wautamitchcashmenuniverse

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Perspective: Good Vibes Only Stephen Naismith

COURTNEY CHAPPELLE The Clairvoyant 10/23/2015 1:30AM ET Usually when I get the urge to write, it’s because a team’s ownership is screwing up or because a particular player needs a Fresh Perspective. But today is different: I have a message for the negative New York media, the New York Knicks fan base, and last but not least, the guy most responsible for this message, Mr. Stephen A. Smith! GET OFF PHIL JACKSON'S BACK! You can't ask a man to do a job and then tell him how to do it. Now on first thought, to get my message across I planned to send out a PSA Video blog in a sarcastic and borderline disrespectful manner, something full of shock value quotes, but then I thought my point would’ve gotten overlooked, which would’ve defeated the purpose. That being said, Mr. Stephen A. Smith, let me first say you are one hell of a voice for the culture and an outstanding role model for young men across the world, especially young African American men aspiring to be journalists. But, as a New York Knicks fan, you are the absolute worst. Seriously, I shake my head every time you say you’re "depressed" or "just done”. What happened to that New York spirit? Where's the optimism? I don't think I have ever heard you speak positively about the Knicks organization; Perhaps, a particular player, but never the team. There were times when your harsh words were warranted because of the disaster James Dolan had created, but you've been way too critical of Jackson’s tenure in the Knicks’ front office. Let's start from the top, when he took the job. The roster wasn't in sync. There were a ton of players who didn't fit well together, that were on bad contracts and the team at best would’ve been a first round elimination in the Playoffs. Who cares? Knicks fans have seen that before. On the books, Jackson had no money to work with and only one draft pick over the course of the next three years, yet through his first two drafts he's made six picks. Now we have to wait a year or two in order to determine how smart those picks will turn out to be. Still, to go from one to six is pretty damn good. What's the problem? During this offseason, featuring his first free agency period with cap room, he added six new players. None of these six players is a superstar, but each is a piece that complements the others well. Again, what's the problem? As a matter of fact, enough of the sugar coating. Let's take off the gloves... What the hell is all the whining about? According to you, when it came to the draft, you were hoping for Jahlil Okafor, which is laughable considering he lacks a defensive presence, is not a dominant rebounder and is a poor free throw shooter. Not to mention, he comes from a university that has a history for putting out players who are either injury prone or All Star “glue guys” good at best. Never great though. Please, I'll take my chances elsewhere; you know my feelings about Duke University. Which means you already know my feelings about Justise Winslow (though I believe he has the chance to be the best two-way player to ever come out of Duke). My guy was Emmanuel Mudiay. I think the guy is downright special. He is a point guard with two-way capabilities, a necessity in today’s era of basketball. I was and am still sold on Mudiay, so I must admit I was pissed. So pissed that I took a shot and left for work three hours early. I also must admit when Kristaps Porzingis was selected,I had given up on Jackson. I thought he was completely blind to our bigger needs, but to my surprise, 45 minutes into my trip, headlines broke that Jackson traded Tim Hardaway, Jr. for a draft pick which turned out to be Jerian Grant, a point guard. Then the Knicks received yet another draft pick and drafted Kristaps Porzingis’ frontcourt teammate Willy Hernangomez, who will join the team in about a year or so. The way I see it, Grant is not the guy I wanted running the point but still he is a very capable NBA-ready guard. Porzingis has the potential to be a superstar or a “Duke guy”, and when is it ever wrong to have a stash player for later? Of course you didn't see it this way, nor did you hesitate to let the world know. Let's fast forward to free agency. Mr. Smith, you were quoted saying you wanted some combination of Kawhi Leonard, Deandre Jordan, Marc Gasol, and Lamarcus Aldridge. *Blank Stare* 1) Was that actually realistic? 2) For a guy who’s supposed to be tired of the Knicks "stinking up the joint," are you sure you wanted Jackson to throw money at big names? How well has that worked for the Knicks in the past? Kawhi is very good two-way player on the cusp of being great, and has been to the Finals twice in the past three years. What makes you think he was joining the Knicks? Signing DeAndre Jordan for his defensive presence, which the Knicks desperately need, would have been like signing Tyson chandler all over again. Remind me how that worked out. Didn't Roy Hibbert earn a 4-year $58 million dollar contract because of him? Please, man even the Pacers hate the Knicks organization for signing Chandler. Last but certainly not least Why in God’s name did you want a $100 million, 7'1” Spaniard who is praised for such amazing skill and being "tougher" than his older brother, but who doesn't grab at least 10 rebounds per game? Really? Needless to say, Jackson didn't sign either of those guys. He did however sign six players whose skillsets work well within the Knicks system and didn't cost the team future cap issues. After all that, I turn on ESPN First Take or Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio and still hear no optimism. What's the problem, Stephen A. Smith? Why are you so disgusted? For a team that has issues everywhere on the floor, how does getting six to seven players at different positions instead of just one or two a bad thing? You claim to be a New York Knicks fan, but every time you talk about them, it’s from a negative perspective, so much so that people tune in just to see how much further you can display your distaste for the team. You have a powerful voice in the industry, in the NY media market--hell worldwide. How about you use it to back Phil Jackson rather than bury him like everyone else? Hell, if you feel like there's nothing to back, at least show some optimism. He was a part of the last championship the Knicks won. He is an 11-time NBA Champion as a coach. So what if that was then and this is now? Yes, he was a coach back then and is an executive now, but coaches of his caliber had executive power regarding the type of players they wanted. Don’t forget how much of a role the coaches play in the development of those players either. In conclusion, while Phil Jackson might not have made any blockbuster moves, he also hasn't been a complete failure: draft picks, youth, future financial flexibility, and some solid veterans. How about you let the results on the court dictate your feelings rather than your emotions. Have a backbone and don't bend over to the critics or politics. Be more like Skip Bayless. Show some loyalty, and have a glass half full mindset and not a glass half empty approach. Lastly, use your voice to speak life into "YOUR" team for a change. It took your beloved Pat Riley 12 years to build a championship team, so why were you expecting Phil Jackson to do it in one?

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Perspective "Emma Mudiay"

Now that the 2014-15 NBA season is officially over, it's time to jump right into Draft mode. This is Year 2 of "The New Knick Way". Next season starts today and there's a lot of work to be done. This season has already started with an exciting twist. "Time•Focus+Discipline/Sacrifice= Unity,Togetherness,& Success" May 19th, 2015, the New York Knicks won the fourth pick in the NBA Draft. Like most Knicks fans, I was disappointed, just not as much as most Knicks fans. But all year I felt that if the Knicks didn't receive the first overall pick, I would’ve preferred the third pick. All NCAA season, while many people would say Duke center Jahlil Okafor was the best player in college basketball, I always thought Kentucky’s versatile big man Karl-Anthony Towns was better and I’d argue with anybody who told me anything different. These two players had been the consensus number one and number two picks and I didn't want Okafor at all. Getting the third pick would allow New York to take the best point guard in the draft, Emmanuel Mudiay, without a big deal being made about passing on whichever big man was left after the first pick. Over the course of the college basketball season, D’Angelo Russell started to make some noise. I had heard about him but I already had my mind made up about the point guard I wanted rockin’ the Knicks blue and orange next season. I shrugged off the notion that Russell could be a top guard in the draft. That was until a friend of mine sent me a text saying, "Turn on ESPN. Your boy Phil Jackson is at the game checking out Russell." Of course I immediately tuned in and sure enough Russell had gotten Phil Jackson’s attention. He was so much on his radar that Jackson attended an Ohio State game and eventually made a comment that later led him to being fined from the NBA. From that day forward, I made sure to keep an eye on Russell and though I hate to admit it, with Mudiay's injury causing him to miss most of his season overseas, resulting in less film, I slowly begin to think Russell might be the safer pick. His ball handling and jump shot are both strong enough, he showed elite level passing potential and a passion for the game that could thrive in NY. My instincts told me to hold out declaring he was the better of the two; Changing my mind never really works out for me. Anyway the 2015 NCAA Tournament came around and this is the time the superstars show their faces and their light bulbs begin to glow. I've never spoken to an NBA GM about how they know they’ve seen a superstar but for me, they pop off the screen. Their presence is felt, especially as they get more comfortable on the floor. Unfortunately for Russell, he had a horrible big dance and I didn't see anything from him that made me jump out off my seat. Don't get me wrong, he’s a hell of a talent. He’s easily a TOP 5 player in this year’s draft, but not the man I want for this Knicks team. Immediately Mudiay was back in the driver’s seat as to whom I thought could help this team. The Playoffs in China passed. The Guangdong Southern Tigers had found a loophole that allowed Mudiay to play, cold turkey. His averages over two games were 19.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 6 apg. One word: "SOLD". From that point forward, I didn't care whether the Knicks won or lost. Either way, they would be able to get the best player in the draft at the power forward or point guard spot. I'm a big point guard kind of guy. My favorite players are guys like “The Big O” Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Ron Harper, “The Glove: Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, and my all time favorite, Butch McRae! That's right Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. There's nothing I love more in this world than a point guard who can rebound, push the tempo, and assist with a low turnover average. Passing out of the post or posting up smaller guards, the occasional stop and pops at the free throw line, it really doesn’t get much better than that. Most tall guards have long arms which help on the defensive end, resulting in more steals and blocks. Mudiay fits the the modern big point guard mold. Sure, he does have some flaws and skills he must improve, like free throws, stronger handle (there’s no reason he shouldn't become an elite ball handler), consistency on his jump shot, better on ball defense (there’s no reason he shouldn't become an all NBA defender) and development of a left hand floater. Other than that, big point guards equal possible triple doubles every night, and if the player is ELITE, he does it efficiently too. Fast forward to Draft Lottery night, I was getting ready to clock out at work and the first thing I heard was, "Aye, Courtney, Knicks number #4." Immediately, the irritation set in. I was totally disgusted. Number 4? What the hell, basketball gods? What’s the problem, did the fans not appreciate you enough? Have we not suffered enough? Ok, I know you’re thinking I’m being slightly dramatic and I must admit, for about the first hour after the lottery that’s how I was: DRAMATIC. But why was I dramatic? I don’t know. If they didn't get the first pick, I was hoping for them to get the third pick, as you may recall. So the fourth pick realistically wasn't that bad and most media pundits projected the Sixers taking Russell anyway, so Mudiay was still in play. I always remembered I had sent Phil Jackson a tweet earlier in the season (2•17•15 to be exact) about the two obvious Draft Night choices. I wanted to favorite it, retweet it and post it on the rest of social media. What I didn't realize was with that tweet, I sent a picture from an ESPN Mock Draft Machine which had Emmanuel Mudiay going number four to the New York Knicks. Immediately I apologized to the basketball gods for doubting them and started posting the screenshot of the tweet as many places as possible I need this to be documented. In conclusion When it comes to drafting, I'm a firm believer that where a player goes is more about the personnel within the organization that picks him. Most of the media sees Emmanuel Mudiay as a bad fit for the Zen Master’s triangle because the lead guard is usually a shooter and, as previously stated, Mudiay doesn't do that very well. After the last couple of years the Knicks have had with shooters, that should be music to their ears! A guy who can't shoot but rebounds, passes, and attacks the rim well. To me, that sounds like more free throw attempts, a quicker pace in the open floor, not to mention the fact that the triangle puts players in positions that will allow them to be the most efficient. Mudiay’s shot will develop. I mentioned his name previously, but if after all this talking you don't see it yourself, I’ll elaborate: Player Comparison: Ron Harper 2.0

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Prespective:"Actions speak louder then post"

It’s the day after the Eastern Conference Finals and LeBron James is leading the Cleveland Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals, like he did in 2007. J.R. Smith is going the furthest into the postseason he has ever been so far in his NBA career and he’s been playing pretty damn well. You know what’s on J.R. Smith’s mind though? Taking a shot at Phil Jackson. *Awkward Pause* Dude, why? The last thing you should be thinking about is your time in New York, But let’s say the Knicks organization is on your mind; Why not show appreciation? Since you’ve been in Cleveland, you’ve been taking shots at the Knicks and Phil Jackson, and every time I hear about it, I can’t seem to figure out why so much anger? Let me start by saying I’ve been a fan of yours since your senior year of high school,but I’m also a Tar Heels fan so naturally you understand I hold some slight animosity towards you for deciding to go pro instead of at least one year at UNC. I’ve always thought that one year (which happened to be a championship year) would’ve given you a better basketball IQ. It would’ve shown you what sacrifice and doing the little things mean to winning a championship, how to be personally accountable as a player, as well as in your everyday life. In my humble opinion, I think when it comes to talent you’re a top 5 shooting guard, but when we’re about talking basketball IQ, I think you’re in the bottom 50 of all shooting guards. How is it someone who takes a high volume of shots has never averaged more than 20 points per game? That’s terrible; you’ve been in the league 11 years. The best I’ve seen you accomplish was the Sixth Man of the Year award. It was the most complete you’ve ever looked and towards the end of the season, it looked like you had finally figured out that you’re good enough to rebound and assist. You also decided to attack the basket and use your athleticism to get layups, dunks and occasional floaters. Then that low IQ thing reared its ugly head again and for some odd reason while beating Boston handedly on your way to a three to nothing commanding playoff series lead, you threw an elbow which led to a suspension. Needless to say, we know how that story ended, so no need to divulge. Let’s skip through the terrible season after that, let’s stop at the end of last season. New management comes in, and it just so happens that person, Phil Jackson, is an 11-time champion (13 if you include his time as a player) safe to say he knows a winner when he sees one. After a long summer, you came into the season with a head coach who has won five rings with him, along with assistant coaches who have also won championships with him (Safe to say they know winners as well) . That being said, while knowing that management is still evaluating the roster and looking to shed salary, one would think you would do everything in your power to show that the misconceptions about you being a low IQ, gun slinging, hot headed, streaky shooter aren’t true. Is that what happened? Of course not! I wouldn’t be writing this if it had. Predictably, management traded you, but not just anywhere. Oh no, he sends you to the team the features the Best Player in the World, along with a couple All Stars and a nice cast of youngsters. In a city that isn’t much of a party town, somewhere where there isn’t much distraction, a place where, in your own words, there isn’t much to do but play video games and play basketball. Perfect, wouldn’t you say? From the worst team in the league to a potential NBA Championship team! What’s there to be mad at?

After being traded, during an interview speaking about your prior teams system you were quoted saying “It’s almost too much thinking.” Blank face emoji (-__-). How Sway? How? Hell, forget it, let’s just be real. Anybody with common sense knows the last thing you ever want to tell any boss, especially your new boss, is the job your prior employer was asking you to do required you to do too much thinking! Who says that? Really J.R.?

BREAKING NEWS: Mr. Shoeless bandit telling your boss something like that is a quick way to get fired or in your case traded again.

You then posted an Instagram picture of you and Iman Shumpert with the caption reading, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” a few weeks later. Mind you, the man whose “trash” you were put you in a better situation, a place where you wouldn’t be able to think too much, one that allows you to be exactly who you want to be with an opportunity again to change the narrative on your career. Sounds like a favor to me, but to you it’s an insult and no one can tell you how to feel! Fine, If that’s what it takes for you to be a professional and play good basketball, so be it. For the most part, you performed great, played your role, the ultimate gunslinger. Some may have been fooled into thinking it would continue, but I knew better. I’ve seen this movie plenty of times before and, at some point, you would show the world ain’t nothing changed and that low IQ would rear its ugly head once more. Only this time, it came in a smoke and mirrors kind of way, foreshadowing what would later be an issue. An 8-17 shooting display , I told every J.R. Smith fan I knew especially Cleveland fans that they would regret cheering this performance. Telling J.R. Smith it was ok to shoot 17 three pointers without attempting a two point shot is the worst decision you could ever make. It’s like an addict’s first high. They will forever chase it. I must admit it was hilarious, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt. You’re playing with LeBron James, so I would think he knows how to limit that. The Playoffs came and you’re playing well, but you’re up against whom? Boston. Once again, your team was handedly winning the series. There was a little bit of bickering in the media, but it didn’t matter because the series was a sweep. But, guess what you did? You threw an elbow for some odd reason and, ding ding, you got suspended. Sound familiar? Anyway, you’re just a role player. Your team doesn’t need you every day. They can get it done without you and when they did, you came back to a tied series. You played well, knocking down big shots to knock off Chicago and against Atlanta, you had a Game 1 of a lifetime. You’re on your way to the Finals, baby! In the middle of celebrating and studying film for the Finals, you send out your favorite Instagram post: "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Why? Why are you still thinking about your past and why are you thinking about the regular season when you still have to complete the goal at hand. Changing the narrative, you’re a veteran on a pretty young team, missing a few players due to injury. This is your moment to get yourself a ring. Show them that, when focused, you’re a top 5 shooting guard in the NBA. At the end of Game 1, Kyrie Irving went down. The time is of the essence because bodies are dropping. Because of the injuries your team has sustained, there isn’t much to work with and guess who has an opportunity to be the number two guy in the Finals alongside the best player in the world? J.R. SWISH, as you like to be called, right? You know what I’m going to say right? That low IQ issue reared its ugly head again as you committed silly fouls late in games, took bad shots, not attacking the basket, resulting in low field goal percentages. Now remember I said old Cleveland fans would regret those 17 threes. Well, you came out and went 0-8 from 3 point range. Bad, right? It gets worse. LeBron pumps you up and the organization shows their love for you. Nobody thinks you’re incapable of getting any worse and this was a huge Game 5, potentially series defining. You came out and shot 5-15 from the field and 4-14 from three. Hilarious. Do you not like layups? Do floaters cause you to “think too much?” What’s the problem?

The bottom line is, the time is here and now your moment has arrived to put up or shut up. You thought you viewed as trash? Do something about it! Play smart basketball! Try “thinking a lot” in Game 6, in your house, while the whole world watches. That will speak more volumes to Phil Jackson, not an Instagram post.

- Courtney Chappelle

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Check The Date, Check The Pick ,Check The Message, Check Who I Sent It To This Isn't A Coincidence That For The Second Time In The Last Two Years The Month Of February I Have Predicted What The Next Step In The Process Should Be. I Truly Believe I Was Put On This Earth To Be A GM,Put Teams Together.

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Perspective : Uncrown King

I normally post about the New York Knicks and it’s no secret I bleed blue and orange. Usually my articles offer suggestions and ideas regarding ways I think the Knicks could improve their organization. But I’m switching it up. This one’s about our neighbors rockin’ the black and white, I’m talking about the Knights or Nets, depending on who you’re talking to and how they like to refer to them. I just call them the “little brothers”. Anyone who knows me knows I’m no fan of any little brother team in NYC. It’s in my blood. That said, I gave the Nets a fair chance to change my opinion on that. Everything about them was fresh: their new arena, cap room and draft picks, an owner willing spend, and Jay Z representing them, not only as a minority owner of the team, but also as an ambassador to their brand. Jay Z is Brooklyn, The Nets had arrived and were ready to make a statement. And while I didn’t agree with the decision, they made a gutsy marketing move posting a Nets billboard outside Madison Square Garden. It was a sign that serious competition was on the way.

It honestly scared the hell out of me because I thought they had a real chance to make the Knicks afterthoughts and present a better free agency option for Melo, who wanted to be in his hometown New York. But I was willing to bet my bottom dollar on one thing, though: With Billy King running the show, the Nets would drive themselves right off the Brooklyn Bridge a la Eminem’s fictional Stan character.

I mean no disrespect, but what the hell were Mikhail Prokhorov and company thinking with that hire? Billy King May be an amazing person, do some amazing charitable things, shake hands and kiss babies on his days off, but there are a couple things I damn well know he doesn’t do right and those are evaluating and discovering talent. I personally believe Billy King is half of the reason for the career deflation of Allen Iverson, arguably the NBA’s greatest “little guy”. King was around for nine out of Iverson’s 10 seasons in Philly, during which the Sixers had multiple playoff appearances but only reached the NBA Finals one time. Understandably, King was fairly new to the GM world upon joining the Sixers organization and he made questionable moves early, such as drafting Larry Hughes ahead of Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce. But after about four to five years on the job, it’s not unreasonable to expect some type of turnaround from the team, especially being centered around Iverson. Instead, Iverson practically had to carry the franchise on his back to its lone NBA finals appearance during his tenure and the Sixers were easily dismantled by an extremely talented Lakers team after mustering a surprising Game 1 victory. Now If you think anything like me after hearing they made a finals run your first question is, what did Billy King do to ensure that the team not only returned to the finals, but won it as well. Right? Welp the answer to that Is not a damn thing! The proof is in the history books; Look at the following two seasons. There were minimal roster changes via trade or free agency, and repeated draft blunders like drafting Samuel Dalembert in 2001 over Jamaal Tinsley, Tony Parker, or Gilbert Arenas or using the 16th pick in 2002 to draft and then trade Jiri Welsch over Tayshaun Prince, Luis Scola, and Matt Barnes. Jesus Christ, man, I was only in junior high school at the time and I knew you weren’t really good at this talent evaluating thing. Of course, it’s a different game today, but even back then, you’d have to surround a star with capable talent if you wanted to contend. So there’s no excuse for not finding a way to get AI another guy, or guys, to run with. Let’s now fast forward to King’s tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. First things first, I don’t know who decided he was the best option for this job, but whoever it was needs to be mentally evaluated. To play devil’s advocate, let’s just say everyone deserves a second chance; Things happen, you miss on a trade or a pick here and there, and things can spiral out of control. I can live with that as an owner. What I can’t live with is trading away all your young talent and draft picks within three seasons on the job, and loading the team up with bad contracts, has beens, and constantly cycling through a coaching carousel. Wow, that sounds a lot like the Knicks, and for what? Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce (Horrible Trade both no longer on the team),Gerald Wallace (No longer on the team), Deron Williams and Brook Lopez? Making the playoffs isn’t enough. The Knicks have given the city more than enough of those moments. The Nets, to survive in New York, have to be about winning, being champions, and they won’t do that with Billy King at the helm. Everything has changed for the Nets: coaching, players, parts of ownership. But guess what hasn’t? Oh, what was that? I couldn’t hear you, speak a little louder. Oh yeah, the General Manager — the guy responsible for putting together the team you see on the floor every night. The same guy who failed to put a above average team around one of the greatest players ever. Before the Nets can make any kind of positive impact, Billy King gotsta go!!

Billy King is not my GM, he’s just a guy that thinks that he is the one … But the Nets just haven’t won. (As Billy Jean plays in the background)

Courtney Chappelle

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Perspective:Different Animal,Same Beast"

Dear Kobe,

I’m no Laker fan, and have never been the biggest fan of yours. But I’ve always had respect and an understanding of who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and how hard you’ve worked to become the man you are today. So for me to hear that one of the greatest of all time is jealous about a rival of his— the San Antonio Spurs—just bothers me, and to be honest, it made me think either Kobe has given up on his quest for rings or he’s losing so much he’s become delusional and has started his retirement speech early. Well, thank God I continued to listen to the rest of the interview because you then said that your jealousy stems from their continuity over the years and that you wanted another shot at them in the playoffs. You mentioned that you wished you were able to keep your winning core of Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol together longer. Immediately, I started thinking about how you could get what you want without hurting your legacy, while adding to your brand and possibly delaying your impending retirement. Then, “Ding Ding”, a scene from one of your Kobe System commercials popped in my head: “Are you a different animal and the same beast?”

First things first, getting another ring or even a shot at the Spurs will not happen in the Western Conference, especially not with the current Los Angeles Lakers roster. Hell, even a playoff berth seems farfetched at the moment. Your best option is in the Eastern Conference. No need to delay the obvious, the Empire City is the only place, but for more than just one reason. New York presents you with two of the people that were on your wish list to remain together, even if it’s not the same dynamic as before. I’m talking about Coach Derek Fisher and President Phil Jackson. It’s a perfect situation for Kobe Bean. Need more convincing? That’s understandable. Keep reading. The system they’re implementing is already a part of your DNA, so you know what it’s capable of accomplishing when properly executed. NY gives you the privilege of playing with another top tier, elite talent in Carmelo Anthony. He’s someone for you to pass some wisdom to, and the rock while you’re at it. You’ll be able to alleviate some of that pressure you’ve been carrying on your shoulders in LA these past few years, thus extending your career another year or two before giving us all that inevitable retirement speech. Build on your legacy. Enhance your brand.

Realistically, the Knicks aren’t exactly automatic contenders. At this very moment, they actually look like they’ll be fighting your Lakers for the first pick in next year’s draft. But something tells me your competitive spirit wouldn’t want things any other way though. NY is desperate for a 20 point scorer who can sustain or fight for a lead while Melo is resting or having an off night; Everyone has them, as I’m sure you’ve experienced. Additionally, I personally believe you’d be an invaluable mentor to their young shooting guards Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway, Jr. who are just beginning to shape their careers.

The biggest part of this entire equation is you. Are you willing to sacrifice all that’s needed to further your legacy? It would require you to waive your No Trade clause, restructure your current contract to something much more salary cap friendly, and playing Robin to Melo’s Batman. Doing those 3 things will not only put you in a position to further your own stats, but also your brand. The sacrifice will change the narrative from one of a selfish, self centered player to one about an unselfish teammate, who gave up being the main event in order to help a young inexperienced team vault to elite status. It’ll reinvigorate your Kobe System brand, which means more dope sneakers, more commercials, and of course—“Ding”—more money! Take that, take that! (Diddy Voice). Ok, back to being serious. The writing is on the wall. It’s your choice to read it or erase it. Your moment to shake up the league and thrust yourself right back into the heat of competition is right there.

The only thing left to do is ask: “Are you a different animal and the same beast?”

[wautamitchcashmenuniverse]

Phresh Perspective: "Bout Damn Time Melo"

Time•Focus+Discipline/Sacrifice= Unity,Togetherness,& Success

1:07 PM “DaDaDaDa” (Looks Down At My Phone) Phone Reads: “Carmelo Anthony Announces He Will Resign With The New York Knicks” My initial reaction? (Pumps Fist) “Bout Damn Time Melo!!!” I instantly felt better about being at work on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, on which I’d been running on four hours of sleep over the course of two days. Productive energy? Nah! Since April I’ve debated with peers, coworkers, and family about Melo staying in New York, with my usual response being: Hell Yea! Where else is he gonna go? Each argument left me thinking: Y’all must not have read my prior article “The New Knick Way�� or you missed the part where I predicted all of this going down this July. Well, July has come and gone, the Melo announcement was made, and it is now my turn to explain the motivation behind this vision. New York City is Carmelo’s home. It was his Syracuse team that brought the last major basketball championship to it. Madison Square Garden is his stage. He’s scored the most points on that famed court. Nowhere else in the NBA could he say that. The Bulls belong to Derrick Rose, the Lakers belong to Kobe, the Rockets belong to … well James Harden and Dwight Howard play Rock, Paper, Scissors for that claim on a week to week basis. I also believe that there are three basketball minds you never walk away from: Pat Riley (erm, LeBron), Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson. That’s the Mount Rushmore of the coaching world, NBA royalty. These three people have drive, the passion to teach, win, and have unmatched success. With Phil in house, Melo would have a successful mentor around at all times, one who has won before and knows how to get the the best out of a player with his capabilities. Phil, and now Coach Derek Fisher will develop Melo into a more well rounded player as well as a better leader. The type of floor leader he needs to be is one that’s not only trusting of the offensive system but reliable and accountable on the defensive end of the floor as well. In addition, the rest of the team must be held accountable too. Everyone will have to work in unison, moving the ball, running the floor, knocking down the open shot, or taking the charge. To conclude, Year 1 of the Phil/Fish/Melo era will show that this regime has a chance to be something special. The changes to the front office added structure and championship pedigree to the organization. Jackson bringing in Derek Fisher as head coach, (something I never thought about as you can tell from my last article), brings in someone familiar with a disciplined, winning mindset, one familiar with the ways of Phil. Fisher, being Kobe Bryant’s and Shaq’s teammate for a number of championship seasons, knows how to handle being around a superstar and will put in the same amount of effort as he expects out of his players every night. Phil has also added some nice pieces so far, a good amount of experience, youth and talent that will mesh well with the remaining core that’s on the team. The type of development that was explained prior should help to create more synergy, which in turn should create more winning opportunities and a smoother Year 1 for first time head coach Derek Fisher.

My Predictions: Knicks: No Lower Then The 4th Seed (In the East) Atlantic Division Champions Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 Carmelo Anthony: All Star MVP League MVP First Team All NBA 31 ppg , 10 rpg, 6 apg

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" Phresh Perspective: "The New Knick Way"

Structure, Stability, Professionalism, Consistency   Spike Lee’s favorite New York Knicks are on the express train to nowhere. They need as much help as they can get and they need it soon. Quick fixing is not the long term solution, though there are some immediate changes that can be promising.   In order for the Knicks to be successful, changes must be implemented in the business operations of the team. I would consult with Phil Jackson and try to successfully convince him to come on board in some capacity, preferably President of basketball operations, and offer him a piece of ownership, which his basketball pedigree has earned him. Of course, getting Jackson to come out of career hibernation would require the right persuasion and his role would have a high price set on it. His name alone carries enough weight to garner negotiating power, but if not, he needs only to showcase his 11 rings as a reminder of just how well he understands the game of basketball. Such an opportunity would offer Jackson the chance to make himself even more of a legend then he already is. Should Jackson accept the position, I’d get him and General Manager Steve Mills on the same page. Both are invaluable to the success of the franchise. Jackson is a personnel guru and Mills has the ability to move players as if they’re pieces on an even grander chessboard.   The next most important position is the head coach. Woodson should remain in place, because he is an underrated coach that just a year ago, had the Knicks looking like one of the top teams in the league. With Jackson at the helm of the organization, Woodson has a reliable and proven leader with whom to consult different issues with.     Like those Jordan Bulls that won six rings, Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers over the years, the Knicks will need to have a nucleus of a top tier star in Anthony, a secondary and possibly third star level player, substantial size and depth. Jordan had Scottie Pippen, and later, Dennis Rodman. Shaq had Kobe, Rick Fox, Fisher and Robert Horry. Kobe has Pau Gasol. There’s a recurring trend. Every Batman needs a Robin, and even a Flash or Green Lantern once in a while. The Knicks are no different.   After speculation, I believe Anthony will stay in New York and solidify his legacy as a Knick. He knew it’d be no walk in the park to bring a championship to the Garden, and Knick Melo has a more ravenous hunger about him than Nugget Melo as he’s shown the desire to win in New York. More importantly, he’s beginning to display a refusal to lose, which often times, can be more valuable than just a mere desire to win. Jackson has proven time and time again with both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant that he knows how to elevate a superstar to the highest possible championship level, again eleven rings prove that. Bringing in a pure basketball mind like Jackson’s could be just what Anthony needs to get over the proverbial hump.   Now most will say that might work but you still need players,well STATS deal will be in the last year as well as Tyson so i say work with what you have and continue to develop the youth on the team. Now if changes need to be made here are a few ideas. In order to add depth and beef up the frontcourt, essentially killing two birds with one stone, a solid player to try and acquire would be John Henson. He is still young, and raw, but is an energetic motor that rebounds like a machine. He’ll have time to develop his offensive game in the post, while adding a mid range jumper to his arsenal and helping out Tyson Chandler on the defensive end. They also should look into Ivan Johnson a strong physical player that does the dirty work and plays tuff defense having him around Met ta World Peace and learning some defensive tricks would be great for the team.   Also, J.R. Smith has to go. He’s outlived his New York shelf life is inefficient shooting at very high volumes, with very low percentages. There’s no denying his talent or athletic ability, but a lot of damage has already been done, he’s proven to be a team cancer when he’s up to his antics, he’s proven himself immature with his “Shoelace Bandit” saga and his never ending Twitter mishaps. It hurts to say this but J.R. Smith himself is the epitome of what has held down the Knicks for all these years, all wrapped up into a single player. Highly paid with potential to be top 5 but makes rushed bone head decisions at the wrong time. Smith can be a very valuable trade asset to a young developing team that needs an extra gun, packaging him with floundering Beno Udrih for anything at this point, would result in the process of addition by subtraction. Tim Hardaway, Jr. can more than fill his shoes as sixth man, while Iman Shumpert will continue his starting role, probably with more minutes.   -Courtney Chappelle