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'Is Isiah Building Around Marbury'? We Think so!

'Is Isiah Building Around Marbury'? We Think so!

Wednesday 18th February 2004

Isiah Thomas made his third trade since becoming the President of the New York Knicks. Isiah Thomas has traded nine players, waived another and replaced coach Don Chaney with Lenny Wilkens since replacing Scott Layden as the Knicks' boss Dec. 22. This latest deal gives the Knicks a new starting small forward in Tim Thomas. Mohammed likely will back up starting center Dikembe Mutombo initially. Mohammed has started just once this season, his acquisition gives the Knicks some flexibility and size in the low post. Thomas has been a chronic underachiever. He has averaged 11.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in his seven NBA seasons. Sources said the Hawks plan to waive Doleac and if he clears waivers, the Knicks will move to re-sign him. The Nuggets, Jazz and Clippers, however, are reportedly interested in claiming Doleac.

The confusing thing is that when Thomas came in he preached getting to the finals, and Dolan was preaching playoffs. W don't see how this improve the Knicks chances to go to the Finals. We do understand that he wants to fill the seats to put on a show but what happen to the big picture!

The big picture is quite simple, it is building a team around Marbury! Kevin Garnett and Amare Stoudamire and Keith Van Horn are in Stephon Marbury's rear-view mirror now. He doesn't have to share top billing with anyone. At long last, Marbury is 'The Man,' and he gets to play that role for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

After playing just a month Marbury’s relationship with Van Horn went south. The shame is that the Knicks more athletic and tougher defensively at the expense of the scoring punch and rebounding Van Horn provided. Van Horn is an explosive player who was having his best season in several years, prompting some to question a deal for two role players. But our sources suggests that Marbury had no second thoughts.

Since this all started, the Knicks was 11-9-0 SU and 9-11-0 ATS in these games. This is not bad at all considering all of the player changes. Expect this current chemistry to gel much quicker due to the speed of these new players. Therefore, look for New York to be much more consistent as far as ATS on either side of the spectrum.

This all reminds us of Jason Kid’s situation with Bryan Scott and a few other Net players. Net owners fired Scott due to the team’s lack of continuity, now that was because of Jason Kid {team leader} did not respect Scott as a coach. Now, already Isiah made a few hints that he is building the team around Marbury. So, can Marbury develop a 'big head' like Jason Kid and start a demanding attitude. Sure, because he is a star attraction!

Splitman will be writing weekly opinions for the industries #1 sports handicapping forum at Cappers Mall. Visit and chat at www.cappersmall.com/forums or send any feedback to splitman@cappersmall.com




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