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Isiah finishes first season at FIU 7-25

March 11, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

SAN ANTONIO – On a night the Knicks officially secured their ninth straight losing season, a franchise record, in losing to the Spurs, it is appropriate to reflect on Isiah Thomas.
	 
The losing has not stopped for Thomas since he left the Knicks for FIU. Thomas finished up his first season at the Miami school Saturday night at 7-25, losing in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament to Denver University.
	 
All season Thomas pointed toward the conference tournament to motivate his players, telling them to look ahead to "four wins in March'' to secure an NCAA berth. No Cinderella here.
	 
When I was in the Miami area Monday, I was told Thomas was on the road recruiting and would not be able to meet. Thomas reportedly has already signed the No. 17 incoming freshman class in the nation.
	 
FIU attracted 1,163 fans per game in a 5,000-seat arena – up from the 487 last season but not exactly becoming the scourge of South Florida.
	 
“I thought my team played really hard,” Thomas said after their first-round loss. “They fought. They were very scrappy and they were true to form in terms of how we would be this year. We said we would be undersized and undermanned. I’m proud of the foundation this team has laid. They did a good job in establishing the type of identity we want to play with in the future.”
	 
To his credit, Thomas benched his leading scorer in the game because he violated team rules. But the "foundation'' quote sounds awfully too familiar.

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Knicks' Walsh will watch to see if Curry fits in

March 10, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

SAN ANTONIO -- Donnie Walsh has made this five-game trip to monitor the latest comeback of Eddy Curry, who makes another return tonight in Alamo City. That's how serious the Knicks are about Curry... Read on

SAN ANTONIO -- Donnie Walsh has made this five-game trip to monitor the latest comeback of Eddy Curry, who makes another return tonight in Alamo City.
	 
That's how serious the Knicks are about Curry and seeing if he will be a part of next season.
	 
There are a lot of empty roster spots to fill next season and Curry is actually one player who has a contract for next season. If they can avoid it, they'd love for him to succeed and not have to buy him out. (Curry's agent is Leon Rose, who also represents LeBron James).
	 
"I want to see him come back and play,'' Walsh said at the morning shootaround at AT&T Center. "It gives us a chance to put him in the mix. I'll see how he does, see how we do with a post guy like that. I'm here to evaluate the players.''
	 
Mike D'Antoni has told Curry he's in for the long haul – or the final 19 games at least. D'Antoni pulled the plug on Curry's last comeback after three games and he went on to have knee surgery that could have been delayed until the summer. The Knicks looked confused with Curry on the low post and committed a slew of turnovers trying to get the ball inside. D'Antoni had no patience.
	 
"I haven't had Eddy for any length of time,'' D'Antoni said. "This will be a good stretch. We can play him as much as we want to because it's not in the heat of trying to get in the playoffs.''
	 
Curry won't go as far as saying he'll be around next season – there's still a lot of bad blood between him and D'Antoni. But at least he knows now there could be a chance.
	 
"I'm not looking that far,'' Curry said. "We'll see what happens.''
	 
Curry said he hasn't gained any weight since his MLK Day surgery. "I didn't fluctuate at all, that was one of the goals, to stay down,'' Curry said.
	 
Curry admitted how hard it was to lose all the weight – more than 50 pounds from last season – then have the plug pulled in December.
	 
"It was hard for me,'' Curry said. "I looked at it – selfishly - as how are they going to get used to playing with me if I don't play with them. Just to take (me) out of the equation, it was tough to deal with. But he's the coach.''
	 
D'Antoni acknowledged he and Curry aren't exactly pals.
	 
"Guys, you know, coaches, it's mostly great (relationship) if you're playing really well,'' D'Antoni said. "It's amazing how that relationship goes good. Not playing as good, it gets a little icier. I really hope it works out.''
	 
There was also speculation Walsh also could be here evaluating the Knicks coaching staff. Walsh said he's evaluating just the players, many of whom were obtained Feb. 18th in the trades. Walsh is not going to do what Suns GM Steve Kerr wanted to do – suggest D'Antoni hire a defensive coordinator.
	 
D'Antoni said he's not making any staff changes next season. "No thoughts whatsoever,'' D'Antoni said. "I'm really satisfied. I'm not throwing anyone under the bus. That's not going to happen.''
	 
--
	 
Happy 80th birthday to two original Knicks fans, Paul Berman and Ira Singer. Berman and Singer had just turned 40 when the Knicks won their first championship, in 1970. They both now reside in Florida. Their respective sons - this blogger and MSG Network's longtime producer Howie Singer, just returned from Florida for the celebrations.

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McGrady not sure if he will play tomorrow night

March 07, 2010 , ι By MARK HALE

Tracy McGrady will be a gametime decision for tomorrow night’s tilt with the Hawks.McGrady said at practice today that his body hurts following the Knick’ embarrassing 20-point loss to the Nets at... Read on

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Bosh could miss Knicks tonight, Raptors could keep him

March 05, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

TORONTO – Raptors power forward Chris Bosh, whose missed the last six games with a sore ankle, was supposed to make his return tonight vs. the Knicks. But he missed the morning shootaround with an upset stomach and the free-agent-to-be might be a no-show for the game and the Raptors have struggled without him.
	 
While it's been assumed Bosh is going to leave Canada this summer, Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, one of the more congenial NBA executives, told New York reporters this morning don't bet on it.
	 
Colangelo's actions at the trade deadline – where he admitted to having almost no conversations about trading Bosh – was the clearest indicator.
	 
Asked if he looked at the Knicks as a threat, Colangelo said, "There's a handful of teams who have the ability to sing him outright. We still remain the most viable option to get the most money and the most years. That's not changing.''
	 
Tracy McGrady will play point guard again tonight. McGrady admits Toronto is a special place – having been drafted here by Isiah Thomas - but he can think of a few reasons why Bosh would want to leave Oh Canada, taxes being one. McGrady said his rookie year here was difficult, as a teenager living in a foreign country, in a cold environment having been raised in Fla.
	 
*
	 
D'Antoni touted Eddie House as someone whose added a leadership element to the locker room coming over from the powerhouse Celtics.
	 
"He's come in with mentality coming from Boston where they've been world champions, he talks it up,'' D'Antoni said. "It doesn't take a whole lot. Sometimes it takes one or two pieces to change it.''…

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Curry could play for Knicks on Saturday

March 04, 2010 , ι By MARK HALE

Eddy Curry said he’s “real close” to returning to action. The big man will miss Friday’s game in Toronto but didn’t rule out being active Saturday against the Nets.“I really don’t know,” said Curry,... Read on

Eddy Curry said he’s “real close” to returning to action. The big man will miss Friday’s game in Toronto but didn’t rule out being active Saturday against the Nets.
	 
“I really don’t know,” said Curry, out since Dec. 17. “It’s really all about the next day and seeing how it feels and if I’m able to respond and go out there and put in extra work in the morning. Just kind of take it day by day. I’m real close and I don’t want anything crazy to happen.”
	 
Mike D’Antoni said, “I think he needs a few more practices. It’s tough at this time of year just because we have three games the next four nights. But if he keeps coming on and there’s no setbacks, I would say sometime next week maybe.”
	 
Curry appeared in seven games this season. He missed the start of the year with a torn right plantaris muscle, then returned in November to play four games before left knee soreness shut him down again. He played three more games in December.
	 
“I still don’t have my explosiveness or the touch that I want to have at this point. Obviously not really in basketball shape but I’m close,” he said. “Just going to keep putting in extra work after practice and just keep managing the pain and the swelling and just push through it.”
	 
**
	 
Tracy McGrady said, “Legs are a little tired, but other than that, I feel pretty good.” ... After missing two games (personal reasons), Wilson Chandler is expected to play Friday.

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Berman: Walsh, D'Antoni not on same page with Knicks

March 03, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

When Donnie Walsh began the Knicks' purge 15 months ago, he said the two goals were to clear cap space and remain competitive. Walsh's second goal has failed, miserably. The Knicks fell out of the... Read on

When Donnie Walsh began the Knicks' purge 15 months ago, he said the two goals were to clear cap space and remain competitive. Walsh's second goal has failed, miserably.
	 
The Knicks fell out of the playoff race the last week in March last season. They were out of it this year entering the All-Star Break. Disgraceful.
	 
Fans have every right to be outraged, knowing the LeBron Sweepstakes is an utter crapshoot. Signing Joe Johnson and re-signing David Lee and a mid-level salaried player doesn't make the Knicks more than the eighth seed. They could've made the eighth seed last season with Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford.
	 
Walsh probably thought he'd remain competitive because Mike D'Antoni would get the most out of the talent. D'Antoni hasn't done that, and I have yet to see Walsh and D'Antoni on the same page.
	 
From the very beginning, in overruling Walsh and not giving Stephon Marbury a chance when he arrived in the best shape of his career, D'Antoni's arrogance has shown. He is better than this.
	 
D'ANTONI: I HAVEN'T HAD GOOD YEAR
	 
Among his many peculiar moves, giving up on defensive center Darko Milicic in November when he was just learning the system and adjusting to New York remains mystifying. I'm sure Walsh is just as mystified.
	 
Milicic will start Wednesday for Minnesota. Walsh gave up an asset in Quentin Richardson for Milicic. D'Antoni and Walsh were gung-ho about this trade. Then D'Antoni "marburyed'' Milicic, who actually could be used now as the Knicks' roster has no center, unless you count comebacking Eddy Curry.
	 
The Knicks may not break 23 wins with this new roster assembled after the Tracy McGrady and Nate Robinson trades. I asked D'Antoni after the trade if he thought this new roster could be better than the old one. He said it depended on T-Mac. But McGrady's not trying to win games. He's trying to get healthy and has already had a series of setbacks.
	 
Maybe only Wilson Chandler, disappointing Danilo Gallinari and David Lee will be holdovers for next season. Incredibly, they won't have their lottery pick from last June (Jordan Hill) or from this June (Utah).
	 
And having only those three guys on the roster is supposed to be a selling point when LeBron meets with Donnie and Mike in July? Wake up.

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Curry returns to Knicks practice, could see action Friday

March 02, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

Eddy Curry returned for his first practice today, looked good and could see action Friday in Toronto. He may dress tomorrow night but not play.Haven't I written this comeback story before? Like a... Read on

Eddy Curry returned for his first practice today, looked good and could see action Friday in Toronto. He may dress tomorrow night but not play.
	 
Haven't I written this comeback story before? Like a thousand times. This is it though – the last chance for Eddy to impress brass and Mike D'Antoni.
	 
If Curry shows something in this dead season across the final 23 games, then maybe there will be no summer buyout.
	 
Otherwise, buyout city as the Knicks could save $1 million in cap room. Curry and D'Antoni mistrust each other and that's the big hurdle to be crossed in the final six weeks.
	 
D'Antoni repeated today Curry will see action as the Knicks have no center – and no hope unless they get an infusion. The post-deadline roster is not made up to win games.
	 
Curry underwent knee surgery in January, figuring he would no longer be needed this season. Who woulda thunk it?

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T-Mac already wooing LeBron

March 01, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

CLEVELAND – Tracy McGrady already began his recruiting pitch to LeBron James after he was traded to the Knicks Feb. 18. T-Mac and LeBron have been in communication. "He's a good friend,'' McGrady... Read on

CLEVELAND – Tracy McGrady already began his recruiting pitch to LeBron James after he was traded to the Knicks Feb. 18.
	 
T-Mac and LeBron have been in communication. "He's a good friend,'' McGrady said at the morning shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena. "He wanted to see me back on the basketball court and congratulate me on being back. I sent him an email that said: "I'm in the Big Apple. I'll see you here next season.''
	 
LeBron's response was a "LOL.''
	 
Anything bad that happens to Cleveland is good for the Knicks, so the Cavs announcing this morning Shaquille O'Neal is out about eight weeks because of his thumb surgery isn't the worst thing for Donnie Walsh's July 1 bid. Shaq will miss the first round of the playoffs and if the Cavaliers are stunned early, the chances of LeBron's departure goes way up.
	 
McGrady can see a scenario of LeBron leaving if they win a title or if they got knocked out early this spring.
	 
"(He) could go either way,'' McGrady said. "On one hand, he could say I gave you all something you never had, what you wanted. On the other hand, I've been here seven years, I tried and it just didn't happen. I want to start fresh. It could go either way. Nobody knows what the guy is thinking. Let's just sit back and enjoy and wait till July 1st.''
	 
Despite his sore knee, McGrady expects some time on James tonight, with Wilson Chandler not making the trip because of personal reasons.
	 
"It's what you really get up for,'' McGrady said. "He's a great player. The things he does on basketball court is unbelievable. He's a rare talent. A guy whose 250, 6-8, faster than most of the guards in this league and very powerful. God was like, I'm going to make you the perfect basketball player, the perfect body. He ought to be on his knees every night thanking the Lord.''
	 
--
	 
C Eddy Curry was working out at the arena before the morning shootaround with a bevy of trainers. The trades have left the Knicks bare at center and D'Antoni admits "When he's back, he'll play.''
	 
Curry, who had knee surgery in January, is on the verge of returning to practice. He will get one last audition before the Knicks decide whether to try to buy him out and save another $1 million towards the cap. Last time the media saw Curry was nearly a month ago in Cleveland and he told The Post he could have delayed the surgery until after the season, but felt there was no reason to endure the discomfort since he was out of the playing picture.

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Cavs fans worried about Knicks' LeBron knowledge

March 01, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

CLEVELAND – Every Sunday in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, their fine beat writer, Brian Windhorst answers questions from Cavs' fans. I just came across this one flipping through the paper here in my Cleveland hotel that I had to share.
	 
Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio: "The fact that Donnie Walsh has dumped almost all salary for next year and has put the Knicks fans through two horrible years makes me fear he already knows LeBron James is coming. If not, he will be made a huge fool if all he gets is a second-tier free agent. Am I being a pessimistic or could I be on to something.''
	 
Windhorst: "Walsh swallowed hard and sacrificed two seasons to clear the Knicks' salary cap and he does believe he's going to land a major free agent or two. But no, he's not counting on James for sure. In fact he's been preparing his fan base for not having a home-run free agency by recently talking about waiting until 2011 to add a second major free agent when the team will have more cap space.''
	 
Good analysis, Brian. In fact, Walsh got a little testy with the Knick writers last week, admonishing us for just writing about one guy when he has so many different options and scenarios now because of the added cap room.
	 
--
	 
Shaquille O'Neal's thumb surgery – announced tonight - will put him out indefinitely but at least the Cavaliers have Antawn Jamison to fill the void. Now they definitely need to re-sign Zydrunas Ilgauskas, cut by Washington.
	 
There's some who believe the Cavs could be better off without Shaq but not coach Mike Brown, who said at practice today in preparation for the Knicks, "I'd rather have him than not have him.''
	 
The Cavs are a faster, quicker team without Shaq and rely more on 3-pointers. Jamison's immersion will now happen quicker. Why do we care so much in this blog?
	 
Knick fans realize the fortunes of Cleveland during this playoff spring could well determine James' future.
	 
--
	 
With the Knicks facing James, sore-kneed Tracy McGrady may actually play the whole game to make a good impression on him. T-Mac repeated today his desire to team with LeBron in New York. Now that Jamison is here, the Cavs will have no cap space to pursue a major free agent. Maybe T-Mac is eyeing a mid-level with Cleveland.

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Duhon going out with dignity

February 27, 2010 , ι By MARC BERMAN

I got to commend Chris Duhon. Most pro athletes are excuse-makers. When they fail, there's usually an excuse. When they get benched, it's always somebody's fault. Not Duhon. When the Duhon Era ended... Read on

I got to commend Chris Duhon. Most pro athletes are excuse-makers. When they fail, there's usually an excuse. When they get benched, it's always somebody's fault.
	 
Not Duhon. When the Duhon Era ended last week at the trade deadline, with the Spanish playmaker Sergio Rodriguez brought aboard, Duhon never put the blame anywhere but on himself. He's run the show here for more than a season-and-a-half and wasn't able to turn around the losing culture supposedly set by Stephon Marbury. (How wrong has that turned out to be?)
	 
Duhon, a DNP for three games now, is taking the demotion like a man. No snide comments or read-between-the-lines statements.
	 
Duhon told The Post at the morning shootaround Friday at Verizon Center, "I understand what's going on. I had my opportunity. Now it's time for other guys.'
	 
"I just couldn't get out of (the slump),'' Duhon added. "I had enough time. I just didn't get out of it. I had every opportunity. He's got to see what's going to help them win in the future.''
	 
Duhon is a class act. Even Marbury will agree to that. During that wild training camp in 2009, Duhon was nothing but supportive of Marbury – to his face and to the media.
	 
As I wrote in the paper today, Duhon now has more pull with President Obama than D'Antoni. He arranged a mini-tour of the White House yesterday for the team, but only Al Harrington, assistant Herb Williams and a handful of Knick staffers made the journey. Duhon is best friends with President Obama's top aide, Reggie Love and they met President Obama in the Oval Office.
	 
Next season Duhon won't be back here but his class will be remembered.

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About the Author

MARC BERMAN Marc Berman has been covering the Knicks since 1998, after serving as Islanders beat writer for a year when he joined the Post. He’s also covered U.S. Open tennis, and authored "Living Without Ew: The Crash of the Post-Ewing Knicks." The APSE award winner and SUNY-Albany graduate covered Phil Jackson, Bill Musselman and George Karl as Albany Patroons beat writer.

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