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L.A. Sports Blog: D’Antoni to Knicks a Great Decision, Jon Barry Still Useless
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By: Jeff Girouard
I’ll be the first to admit… I’m going to miss this guy.
The first quarter tirades, the obsessive pacing on the sideline, the complete lack of humility or respect for other teams and players- it’s all classic. And that smug look he gives refs and journalists: a sarcastic smirk, arms all akimbo- it’s the same look I give my roommates when I get home and they’re watching “The Hills.”
He’s a cartoon, but he gets away with it because he wins games. So I ask you: is he not a perfect fit in New York?
Jon Barry doesn’t think so. He has gone on record as saying Chicago would have been a much better fit for the former Italian League star, noting: “I don’t know how much patience they are going to have in New York.”
Insightful.
If he went to Chicago, people in the windy city would be thinking a deep playoff run in year one, with the personnel they have. New Yorkers are expecting some significant roster moves and know that not even J.C. could fix this salary-cap atrocity in one season.
D’Antoni goes from a sixth seed with three aging stars and championship expectations until Steve Nash retires, to an organization that has nowhere else to go, but up.
Barry went on to stick his foot squarely in his mouth once more, when asked if he thought D’Antoni has at least the right choice from the Knicks perspective. “I don’t know if there is a right candidate for the situation that they are in.”
Nice, Jon. But short of folding one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, wouldn’t you admit that the man, who turned around Stephon Marbury’s last team, might be a good choice to fix his current one?
AND the Knicks have some talent, just no direction. Jamaal Crawford would flourish in D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, as would David Lee, Renaldo Balkman, Wilson Chandler and former Sun’s selection Nate Robinson.
New York actually owns their first round pick this season, so don’t be surprised if New York magically ends up with a top 2 pick (they had the fifth worst record in the league).
But I mean it’s not like there’s a precedent for such a thing…right?
If there is no coup in the upcoming lottery, a top 5 pick could be used as a bartering chip. Jose Calderon would be an ideal fit for the D’Antoni system. He is a free agent this offseason and a high pick might just push a sign-and-trade for the efficient Spaniard over the top. Seriously, what is a better scenario: a veteran who had nearly a 7-1 assist to turnover ratio or O.J. Mayo.
So Mr. Walsh, you’ve got some work ahead of you, but this is an excellent start.
