After one of those most grueling holdouts in sports history, the NBA has finally come to agreement with the Players Union. That agreement, however, was not very hot with some fans as they later learned that the NBA teams would all have to release their players and the League would then have somewhat of a 'fantasy draft'. Like the NBA rookie draft, there was a lottery held a couple of months before this 'fantasy draft' would take place. The top overall draft choices went to the Knicks, the Lakers, the Celtics, the Spurs, and the Suns (respectively). Many fans were outraged as they believed this was obviously set up, and it's hard not to notice how suspicious the league made it out to be.
Either way, the Knicks, on the draft day, finally go who they wanted, LeBron James. James, who was ecstatic about leaving Cleveland, had this to say about the draft:
Are you ready to witness, New York?
Either way, the Knicks, on the draft day, finally go who they wanted, LeBron James. James, who was ecstatic about leaving Cleveland, had this to say about the draft:
I had no problem on the Cavaliers, but playing for the Knicks is a dream come true. I've always wanted to be a Knick ever since I was a kid, and this is just a marvelous opportunity for me to turn a new page in my book. I'd like to thank the league for all that it has done for me, Donnie Walsh and Coach D'Antoni for having faith in me and now it is up to me to make it up to them.
When asked how he plans on "making it up to them", LeBron had this to say about his [bold] season predictions:Make no doubt about it. What I plan on doing this year is winning the championship. We have an amazingly young group of core players and we are only going to get better as we accustom ourselves with each other's playing styles. So am I promising a championship to the city of New York? Oh yeah... definitely.
These bold words come from a 24 year old, 7-year veteran who averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks last season with the Cavaliers, averaging 37.7 minutes per game. LeBron also mentioned that along with his championship goal this year, he plans on improving his defense and showing it on the stat sheet.Are you ready to witness, New York?
Along with LeBron James, the team has drafted a core of young players that we will be posting in the next couple of minutes. One name that sticks out is "Brandon Jennings" and another one that definitely sticks out is "Stephon Marbury". Marbury, known to be one of the most hated in this organization, was drafted in the later rounds. When asked if he had any idea of this happening, Marbury stated:
The other name that sticks out is Brandon Jennings. We briefly talked to him on the phone about his being drafted in New York:
The team looks to shape up into what D'Antoni and Walsh call their "Dream Team". They claim that almost, if not all, of their players were tailor made to fit their system. This team looks to have a lot of potential, especially with the King being the head of it. However... will the team have problems adjusting to each others' playing ability with such little time? The season starts in just about one month, and Coach D'Antoni claims that he is going to turn this offense a little "Cavalier'y" to benefit LeBron. And he claims that the Cavaliers' offense somewhat fits his offense system as Jennings, Ben Gordon, Okur, and Scola fit the Cavaliers' offense of last year.
I received a phone call from D'Antoni the day before the draft started, and he basically said he was interested in me playing for him... I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that I would be able to get another opportunity in this league. He basically told me that he was looking for someone to mentor a young PG that he was going to aim high on in the draft, and I said yeah, sure...
That's right. You read that right. D'Antoni wants Marbury to be a "mentor" of his team. That is crazy if you think about it considering the beef between these two guys last year. Marbury, when asked if him and Coach D'Antoni were on the same page, said, "Definitely."The other name that sticks out is Brandon Jennings. We briefly talked to him on the phone about his being drafted in New York:
I was definitely not shocked to be drafted that high. New York, I believe, has always wanted me. What team doesn't? Brandon Jennings is one of the top guards in the league right now, and I can certainly say that I will back that up. Stephon Marbury? Yeah, I have a lot of respect for him. Him being in the league and knowing the troubles that a player has to go through - especially a guard... yeah I can definitely look up to him. New York is an amazing place. Yeah, I heard LeBron's little prediction about us winning a championship, and I'll definitely go out on a limb for this team and go with LeBron's prediction. I may be a rookie, but I can guarantee you guys that I will not play like one. I will make you forget all about Rubio.
Bold words indeed for such a young man. A rookie, in fact!The team looks to shape up into what D'Antoni and Walsh call their "Dream Team". They claim that almost, if not all, of their players were tailor made to fit their system. This team looks to have a lot of potential, especially with the King being the head of it. However... will the team have problems adjusting to each others' playing ability with such little time? The season starts in just about one month, and Coach D'Antoni claims that he is going to turn this offense a little "Cavalier'y" to benefit LeBron. And he claims that the Cavaliers' offense somewhat fits his offense system as Jennings, Ben Gordon, Okur, and Scola fit the Cavaliers' offense of last year.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome...
The new look, 2009-2010 New York Knicks!
The new look, 2009-2010 New York Knicks!
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