Tanking Time Has Begun
Not to harp on Isiah Thomas when he's down but I'm not sure how you can't call what he's doing right now "tanking." His official quote was:
Isiah Thomas has revealed that the Knicks are now playing for the future, with Zach Randolph probably not being used for at least the next two games, the Associated Press is reporting.
"This time of year, I think with the roster that we have we need to take a look at the young players that we have," Thomas said, "particularly some that we have to make decisions on if we're going to keep contractually."
Thomas was referring to getting a better look at players such as Randolph Morris and Wilson Chandler.
So what has happened? Zach Randolph has gotten two straight DNP-CD's (sitting next to fellow benchee Quentin Richardson). Randolph Morris played 28 minutes (shooting 1-8) against Memphis but tonight he only has played three minutes. The young buck who stole his minutes: 33 year old Malik Rose.
Although what might actually be worse is that 33 year old Malik Rose is actually playing better than any of the Knicks' young players.
Of course, Isiah still has a ways to go to match Pat Riley who isn't even showing up for some games (who missed a few games to scout college players) and barely bothers to field an actual NBA lineup. In fact, the game after Jason Williams led the team to a victory of the Bucks he sat out with a life-threatening "jammed thumb". Shawn Marion's back seems to flare up all the time and guys on ten-day contract immediately become key rotation players, often getting more minutes than the young guys who were supposed to be the future of the Heat.
