Section 423: West Coast Smoke Out

(Note: A piece from A.F.O.M.G. will appear later this afternoon.)

Last week witnessed three of the great finishes in NYK history, which culminated in what people are calling "The Jumper", by none other than the re-juvenated Channing Frye (still in a sophomore slump, not because he is any worse from last year, he just isn't any better).

Besides the special soul food feast at Spago hosted by Malik Rose, there hasn't been much to discuss on a positive note so far on the left coast swing.

Lots of old friends, (Frye had 45 friends and family come to the Phoenix debauchery). Lots of blunt smoke. (Crawford wasn't at the team Spaggo dinner because he went on a team weed run). And basically a loss of focus. A loss of toughness in the fine west coast sunshine.

We kind of felt this was coming. The goal was 2 out of 5. Still got two to go. (Seattle and Portland are now MUST wins, how desperate is that?). How did we end up here? The Knicks have simply not shown up for one of these games.

This is where concern sets in. They lose the lead in the first 5 minutes of the game... every... single... night now. It has almost become part of the game plan and rotation. I can see Isiah saying to himself, "OK, we're going to be down 13 with 4:40 left in the 1st quarter, I'll put in Malik to stabilize things and slow the game down".

Problem is, Rose drank two pints of kool aid and three plates of chicken and beans at Spago in Beverly Hills with everyone else on the team, except Crawford and Marbury who showed up for desert. How cute. True story.

Marbury was probably at a Steve & Barry's in Irvine signing kicks. Everyone at dinner rocked suits but Herb Williams, who one player remarked, "Stays rocking the Knicks gear".

Only on this team of under skilled, out classed, out worked wide eyeds, is someone considered an oddball for having pride in their team. The team that plays them millions of dollars, for the city that yearns for brighter days.

David Lee needs to play more. Bottom line. He has the second most offensive rebounds in the league.

Yes, Jeffries is a defensive "specialist", but what's so special about letting Baby Ron Ron Artest, ball out for a career high? Or allowing Shawn Marion to dunk from every angle and ex-Knick and an all time favorite, KT, 40 ounce Kurt Thomas, go for double digits in the first?

Who is he guarding and shutting down? He did against Teyshaun Prince, and they had success as a result. So is that to say that if Brace/Band-Aid Face Jeffries doesn't stop somebody cold, they lose? And lose bad?

After crossing the 20 loss column to start off the new year, it's safe to say the Knicks are looking at 30 wins as a goal to shoot for. Modest as it is, somehow this will keep me warm all winter long. The race to 30 will also be a test to see who stays, and who should go.

Curry stays. He is a beast, but needs to lose the laziness. He doesn't have a fire in his eyes, or a chip on his shoulder. Money and tats have that affect.

Marbury stays. He has bounced back after a rocky start and is in NYC legend form. Yeah he has had a terrible West Coast Smoke trip, but overall the last month or so we have seen him continue to take it to the basket, time and time again. He continues to hit the big free throws, and is a solid playmaker. He stays.

Francis goes. Or has he gone already? He was back in Texas for New Year's with the Mobley's,

So lot's to look for in these next two games. Hopefully a storm is brewing in the bellies of our boys. With this cast of characters, and Coach Popcorn, who knows?

- Chris & Mase

(Images appear courtesy of webmikey.com, static.flickr.com, and sportsnet.ca)