New York Knicks can win the war for the “Big Apple”
By Ed Stein
6. Work hard
Working hard should go hand and hand with being a professional, but that is being naive. As mentioned above, the Knicks will show the NBA that they have a plan for success. Additionally, the plan will come with realistic goals and benchmarks. While they are at it, there is one thing head coach David Fizdale can say and do to really win over the public.
It’s OK to acknowledge the failings of last season. The team needed to blow up in order to build it back stronger. He has to let the fans know that his New York Knicks are a group that will take the court every game and fight hard.
They may lose more than he or the fans would like, but his team will make damn sure that the guys on the other bench knew they were in a 48-minute battle. There will be no more embarrassing blowouts by half time where the opponent’s star players are back in the locker room by the middle of the third quarter.
If there is one thing this city and surrounding area loves is a hard-working blue-collar team. Give that to the fans and watch them support the team.
7. Add a bonafide star
As much as I’d like to tell everyone that basketball is a team game, the fact is that the NBA is a star-driven league. This year’s first-round pick R.J. Barrett might very well be that guy, but then again it’s unlikely he can carry a team by himself for another several seasons. A top-notch running mate with some drawing power would do wonders.
That guy could come either at the trade deadline or before next season. If the New York Knicks accomplish the above steps, especially, number six “work hard,” adding a superstar to the mix puts them over the top among the area’s fans.
Recently, EWB’s James Kattato wrote a pair of articles for the site: “The Knicks are one piece away from contending” and “ 5 deals that would make the Knicks instant contenders.” His assertions are very good. But I’d add that to win the hearts and minds of area fans before they add players such as Bradley Beal or Devin Booker, as he suggested, the team needs to lay some solid groundwork first.
dark. Next. Fallout from Mets surprising Marcus Stroman trade
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.