994 Knicks. And now? We've matched our best start of 7-1 since the 1993-1994 team in which also started off 7-1. Went as far as creating a thread comparing our Knicks of 2012-2013 to the Knicks of 1993-1994.

Felton as an upgrade over Lin.

Knicks would feature a top 5 defense. I actually predicted the #1 defense in regards to points allowed and top 5 in regards to FG% against; time will tell.

Predicted J.R Smith becoming a house hold name and/or serious contender for the 6th Man of the Year award. Had threds on RGM, during a time where J.R was in China (last year) calling (more like begging) for J.R Smith to become a Knick.

Predicted a top 1-2 seed during the offseason. As of right now we're the one seed but once again; only time will tell.

Seen our team on paper during the offseason and stated how we're the deepest team around, without question too. We're currently 11 deep in Felton, Kidd, Pablo, J.R Smith, Brewer, Novak, Melo, Kurt Thomas, Rasheed, Camby and Tyson Chandler. That's without both Stoudemire and Shumpert too. From top to bottom we're deep in depth and loaded with talent. The deepest team in the NBA.

Predicted Melo as the MVP of the 2012-2013 season. Why? Becaise I believed Melo would rank top 3 in scoring while the Knicks landed a top 1-2 seed. Enough to put Melo in the running as a serious MVP contender.

Predicted a 9-1 start during a "predict the first 10 games" type of thread. Only team I had us losing to were the Spurs, but instead lost to Memphis. Two wins away from hitting that 9-1 prediction on the head.

But yet, I was called out as some type of homer during the offseason but when in reality, I've been a die hard fan of the game of basketball for well over 20 years. Knew that an all-time great in Kidd would become a blessing. I had a strong vision for this Knicks team and everything I've envisioned is finally coming to light.

8 games in im not ready to see the preist.

IM suprised Sheed is doing as well, Camby reverting back to his youthier unhealthy days, and Pablo is better than his olympic performance. Felton in good shape is back to his MDA run form and im not suprised but more "releived". I did say all a long his play would negate the flack the team got for losing Lin.

Im also "Relieved" Melo is "Making others better" and not just saying it.

My predicitons were 52 games and then lowered to 48 with Amare hurt.

Team with a healthy Amare in the Woodson way has to have a higher ceiling than without him.

In fact, the best medicine to keep NetMania at bas was for the team to take care of its business. Nets are beating the teams they should be beating. Knicks have been tested more so we'll see as teh season goes along.

I guess we'll be doing "letter grades" soon!

I have been very positive about most of the moves the Knicks have made, so in that sense, i have been right about the Melo trade, Felton over Lin, etc. But i too felt Melo and MDA could coexist and was wrong. I used to feel Melo and Stoudemire could coexist but i think with the evolution of the game that makes Melo more fit for the 4 and the early success we have had going smaller, i no longer feel they can coexist for long periods of time, although i hope i am wrong.

I was wrong about Mike D'Antoni. But at the same time, if D'Antoni had a roster of Felton, Kidd and Pablo at the PG position ala veteran PG's along with the likes of veterans such as Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace to go along with a full offseason with the likes of J.R Smith... I believe we could have been a very good teame. But, with all that said, due to our success throughout the 90's; D'Antoni wasn't the right fit for our franchise and/or fan base. We all missed those chants of defense rocking the Garden during the 90's. Defense has returned to the Mecca, and Mike Woodson is perfect fit for this fan base and our city. A defensive minded head coach.

I thought McDyess would be Layden's redemption. Camby was always hurt, and the Knicks were loaded on the wings with H20, Spree, etc. I thought that could be big for us.

NYKMentality wrote:I was wrong about Mike D'Antoni. But at the same time, if D'Antoni had a roster of Felton, Kidd and Pablo at the PG position ala veteran PG's along with the likes of veterans such as Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace to go along with a full offseason with the likes of J.R Smith... I believe we could have been a very good teame. But, with all that said, due to our success throughout the 90's; D'Antoni wasn't the right fit for our franchise and/or fan base. We all missed those chants of defense rocking the Garden during the 90's. Defense has returned to the Mecca, and Mike Woodson is perfect fit for this fan base and our city. A defensive minded head coach.

dude... we were a good team. 3rd or 4th youngest in the league, 4th seed, 21-9 over a 30 game stretch, wins over Spurs, OKC, Chi, Dallas, Denver. Still had picks + max cap space that offseason and only Wilson as FA. I was pretty excited about that team and until now its been a sh!tshow since that MElo trade.

I was dead wrong about Stephon Marbury. Boy was I wrong...

I always love the "prodigal son returns" to NY stories. They're inspirational and do it for me as a fan.

I still have his jersey in my closet, don't know whether to just leave it there or burn it one day.

Melo, I was 100% right about. Loved him in 'Cuse, and watched his game from afar. Had some maturity issues, who doesn't, but never pulled a Marbury on the Knicks. There's a huge difference in the 2. Marbury's a pure cancer in the lockerroom and outside of it, Melo's issue had to do with chemistry and fit on the court.

Would do that trade 11 times out of 10, and twice on Sundays.

Wrong??...WOW where do I start...Wrong about Isiah, Man, I defended this dude til the end...I totally bought into the dude nose for talent...He could not put a team together to save his life...I bought into Marbs coming back and making it right...WRONG...I'm always a believer in talent trumps everything...Thinking that the individual can change mentally into that player that can take us to the next level once they step foot into the mecca...Big believer in if you love the game, u will love playing here in front of these fans....Which is why I'm in the boat with Melo...Wrong about David Lee versus Channing Frye...Lee turned out to be the much better player...I was wrong about KIdd, kind of...I didn't think Kidd had anything left in the tank to run the point...But Woody is using him at the two which seems to have breathe life back into him...Great having two ball handlers out there making good decisions...

I was right about MDA...Just a bad hire for New York...Fans here are more appreciative of a defensive minded team...Pick and Roll, 3pt, no defense ball killed me for 4 years...Good riddance...Right about Donnie, first thing he brought here was MDA(WRONG) then Amare(WRONG)..Couldn't put together a decent proposal to Bron altho we didn't have a chance...Then didn't want Melo...The Houston trade...Why sign and trade DLee and bring back all the salary of guys we have no use for???( Azubuike,AR,Turiaf)..We later had to trade Hill, Fishlips and a pick to Houston for TMac..So the Lee sign and trade cost us 2 draft picks...People loved him tho, go figure...Right about The trade...So far so good..We aren't missing Gallo or Moz, Will or AR...My biggest prob was giving Felton up and Chandler to a lessor extent..we have Felton back when it seems to matter more...Right about not resigning Lin...I wanted him back to come off the bench but not after he signed the deal killer...Enjoy Houston and waiting in the corner for Harden to pass the ball...And man was I right about Felton returning..I thought Lin off the bench calling his number with JR and Novak would have been the bomb...Oh well...

I did NOT want to make the move for Eddy Curry...because I thought we were stupid to give up on Sweetney, a.k.a. the next Elton Brand. Even when I'm right, I'm wrong.

I thought the D'Antoni hire was the single most biggest mistake Walsh made when taking over as GM/Pres. Right

I thought the Gallo pick was suspect as all get out considering the makeup of our team....pick tied to the coach. Right

I thought the Jordan Hill pick was ditto above except this time tied to the GM/Pres. Right

I thought 2010 Free Agency would prove to be overrated for us and that signing Amar'e wouldn't be the greatest thing. Right

I thought Walsh was an overrated exec. He proved to be what he was, steady/stable. Right

I thought the Lin hype would come back to bite us in an odd way. Right

I thought this season we signed a bunch of old dudes who'd never pan out or were way past useful. Wrong

I thought J.R. Smith and Melo wouldn't make noticeable sacrifices or give effort. Wrong

I thought we'd get off to a poor start then heat up after a few weeks. Wrong

COuldn't have been more off the mark on Sheed. Thought he was broke or something and that's why he wanted to play again. When I heard his conditioning wasn't there I thought I was vindicated for sure. But he's played above and beyond what I expected on both ends of the floor.

nykshaknbake wrote:COuldn't have been more off the mark on Sheed. Thought he was broke or something and that's why he wanted to play again. When I heard his conditioning wasn't there I thought I was vindicated for sure. But he's played above and beyond what I expected on both ends of the floor.

Funny thing..As crazy as Sheed had been with his on the court stuff...I think he took care of his money...From all I read he was a devout family guy...You would think he took care of his money not trying to support babes around the country in different cities...

When Sheed said Woody called to inquire about his availability to play...Woody asked Sheed what he was doing..Sheed said he was hanging out with his mom in NC catching local college games...

fishmike wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:I was wrong about Mike D'Antoni. But at the same time, if D'Antoni had a roster of Felton, Kidd and Pablo at the PG position ala veteran PG's along with the likes of veterans such as Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace to go along with a full offseason with the likes of J.R Smith... I believe we could have been a very good teame. But, with all that said, due to our success throughout the 90's; D'Antoni wasn't the right fit for our franchise and/or fan base. We all missed those chants of defense rocking the Garden during the 90's. Defense has returned to the Mecca, and Mike Woodson is perfect fit for this fan base and our city. A defensive minded head coach.

dude... we were a good team. 3rd or 4th youngest in the league, 4th seed, 21-9 over a 30 game stretch, wins over Spurs, OKC, Chi, Dallas, Denver. Still had picks + max cap space that offseason and only Wilson as FA. I was pretty excited about that team and until now its been a sh!tshow since that MElo trade.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/team...

The team was never 21-9 over any stretch of games. Started out 17-13, best stretch was 19-11 over 30 games.

But like a great man said, "The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be."

I didn't want Swish here last year, and the guy is playing like he'll be the starting 2 guard within the year.

I didnt think the Knicks were going to start 6-1, thats for sure.

I was right that Mike D'Antoni was the wrong coach for the Knicks. I was wrong about Rasheed Wallace. I thought his spot should have been given to a younger future journey man. I liked the Eddy Curry trade, the Marbury trade and the Isiah hiring.

I am surprised Felton is in the shape he is in right now. Under MDA it took camp and a few weeks into the season to get in shape
I am surprised Felton is doing a solid job running the team and keeping TO's down. Still has to work on that midrange jumper and seeing the entire court if he wants to take his game to the next level
I am surprised Felton is playing well without Dantoni

Everything else I've been right about
The Melo trade and how Gallo sucks
Woodson a better fit than Dantoni
Jason Kidd primary offseason signing

Oh I was wrong about the team after losing Amare in preseason. I predicted 8th seed and sweep to Miami. Previously had the Knicks finishing between 2-5

I was wrong about Mike Woodson. I thought we should have spent more time carefully selecting a good coach for this bunch. Clearly he was the right choice! Hey, I was 8 years younger when I joined this board. I have been wrong about plenty of things over an 8 year span. And like I said in another thread, hats off to those of us who have been wrong about a few things and yet kept our name the same on this board lol. It's all about manning up! Speaking of manning up, didn't we have a female on here at some point?

fishmike wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:I was wrong about Mike D'Antoni. But at the same time, if D'Antoni had a roster of Felton, Kidd and Pablo at the PG position ala veteran PG's along with the likes of veterans such as Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace to go along with a full offseason with the likes of J.R Smith... I believe we could have been a very good teame. But, with all that said, due to our success throughout the 90's; D'Antoni wasn't the right fit for our franchise and/or fan base. We all missed those chants of defense rocking the Garden during the 90's. Defense has returned to the Mecca, and Mike Woodson is perfect fit for this fan base and our city. A defensive minded head coach.

dude... we were a good team. 3rd or 4th youngest in the league, 4th seed, 21-9 over a 30 game stretch, wins over Spurs, OKC, Chi, Dallas, Denver. Still had picks + max cap space that offseason and only Wilson as FA. I was pretty excited about that team and until now its been a sh!tshow since that MElo trade.

That team got to 7 games over .500 and then lost 7/8. I don't remember them being the world beaters you describe.