Today, The New York Knicks’ Glass Is Half Full

by Barry Rothbard | 5:35 pm, November 5th, 2010

I’m not ready to drink the Kool-Aid just yet, but it was a start. The New York Knicks are giving fans (myself included) a reason to be a little bit excited for the first time since the Clinton administration. Four games, four single-digit affairs. A 2-2 record.

Last night, they rained down threes like bottles at Lil’ Wayne’s getting out of jail party en route to a 120-112 win over the Chicago Bulls. Why? Because Danilo Gallinari realized the season began and they didn’t play with their panties in a bunch when the game was on the line–they kept firing away.

Mike D’Antoni’s system works best when the floor is spread and the players can shoot. The Knicks still don’t play much defense, but with Amar’e Stoudemire at least distracting people on offense, the floor opens up for teammates. Raymond Felton is not Steve Nash, but he usually makes the right decision and can run a  team. The formula: spread it and shred it.

Looking at the box score, it’s easy to see what worked best for the Knicks: Toney Douglas and the bench (Amar’e was the only first team player whose +/- worked in the Knicks’ favor). Douglas should be getting 30-35 minutes a game from now on.

If they didn’t completely collapse against Portland, the Knicks would be 3-1 (and they gave Boston a run for their money). The Knicks have assets (okay, and Andy Rautins) and shooters.

Here are five more thoughts on the Knicks:

1. The Knicks should, unequivocally, not trade for Carmelo Anthony, unless they can get him for Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, and a sack of asbestos. ‘Melo wants to be a Knick–let him become one this summer, when the Knicks have leverage and the Nuggets need to throw in the towel. Giving up Gallinari, Douglas, and/or Landry Fields (and another draft pick) would be a mistake. Let’s be real: the Knicks are a playoff contender, not a title contender.

2. Let Chandler hit the road in the off-season or dish him for a draft pick this year. Chandler’s strong start should be viewed as more of an aberration than a sign of a budding superstar. Chandler’s been great thus far for the Knicks, but he’s not a player built for D’Antoni’s system. And they don’t really need him. Chandler’s never met a shot he didn’t like–the only problem is, he’s not a reliable shooter (i.e.: last night Wilson decides to chuck up an air ball before anyone else on the team even touches the ball, with the Knicks holding a double-digit lead and the Bulls beginning a comeback).  He’s at his best when he puts his head down and drives to the basket. Or, in other words, when no one else in the offense is involved, Wilson Chandler looks good. He slows down the offense, and he falls in love with his jump shot as soon as he gets hot. SELL HIGH.  Kelenna Azubuike might not be much of a scorer, but he’s a warm body that won’t stall the offense.

3. The Knicks’ best lineup is Stoudemire-Gallinari-Fields-Douglas-Felton, without question. Unselfish, four guys who can bury the three-ball, and up-tempo. It’s a pretty simple formula. Ronny Turiaf is a fine plug in for Stoudemire, and Bill Walker can fill in for Douglas and Felton when needed.

4. Landry Fields is certifiably fresh. This is what Renaldo Balkman could have been if he went to Stanford, didn’t smoke weed, and could make a 10-foot jump shot.

5. Heart. Pulse. Unity. Even before last night, this team has actually looked like they enjoy each other’s company. And it shows on the court.

Tonight? They’ll have to contain “The Dougie.” You will be entertained.