Matthew Lopez
Ms. Holland
Honors English II B
05/10/2011
New York Knicks 2010-2011 Season
1. What I Know
My first introduction to the New York Knickerbockers was when I was four years old. My whole life I have watched basketball; hence I’ve known of the existence of the New York Knicks for quite awhile, but was never a fan. Years later as I watch basketball today, I am more conscious of the teams in the NBA (National Basketball Association), usually knowing how they play, whether they are good, or if they made the playoffs, and who they drafted the previous year. However, as I grew more aware of the Knicks, I discovered their rich history, the two NBA Championships they’ve won, and that they play in the most recognized arena in the world – Madison Square Garden.
As the 2009-2010 NBA season came to a close, the 2010 NBA summer free agency period began. Hype, surrounded the major players such as, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and Amar’e Stoudemire. The Knicks that year had had a list of players with expiring contracts that year; hence they were eligible for free agency (a pool of unsigned players that are able to sign with any team in league). Due to that, the Knicks were under the league’s salary cap (a limit on the amount of money a team can spend on player salaries) with 10 players eligible for free agency. With so many unsigned players the Knicks had to rebuild their team from scratch. Only five players from the previous year started on the roster in the 2010-2011 season, but only three from the previous year finished this season.
After an array of off-season signings, the Knicks biggest signee, Amar’e Stoudemire, was key to the organization; hence he would be what they needed to get back to the playoffs after a five year drought. As the season progressed and the leagues trade deadline came closer and closer, on the final day before the deadline, the Knicks made a trade with the Denver Nuggets to acquire Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Anthony Carter. From there on out, the New York Knickerbockers, led their way to the playoffs, but got knocked out of the first round by the Boston Celtics, ending their 2010-2011 season for good. However, although they didn’t make it to the second round of the playoff’s, they did finish the season with a 42-40 record (Wins-Loses), which was 19 more wins than the previous season.
2. What I Want to Know
Leading up to my recent knowledge of the Knicks, it led me to ask this – what led to the success of the New York Knicks this year and what economic changes were made to create this success? By asking this, I will analyze the Knicks organization from the team’s wins and losses’, team acquisitions, and their financial differences from the previous season to this season.
I always love to learn, especially if it is about a sport I love, or an organization I want to work for when I grow up. My aspiration is to go to Syracuse University and earn a bachelors in Sports Management, while interning with the New York Knicks, then have a career within the organization. This knowledge about the team from a sport perspective and economical stand point, will allow me attain the necessary knowledge to succeed and attain my aspiration with working for the team.
In addition to what was previously mentioned, I’d also like to understand the economics of the NBA, but still analyze what the Knicks did in the front office to make trades, sign free agents, profit as an organization, and return themselves back to Knicks of the early-mid 90’s, a brand that was well respected and established as a Finals contender. At the end of this paper, I can hopefully understand the Knicks formula to success for the 2010-2011 season, after such a roller coaster like year.
3. The Search
Article 1 Midseason
Justin Sammartano calls the title of this article “New York Knicks: Mid Season Review.” I found it on msgthemecca.wordpress.com, dated on February 14, 2011. It is about the New York Knicks season mid way through the 2010-2011 season, and reviewing key points of the team and as an organization.
As All-Star weekend came creeping towards the week of August 14th, the Knicks had one game remaining, with a record of 27-26 (wins-loses). At that point they were the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, and two games away from tying last years win total. The keys to success stated by the author thus far were as follows:
- Landry Fields ended up being the biggest surprise of the draft and one of the top rookies in the league.
- Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, and Danilo Gallinari have had the best season of their respective careers thus far.
- The Knicks have yet to sustain any major injuries to starting players.
- Amar’e Stoudemire holds the second highest scoring average in the league (in front of Lebron James), with 26.2 points per game.
Amongst the greatest start the Knicks have had in eight years, the Knicks had a bit of drama like almost every married couple has. With trade rumors swirling, and Carmelo Anthony stating that he would not resign with the Denver Nuggets, the Knicks began their mission in bringing Anthony to NYC. Due to the trade deadline coming to a close, the Knicks were put into crunch time to make a deal happen.
The author of the article then explained his position on how the Knicks should pursue Carmelo Anthony, by giving examples such as:
“If the Knicks agree to trade two of their role players, an expiring contract and a first round draft pick, they will likely obtain Carmelo Anthony and be able to compete with any teams in the Eastern Conference, including Boston and Miami.
If the Knicks decide to hang on to their role players and pass on Carmelo, they will be hold the 5th-7th seed in the Eastern Conference for a few years or until making other trades.
My personal opinion is that the Knicks must do everything short of trading Amar’e Stoudemire to land Carmelo Anthony. Having two superstars on one team is almost a necessity in order to win a championship, and that is the ultimate goal. Bring a championship back to the city of New York.”
This article happened to be very interesting. I really like the authors input on what the Knicks organization should do. By breaking down the season so far, giving examples of what led to their success thus far, and including his thoughts on what they should do after All-Star weekend, gave me and in dept look of what writers were thinking midway through the season. This article also helped translate the transitions the Knicks made through the year, that way I could see the progress of the team after the All-Star break, and how they did before the break.
Article 2 Post Season
Mark Birdsell calls the title of this article “New York Knicks: 2010-2011 Season Review.” I found it on BleacherReport.com , dated April 24, 2011. It is about the New York Knicks 2010-2011 season, and reviewing key points of the team and as an organization.
Since the hiring of Donnie Walsh on April 2, 2008 the Knicks have made a dramatic transformation. Over the last decade the Knicks went from making the NBA Finals in 1999 to becoming a laughing stock, mostly due to the mistakes of Isiah Thomas and Scott Layden. Then Walsh took over and decided to clean house. He was given the task of turning this once proud franchise around.
In 2008 the team started Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Zach Randolph, and Eddy Curry. Today, the Knicks start Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Ronny Turiaf. The biggest problem for the Knicks is their bench. Walsh was forced to gut the roster in order to have enough cap space to sign Amar’e Stoudemire and then to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. By all accounts, New York had a successful season. The team made the playoffs for the first time since 2004, and despite being swept by the Boston Celtics, the Knicks appear poised to make big strides over the upcoming summer.
The article was very interesting because, I wasn’t aware of the transition the Knicks made after the 2008 season. The team from 2008 and the team that they have now are completely different, from a roster stand point and a style stand point. In 2008, the Knicks were a slow, walk the ball up court, establish a post player and work the inside type team. Now this year, the Knicks are a bit more of a run and gun like team, with two players that can virtually take over a game (Carmelo Anthony and Amar‘e Stoudemire), as well as floor general that keeps the team together (Chauncey Billups). Obviously the style and player changes were necessary for the Knicks to create a winning season, as for the past seven seasons, they had not made the playoffs.
Interview
Spike Lee, an independent film producer, who has happened to own Knicks season tickets for more than 20 years, was interviewed by Jared Zwerling of ESPN, to see Spike Lee’s input on his hometown team the Knicks. The interview was conducted on before the NBA trade deadline. The article was published on February 7, 2011. Spike Lee has been notified as a symbol of the New York Knicks for his continuous support, especially in the playoffs. He has often been criticized for motivating players of the opposing team because of his trash talking, but will always be welcomed in Madison Square Garden and the Knicks organization. Bold represents Jared Zwerling and Spike Lee is the un-bolded.
What are your thoughts on the season so far?
I'm very happy with the season. With the feeling at the Garden, you would think that the Knicks are undefeated this year. New York's energized about the Knicks. I have faith in Donnie Walsh that he’s going to do the right thing for the team and the organization. We'll see what’s going to happen before the February 24th trade deadline.
Is there anything you think the Knicks need?
Unlike a lot of people, I don't think we need a backup point guard because I like Toney [Douglas]. Look, it's all about Carmelo -- and right now, it's a staring match between Donnie Walsh and the Nuggets, and we're going to see who blinks first. I haven’t spoken to Donnie, but I think he feels he's not going give up the whole team for Carmelo. So we'll see; it's going to be interesting.
I've got to ask you about Landry Fields. You rock his No. 6 jersey at nearly every home game.
Yeah, that’s my man. Even [Lakers small forward] Ron Artest has mad love for Landry, and he has love for the Knicks. He'd still like to play for the Knicks. [Artest] still can't believe that the Knicks drafted Frédéric Weis instead of him [in the 1999 draft]. Ron is New York, Queensbridge. He's always going to represent New York.
People are asking me, "Do you have a nickname for Landry?" I’ve got one: Muddy [laughs]. There’s Muddy Waters; now we’ve got Muddy Fields because he doesn't mind getting dirty, doing the little things. Muddy Fields. I asked Landry, "You like that?" He said, "Yeah, whatever you want to do Spike; whatever you say, I’m good with you."
Well, you're like the godfather and No. 1 voice of all Knicks fans.
Nah, that’s Walt Swishin' and Dishin' and Coastin' Frazier. At the Mavericks game, I told Clyde, "You’ve got to start pumping that. Muddy Fields." [laughs].
What's the most eclectic suit you've seen him in?
He has a plethora of them [laughs]. That’s my man, though. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he was one of my heroes and still is.
Before Landry, what players' jerseys did you wear and why?
Nate Robinson, [John] Starks. I like to get the game-worn jerseys. I loved Patrick [Ewing], but his jersey would have been down to my ankles. Also, for me to wear his jersey, he doesn't have to be the best player on the team. Like with Nate, I identified with his hustle and I was almost as tall as him [laughs]. Nate had heart. I still feel that we gave him away, though.
A bit of Nate is in Landry, whom Mike D'Antoni calls the team's "glue guy." What's interesting is that Fields is averaging 10.2 points on only 1.7 free throw attempts per game, but he's neither a consistent slasher nor shooter at this point. He's scoring with his intangible playmaking, which is unique for a rookie. That really speaks to his potential.
Yeah, here's the thing about Landry -- I guarantee this. What Michael Jordan did every summer was work on a facet of his game. Michael could not shoot the way he did in his later years. Then, I remember one [playoff] series after he got beat up by the Bad Boys [the Pistons]. He said, "I've got to get stronger." Some guys come in the league and that's who they are and they’re not going to get better. Guaranteed, every summer, Landry's going to be working on another facet of his game. He's going to be working on his outside shot during the summer. So that's my man. Muddy [laughs].
What's your most memorable conversation with a player during a game?
This is really surprising, and this is all true. The only time that it's ever really gotten nasty was with Reggie Miller. But we were friends before that and we've been friends since then. When I go to the games, it's to have fun. I'm respectful. If I say a player missed a shot, that's not talking about your mother, your family; it's all good nature. The players enjoy talking to me and I enjoy talking to them.
But this last time against Boston -- you know that game where they disallowed Stoudemire’s 3? --Kevin Garnett lost it. He was cursing me out for no reason. Maybe because Stoudemire gave him 39 points, but take that vulgarity to Stoudemire. I'm not holding you and I did not even say s--- to Garnett the whole game. That really surprised me. He lost it. He was cursing at me the whole game. He needs to calm the f--- down.
Well, you know what? It came back to bite him in the butt because STAT is starting for the East in the All-Star Game and KG is not.
Next time they come -- [Spike checks the Knicks' schedule] -- is on March 21st. So look, I don't like the Celtics, but I respect Doc [Rivers]. Doc's a good friend. You know I love Ray Allen. I hate the Celtics, but look, they've got good guys on that team. I've got friends on that team. Nate’s on the team. But Garnett needs to calm the f--- down. There's no reason he should be cursing at me the way he did the last game. So you can put that in the article. It was disrespectful and I would never do nothing like that to him.
That's crazy. Garnett has definitely had his share of temper tantrums -- no question about that.
I'm not even playing and I didn't say nothing to him the whole game anyway. So if you're mad, start cursing out STAT, Stoudemire. But you're not going to do that s--- because Stoudemire’s not going to take it. So he cursed at me and I’m 5-6½, 150. What he was saying was worse than Reggie Miller. It was uncalled for.
We'll all be ready for that next game.
I'm going to get him that time.
I'm very happy with the season. With the feeling at the Garden, you would think that the Knicks are undefeated this year. New York's energized about the Knicks. I have faith in Donnie Walsh that he’s going to do the right thing for the team and the organization. We'll see what’s going to happen before the February 24th trade deadline.
Is there anything you think the Knicks need?
Unlike a lot of people, I don't think we need a backup point guard because I like Toney [Douglas]. Look, it's all about Carmelo -- and right now, it's a staring match between Donnie Walsh and the Nuggets, and we're going to see who blinks first. I haven’t spoken to Donnie, but I think he feels he's not going give up the whole team for Carmelo. So we'll see; it's going to be interesting.
I've got to ask you about Landry Fields. You rock his No. 6 jersey at nearly every home game.
Yeah, that’s my man. Even [Lakers small forward] Ron Artest has mad love for Landry, and he has love for the Knicks. He'd still like to play for the Knicks. [Artest] still can't believe that the Knicks drafted Frédéric Weis instead of him [in the 1999 draft]. Ron is New York, Queensbridge. He's always going to represent New York.
People are asking me, "Do you have a nickname for Landry?" I’ve got one: Muddy [laughs]. There’s Muddy Waters; now we’ve got Muddy Fields because he doesn't mind getting dirty, doing the little things. Muddy Fields. I asked Landry, "You like that?" He said, "Yeah, whatever you want to do Spike; whatever you say, I’m good with you."
Well, you're like the godfather and No. 1 voice of all Knicks fans.
Nah, that’s Walt Swishin' and Dishin' and Coastin' Frazier. At the Mavericks game, I told Clyde, "You’ve got to start pumping that. Muddy Fields." [laughs].
What's the most eclectic suit you've seen him in?
He has a plethora of them [laughs]. That’s my man, though. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he was one of my heroes and still is.
Before Landry, what players' jerseys did you wear and why?
Nate Robinson, [John] Starks. I like to get the game-worn jerseys. I loved Patrick [Ewing], but his jersey would have been down to my ankles. Also, for me to wear his jersey, he doesn't have to be the best player on the team. Like with Nate, I identified with his hustle and I was almost as tall as him [laughs]. Nate had heart. I still feel that we gave him away, though.
A bit of Nate is in Landry, whom Mike D'Antoni calls the team's "glue guy." What's interesting is that Fields is averaging 10.2 points on only 1.7 free throw attempts per game, but he's neither a consistent slasher nor shooter at this point. He's scoring with his intangible playmaking, which is unique for a rookie. That really speaks to his potential.
Yeah, here's the thing about Landry -- I guarantee this. What Michael Jordan did every summer was work on a facet of his game. Michael could not shoot the way he did in his later years. Then, I remember one [playoff] series after he got beat up by the Bad Boys [the Pistons]. He said, "I've got to get stronger." Some guys come in the league and that's who they are and they’re not going to get better. Guaranteed, every summer, Landry's going to be working on another facet of his game. He's going to be working on his outside shot during the summer. So that's my man. Muddy [laughs].
What's your most memorable conversation with a player during a game?
This is really surprising, and this is all true. The only time that it's ever really gotten nasty was with Reggie Miller. But we were friends before that and we've been friends since then. When I go to the games, it's to have fun. I'm respectful. If I say a player missed a shot, that's not talking about your mother, your family; it's all good nature. The players enjoy talking to me and I enjoy talking to them.
But this last time against Boston -- you know that game where they disallowed Stoudemire’s 3? --Kevin Garnett lost it. He was cursing me out for no reason. Maybe because Stoudemire gave him 39 points, but take that vulgarity to Stoudemire. I'm not holding you and I did not even say s--- to Garnett the whole game. That really surprised me. He lost it. He was cursing at me the whole game. He needs to calm the f--- down.
Well, you know what? It came back to bite him in the butt because STAT is starting for the East in the All-Star Game and KG is not.
Next time they come -- [Spike checks the Knicks' schedule] -- is on March 21st. So look, I don't like the Celtics, but I respect Doc [Rivers]. Doc's a good friend. You know I love Ray Allen. I hate the Celtics, but look, they've got good guys on that team. I've got friends on that team. Nate’s on the team. But Garnett needs to calm the f--- down. There's no reason he should be cursing at me the way he did the last game. So you can put that in the article. It was disrespectful and I would never do nothing like that to him.
That's crazy. Garnett has definitely had his share of temper tantrums -- no question about that.
I'm not even playing and I didn't say nothing to him the whole game anyway. So if you're mad, start cursing out STAT, Stoudemire. But you're not going to do that s--- because Stoudemire’s not going to take it. So he cursed at me and I’m 5-6½, 150. What he was saying was worse than Reggie Miller. It was uncalled for.
We'll all be ready for that next game.
I'm going to get him that time.
4. What I Learned
I genuinely enjoyed researching this topic. I definitely learned a lot of information that I didn’t know before. This transformation that the Knicks have made in this 2010-2011 season, had so many variables that led them to the playoffs for the first time in more than five years. It was great understanding that the front office had a lot to do with the teams success, not just the team or players. Without the guidance of Donnie Walsh, the Knicks wouldn’t have who they have on their team, and wouldn’t have made as much progress as they have in a year. This year the Knicks organization had a 12 percent value change from last year (fourth highest percent in NBA), made 226 million in revenue, is in zero debt, and is worth 655 million, the most of any team in the NBA. Also in the 2009-2010 season, the Knicks had a payroll of $85,505,986, the third highest payroll in the league, and had five players that made seven million or more that year. Then in the 2010-2011 season, the Knicks had a payroll of $66,426,486, the 17th highest payroll in the league, and had only three players that made more than seven million or more that year. All of this information, but mostly the researching, has allowed me to prepare for my future in Sports Management. Looking at the numbers, analyzing data, and understanding what needs to go on for a team to be successful has helped me, as well as made me more interested in the Knicks organization, and being apart of their front office.
Works Cited
"The Business Of Basketball, 2011." Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com. Ed. Kurt Badenhausen, Michael K. Ozanian, and Christina Settimi. 26 Jan. 2011. Web. 08 May 2011. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2011/32/basketball-valuations-11_land.html.
Bender, Patricia. "2009-2010 NBA Salaries." Internet Service Provider Broadband DSL Dial Access Hosting. Eskimo. Web. 08 May 2011. http://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/salaries10.txt.
Bender, Patricia. "2010-2011 NBA Salaries." Internet Service Provider Broadband DSL Dial Access Hosting. Eskimo. Web. 08 May 2011. http://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/salaries11.txt.
Birdsell, Mark. "New York Knicks: 2010-11 Season Review | Bleacher Report." Bleacher Report | Entertaining Sports News, Photos and Slideshows. 24 Apr. 2011. Web. 08 May 2011. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/676750-new-york-knicks-2010-11-season-review.
Zwerling, Jared. "Spike Lee Interview, Part 1: On the Knicks - Knicks Blog - ESPN New York." ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports. 7 Feb. 2011. Web. 08 May 2011. http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/2411/spike-lee-interview-part-1-on-he- knicks.
"New York Knicks - Roster - NBA - Yahoo! Sports." Yahoo! Sports - Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and More. Web. 08 May 2011. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk/roster.
"New York Knicks Roster 2010 - 2011, Salaries, NBA New York Knicks Players List, Coach." Altius Directory. Web. 08 May 2011. http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Sports/nba-new-york-knicks-roster.html.
Sammartano, Justin. "New York Knicks: Mid Season Review « The Mecca of Sports." The Mecca of Sports. 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 09 May 2011. <http://msgthemecca.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/new-york-knicks-mid-season-review/>.
