THROWING KNIVES: MAKE IT THE SOFT 10

by BD, Staff Writer

Sitting at a sparkling 4-9 on the young season the New York Knicks traveled to Boston last night for a match-up with arguably the East's best team. They left Boston with the third-worst loss in franchise history 104-59. A coach who's seat was already approaching surface-of-the-sun like-heat got even hotter and put a two-game win streak in the rear view mirror. It was a game in which the Knicks often looked like a high school team as the Celtics imposed their will one possession after another, even long after the big three had taken up permanent residence on the bench. It was a truly unbelievable execution of ineptitude on the part of the Knicks. One that has me wondering just what in the hell Knicks have to do to right the ship...

Step One: Fire Isiah
This simply has to be done, he's made one wrong move after another from a personnel standpoint and he's not a good enough coach to overcome that. I'm not even sure he's a good coach. Let's call him average. He can't really complain about that. From a GM standpoint I obviously have no idea where to go. The team has so many bad contracts with mediocre players it's amazing. On top of that I can't help but wonder how it is Isiah managed to put together such a group of egomaniacs. As far as coaches go, it depends on what they can do with the roster, but all signs should point to a young coach, as enough money has been wasted.

Step Two: Trade Marbury
I was a huge Marbury fan during his early years in Minnesota. Back when he was willing to play second fiddle -- although sparingly -- to Kevin Garnett. Since begging for a trade to be closer to home Marbury has consistently been a me-first point guard who's contributions make it tough to justify his bank account. With another year after this one left on his deal he'll be incredibly tough to move, especially with his attitude and other problems. But, as I said, all of his former teams have gotten better after he left. So even if they can't give him away, they might as well just cut him loose.

Step Three: Play The Youngsters
This would start with David Lee. While I know Curry and Randolph are both young as well, they're virtually the same player. So, despite all that they gave up for him, Curry needs to head for the bench. Then toss Wilson Chandler and Renaldo Balkman out there with Mardy Collins and see what happens. It sure as hell can't get a lot worse.

Reality? Isiah probably lasts until midseason at the least, but unless they manage some kind of amazing turnaround and make the playoffs he'll be gone at the end of the season.

Marbury will stay in town unless Isiah can get somewhere near full value for him. Something that simply will not happen. Isiah will keep on playing Steph too. So those of you hoping that he would be hitting the bench more and more, I'm afraid that's wishful thinking on your part.

As far as the youngsters go? They'll get plenty of time while the Knicks are getting blown out. But they won't get a lot of time against the top-tier NBA talent.

All in all, things are only going to get worse in NYC before they better and it all starts with Isiah and Steph.

Yesterday In Sports....

A Great One In Manhattan
Oregon outlasted K-State 80-77 in OT.

Back On Track?
USC knocks off Oklahoma 66-55.

Ummm....
The Lakers come back from double digits to blow out Denver 127-99.

As Expected...
The Cowboys knock off the Packers 37-27, but the big story may be Aaron Rogers' emergence after Favre's injury.

Weekend Expectations
Oklahoma ruins our lives by knocking off Mizzou again.
Va. Tech makes up for those last few minutes in their rematch with BC.
New England covers the 20 in Baltimore.
Miami gets their first win at home against the Jets.
UCLA knocks off Texas with defense.