Just when you thought it couldn't get worse, it has.  We all know it's about 2010, but lets talk about 2009 first.  Who is going to be here?  Gallinari, Chandler, Douglas, and Hill.  Maybe Lee.  Maybe Robinson.  Maybe Al Harrington.  The following won't be back for sure.  Duhon, Hughes, Milicic.  And of course, who could forgot about Curry and Jeffries who the team is trying to trade desperately.

So NYK currently stands at 1-8.  They don't play defense for the first three quarters.  They don't move the ball for the first three quarters.  They go down 20 points in the first quarter.  They need to get down before they get up.  They make their runs in the fourt quarter.  They start moving the ball and getting stops but to no avail as it's to late everytime.

Duhon talked about how the team needs to prepare for games better after the loss to Charlotte.  But Duhon is struggling himself.  We're not expecting Chris to be an all-star but he was definately on another level last year.  He played defense, ran pick and rolls all day, nailed his mid range and long distance jumper, got into lanes, and kicked it out for open shots.  Man, he even threw a pass throw Jason Richardson's legs to Nate in the corner for an open three last year against Charlotte.  This year he is struggling.  He is not being agressive.  201 Concepts was in the house this past Monday vs. The Jazz and we only say Duhon penetrate once and kick it.  Sources say that his job is in jeopardy.  Which leads us to the back court rotation.

Larry Hughes was lost in pre-season, but man has he stepped it up.  After receiving 2 DNP's earlier this season, Larry is now playing good basketball.  He is creating for others and is playing tremendous defense.  He created havoc against the Jazz Monday night where many of his steals led to points.  Here's the thing.  After starting a few games, he was back on the bench Wednesday night vs. the Hawks.  Toney Douglas definately deserved to start but why take out a 2 way player instead of yanking the struggling Duhon?

Douglas is a very solid player that has a chance to be a very good player.  He was drafted 29th overall this past draft.  Here's a quick background on Toney. 

"All-America Third Team by the Associated Press and All-America ThirdTeam by the Sporting News as he enjoyed one of the top seasons by anyindividual player at Florida State in the history of the program duringthe 2008-09 season…All-America Third Team by CollegeHoops.net…AnAll-ACC First Team selection, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, theACC Player of the Year runner-up, named to the All-ACC Tournament FirstTeam and a two-time ACC Player of the Week as a senior as he ledFlorida State to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998 andinto the ACC Championship game for the first time in school history" (http://www.jazzbots.com/web/2009/06/20/hot-prospect-toney-douglas/).  

He can score the ball and play defense.  Deron Williams could not shake him as he stayed toe to toe with him.  He even pulled a step back jumper in the corner.  He scored a career high of 23 vs. the Hawks.  Sure he isn't racking up the assists but that will come in time as he in a true point guard.

Nate is close to coming back as he sprained his ankle 10 days ago.  Look for Duhon's minutes to be cut.

Gallinari has quickly quieted the doubters this season.  He still has work to but the kid can shoot.  He's starting to become more aggresive lately by taking it to the whole.  His defense has surprised people as he has active hands that get many deflections. He needs to work on agility, strength, and fitness but the kid has talent to become special. 

Chandler got off to a slow start this season but has picked it up lately.  He had offseason surgery so he is still feeling the affects of it, evident by the lack of explosiveness.  He's the team best shot blocker at 6'8 but he's playing as an undersized 4 in D'Antoni's system.  D'Antoni likes his power forward's to have the ability to spread the floor but the Knicks are getting killed on the boards.

David Lee is having a good season early on with his 17.3 PPG and 9.6 RPG.  Many say he plays no defense but he is playing as an undersized Center every night.  Put Lee next to a solid Center to move him back to his natural position of PF, and you'll see that he can defend.  The problem is that D'Antoni doesn't trust Milicic sometimes but help is on the way with Eddy Curry returning next week. 

Al Harrington came into this season in the best shape of his life.  He wants to be a Knick beyond this year.  He's trying to be a leader and his enthusiasm is second to only Nate Robinson.  He plays hard every game.  He has accepted the role as 6th man after starting the season as a start.  Yes, he slows the offense down sometimes but he is the team's best scorer at the moment as Gallo continues to develop and as Nate continues to heal his sprained ankle. 

Jared Jeffries.  Where to start?  Yes, many fans are unhappy with him.  He does do the things that don't show up on the stat sheet such as setting picks, getting deflections, and hustling.  He can guard four positions but it depends on the matchup.  Obviously he is going to struggle against the Horford's and Boozer's.  He's improved his jumper but that doesn't mean he should put it up everytime.  On Monday night, Hughes penetrated right through the Jazz defense and dished a no look pass to Jared who proceeded to drop the ball out of bounce under the basket.  It's been a rough start for and fans are asking why he is playing over rookie Jordan Hill.  The team is trying to move Jared since it''s no secret his contract goes past 2010.  He has to play to get his value up.  The coaching staff loves what he brings to the table but they know they need to move him if D'Antoni wants to bring players that fit his system in next summer.  Look for Jared to be moved to a contender that is seeking a solid rotational player that can do the little things 15 minutes a night like the Spurs.

Eddy Curry.  Where do you start with him?  After falling off the earth the last past year, the big fella is set to make his return next week.  He lost 40 pounds over the summer making him 317 entering training camp, but that wasn't enough as he quickly injured his calf the first day of camp.  He was sent away from the team by Dolan after still being out of shape even though he lost 40 pounds.  He's worked out 2-3 times a day according to D'Antoni.  And as our friend Anthony Riceballs Donahue at theknicksblog.com has said, Eddy looks like Amare Stoudamire.  He's around 285 right now.  Yes, Shaq struggled in Phoenix under D'Antoni's system because in Mike's "Seven Seconds or Less" system, the center is suppose to have the ability to shoot the rock.  Little do people know is that Eddy has a 15 footer but besides that, the big fella can play.  He averaged a career high during the 2006-2007 season by averaging 19 and 7.  He was the Eas's best Center that year.  Sure he has been lazy but it looks like the once franchise center is motivated and ready to answer critics after enduring a tough past year with his family.

The Knicks can still turn around the season.  We're not saying they're going to make the playoffs but they can show signs of life.  Look for D'Antoni to yank Duhon out and put Hughes back in the starting five.

PG Douglas/Duhon

SG Hughes/Robinson

SF Gallinari/Harrington

PF Chandler/Jeffries

C Lee/Curry/Hill

If Curry regains his prowess, look for him to start at Center which puts Lee back to his natural position of PF, and having Chandler coming off the bench until he is completely healed.

PG Douglas/Duhon

SG Hughes/Robinson

SF Gallinari/Chandler

PF Lee/Harrington

C Curry/Jeffries/Hill

These line-ups give the Knicks the most balance.  If they can come out stronger in the first quarter, the way they play when they're rallying in the fourth, the Knickerbockers could give the fans some hope as the summer of LeBron draws nearer July 1st.

Jared's salary is $6.4M for this year while he has a player option next year that will surely be picked up at $6.6M.  There are not many true Centers out there, so if Eddy does his thing, his $10.5M and $11.2M player option next year, can be moved as well.  The Knicks currently have $21M in cap space next year. So look for it to push up to atleast $27M as we believe Jared will be moved by the February trade deadline.  Curry will need to reestablish his value but having a 20 point Center never hurts if can't be moved.  But every team wants a post-scoring Center for the playoffs.

Also, small breaking news:  LeBron will be changing his jersey # to 6 next year to honor the great Michael Jordan.  #6 is open as Douglas is wearing #23.  A sign of magic to come on 33rd and 7th?

Did you catch that 'chuckle' when he was asked "what jersey will he be wearing the #6 in" ... hmmm I think the rest speaks for its self.