Forget what happens tonight inside Madison Square Garden. Heck forget what happens, even if the Knicks live to see another day. The writing is on the wall folks and guess what? It has been for sometime. This year’s Knicks team was over-rated. In reality they exceed most people’s expectations, including myself. On my pre-season special of #ArdenSportsTalk, I had the Knicks as the fifth best team in the East, yes the fifth best! I wasn’t sure about sure their point guard situation or their advancing age. I definitely wasn’t sure about Melo and Amar’e playing together. I just couldn’t trust the Knicks to the point where, I looked at them as a legitimate title contender. But November 2nd happened, the day that have us where we’re at today.

After their original season opener against Brooklyn was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, the scene was set on that fateful Friday night inside Madison Square Garden. The champs were here! The nemesis is in the building! Obviously we are talking about the Miami Heat. You know the team that has LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh? Yup that’s the one, I’m talking about. What was a better way (or worse) to start the season then play the defending champions in YOUR building. And then when you add the emotional factor of how New Yorkers, Long Islanders and New Jersey residents felt during the aftermath of Sandy, you knew that game was a must win. PERIOD. No way they can lose. In a time of serious need, New Yorkers and other residents nearby look towards their sports teams for serious support and to help the healing process go a little faster. Take their minds far away from the trouble they were facing and that’s what the Knicks did.

Nineteen three’s and a 104-84 victory later, the ball start rolling for the Knicks. They made New York proud. But on that very same night, expectations began to rose. “OMG, I think the Knicks can win a championship! Miami Who? We’re better than them! Melo for MVP!” C’mon Knicks fans be honest. You were anything but humble that night. It was yours! Go ahead and enjoy it. What soon followed was a 18-5 start that got fans believing more in their team and even outsiders to jump on the bandwagon. Melo was playing incredible ball and Woodson looked like a coaching genius. It’s easy to say what happened after, but then this post will be no fun and the point of it would be knocked out. Of course, we know about the second seed in the East. Of course we know about the 54 games won. Of course we know they won the Atlantic Division for the first time in NINETEEN YEARS! Of course we know Carmelo won the scoring title and JR Smith was awarded the 6th Man of the Year. And of course we know about #KnicksTape (Thanks a lot Shump). 

But what don’t you know about this team? Good question. Did you know outside of the 18-5 start and the 13 game winning streak towards the end of April, that from December 17th until March 18th, the Knicks were a .500 ball club? Seriously they were. Over a span of 42 games, the Knicks were 21-21. Think about that. The two biggest streaks, the Knicks had this season made up of 36 Games! They play 82 Games in the NBA! Also during that same stretch, they went 5-14 against teams that actually made the playoffs this year. What else don’t you know about this team? Oh I got it. Did you know Carmelo Anthony, the same guy you folks proclaimed to be a superstar and a legitimate MVP candidate, had a two month span where he only averaged 25 PPG on just 40% shooting from the field and 27% from three? He also missed six games during those two months because of injury.

Listen, I understand my article may sound like I’m bashing the Knicks but I’m really not. Is this team good? Yes. Are they’re a playoff contender? Absolutely, but they never were serious title contenders. This is a team that doesn’t have a identify on both sides of the floor. Their three point strategy is more of a gimmick because of their willingness to attempt three’s regardless of the game situation. If you really looked closely at the Knicks’ losses this season and even against Indiana this post season, there is a common factor: Teams took away the three from the Knicks! Like I mentioned a few sentences prior, this is a team willing to take three’s. At times this season, they have taken as much as forty three’s a game. Think about that. In fairness, this is a team full of shooters so it shouldn’t be surprising that they do, but the surprise came in how teams defended it. Most of them wouldn’t put effort in defending the three ball! Some were too busy, focusing on shutting down the lane and letting them take those shots. DUMB IDEA! That’s what the Knicks do. They live and die by the three point shot.

Now as we are a few hours away from Game Five, the writing on the wall for the NY Knicks continues to grow. More questions about their roster is coming up. Woodson’s coaching ability is now in question. The organization itself is taking a lot of heat. These are tough times in NY. A season full of excitement and high hopes could come crashing down any moment. The future isn’t dark but it’s not too bright either. The Knicks can’t really make a lot of moves due to limited cap space and trade assets. Regardless of what happens tonight, this weekend or even next year, just remember this one thing. The writing is on the wall for the New York Knicks. Just accept it and hope for the best…

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(Heads Up: This post is a few days late. Was suppose to upload it on Sunday, but laziness kicked in lol. Here you go!)

You know the quote “you’ll never miss something until it’s gone”? I know it’s suppose to be a quote that relates to love, relationships and the material things but even humans can relate. Especially when it comes to athletes. Even though we watch these guys play and know everything about them, there are times where we take them for granted. We can often get caught up in the cliche of it’s “God Given talent”. I’m not trying to question the lord and his (or her’s) purpose but it’s not that simple. If God gave out talent, wouldn’t all of us be more successful in life? Exactly. Sometimes, the most successful people aren’t the most talented or smart. They are hard-workers, those who put in a lot of time to their craft.

I know a lot of you are wondering, where this post is going and here it is. Miami Heat small forward LeBron James, will be announced today as the 2012-2013 NBA Most Valuable Player. Having already won three MVP’s (2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2011-2012) and now a fourth, LeBron will now join a very exclusive club as the fifth player in NBA History who has won the MVP award AT LEAST four times. The other four members? Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabber and Michael Jordan. Think about that. Also LeBron is now one of two players in NBA History, to win the MVP award on two different teams. The other member? Kareem Abdul Jabber. Think about that. 

I have a question for all of my basketball fans out there: Do You Really Understand Greatness? Do you really understand what we’re seeing from LeBron? This isn’t normal. This isn’t just great. We are seeing a superstar who is truly on top of his game and maximizing his potential to the fullest. Holy crap. If you are somebody my age (late teen’s) or in their mid twenties, you probably don’t have many memories of watching Michael Jordan play. We may have seen a game or two when we were little, but we don’t remember MJ’s last three years with the Bulls, that resulted in three straight NBA Championships. We don’t remember The Shot against Utah, the Flu Game or when Michael dropped 55 Points against the Knicks in one of his first games back from playing baseball. We saw those clips as we got older thanks to VHS (Do those even exist?), DVD’s and eventually the internet.

We now have that opportunity with LeBron. Love or hate, the universe knows he is the best player in the world. No question about that. We’re talking about a player who is more likely to be created in a video game than from humans themselves. 6-8 and 260 Pounds? Elite speed and quickness? Brute strength? Out of this world leaping ability? Built like a Greek God? Noticed how I didn’t bring up his game yet. He is a mixture of all the basketball great’s that have played. He has Magic Johnson’s passing ability, IQ and smile. The body of Karl Malone (Google him kids). A young Shawn Kemp’s leaping ability (Google him kids). Scottie Pippen’s defense. Michael Jordan’s mentality to be the alpha dog and win. Oh by the way, he is also a walking triple double as his game has been compared to the great Oscar Robinson, who is still the ONLY player in NBA History to average a triple double through out an entire season! (1961-1962).

It’s too easy to throw out the numbers, LeBron has posted this season and before. 26 PPG, 8 RPG and 7 APG while shooting 56% from the field and 40% from the three. His Player Efficiency Rating (31.67) is the greatest the league has seen in a very long time. He also put together the most impressive six game stretch in NBA History with 30 PPG, 6 RPG and 6 APG while shooting 72% from the field and 46% from the three. But understand this. Numbers don’t define LeBron James. Neither does the amount of love and hate he gets from the other twenty nine arenas. LeBron is at a point in his career, where titles build his legacy. He can either take a few steps closer to the greats (let’s be honest, we’re talking about Jordan really) or remain in the club of superstars whose potential wasn’t fully reached because of a lack of titles (Malone, Ewing, Barkley, Stockton, T-Mac, Iverson and etc.) I know LeBron actually has a ring unlike the few players I mentioned, but he won’t be no different because the critics will say, he only has one ring or two, where he should have at least four.

Well I’m here to say forget the haters. Forget the non believers and the doubters. We will talk about LeBron’s legacy at another time, one that should be later in his career! Let’s enjoy greatness as it plays in front of our very eyes, every night. Players like him are truly once in a generation talents and don’t come around often. My biggest compliment to LeBron is simply this: We all know about Jordan, Magic and Bird. We know about their careers. But what is the common thing, all three share? That someone will be the “next them”, a player will be talented enough to do what they did and better. When it comes to LeBron, IMHO and I really mean this, I don’t think we will see another him. If so, it will have to be far down the road. Players like him aren’t born every day and every year. That’s what makes LeBron unique. There could honestly be ONE HIM. Now let’s enjoy greatness before his time is up because you never know when it is…

- Hail To The King

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The moment is here. Well not really, we’re actually less than seven hours away from it but still it’s coming. Time to get out of the first round Melo. Time to live up too expectations. I been following your career since you were a high school star at Oak Hill Academy wearing the yellow and red with #22 flashed across your chest. You have come a long way since then:

 - A national championship at Syracuse

- The #3 Number Overall Pick in the 2003 NBA Draft (Detroit still regrets not drafting you)

- First Team All Rookie Selection in 2004

- Five Time All NBA Selection

- Six Time NBA All Star

- Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Within the basketball world, you are known as the 6-8, 240 Pound scoring machine who is capable of dropping 40 in a heartbeat. You have no limitations in terms of where to score from and how to do it. That’s why we love your game. That’s why you’re Melo. But there is something missing from your career. There is something missing from you. For every time we talk about your scoring ability, there is a negative point being made about your ability to rebound, pass or defend. Heck even your leadership has been questioned at times. Does Melo make his teammates better? Is he the type of teammate, you want to play with?

And it doesn’t get easier to answer those questions, considering your post-season record. Nine first round exit’s in ten years? That is completely unacceptable, especially from a man who is considered a superstar and is mentioned in the same breath with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and others. I’m going to be completely honest with you Melo. I don’t think of you as a superstar. I never did, even from the time you entered the NBA. Superstars to me are more than scorers, they’re complete players. Superstars to me not only make themselves better, but their teammates as well. Superstars not only accomplish individual success but team success as well. Which superstar do you know is considered one and has only gotten out of the first round one time? Exactly you haven’t and if you have, your mind better change right now.

Melo, it appeared you were going down the right path this season. Yes you lived up to your scorer’s reputation by leading the league in scoring with a 28.7 PPG average, but more was being discussed when your name was brought up. When people talked about Carmelo Anthony, they mentioned a man who became a consistent force on the boards. When people talked about Carmelo Anthony, they mentioned a man who bought into the idea of passing and spreading the floor for the better of his team. When people talked about Carmelo Anthony, they mentioned a man who somehow got better as a defender. Man those were good times. I was happy for you. It appeared you finally figured it out. For the first time in your career, your individual success translated to team success! The Knicks clinched the second seed in the East, won 54 Games and for the first time in nineteen years won the Atlantic Division. Things were looking up for you but now it has changed.

Instead of resting and preparing for a possible match-up with either Indiana or Atlanta in the Semi Finals, you are now a few hours away from playing in a legacy changing Game Six. It doesn’t help it’s against the championship caliber, mentally tough Boston Celtics. What happened man? Seriously what happened? If I had to describe it, all I would do is state the obvious. The Knicks had a commanding 3-0 series lead only to drop two straight to the C’s. In his last two games, Carmelo Anthony went from being a legit MVP candidate to the same old Melo, his critics talked about. I thought “Superstars” couldn’t go 18-59 in two straight games? I thought “Superstars” would step up as a leader and talk their teammates out of trash-talking their opponent and wearing all black as if they were attending a funeral. I know a lot of Superstars, that would have done so and you’re not one of them Melo. But maybe you can change that tonight. Maybe, tonight is the start of something special.

Everybody has a defining moment in their careers Melo. Ask your friend LeBron, when he too had to enter TD Garden for a legacy changing Game Six. You know what he did? Dropped 45 Points, wins Game Six and goes on to win the NBA Championship. Tonight is your moment Melo. Make it happen. That’s what Superstars do. Lose tonight and all you’re doing is proving us critics right about you. I’m actually ROOTING for you Melo. Please don’t disappoint. New York is not a nice place to losers. Ask the Jets…

Good Luck,

Arden Franklyn

New ArdenSportsTalk

1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

2. Jacksonville Jagaurs - Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Eric Fisher, OT, CMU

5. Detriot Lions - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

6. Cleveland Browns - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

9. New York Jets - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

10. Tennessee Titans - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers - Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

12. Miami Dolphins - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

13. New York Jets - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

14. Carolina Panthers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

15. New Orleans Saints - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

16. St. Louis Rams - Tyler Eifert, TE, Norte Dame

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarivs Jones, OLB, Georgia

18. Dallas Cowboys - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

19. New York Giants - Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

20. Chicago Bears - Manti Te’o ILB, Norte Dame

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

22. St. Louis Rams - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

23. Minnesota Vikings - Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

24. Indianapolis Colts - Keenan Allen, WR, California 

25. Minnesota Vikings - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

26. Green Bay Packers - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

27. Houston Texans - Johnathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia

28. Denver Broncos - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State University

29. New England Patriots - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

30. Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Long, OG, Oregon

31. San Francisco 49ers - DJ Hayden, CB, Houston

32. Baltimore Ravens - Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse

INTERVIEW WITH ESPNNY’S JARED ZWERLING! TALKING NBA!

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