Knicks fans had something to cheer about at the Garden tonight. Something besides LeBron's 50-spot... or the fact that Stephon Marbury was actually in attendance... or the latest "Isiah is on his way out" rumor.
No, Knick fans had a reason to cheer because, ladies and gentlemen, we have a Wilson Chandler sighting. And not for nothin' -- the rookie looked pretty good.
Readers of my columns here and on NBA.com know that I've been complaining about this for a few weeks now. New York's season is obviously over -- why not give guys like Chandler, the 23rd pick in last year's draft, and near-rookie Randolph Morris, signed as a free agent last April, some run and see what they've got?
Tonight, Chandler was one of the first players off the bench for the Knicks. He played 36 minutes in all, shooting 4-of-9 from the floor (1-of-3 from three), scoring 11 points with five boards, two assists, a steal and a block. More importantly, he played with energy and intensity -- two adjectives that are noticeably lacking in most Knick games.
Morris showed something too, scoring seven points and grabbing seven boards in just 12 minutes of play.
Maybe it doesn't mean anything. Maybe Chandler and Morris only got into the game because Quentin Richardson was off (0-4 from the floor and scoreless for the game) and Zach Randolph was unavailable.
The cause doesn't really matter. It's a glimmer of hope regardless, and Knicks fans will take those any way they can get 'em.
Posted by Charlie Zegers at 3/5/2008 8:13:00 PM |
