| Through the first quarter of
the 2006-2007 NBA season, one thing has become painfully obvious
about the New York Knicks; they need a change.
With players like Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis failing
to become the players they were before they arrived in New
York, the Knicks have struggled this season. However, there
is still a glimmer of hope to be found on this team.
Besides leading the Knicks in rebounds and steals this season,
David Lee has already proved to his biggest critics that he
is capable of being a productive NBA player. Averaging nine
more minutes a game than he was playing last year, Lee has
doubled his production from last season, scoring over ten
points a game while adding nine boards. In doing so, Lee has
provided jump off the bench [he’s only started three
games so far this season] and is one of the main reasons why
the Knicks can say they have a better record than the Bucks
and the Celtics.
Much of the same can be said for Nate Robinson and Renaldo
Balkman, who despite limited playing time have provided grit,
hustle and energy on the court. After a solid rookie campaign,
Robinson became a fan favorite and has continued to put up
solid numbers this year. He may not be able to stuff Yao Ming
or anyone else for that matter on a consistent basis, but
scoring almost ten points a game off the bench means something,
regardless of what team you play for.
Despite not having the offensive ability of Lee and Robinson,
Balkman has been impressive, playing sound defense and when
given the opportunity, has proven he can be a force on the
boards and the low post. With power forward Channing Frye
out for up to six weeks with a sprained knee, Balkman may
get the opportunity to prove that he’s capable of being
much more than a solid bench player.
Speaking of solid bench players, Jamal Crawford has easily
been the Knicks best player so far this season, despite only
starting four games. However, Crawford hasn’t been so
spectacular that he’s made up for the lackluster performances
of Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury. He’s been so effective
that over the past few weeks his minutes have dramatically
increased and his production has also picked up. Everyone
knows how dominant both Marbury and Francis can be, but considering
their constant issues with inconsistency and attitudes problems,
Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas has decided to save himself
a headache and play Crawford instead.
However, despite the solid play of the Knicks bench this
season, it may be a long time until they find themselves playoff
contenders. The reinvigorated play of Quentin Richardson and
Eddy Curry isn’t enough to take this team to the next
level. Instead, they desperately need to take a look at their
young talent and cut their losses with the likes of Marbury
and Francis.
Big name talent may put fans in the seats for a while [which
is probably the only reason why Knicks management have decided
to stick with the likes of Marbury and Francis], but the hustle
and passion that Lee, Robinson and Balkman have shown so far
this season will make sure they don’t leave heart broken
at half-time.
By Patrick Hickey Jr.
Sports
Articles Home
|
