This is how you develop good karma.
Donnie Walsh listed among his early initiatives to bring back more of a sense of tradition to the Knicks, which seemed to have lost a connection to the history during the previous regime. The first step in tying the present and future of the franchise with it's past will be at halftime of the March 23 game against the Orlando Magic, when the "Knicks Legend Awards" will be presented to six of the franchises greatest players from each decade since 1940.
The significance of the date is because the Magic will be in town, which means assistant coach Patrick Ewing will be present for the celebration, as he was the obvious choice to represent the 1990s. A panel of 11 current and former Knicks employees were involved in selecting the list.
A Legacy Award will be given to legendary player, coach and scout Dick McGuire and "Legends" rings will be presented to each decade's greats, including Carl Braun (1940s), Richie Guerin (1950s), Willis Reed (1960s), Walt Frazier (1970s), Bernard King (1980s) and Ewing.
All but the 81-year-old Braun, who has some health issues, will be able to attend the ceremony, which will make it a special night.
The Knicks plan to make this a new tradition, with the greatest from the 2000s decade to be announced in 2010.
It was one of the worst decades in franchise history, but someone has to emerge as the greatest. The list will be a short one, with Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and Stephon Marbury three obvious contenders.
Thoughts?
Speaking of Sprewell...with the Knicks here in Milwaukee, all eyes are peeled to see if anyone spots the reclusive former Knick. They could sure use a finisher like him now.