The Proud Franchise

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.

The Week in Knickerdom

I am very close to a decree indicating that I am in no way, shape or form involved in any Knickerdom.

Last night's 121-91 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves punctuates what may very well be the New York Knicks' descent into the abyss. Walt Clyde Frazier often describes the Knicks as a "a team that cannot handle prosperity." His assessment holds true on many levels, as exhibited by The Proud Ones having blown a 22-7 first quarter lead. They allowed a 16-4 run to end the opening period and finished the half down 49-46. But, you knew why type of party this was going to be with about 3 minutes left in the first period.