http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/lbitpc_050929.html
by Tom Kertes


NEW YORK, September 29, 2005 -- “When I was growing up, my Dad used to say to me ‘if you and I think alike, than one of us is useless,” Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas responded to one of the multitude of questions referring to potential differences of opinion between himself and new Coach Larry Brown. “If we disagree, that’s healthy.”
“I’m sure that, just like I was in Detroit with Joe Dumars, I’ll be talking to Isiah every day about ways we can improve the team,” smiled Brown. “I’m sure I’ll challenge him sometimes. But, in the end, we are both in this for the same reason. We both want to win as many games as possible with the New York Knicks.”

Fact is, the delicious double-teaming by the hoop-endously smart duo of Thomas and Brown is an important aspect of why the Knicks might be looking forward to an improved present and a potentially awesome future. “It takes a lot of work to make the NBA playoffs, to win an NBA Championship,” said Thomas. “A lot of work -- and an incredible amount of brain power.”

Not to mention terrific talent -- which the Knicks are on the way of acquiring and developing as well. “All I know is, we have 14 players who seem to be both talented guys and good people,” said Brown. “They not only have potential, they also have great character. Clearly, all 14 of them want to get desperately better. All 14 of them are already working hard in the gym every single day. A lot of them came in very early. They look to be in really good shape for this time of the year. That makes me feel
good. That makes me feel like we might be onto something.”

Of course, whether it’s in Philadelphia, Detroit, Kansas, or UCLA, Brown’s teams seem to be always “onto something”. Sometimes it’s the playoffs, other times it’s the NCAA Finals or the NBA Championship. Depending on the abilities and personality of the team, sometimes it happens right away, sometimes it takes a while. “You can’t put a time limit on it -- but, eventually…” smiles the coach.

Brown can barely wait to begin. “I LOVE training camp,” he says, anticipation all over his voice. “It’s always an exciting time. As I’ve gotten older, I enjoy it more than the games. The games are sometimes painful.” They do, however, become increasingly pleasurable as the team starts to play the right way. “We don’t ask much,” smiled Brown. “That’s the challenge: it’s all pretty basic, really; we just want our guys to defend, play smart, play hard, play unselfishly, and rebound the ball.
Those are the things we’ll be focusing on from day one.” In the Brown-ian universe, the good stuff -- the team reaching its ultimate potential, the multitude of wins -- then flow quite naturally FROM those basics.

Still, that’s not to say there won’t be something unique going on. “Coaching a team in my city, the team I grew up rooting for, well, that’s something really special,” said Brown. “At this point in my life, at this point in my career, this really is my dream job.”

“What gets me excited is that the players are excited about playing for the coach that we have,” said Thomas.” It’s very rare that you have the opportunity to play for a true great and a Hall Of Fame-r.” Even better, Brown still works hard on getting even better. “Every day,” he said. “To me, that’s what being a coach is all about.”

In addition to whatever improvement Brown might bring to the team -- and it will be significant -- the Knicks personnel appears better balanced and overall improved as well. “Quentin Richardson, he was a big contributor on a 60-win team in Phoenix and that can only help us,” said Brown. “Jerome (James), I know he’s big, I know he can rebound, I know he can block shots. He began playing basketball relatively late so he’s still learning. All I know is, Pete Carrill -- a coach whom I lot of respect
for -- told me Jerome is a kid who has talent, who wants to get better and who has a chance to get better. I’m hopeful he’ll be a huge plus to our team. I watched him work out and I think he really cares.”

No matter what insiders might say about Brown not liking to play rookies, “the players will decide their own playing time by how they perform,” said Brown. “What makes me feel good about our young guys though is that they are not 18 or 19-year olds picked for their potential. Like Tayshaun Prince at Detroit, these guys played in college and played for great coaches such as Lute Olson -- his players are always ready -- Billy Donovan, and Lorenzo Romar. So they are more NBA ready than your average
rookie. If they end up playing a lot, I wouldn’t be surprised. ”

The quarterback situation -- beyond essential -- is also promising, according to Brown. “I don’t think you can be successful unless you have a great point guard,” he said. “And we have one in Stephon. I look at what he did last year and I am very impressed -- and I think he can still get better. I know he has a desire to improve. Watching Jamal (Crawford), he has great potential to run a club as well. And the little kid (Nate Robinson) is a very exciting player. He has a chance to be pretty special.
He certainly has a confidence about him that’s just amazing. So we are well-positioned there in my opinion.”

Defense? “I don’t think you always inherit great defenders,” said Brown. “But as long as you have guys who are athletic and are willing to listen and improve, you’ve got a chance.”

Chemistry? “You know this game is often about sacrifice,” said Brown. “The bottom line is to win games. Look at (Pistons point guard) Chauncey Billups, the way he adjusted his game. He’s the perfect example of what can happen. We have the type of people who will accept roles. My feeling is, this group wants to win so badly they’ll do almost anything.”

“The coach’s job is to make players play as well as they are capable of playing and to put them in an atmosphere where they can be successful,” said Brown. “So coaches can make a difference -- but the players play the game. But sure, I hope I CAN make a difference for the New York Knicks. Ultimately, that is my goal, to make a difference. I think the fans WILL see a different team on the floor this year.”