Donnie Walsh, Mike D’Antoni — It’s Your Move
Posted by topofthethread on May 13, 2008
The Knicks’ Donnie Walsh fires Isiah Thomas as coach. Good move.

The Knicks’ Donnie Walsh hires Mike D’Antoni. Bad move… but was there a good move to be made?
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The Knicks are not a talented team. They are also a team that does not hustle nor plays defense.
Teams may have good and poor shooting nights. Teams will have good and poor offensive games. There is absolutely no excuse for not playing good defense EVERY game. It is simply a question of hustle and heart.
This team has neither… It’s a team without a lot of talent, with out-of-shape players, and no hearts.
What will Mike D’Antoni do to improve the team?
- They don’t have the makeup of a run and gun team.
- They don’t have the makeup of a defensive team

- They don’t have the makeup of a smart, cerebral half-court team.
What’s left?
Here are a few suggestion for Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni
- Trade Zach Randolph
- Trade Eddy Curry
- Trade Stephon Marbury
- Package anything you can to move up in the draft to get Michael Beasley
- Training camp must be boot camp.
Once this crew is in shape, this must be defensive minded team. Over the next 2 years, trade for, and draft talented players.
Good Luck Mike D’Antoni.
May 14, 2008 at 12:06 am
That defensive-minded wish of yours is a big wish. Apparently, Donnie Walsh is more of a laissez-faire GM when it comes to coaching principles. If that continues to be the case, don’t look for D’Antoni to make an commitment to defense.
The supposed reason behind D’Antoni’s departure from Phoenix was because Steve Kerr insisted on hiring a defensive assistant and focusing some schemes towards stopping the pick-and-roll. It’ll be interesting to see exactly what kind of commitment to D, Mike D’Antoni will show.
Cheers.
May 14, 2008 at 12:24 am
Agreed. The defensive oriented team “probably” won’t happen. One way or another Mr. D’A will have his hands full, and, us fans, have a long season ahead.
May 14, 2008 at 12:51 am
Haha, I’ll say you have more to look forward to than a Bulls fan like me. It’s like the “Greatest Show on Turf”-Rams just graced your franchise.
May 14, 2008 at 1:44 am
We’ll see won’t we.
May 21, 2008 at 7:19 am
Hey Bulls Fan - Congrats — MICHAEL BEASLEY!
May 21, 2008 at 10:31 am
I was uncontrollably giddy for two straight hours. Thank you. Thank you all.