Relieved. That is the one term I can use to adequately describe this Knicks's season. I am glad it is over. It would have been great to snag a playoff spot, because, as everyone knows, anything can happen in the playoffs. But it is relieving to know that fans will not have to suffer through inconsistency, countless face palms, angry tirades from YouTube users, or general mocking from other fanbases -- for now.
Has any other team been so wildly inconsistent this year? Perhaps the Nets with their sweep of the Heat yet blowout losses every other week. Even they are allowed a pass as they have a winning record and the 5th seed. The Knicks on the other hand took fans up, down, side to side, and down again on one of the wildest roller coaster rides this season. The only fan base more excited and let down than the Knicks would have to be the Suns who were a part of the playoff picture from the beginning only to be edged out last night by the Grizzlies. But even the Suns can rest their laurels on the knowledge that a young team grew, developed, perhaps over achieved, but tasted success!
What do the Knicks leave with this week? No steps forward taken as a team like the Suns. No draft positioning like the Sixers. And, most importantly, promise for a better season next year. They have too many immovable contracts, not enough draft picks, and a star who may or may not leave. But you already know that. I will put a positive spin on it for you, to help you feel better. Tim Hardaway Jr seems to be a great complementary piece. Without Bargnani, the Knicks played .500 ball. And Stoudemire won't require surgery this year! Talk about a glass half full.
If you were in charge of the Knicks, what would be the most effective move you can make to fix this team or improve it? I asked this question at the local gym and the response was either one of these two: new head coach or new point guard. I can see where the new point guard definitely improves the team right away. Felton and Prigioni are defensive liabilities. The dribble penetration is non-existent. Those are basically the two things you require from a competent point guard (read: Rondo). But the head coach, now that is a more effective solution. How many times did the New York press rip apart Woodson for not knowing game situations? Do you think with a different head coach some of those boneheaded plays (looking at you Bargnani and JR) go away? You must! If we as fans don't blame the coach, then we'll head into the offseason with no hope. Unfortunately, this cast of characters will be here next season, unless a miracle trade happens.
But for the next few weeks or months, fans can rest easy knowing that there are no more shootouts without defense, no more blank stares, no cursing in the huddle, and, my worst favorite, no more yawns from disinterested millionaires. Relief.
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