Wasn't Chris Copeland signed during the summer league?

Yesterday, the Knicks shared their 15-man roster to the public.  As expected, four players were cut from the team.  John Shurna, Oscar Bellfield, Mychal Thompson, and Henry Sims were waived after this afternoon practice, Posting and Toasting reports.

I don't think it's surprising to see Copeland on the squad at all.  Not because of his promise during the preseason, but the fact that he was signed during the summer league in Las Vegas in July 16.

One more note to add: five players were waived in total over the last couple of days.  Chris Smith, the younger brother of J.R. Smith has also been cut.  He initially was a part of the roster until he needed surgery on his left knee, which would sideline Smith for approximately three to six months.

Stoudemire expected to be out longer than three weeks

Amar'e Stoudemire doesn't understand when he's is a 100% healthy and ready for NBA action.  Or maybe he just happens to get these minor knee injuries because of surgeries done in the past.

Amar'e had lost his explosiveness, but still plays with a lot of heart.  Sometimes he plays with too much heart.  That must have been the reason why he was on the court playing at full speed when he shouldn't have.

Chandler out with a bone bruise in knee

Not as bad as I thought it would be.  It turns out that Tyson Chandler will be out day-to-day with a bone bruise injury in the knee.

It is relieving to hear that it's only a bone bruise that has stopped him from completing last night's win versus the Brooklyn Nets.  It's quite an unusual spot to have a bone bruise.  Gerald Wallace must have strong, pointy knees for this strange injury. 

Thankfully,  Tyson might be able to come back and play the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on November 1. 

As the Knicks rock Long Island, Chandler limps in agony

Great win by the New York Knicks.  They survived overtime against the Brooklyn Nets 97-95.  The last preseason ended in excitement, but only marks the beginning of a new rivalry.

It is interesting how this last game had taken place in Long Island.  The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale was once home to the Nets when they were the best of the ABA during the mid-seventies.  Now they make their first appearance as a New York team in the NBA.  Ironically, it was also the day that the NHL's New York Islanders announced their plans to join the Nets in the brand new Barclays Center.  Some events do run in cycles!

Luckily enough, I had a chance to watch the game live at the coliseum, to get a good feel about these two teams warming up for their season opener against each other on November 1.

Only 44 seconds into the first quarter, and Tyson Chandler drops to the floor.  He was setting a screen for Carmelo Anthony, and bumped knees with Nets forward Gerald Wallace.  Didn't seem like a big injury, but seeing Chandler's act of frustration when he slammed his hand on the ground was a negative sign for Knicks fans. 

For now, the Knicks lists his status with a sore knee awaiting an MRI.  It appears to me that it could be a sprained knee.  Replays show how Chandler's knee was pushed slightly inward after colliding with Wallace. 

Although the Nets were considered the Home team, the attendance sided with the orange and blue.  The 12th man certainly played a small part in the Knicks' lead through most of the game.  It was also a pleasure to see what Mychal Thompson was capable of doing.  He finished the game with 13 points, including three three-pointers that were vital for the Knicks' overtime victory.

It's good to see New York ending their preseason on a high note with a win against their new rival.  Yet it's bad to hear that Chandler is possibly missing two weeks with a sprained knee.  Paraphrasing what Jason Kidd had mentioned post-game, they are fortunate to have a deeper roster this season.  Chandler may be down, but there is promise in the rookie Chris Copeland, and veteran big man, Kurt Thomas.  Injuries are a part of the usual scene in the league, but a deep roster makes teams in contenders late in the season.

Can't wait to see Amar'e/Felton tandem reunite

Do you remember when Amar'e Stoudemire signed with the Knicks?  That moment where many New Yorkers were excited, but analysts criticized how he won't be the same player without Nash. 

His explosiveness did drop since the 2007 season, due to several injuries, including several knee operations.  But he entered New York with a different state of mind.  He played with great leadership and created his own shots.  His first half-season in a Knick uniform was highly successful, Stoudemire was even mentioned being a possible MVP candidate.  It seemed as if his game would evolve into a status higher than just your ordinary superstar.

High fade posts to be published on Thursdays

Just a reminder.. I think that this high fade theme is pretty cool. I'll be posting it every Thursday of a player in the current Knick roster than once rocked it. Shumpert will be included when I feel extremely lazy sometime in the future.

Am I the Only One Who Never Liked Lin?

When I heard the rumors that Jeremy Lin wasn't in New York anymore, it was pure happiness.  I don't hate the guy.  In fact, I loved the whole fairy tale that occurred in no other place but Broadway.  He really did bring the fire back into the team when they were down.

Passing with emphasis

When they rocked the fade: Rasheed Wallace

Since Iman Shumpert decided to bring back this old school haircut back to the Knicks.  I don't think I've seen a Knick with one since Charles Oakley.  Oh wait, JR Smith had it somehwhat during his Knick Debut.  Anyways,  I thought it would be cool to show pictures of current Knick players that had this stylish hairdo sometime in their lives.

Today's post features a young Rasheed Wallace, pictured next to the great Wilt Chamberlain.  I don't anyone have ever seen a picture of him with this hair.  Well, now you did!

Got to meet Wilt when he was only in High School.

Shumpert Knocks Down the Fade Away, While Rocking the Fade

As the Knicks prepare for the season at their Yonkers practice facility,  Iman Shumpert seems to be ready for the season earlier than expected.  It has been about 5 months since Shumpert finished his season with torn ACL, during their playoff series against the Miami Heat.

He isn't participating in full-speed activities with the squad yet, but he is able shoot around during training camp this past week.  I did not expect him to be able to play during this time of the season.  He suffered a sprained knee injury in the start of his rookie year, and after seeing his last injury, I thought his basketball days might be numbered.  Thankfully, he seems to prove me wrong so far.