Sean B. Fitzgerald It doesn’t go something like this, it goes exactly like this.

KNICKS!

Oh, it is tough being a Knick fan. Especially a young Knick fan. When they had relative success in the mid to late 90s with the likes of Larry Johnson, Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Allan Houston, and Charles Oakley, I was too young to fully appreciate it. But now, as a fully matured fan of the New York Knickerbockers, I can fully appreciate how pathetic of a franchise they have become over the past 6-8 years. Following Jeff Van Gundy, there have been an array of incompetent coaches, and competent coaches who became incompetent as soon as they took over the reigns at the Garden:

Don Cheney (2001-2004): 72-112
Herb Williams (2004): 1-0
Lenny Wilkens (2004-2005): 40-41
Herb Williams (2005): 16-27
Larry Brown (2005-2006): 23-59
Isiah Thomas (2006-2008): 56-108

Impressive huh? Lenny Wilkens and Larry Brown are considered two of the best coaches in the history of the NBA. Combined record with the Knicks: 63-100. Is it the talent? The executives? The organization itself that makes NBA greats feckless, incapable, inadequate losers? A little harsh? Well, its true. However, after the better part of a decade long hopelessness, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Due in part for a few reasons:

1. Isiah Thomas is far, far away from Madison Square Garden. As soon as Donnie Walsh was hired to head Basketball Operations for the Knicks, he called Thomas into his office and basically told him this:

"For the past few years you have turned a model franchise into the laughing stock of the NBA and sports in general. You made fine draft picks, but that doesn't make up for giving Jerome James, someone who has no discernable talent, a kings ransom. Trading half a decade's worth of first round draft picks for Eddy Curry. A player, who has never worked out, but eats the protein bars anyway. Signed Stephon Marbury, a shoot first-pass second point guard with clear social problems, to an absurdly expensive contract. Among other things. Sexual harassment settlements, truck parties, etcetera. From this point on, you have no official title or importance within the Knick organization. I will send you to various third world countries to "scout" talent. From now on, you will be a punchline. Have a nice day"

2. Mike D'Antoni will impose some sort of stable offense and rotation on the court. Whether it works or not is irrelevant. At least there will be some continuity for 48 minutes a night. The addition of Duhon will improve the team. He may not be the most deft of passers, but he will think to pass first, and then pass second.

3. Eddy Curry is not in the current rotation. If the man that is Eddy Curry has any pride in himself and his appearance for goodness sake, he will work his way back into the rotation. I can't think of a player who was traded for more and given much less.

4. No Isiah.

5. David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Nate Robinson.

My Prediction: 38-44.

Home Opener: Tonight 7:30 ET vs. Miami Heat.