If Knicks draft Rose, Marbury goes

[nycballer]

D'Antoni a big hit
By MARC BERMAN

Today’s press conference didn’t start out smoothly, with Donnie Walsh mispronouncing his new coach’s name, calling him “D’Antonio.’’

But it got better and better and better. Mike D’Antoni has a great sense of humor, and pulled off some funny one-liners. I was doing a radio show in Phoenix the other day and the host told me he’ll win the New York media over with his cracks.


D’Antoni even started answering questions in Italian when two writers from Italy jumped in. But mostly he’s got a West Virginian drawl with an easy laugh.

When someone asked how many languages he speaks, D’Antoni said “Two, Italian and…just a little English.’’

If Isiah Thomas was asked that question, he would’ve given his seven-second pause and said, “Can you rephrase the question?’’

It’s a new day and a "Seven-Second Offense'' D'Antoni plans to keep in some form. James Dolan didn’t show. Walsh, in his sitdown with the writers away from the TV cameras, put it plainly.

He chose Mike D’Antoni over Mark Jackson because the KnicksNew York Knicks were a disaster and needed an experienced coach. When he tabbed Larry Bird, Walsh explained, the Pacers were coming off an Eastern Conference Finals berth.

Stephon MarburyStephon Marbury , back from running the Hollywood Hills, attended the press conference with Nate RobinsonNate Robinson and Quentin Richardson, all technically ex-Suns. (Nate was traded on Draft Night). D’Antoni’s wife Laurel, whom he met in Italy as a player, is a former fashion model and attended. The Post’s Fred Kerber spoke to her for 20 minutes – lucky guy. His story will be on the web later.

D’Antoni talked about Walsh being the big difference and obviously made him feel more wanted than the Bulls GM John Paxson, whose getting crucified in Chicago. “I felt he came to get me,’’ D’Antoni said. “When you’re getting divorced, whenn somebodyh finds you attractive, you kind of like that.’’

This is a good marriage. D’Antoni is going to try to run and gun but with tweaks, and he’ll have to see how the cast adapts. Clearly, the roster will be overhauled if it doesn’t adapt. Eddy CurryEddy Curry , Zach Randolph and Marbury could be endangered species. Marbury is in his contract year and Walsh said he'll have to play like a star to be re-signed.

But Walsh said it’s unlikely Marbury gets traded because he knows he’ll only get bad contracts that go beyond 2010. The only way Marbury gets bought out is if they win the lottery Tuesday and get Derrick Rose – whom D’Antoni has told confidants he loves.

Walsh seems so confident he’s getting the Knicks under the cap after 2010 for LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. He’s got a lot ot work to do, though, because Randolph has to be dealt. D’Antoni will work with LeBron, Wade, Chris Bosh and Chris Paul at the Olympics as Team USA’s assistant coach and hopefully establish a strong relationship.

“I can’t tell you making this decision down the road when we get under the cap, he’ll end up (recruiting) us players,’’ Walsh said. “That’s part of our plan. The first thing is to get the team playing competitively, going into the Garden and causing some excitement and then you get to a point you get a free agent that puts us in a better position.’’

D’Antoni made clear he wants to run but he will adjust to Curry/Randolph if he has to. “That’s who we have right now and we’ll make the best of it,’’ D’Antoni said. “Anybody can get up and down the floor. I don’t buy into the theory they can’t fit my system or I can’t fit their system.''

The critics who wanted sentimental choice, Jax, as Knicks coach should let it go and stop bashing D'Antoni, whose coaching resume is terrific, especially when compared to Jackson's blank sheet. D'Antoni handled the criticism with grace. "That's the business, you have some guys on one side and others have to take the other side,'' D'Antoni said.



LINK: Knicks Blog

[B-Nice]

i appologize for my long absence on this forum but ive been pulling my hair out over the knicks and going through some things VIVA THE POST-Isiah era we dunt know if its gonna be good but .i dunt know if it cant be as bad as it was with isiah. I dunt like the move with getting D'Antoni but wat i do like is that he wants Derek Rose.That dude has some talent

[nycballer]

Originally Posted by B-Nice

i appologize for my long absence on this forum but ive been pulling my hair out over the knicks and going through some things VIVA THE POST-Isiah era we dunt know if its gonna be good but .i dunt know if it cant be as bad as it was with isiah. I dunt like the move with getting D'Antoni but wat i do like is that he wants Derek Rose.That dude has some talent

No need to apologize.. Just come and go as you please. Any contribution is a contribution so your posts are always appreciated (as are those of others too).

Yes, people have mixed feelings about the D'Antoni hiring but I think most can agree that any change is good - given the last 8 years of mediocrity.

It is encouraging that Dan likes Rose. I think Rose should be the number 1 pick and would be great in a Knick uniform. The likelihood of this happening, however, is slim. We've got some expirings and other assets that coupled with a 4 or 5 pick could land us a 1 or 2 if we really wanted to make a bold move.

I don't think a bold move is necessary. I think that we have a lot of options this summer to work sign and trades, acquire future draft picks, shed salaries and hit the free agent market. Even if we get the #1 pick there are certainly many interesting players we should take a look at....

just some to name a few:

1. Josh Smith
2. Mike Miller
3. Josh Howard
4. Jose Calderon
5. Kyle Lowry
6. TJ Ford
7. Anthony Parker
8. Luke Ridnour
9. Juan Carlos Navarro
10. Earl Watson
11. Steve Blake
12. Alexsandar Pavlovic
13. Kirk Hinrich
14. Chris Duhon
15. Antonio Daniels
16. Elton Brand
17. Baron Davis
18. Jamal Tinsley
19. J. O'Neal


So even if you're uncertain or on the fence about D'Antoni you should feel rejuvenated by the fact that change has happened and will continue to happen .....

[B-Nice]

yes i do feel slightly rejuventated i would like josh smith and D Rose under D'Antoni i think that would be very nice

[B-Nice]

ur right bold moves arent really needed BUT eddy and zach have to go