The House That Donnie Built

The New York Knickerbockers

Courtesy: @NervousNeophyte

I would like to personally dedicate this New York Knicks blog to the former General Manager and President Joseph Donald Walsh Jr.,(aka Donnie Walsh), for doing everything a recent Knicks fan has ever asked for.

When I sit down and actually think about what that man has done for the Knicks in the past two years, I find it hard not to smile.

I’ll never forget the days when the Knicks and the MSG network would try to sell us the games of Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury and my favorite one of them all, Eddy Curry. The 2011-2012 New York Knicks are possible championship contenders with an all star front court filled with a great amount of respect that is given by us so-called die-hard New York Knick fans.

I’d be lying to you if I said I never thought about giving up on the Knicks in the past few years.

Staying home for a Friday night Knicks vs. Timberwolves match up and seeing them get blown out while the Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love drops 30 points and 30 rebounds isn’t necessarily what I would call a productive Friday night for Knicks fans.

I can now say that the NYK community can finally enjoy some productive and winning basketball. I hope I don’t jinx it but knowing the Knicks of late they’ll find a way to break the hearts of thousands once again. Check the 2010 Knicks playoff exit if you don’t believe me.

What amazed me the most about Donnie Walsh, is the way he negotiated multiple trades, not in favor of the basketball talent on the court, but in favor of their payroll. Mr. Walsh came in with one goal and one goal only, and that was to completely dump every huge salary issue the Knicks had on their financial books. Its funny how former coach, GM and President Isaiah Thomas found a way to make such a mess on and off the court; even though he was one of the games best guards to ever play the game.

Mr. Thomas would spend money like I do after a twelve pack and a few tequila shots and believe me that’s not a good thing.

Thomas deserves 75 percent of the blame for the Knicks abominable free agent signings and pathetic performances.

But year after year, New York Knicks and New York Rangers owner, James Dolan never tried to put a stop to the madness. He just continued to sign the checks and live in hiding.

Dolan would refuse to address the media every year.

I’m convinced he has no idea about hockey or basketball and doesn’t want to come off like an idiot in front of his hard paying fans if caught in a tough question during a press conference. Dolan showed his face when newly acquired superstar power forward Amar’e Stoudemire signed his new five year $100 million dollar contract.

When things are all going right in the MSG world, Dolan doesn’t hesitate to show his smile. During the dark days, he was just the wealthy ghost of 33^rd and 7^th Avenue.

Now the Knicks have a “Big Three” that consists of  Brooklyn’s own Carmelo Anthony , power forward Amar’e Stoudemire and seven-footer Tyson Chandler.

The roster the Knicks have put together this year could arguably be one of the most talented opening day rosters in franchise history. With Carmelo’s ability to score at will and Amar’e Stoudemire’s leadership, the Knicks should be in tip-top shape to make a serious run at the NBA title. Its hard to believe how far the Knicks have come in the past three years.

The Knicks are plugging in veteran role players such as Mike Bibby and Baron Davis to give quality minutes  and guide the way to the young talents of Iman Shumpert , Landry Fields and Tony “Teach Me How To” Douglas.

The garden will be rocking every time the boys in orange and blue are in town.

This New York City fan base is ready to join them at the Canyon of Heroes during their championship parade.

P.S. What ever happened to David Lee?