Knicks Plan to Ride MTA Towards Glory Road

Dec. 28, 2011

By Anthony Tripicchio

Sanity reigns at Madison Square Garden. No, that is not a misprint.

Following a decade marred by dreadful front office decisions, the New York Knicks are inching closer to championship contention. Elite scorers Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire are now complemented by a pivot who camouflages their weaknesses.

Not only has interim GM Glen Grunwald secured a player who will eradicate many defensive lapses, the acquisition will hold culpable parties accountable (a winning principle neglected far too long by Knicks coaching staffs).

The addition of Tyson Chandler gives the franchise its first formidable defensive presence since Patrick Ewing and his cast of frontcourt enforcers. Dikembe Mutombo, although a renowned shot blocker and intimidator, was past his prime and relegated to part-time duty during his one year stint in New York for the 2003-04 season.

Chandler’s most favorable comparison may be Marcus Camby. Although they arrived in New York with varying levels of experience, both players bring rebounding and interior defense to the table.

Despite Chandler’s six blocks in the season opener, Camby is a superior shot blocker while Chandler is a more efficient offensive player. Chandler, cognizant of his limitations, will score on put backs and dunks rather than pretending to be someone he’s not. In his reassuring words, he “came here to defend.”

Brittle and frail in his younger years, Camby missed 99 games in four years as a Knick. Camby, immature in the early stages of his career, was physically and mentally unprepared to accept the demanding role of defensive court general. After being shipped to Denver with Mark Jackson and rookie Nene Hilario for Antonio McDyess, a trade that cemented the Knicks as a perennial loser, Camby flourished. He led the league in blocked shots per game in three consecutive years and was top five in rebounding three times.

Chandler encountered similar adversity from the outset of his career in Chicago. Like Camby, Chandler was a disappointment who failed to meet lofty expectations on a miserable team. He was reborn in New Orleans where he terrorized the glass and Chris Paul threw him countless alley-oops. A forgettable year in Charlotte followed, but led him to Dallas where Dirk Nowitzki credited him for changing the defensive culture of a notoriously soft team.
Chandler was the missing ingredient of a champion. Obliterated in its first two games this season, Dallas might still believe that: The Knicks certainly do.

Although Chandler fills a gargantuan void, there are pitfalls to obtaining him as the Knicks did.

First, the new collective bargaining agreement provided each team with an amnesty provision. Put in place in order to rid teams of woebegone contracts that strangled salary caps, the amnesty provision allows teams to waive a player and completely erase his contract from the cap. While the team is required to fulfill its obligation to the amnestied player with deferred payments, the added flexibility allows the team to discard a mistake and improve immediately.

Amar’e Stoudemire, signed through 2014-15, rejuvenated the franchise with his stellar play last season and laid the groundwork for more highly-sought pieces to join him. However, his health is a serious question mark over the full term of his deal and a substantial injury to him would cripple the Knicks title chances. With the amnesty provision, the Knicks could have protected themselves against such misfortune.

Rather than save it as insurance for Stoudemire, the Knicks chose to use it on veteran point guard Chauncey Billups. Billups, whose one year option was exercised in March by Donnie Walsh, was amnestied to make room for Chandler. Had the Knicks transitioned more seamlessly to Grunwald in the front office, perhaps they could have declined Billups’ option, signed Chandler and saved the amnesty provision for a rainy day.

Another alternative would have been to keep Billups for this season, let him walk as a free agent and pursue Dwight Howard or Deron Williams for 2012-13. Granted, this plan would leave them with size and rebounding deficiencies in the short-term and compel them to continue chasing an elusive utopian team.

Now the Knicks core is set, for better or worse. No more marquis moves will be made in the next few years, just supplementary parts shifted around the exemplary frontline.

Losing Billups left the Knicks shorthanded in the backcourt. Toney Douglas is not a pure point guard and Landry Fields struggled to find his way after the Anthony trade last year. Baron Davis, who’s out of action for another three to seven weeks with a herniated disk, is expected to play a significant role when he returns. First round draft pick Iman Shumpert may be the team’s best perimeter defender, but his erratic shooting will hinder his offensive consistency. Shumpert sprained a ligament in his right knee on Sunday and is sidelined two to four weeks.

While ignored by the media, Chandler is a durability concern. In his last three years alone, he’s sacrificed 86 games due to injury. He’s been healthier than Camby throughout his career, but that won’t earn him iron-man status. Since the Knicks are so thin, they can ill-afford to be without Chandler for any extended period.

Chandler is exactly the kind of player they needed; a no nonsense guy who will do the dirty work and require none of the glory that stars routinely desire. Opening a four-year window of contention, the clock is ticking on the Knicks.

In 2011-12, they should finish within the top four in the conference and win a playoff round at the very least. If not, Mike D’Antoni’s time is up.

Melodrama: Dolan Sounds Sirens for Anthony

Feb. 18, 2011

By Anthony Tripicchio

The New York Knicks just pushed the panic button.

In the latest chapter of the unrelenting Carmelo Anthony saga, the Knicks reportedly offered Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry's expiring contract and a first round pick (to be acquired for Anthony Randolph) to Denver in exchange for Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

Additional players such as Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman may also go to the Knicks for salary cap purposes.

For a team that was the overwhelming favorite to acquire Anthony all along, this desperation move has James Dolan's fingerprints all over it.

Dolan, the Knicks' bumbling owner, is poised to make the swap despite opposition from team president Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D'Antoni, according to the New York Daily News.

Still not a championship contender if this trade is executed, the Knicks can't act as if Anthony is the final piece to the puzzle. Yet, Dolan is willing to surrender most of their assets as if they're a finished product.

You don't win a title in the NBA without an interior defender and rebounder: the Knicks don't have one. After this deal is consummated, New York will have minimal maneuverability until after the 2011-2012 season when Dwight Howard, Deron Williams and Chris Paul are slated to become free agents.

Even then, however, it's no lock that they'll have cap room to sign a max player under the new collective bargaining agreement once Anthony has signed his three year, $65 million extension.

Make no mistake, New York should make a concerted effort to lure Anthony before Thursday's trade deadline, but it should be on its own terms. Chandler, Felton, Curry, and a first round pick is more than enough to sacrifice considering Denver's predicament.

Chandler, 23, has a lot of upside but will have to be paid substantially as a restricted free agent at year's end and therefore is expendable. Felton played exceptionally for stretches in the first half, is an excellent defender, and a soldier more than willing to fight through injury. Curry's contract provides cap relief and a first round pick enables Denver to add to its young corps.

The Knicks maintained leverage throughout the year in negotiations for Anthony because it's common knowledge that his preferred destination is The World's Most Famous Arena. Rather than allow Walsh to do his job, though, Dolan has abdicated all bargaining power and acquiesced to nearly all Denver's demands.

Dolan is undoubtedly petrified by the specter of the Nets landing Anthony and invading his turf with a marquee player to feature on billboards this time.

That could be construed as a rational concern if it weren't for the fact that the Nets and Nuggets have already agreed upon an Anthony trade on three separate occasions in the past five months. Twice, Anthony has refused to sign an extension with New Jersey and he's shown nothing to indicate that his stance has changed now.

Anthony wants no part of the Nets and the right play is to call his bluff.

Unless Denver is willing to be reasonable, the Knicks should step away from the table, allow the Nuggets to accept the rumored Nets' deal, and dare Anthony to sign his coveted extension with them.

I'm betting, as various reports including Newsday's Alan Hahn suggest, he won't put pen to paper if he's traded to New Jersey.

If Anthony does sign in New Jersey, he's demonstrating that his first priority is cash, not winning. As a 26-year-old star that's made about $100 million in his career already, it's time for Anthony to put winning above all else.

Imploding the Knicks' nucleus in order to get to Gotham won't get him championships either.

New York Yankees Clinch Playoff Berth, Setup Pitching for Postseason

Oct. 1, 2010

By Anthony Tripicchio

For the 15th time in 16 years, the Yankees are going to the playoffs.

After CC Sabathia delivered 8 1/3 innings of one-run ball for his league-leading 21st victory Tuesday night, the Yankees immediately put their postseason plans into motion.

The old axiom says you win with pitching and defense and the Yankees need to do some juggling to lineup their most dependable starters for the first round.

Andy Pettitte, who was originally slated to start Wednesday in Toronto, is due to take the mound in the first game of a doubleheader tomorrow in Boston after the rainout tonight. As a result, Pettitte will be on his regular four days rest for Game 2 of the ALDS, when he'll presumably pitch, on Thursday.

Girardi will have to be more creative to prepare undisputed ace Sabathia for Game 1 on Wednesday, but has confirmed that the Cy Young candidate will indeed open the series. In fact, that's all Girardi will reveal about his playoff rotation right now as he cites uncertainty surrounding the opponent and setting for the Yankees in the ALDS.

Despite Girardi's reticence about officially announcing his intentions, the Yankees are compelled to employ just three starters in the first round. Sabathia is a workhorse and thrived in the playoffs last year on short rest so the Yankees expect more of the same this time around.

The schedule calls for Sabathia to pitch on three days rest in Game 4, with Pettitte or Phil Hughes (whoever starts Game 2) on a normal turn for a decisive Game 5.

Hughes has logged a career-high 175 1/3 innings, meeting his regular season innings limit. Though Hughes' 4.96 post-All-Star break ERA is distressing, he's thrown back to back quality starts to complete his season with a commendable 17 wins.

The lefthanded mainstay in the Yankees rotation, Pettitte, was on pace to record the best season of his illustrious career before being saddled with a groin pull. It sidelined him two months and since he was activated from the DL, he's started twice with mixed results. It's safe to say he's built enough equity with the Yankees' brass to be entrusted with precious playoff starts.

Sabathia, Pettitte and Hughes are the only worthy candidates while AJ Burnett and Javier Vazquez continue to languish through a myriad of struggles. Expect Burnett, however, to be given the ball in the ALCS if the Yankees advance.

Burnett still has three years left on his massive contract beyond this year and the Yankees must instill confidence in the right-hander if they plan to get any return on their investment going forward. However, no one can justify Burnett garnering a first round start based on his inconsistent performance and a schedule conducive to skipping him.

Meanwhile, Vazquez was an ill-conceived acquisition and he will most certainly be wearing another uniform next season as his torturous second tenure in pinstripes mercifully comes to its conclusion. Vazquez's latest disastrous outing in Toronto should cement his exclusion from the playoff roster.

Build a Bridge: The Yankees Should Deal for Joakim Soria

July 26, 2010
By Anthony Tripicchio

Trade speculation surrounding the Yankees in recent days has centered on starting pitching, but their most pressing need is bullpen help.

With Joba Chamberlain continuing to falter in the all important eighth inning role and his ERA approaching six, memories of his dominance are fading fast. Joakim Soria, one of the most underrated closers in baseball, is available and can solve the eighth inning dilemma as well as succeed Mariano Rivera whenever he rides off into the sunset.

Despite Chamberlain's struggles, he still has value on the market as evidenced by Arizona demanding him from the Yanks in Dan Haren trade talks.

Chamberlain's velocity has returned and, although his slider is nowhere near as sharp, his performance issues could be a result of being used as a human yo-yo, vacillating from the bullpen to the rotation and back over the years.

Meanwhile, Soria has established himself as a lights out closer for the beleaguered Royals as he saved a career-high 42 games for Kansas City in 2008. He's averaging 10.58 strikeouts per nine innings and has maintained impeccable control throughout his career.

Soria won't come cheap and Chamberlain would likely have to be a starting point in negotiations. The Yanks were unwilling to included the enigmatic Chamberlain in the Haren trade, but should not hesitate to do so in this scenario.

As opposed to Haren, Soria is in the midst of a very affordable contract. Soria is making $3 million this season and is due $4 million in 2011. Afterwards, he has three club option years for $6 million in 2012, $8 million in 2013, and $8.75 million in 2014.

Since Rivera is still effective as ever, Soria may not get the opportunity to close for the Yanks until 2013, but because setup men are so vital to playoff success, acquiring him would be a shrewd move. Also, he isn't paid like an elite closer until 2013 which makes the indefinite waiting period much more tolerable for the Yanks as they carry a super setup man.

Chamberlain, Ivan Nova, and one of the many impressive young arms the Yankees possess in the low minors might be enough to land Soria. While it's a steep price to pay, it's well worth it to fortify the bullpen immediately and answer the omnipresent question of who will replace the invaluable Rivera when he's done.


While the health of Andy Pettitte is a concern, Pettitte has said he feels better of late and has been lobbying the Yankees to return earlier than originally anticipated. The Yankees should remain cautious with Pettitte as their comfortable hold on a playoff spot allows them to do so.

If Pettitte is back by late August as scheduled, the Yankees will not require another starting pitcher anyway. Further, passing on adding another starter would enable the Yanks to leave Phil Hughes in the rotation all season to avoid the recurring nightmare that they're experiencing with Chamberlain.

Hughes is blossoming this year as a frontline starter and should not be toyed with. Even though he ran into a wall of sorts after May, Hughes is working through his issues and should be allowed to do so while remaining in the rotation. The innings limitation is enough of an obstacle to overcome without questioning his role too.

One criticism of Soria is the lack of experience he's had pitching in big games and the playoffs. He's surmounted every challenge put before him and is still just 26-years-old. Although some fail under the bright lights, Soria is certainly worth the risk.

Who could resist the possibility of recreating Rivera to John Wetteland 14 years later?

LeBron James Alienates a Nation, Hurts NBA

July 9, 2010
By Anthony Tripicchio

If LeBron James' goal was to eliminate himself from contention as the greatest of all-time, he's succeeded. He's no longer in the ballpark.

James' sickening decision to sign with Miami proves that he is devoid of the leadership characteristics and competitive fire that all the immortal players possess. In fact, James' choice clearly demonstrates insecurities in his ability to win on his own with a conventional unit.

Put to rest the comparisons to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Not only are those guys legendary players, they maximized every last drop of their potential by embracing challenges, not running from them like James.

Sure, both Jordan and Bryant had stretches of immaturity in their youths but they each had epiphanies eventually and realized their duties to lead on the court and make teammates better in order to be great. Orchestrating collusion to assemble a perennial powerhouse doesn't qualify.

If this dog and pony show James dragged us through is any indication, that reawakening is a long way off for him. He may never see the light.

Kevin Durant, a top four NBA player in his own right, has a deeper understanding of the burden a superstar must carry than James already and he's four years his junior at 21-years-old. Durant refreshingly announced that he agreed to a five-year max extension with Oklahoma City on Wednesday with little fanfare.

Durant could have had every team in the league worshipping him in a degrading recruiting process like James did, but instead decided that he's going to finish what he started with the Thunder. He should be applauded for being as grounded as an immensely gifted player can be and prioritizing his team over publicity and attention for himself.

The truly phenomenal player doesn't need to be coddled and constantly reminded of his greatness. He goes out and proves it to people every day if, for no other reason, he knows no other alternative.

Don't bet against the Thunder in the future.

Quitting in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Boston doesn't look like an aberration for James anymore: It looks like another indictment of his character.

Tantalizing opportunities existed in New York and New Jersey while James could have opted to verify the validity of his "Loyalty" tattoo by staying home in Cleveland. Tabbing any of those three teams as his destination would have been logical, inspiring, and exciting for the NBA.

Dismiss Chicago because of the Jordan complex (anything less than six titles is unacceptable by comparison and winning one wouldn't endear himself to the fan base like it would elsewhere) and the rumblings that Derrick Rose wasn't enthralled with the idea of playing with James. Cast aside the Clippers because they live in Bryant's building and well, they're the Clippers. Carving out a legacy in either of those locales would have been a near impossibility, even for James.

Miami doesn't work either.

No matter how many titles James wins in Miami, the Heat is and always will be Dwyane Wade's team. James is riding shotgun rather than behind the wheel, where he belongs. Meanwhile, Chris Bosh is the hyperactive, giddy kid in the backseat that you can't keep quiet.

You'd expect Bosh to be elated about the situation and no one can fault him for his defection from Toronto to a potential juggernaut on South Beach. The difference is that he's incapable of winning a championship as the No. 1 option.

The talents of LeBron James, however, are unmatched by any player in the history of the league and as a result, he is held to a higher standard. James will never be tested in Miami the way he should have to be to win titles. He, therefore, has no incentive to augment his game by ameliorating his free throw shooting, perimeter shooting, and post arsenal.

Meaning, in other words, James may have reached his peak at 25. It's a sobering and depressing thought for a career which had limitless possibilities.

Although he'll be fine on the court, James may not comprehend the magnitude of how many fans he's alienated and instantly turned against him. He has a thin skin and the vitriol will no doubt affect him in some fashion.

Since Cleveland's majority owner Dan Gilbert isn't above berating James in an open letter to Cavs fans, that should indicate some of the palpable animosity around the country.

The Heat is set to add a vital missing ingredient to the mix with the addition of sharp shooter Mike Miller. With Miller in the mix to space the floor for the dynamic dribble drives of James and Wade, the Heat has no excuse for winning any less than 70 games this season. The South Beach Superstars have brought these seemingly outrageous expectations on themselves.

James will regret this decision in the long run. Aside from the legacy that he's tarnished, James will need to forfeit individual accomplishments for the betterment of the team. Forget winning multiple scoring titles and MVPs on this team; Miami is not constructed for him to do so.

I'm not sure he's ready to sacrifice all that especially when he recognizes that he's despised by so many who once adored him.

Simply being along for a championship ride shouldn't satisfy a player of his caliber. It wasn't enough for Jordan and Bryant, and it's not sufficient for Durant either.

Why not suit up Dan Marino with a roster spot while you're at it? God knows he needs a ring too.

Decision Time for LeBron James: Where Will The King Be Crowned?

July 7, 2010
By Anthony Tripicchio

The moment of truth is here.

LeBron James, after years of suspense, will finally reveal his destination for the 2010-2011 NBA season Thursday night at 9:00 p.m. on national television.

As we inch closer to the hour of LeBron, three teams seem to be logical landing spots for The King. Cleveland, Miami, and New York all have alluring arguments to sway James.

Cleveland, of course, is his home team and has been the reported favorite all along by most media. The Cavs won 61 games this past regular season and would still be a threat to contend with James despite their postseason shortcomings in recent years.

However, James was unable to persuade Chris Bosh to Cleveland via a sign-and-trade and the Cavs have minimal flexibility due to salary cap constraints. If James returns to Cleveland, the team will be very similar to the one that fell to the Celtics in the playoffs with the exception of a departed Shaquille O'Neal.

Bosh and Dwyane Wade have chosen to join forces in Miami and can make a compelling case
for James to showcase his expansive eyewear collection on South Beach. Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo Sports reported that Wade, Bosh, and James had a conference call to finalize their plans and that could be a tip off that Miami is the common denominator.

Pat Riley is a legendary coach and would have no qualms with usurping Erik Spoelstra's position as he did Stan Van Gundy's in 2006 when a championship was within reach.

There are significant drawbacks for James in Miami, though. First, Wade and James are dynamic dribble drive players that need shooters to adequately space the floor. Without distance shooters, teams could opt to double team off of Wade or James, leaving one open for three-point shots which are neither stars strength.

Miami would desperately need a sharp shooter such as Mike Miller or Ray Allen to make the supposed "Dream Team" work. The mid-level exception would have to appease either player because Miami would be capped out after signing three max players.

Further, Miami will always be Wade's team. He won a title there by himself and no matter how many championships James won there, they would be cheapened by the fact that James couldn't win one as the conclusive lead guy.

It's similar to Alex Rodriguez playing next to Derek Jeter in New York, but winning titles is far more significant for a great player in the NBA than any other sport because one immortal player can have such a dramatic impact on the result. Ted Williams and Dan Marino's legacies aren't diminished by the lack of a championship, LeBron's would be.

New York is the lone team left in the process. Coming to terms with Amar'e Stoudemire on Monday, the Knicks secured one of the two elite power forwards on the market which may be a prerequisite for any team James considers.

In addition, the Knicks already have Danilo Gallinari in place who is the best perimeter shooter on an existing roster of anyone who is in contention for James' services. Gallinari, 21, is the centerpiece of a young corps in New York including Wilson Chandler and Toney Douglas.

After signing James, the Knicks would also have room for a third max player next season or could utilize the extra cap space this offseason with trades. Either way, New York has maneuverability to improve its roster further once James agrees to take his entourage to Madison Square Garden.

New York is not fullproof for James, though. Stoudemire is a serious injury concern given his microfracture surgery to his knee in 2005 and detached retina in 2009. He's such a risk, in fact, that insurance would not cover his contract. Even if he stays healthy, Stoudemire is known as a poor defender and is a worse rebounder than his predecessor, David Lee.

If Stoudemire remains on the court, the Knicks still need to address holes at center and point guard. A defensive minded interior player and tenacious rebounder would complement Stoudemire well, but centers are hard to come by in this day and age.

Although Douglas showed flashes last season, the Knicks would be wise to bring in a more experienced point guard if they truly want to win immediately. James could fill the need for a ball-handler and distributor himself though.

Chicago is deemed dead since it didn't land Bosh or Stoudemire and also has the Michael Jordan complex working to its detriment. The Bulls also lack perimeter shooting. Beyond that, Derrick Rose isn't said to be enthralled with the idea of playing with James.

New Jersey is doomed by the fact that they have to play in Newark for at least the next two years. If they were in Brooklyn right now, the Nets might have been James' preferred choice.

New Jerey and Chicago can still add either David Lee or Carlos Boozer, but they don't have the star appeal of Bosh or Stoudemire.

Ex-Yankee Prospect Vizcaino Excels, Exacerbates Vazquez Woes

June 10, 2010

By Anthony Tripicchio

Javier Vazquez is a free agent after this season, but a reminder of his acquisition may haunt the Yankees long after he's gone.

Arodys Vizcaino, the 19-year-old Yankee pitching prospect given away in the trade for the embattled Vazquez, is annihilating his competition at Rome, Atlanta's Single-A affiliate.

Vizcaino is 9-3 with a 2.34 ERA and those numbers don't begin to tell the story of how dominant he's been.

Striking out 66 in 69 1/3 innings, Vizcaino has walked nine. Tantamount to his freakish strikeout to walk ratio is Vizcaino's 0.99 WHIP. He hasn't issued a walk since May 6 and he's thrown 33 2/3 scoreless innings over his last five starts.

As devastating as those numbers must be to GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees' organization, Vizcaino remains about three years from reaching the bigs.

The jump from A-ball to Double-A is generally regarded as the steepest as prospects climb in the minor leagues so Vizcaino still has some hurdles to clear. However, Vizcaino's rapid progress is an ominous sign for an already ill-fated offseason.

Receiving Vazquez and Boone Logan from the Braves, the Yankees shipped Melky Cabrera, left-handed pitcher Mike Dunn, Vizcaino and $500,000 to Atlanta in the Dec. 23 trade.

Incidentally, Dunn is also turning heads in Triple-A. Dunn is 1-0 with a razor thin 0.67 ERA over 26 2/3 innings at Gwinnett.

Considering the inconsistency of the Yankees' middle relief, Dunn might have fit well as a useful lefty in the bullpen.

The Vazquez deal isn't all roses for the Braves right now. Cabrera is proving to be the fourth outfielder he is with a .243 average, one homer, 14 RBI and a pathetic .616 OPS in 169 at-bats.

In fact, it's the unheralded former Yankee and 2002 AL Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske making more of an impact in the Braves' lineup. Protecting red hot Troy Glaus, Hinske is batting .306 with four homers and 22 RBI in limited duty.

Improving, Vazquez has been torched in only one of his last five starts. With that said, it's fair to assert that Yankees' GM Brian Cashman would like a mulligan on this one.

If the season ended today, Vazquez would be on the outside looking in at the Yankee playoff rotation. CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, AJ Burnett, and Phil Hughes are all markedly better options.

Meanwhile, Vizcaino is painting a picture of his future and it's an intimidating image for the Yankees.