The Proud Franchise

David Lee: 2010 NBA All-Star

When I found out David Lee would replace Allen Iverson on the 2010 Eastern Conference NBA All-Star roster, I was very happy for the young man. I also thought the selection made sense and that he deserved to be there. As of now, I'm not so sure.

Aside from "this feeling," the one thing my heart is sure of is that David Stern left dozens of threatening messages on Iverson's Boost Mobile voicemail. Now if only Kevin Garnett can have a tizzy with one of his secret illegitimate baby mamas, Josh Smith can get himself a spot as well.

At any rate, Lee is finally an NBA All-Star. Whoop-dee-fuckin' doo, Proud Ones. Maybe I'm a little jaded, but I'd like to think a team with an All-Star on it doesn't take a massive shit, place both feet into the toilet bowl and pull the flush handle.

Trading the Franchise: Jared Jeffries

Real GM has a pretty solid piece on possible trade scenarios for the New York Knicks' current franchise player, Jared Jeffries.

It's been posted for an entire week now, but given Knickerdom's recent rough stretch and the fast-approaching February 18th trade deadline, we might as well openly discuss such matters.

I must preface by mentioning that I began this season thinking Jeffries' increased playing time was, in fact, a trade showcase. He's long since won me over with his inspired play. Jeffries has finally begun to realize the potential that ballaholics and scouts saw in the Indiana University standout/freak of nature/1-5 position player back in 2002. Nearly every notch on the Knicks' meager win total is a direct result of his emergence as either a defensive catalyst or an agent of offensive cohesion. At this point I have to give him his due as the The Proud Ones' most important player.

Yes, I am aware that David Lee plays for the same team and missed an All-Star berth by a toenail's distance.

Get 'Em, Gallo!

Barring timely injury to an Eastern Conference All-Star forward or center, second-year forward Danilo Gallinari and Nate Robinson will serve as the New York Knicks' only representation in Dallas for the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend. They'll be performing in ancillary events.

R.I.P. Tricky Dick

Knick legend Dick McGuire passed away today of natural causes at the age of 84.

The seven-time All-Star spent eight of his 11 NBA seasons with the New York Knicks, leading The Proud Ones to three consecutive championship series. McGuire also coached the Knicks in the mid 1960s and, according to Bloomberg.com, has been involved with the team on a professional level for 53 of its 64 seasons.

Farewell #15. You've definitely done us proud.