Yes, the Knicks are in the playoffs. Yes, they locked up the sixth seed after missing the playoffs for six straight seasons. Yes, they can potentially "scare" the aging Celtics and possibly advance to the second round.
BUT
Why do we, as Knicks fans, want this? I'm a realist. I know that the Knicks roster, as we have it now, is never going to contend for a championship. Even a few upgrades won't really improve our chances much. We'll have to compete with the likes of Miami, Chicago and Orlando to a lesser extent. If the Knicks advance to the second round or if the Knicks impress many in a first round lost to the Celts, what is the possible outcome? We get to keep D'Antoni. I have nothing against the guy, personally that is. What I do have against him is that I just do not buy into his system. I think he is a very skilled and knowledgeable offensive coach. Let's be real. Whoever thinks otherwise, please put down the ganja. He does well with spacing to give shooters good looks and slashers open lanes. He utilizes the high post well and he has a system that works well for SPECIFIC type players (shooters, small team that get destroyed in the low post and on the boards) Historically, he doesn't use tough, low post threats (if they can't shoot anything outside of 12 feet (Shaq is the only exception, I guess).
If the Knicks underperform and easily look outmatched, well, that does not reflect well on D'Antoni. I fully support the "let's get Jerry Sloan" campaign. I believe coach Sloan has expressed interest in coaching again. Why not the Knicks?
What do I like Jerry Sloan?
1. He is FAR BETTER than D'Antoni. So, we get an instant upgrade
2. Accountability. He is so skilled at holding his players accountable, and they usually respond. Think of many of the Utah Jazz players that have played POORLY on other teams, but excelled with him. He gets a lot out of his players. Granted, he did have good role players and some superstars. I think he will scout and sign a few tough inside players, something the Knicks have lacked - a tough team.
3. He will not sign players because of their ability to shoot 7 threes a game. I am sick of the Knicks shooting 30 to 40+ threes a game.
4. When he calls out a player, you feel it. When D'Antoni calls out a player, he sounds weak. Jerry Sloan is what the Knicks need.
BUT
Why do we, as Knicks fans, want this? I'm a realist. I know that the Knicks roster, as we have it now, is never going to contend for a championship. Even a few upgrades won't really improve our chances much. We'll have to compete with the likes of Miami, Chicago and Orlando to a lesser extent. If the Knicks advance to the second round or if the Knicks impress many in a first round lost to the Celts, what is the possible outcome? We get to keep D'Antoni. I have nothing against the guy, personally that is. What I do have against him is that I just do not buy into his system. I think he is a very skilled and knowledgeable offensive coach. Let's be real. Whoever thinks otherwise, please put down the ganja. He does well with spacing to give shooters good looks and slashers open lanes. He utilizes the high post well and he has a system that works well for SPECIFIC type players (shooters, small team that get destroyed in the low post and on the boards) Historically, he doesn't use tough, low post threats (if they can't shoot anything outside of 12 feet (Shaq is the only exception, I guess).
If the Knicks underperform and easily look outmatched, well, that does not reflect well on D'Antoni. I fully support the "let's get Jerry Sloan" campaign. I believe coach Sloan has expressed interest in coaching again. Why not the Knicks?
What do I like Jerry Sloan?
1. He is FAR BETTER than D'Antoni. So, we get an instant upgrade
2. Accountability. He is so skilled at holding his players accountable, and they usually respond. Think of many of the Utah Jazz players that have played POORLY on other teams, but excelled with him. He gets a lot out of his players. Granted, he did have good role players and some superstars. I think he will scout and sign a few tough inside players, something the Knicks have lacked - a tough team.
3. He will not sign players because of their ability to shoot 7 threes a game. I am sick of the Knicks shooting 30 to 40+ threes a game.
4. When he calls out a player, you feel it. When D'Antoni calls out a player, he sounds weak. Jerry Sloan is what the Knicks need.