Art Imitates Life March 7th, 1997 marks the day the once proud Knicks franchise struck their version of a Titanic-like iceberg. Cablevision's decision to enter the world of professional sports (after purchasing MSG properties for $500MM) has brought nothing but angst to legions of Knicks fans. Several NBA executives, columnists, analysts and former players have taken shots at the 2007-08 version of Team

Turmoil. Most notably, NBA Commissioner David Stern issued his now famous "not a model of intelligent management" comment. Bill Walton chimed in on a recent ESPN telecast claiming the Knicks were a "disaster of incalculable
proportions". Not to be outdone, Peter Vescey referred to Stephon Marbury as a "Steph Infection". While these comments are harsh, they are indeed true and Jim Dolan is chiefly responsible for this debacle.

It is said that art imitates life. Ironically, the year before the Dolans acquired the Knicks, Whoopi Goldberg starred in the movie "Eddie" which depicted a bad Knicks team, hated owner (Wild Bill Burgess), embattled head coach & diehard fans sitting in the 400 section. The coach proceeds to quit, Whoopi takes over the team and
Wild Bill attempts to sell the franchise. In the end, the Knicks climb out of last place and go on a playoff run. During the movie's release, the Knicks were an NBA powerhouse, which only made the film seem preposterous. Sadly, we've reached a point where the notion of a fan (Spike Lee perhaps) replacing Thomas on the bench doesn't seem so radical of an idea.

Charles & Jim Dolan have shown no signs of selling the team. To compound matters, Jim Dolan's decision to extend Isiah Thomas' contract last season only proves that incompetence grows at The Garden. To exacerbate matters, the Knicks boast the largest coaching staff in the NBA. Given all the basketball minds on payroll, one would assume the team would play better interior and perimeter defense, let alone go one game without double-digit turnovers. Charles Dolan may be a savvy chief executive, but his son has no business running an NBA franchise. The sons of the wealthy typically have little talent, yet inherit responsibility far greater than the scope of their ability. Hopefully Hank & Hal Steinbrenner don't follow in Jimmy's path.

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Should the Knicks finish the month at 2-13, don't expect a coaching change, but a change in the starting lineup instead. Much has been made about the play of the guards, but Quentin Richardson's performance has been atrocious. Richardson, known for his three point prowess, has been awful from downtown (21%) this season and looks slower than ever. Isiah's decision to add another low post threat - and failure to bring in a high percentage shooter to space the floor - made Richardson a key contributor by default. After leading the NBA in three-pointers made (226) in the 2004-05 season, Q-Rich is averaging a career low in points per game (6.8) and FG percentage
(32%). At this rate, Wilson Chandler may be the starting SF by Christmas.

-Greg Hutchins