| My Open Letter To Scott Layden |
| Scott Layden, General Manager of the New York Knicks Madison Square Garden New York, New York 10121 |
| I obviously to not expect Scott Layden to be reading this anytime in the near of distant future, I don't think he reads anything at all, or does he even know how to read? I joined the knicks email thing a couple years ago, and every once in a while I get these open letters from Scott Layden, trying to explain to Knick fans what the fuck he did (for example: passing up on Caron Butler and Amare Stoudemire to make a draft-day trade for the already injured Antonio McDyess). So I decided to write him one, whether he reads it or not. |
| Dear Mr. Layden, How are you. It's come to my attention that you haven't had the best of luck in the past few years with the team. I think it would be helpful for me to give you some pointers to avoid another disaster. Point A: In basketball, there are 5 positions for five players that are on the floor - PG, SG, SF, PF, and C. It is important to have at least one player of each position on your team's roster. For example, 8 power fowards will not make up for your only center being Travis Knight. Kurt Thomas is not a center. Othella Harrington is not a center. Antonio McDyess is not a center, and neither is Michael Sweetney. Herb Williams is an assistant coach, so he doesn't count anymore, sorry. Point B: The only Knick to ever deserve 100 million dollars was Pat, and he's gone. Just because you pay someone the salary of an allstar, doesn't make them an allstar. Point C: I know you always try to impress the fans with your over-the-top trades and draft day crisis, but what will impress us more is if they actually benefit the team. It would have been a dream for Knick fans and Mark Jackson to see him end his career in the greatest city in the world. But its ok, Antonio played great last season, and even his last season in Denver. All of this critism, but I do have some compliments. Or maybe just one. Othella Harrington for Erick Strickland was great... no, seriously. Because of your lack of success in the past (with one exception), I think this year you should take advice from the fans, including Spike Lee. Because Freddie Weis is no Dirk. And Shandon Anderson is no Kobe. And Kurt Thomas is no... Center. You need to destroy and rebuild, like Nas said. You already did a great job destroying, now you need to rebuild. Spaces that need to be filled are: everything except Allan and Spree's position. Since you will need to give talent to get talent in a trade, the only untouchable is Allan Houston. But if you do get rid of Spree, and the whole state of NY will be completely devastated if and when you do, please do not get Antoine Walker. New York used to be feared. Oak, Pat, Ma$e: The Beast of the East. Now the Knicks players are undersized and unfairly out of position. The last thing we need is a softee with a worse free throw percentage than Shaq. The Knicks used to be feared, now we're laughed at. How many games were nationally televised last year? Even worse, how many games weren't even televised, or on the radio? Things need to change, and you can start with the point guard position. It blows my mind how Charlie Ward has not been traded yet. Charlie and Howard Eisley are the same type of players, great point guards, in any other city but New York. Those are not the type of people you want leading a New York basketball team down the court. You really, really, really, need to look into Rafer Alston. If not as a starter, as a reliable backup. It seems everybody knows about New York's point guards except the Knicks. Jamaal Tinsley, Stephon Marbury, the list goes on. How long is it going to take for a New York bred point guard to play in the Garden (I'm not forgetting Rod Strickland and Mark Jackson, of course, but I'm just sayin!)? Rafer needs to play in New York. Forget all the flashiness- Rafer can, and has proven that he can play in the NBA. Last year was a breakout season for Rafer, the best of his career. He was the only sign of hope for the Raptors last year. In my opinion, I think it's a given. He doesn't need 50 million dollars. New York needs a fearless, durable leader in their backcourt for the 2003-2004 season, so where can you go wrong. You have nowhere to go but up, Mr. Layden, the last two years was an embarrassment. Experiment a little. For the love of God. I know you will never read this and/or hear my opinions, but I'm telling you anyway. Bring New York basketball back to where it should be. Sincerely, skipalston11 [email protected] geocities.com/skipalston11 |