It figures that the Knicks would lose on the eve of my starting this blog … but they are still the Knicks. Or are they different this year?

For the first time since I played JV basketball (about six years ago) the Knicks are exciting to watch! It’s almost hard to believe. I grew up religiously watching the Knicks. Going to the Garden with my dad and brother are some of the fondest childhood memories I have. I remember touching my left fist to my right elbow to form the “L” ala Larry Johnson and spending hours in the drive way trying to mimic Allen Houston’s perfect jumpshot (not that that warranted the ridiculous salary the Knicks gave him…)

And then Isiah Thomas came along. It was supposed to be an improvement – one of the greatest point guards of all time with a knack for picking out great young talent (see Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, and Tracey McGrady) and proved he had potential as a coach when he led the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs in 2003. But something went horribly wrong. Like Lando Calrissian did to Han Solo, Isiah Thomas betrayed all of the Knick fans. For four years we were encased in that bleak, cold, and hopeless carbonite that was Thomas’ leadership. But if you’re not into the whole Star Wars theme here, let me put it to you in plain, old fashioned New York lingo:

“Isiah Thomas effing sucked!

But that time is over now. The Knicks are finally looking like they’re headed in the right direction. Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh both have proven track records with teams that have been successful. The young talent on the Knicks is playing beyond the hype (Wilson Chandler and Nate Robinson have been key to the Knick’s early success this season). They have a smart point guard, who sets the tone defensively for the whole team in Chris Duhon. They even have some nice trade bait in David Lee and Zach Randolph to acquire more young players or draft picks. And if all that is not enough, there’s always Lebron in 2010.

So while I’m still skeptical about the Knick’s prospects this season, there is definitely more hope than any Knick’s fan has had in half a decade. And just that hope will be enough to get me to go back to the Garden this year and form that “L” once more for Mr. Lee.