Far too often when a sports team begins to struggle early, especially after a successful season, the head coach becomes the immediate scapegoat. What happened to player accountability? Are we forgetting players are paid millions to perform in front of paying customers and supporters? When is it not the fault of the coach but the fault of the players who are expected to execute the gameplan? The Knicks have the third worst record in the league and it has little to do with coach Woodson ‘losing’ the locker room. The Knicks and management have dug their own hole and instead of pointing fingers, players and executives should evaluate their efforts and decisions that have contributed to the early season tailspin.
Mike Woodson entered the season 79-44 as the Knicks’ head coach. By majority standards, that’s a solid overall record over the span of two seasons. Take into consideration, he took over mid-way through a tumultuous season and inherited a roster in transition following the Carmelo Anthony trade a year prior. He managed to take a team in disarray and bring them back to the playoffs in shortened NBA season. Woodson, up until this point has pushed all the right buttons to keep the Knicks focused and a contender in the East.
The one aspect of the Knicks that hasn’t been corralled by Woodson may ultimately lead to his unceremonious demise and that’s the temperament of the team. We’ve witnessed the Knicks get frustrated to the detriment of the team. Look no further than Amar’e Stoudemire punching a fire extinguisher, J.R Smith getting ejected from a playoff game for throwing an elbow and getting suspended or Carmelo Anthony racking up technical fouls (14) fifth most in the NBA last season.
The ironic tale of the Knicks impulsive behavior is headed by an organization that has allowed seven coaches to lead this team in the last 10 years. Larry Brown, who is considered one of the greatest coaches of all-time, was given one year to fix a Knicks team that won 33 games prior to his arrival. This is the same organization that’s currently rumored to be looking for a ‘superstar’ coach to replace Woodson. Superstar coaches don’t shoot clutch jump-shots or take control of pivotal playoff games.
On select nights when the Knicks fall behind early, it seems they give up early as well. There’s a lack of resilience to keep playing and the resolve to fight their way back after putting themselves in an early deficit. When the passion and lack of motivation is questioned changes need to be made on the court more so than on the bench. Before the Knicks consider firing Woodson, the roster needs to be scrutinized from top to bottom.
Where does the leadership on the court start? How many times have you heard Carmelo take responsibility or at least outright demand better from his teammates? If a player proclaims a team as ‘his’ team, leadership qualities have to follow through with the proclamation.
J.R Smith hasn’t played well after returning from suspension with a field goal percentage of .344. Andrea Bargnani has yet to consistently integrate his gameplay into the system as a newcomer. Iman Shumpert isn’t happy about being associated with trade talk and it seems to have affected his production on the court.
All of these variables have much to do with player adjustments more so than coaching strategies. At some point the Knicks must commit their franchise to a consistent system that players are willing to buy into night after night. If the first reaction to losing is dumping the head coach, the organization sends a empowering but dangerous message to players indicating their accountability is simply overlooked and a moot point in the team’s shortcomings.
