I have to say, I'm impressed with this signing. Everyone seemed enamored with Marc Jackson, but I think the winning experience D'Antoni has will at the very least translate to changing the culture at the Garden. The poisonous atmosphere created and maintained by Isiah Thomas will not be easily reversed, but believe me, the Knicks do have some talent on their roster and I still believe the talent can be brought out, given the right coach and the right management. I remain unconvinced over the signing of Donnie Walsh, but anyone is better than Isiah for this team. With Walsh and D'Antoni, combined with a weak Eastern conference, I do believe the Knicks can make a comeback. I'm not going to say something idiotic like "D'Antoni puts them back in the playoffs next year" but I do expect to see a major improvement, with the team winning maybe 35 games next year.
I think that while the Knicks had to be one of the most laughable organizations ever last year, removing Isiah and putting two guys with this much experience (Walsh and D'Antoni) at the front of the organization will go a long way to repairing the culture of MSG.
I'm not sure, Pri. I was beginning to feel uneasy, myself, about bringing in someone as unexperienced as Jackson, despite the accolades. But D'Antoni? I thought a more defensive minded coach, and more of a guy not known for taking any crap was in order. Maybe he has the skills and knowhow to adjust to Eastern conference basketball, and basically as you said anything is an upgrade over what was there, but I'm not entirely optimistic about this signing. Him and Walsh aren't exactly making me run out to renew my tickets. I guess we'll see what happens with the draft and what kind of moves they can make still being handcuffed with the cap.
Am I missing something or is D'Antoni not a coach worthy of this money? I guess since it is the Knicks, this may be petty change for them but for D'Antoni? We'll see.
He will be better than Isiah though, because for some reason Isiah never played the players who were disciplined (David Lee Im looking at you) very often. I think there will be a whole new culture though in NY and if they were smart would just dump Marbury, Curry, Randolph and Crawford. My God they're like a poor man's Denver Nuggets!
Does it honestly matter what coach the Knicks bring in? Maybe if the Knicks are somehow able to get Rose, it'll start to make sense.
Even so, I'm a little leery of this guy. Question: Did D'Antoni favor the run-and-shoot style of play because of who the Suns have on the roster? or Does he naturally prefer that style?
If it's the latter, he definetly wouldn't be my choice. To succeed you need a good inside-outside game. So I doubt D'Antoni will ever be a championship coach.
I don't agree with this move. D'Antoni is an offensive coach. The Knicks need a disciplinary, defensive coach. If the Knicks don't improve on defense, they won't make any improvement. Also, this roster as is can not run D'Antoni's offense. D'Antoni will regret leaving Phoenix to coach the Knicks. What is he thinking? Not a good fit for either side.
Damn that sucks that D'Antoni has to go from a good team like the Suns to a just all around bad franchise like the Knicks. But you never know maybe he can help turn them around in a few years.
the Knicks suck and d'antoni isnt going to change that. good riddance i say. we were screwed if he stayed or not. its time to rebuild, unload "doris" diaw and barbosa and bring in another guard.
