THOSE who fretted about what the Knicks would become without Patrick Ewing look ridiculous now. You know what they are? Every bit a championship contender as they were when Ewing was here in his prime. Just ask Portland and San Antonio.
Maybe it would’ve been different if Florida’s two superstars Alonzo Mourning and Grant Hill were still playing. But they’re not and GM Scott Layden looks like a genius, getting rid of Ewing right before the crash. They are a perimeter-oriented club in a perimeter-oriented league.
Yes, Layden will look to steal Dikembe Mutombo at the Feb. 22 deadline and may make a minor move with Erick Strickland (Glen Rice’s trade value is nil). But as long as the high-flying Marcus Camby is healthy, the Knicks aren’t naked in the middle.
Nearing the midway point, the Knicks after 38 games are headed for the No. 2 seed in the East and a conference-final showdown against the Sixers. And if you don’t think the Knicks can’t take out the Sixers in a long series, you underestimate Jeff Van Gundy, arguably the best playoff coach there is.
Here are the mid-term grades for the Knicks and for one special former pupil: Ewing, his minutes, points, rebounds, ego decreasing, gets a D+, mostly for using bad judgment in wanting to leave the best situation possible for him here in New York.
ALLAN HOUSTON
Is no lock for an All-Star berth because of the slew of prominent guards in the East. But he’s having an All-Star season, shooting 45.9 percent. Houston has had some very ugly defensive nights but for the most part, he’s been more consistent than last season. Of late, he’s been penetrating more and his jumper is as good as any in the game. Trade Houston only for Chris Webber.
LATRELL SPREWELL
He’s been their captain-in-spirit as the Knicks’ season took off after his fiery locker-room speech after Miami loss Nov. 29. Back spasms and a slow start has him shooting still at a mediocre 42.4 percent. But he filled in ably at point guard during Charlie Ward’s absence, he rebounds terrifically, is playing selfless (3.8 assists) and is even a better defender than last season. An All-Star.
MARCUS CAMBY
Had he stayed healthy and not been suspended, he would be having as good a season as any active center in the East outside Mutombo. Counting the five games he’ll miss with a suspension, Camby will have played in only 30 of the first 42 games. But when he’s out there, Camby is a dynamic force, crashing the offensive glass for putback dunks, clearing the glass on the defensive end, contesting shots. He’s averaging a double-double, 10.6 ppg, 11.1 rebounds and is 49.8 percent form the field.
KURT THOMAS
Might be the most underrated player on the club, again leading them in field-goal percentage at 51.1. Teams show him no respect and he often makes them pay, left free underneath for layups and his mid-range jumper. The drawback for their 6-9 backup center is he doesn’t rebound like Camby because he’s not a leaper.
CHARLIE WARD
The Knicks showed they are better with a point guard than the “Big Backcourt alignment during Ward’s 21-game absence. There is concern that Ward’s surgically repaired knee could give him future problems. Ward, who has played in 16 games, is still rounding into shape. He may not get back the explosiveness on the penetration that lifted him to a new level during the playoffs last spring. But as long as he hits the open trey and plays rugged defense, Van Gundy will be satisfied.
RICK BRUNSON
Van Gundy begged Layden to get him back in late November when Ward went down. He gives the team a boost whenever he gets his chance and is a good locker-room guy, buddies with Camby and Spree. On the injured list now.
LARRY JOHNSON
We have stated our case that his starting power-forward days should be over, but Van Gundy would sooner wear a blond toupee than bench his LJ. Johnson still remains a defensive stalwart and vocal leader but his low-post efficiency and 3-point shooting presence is not what Van Gundy cracks it up to be.
CHRIS CHILDS
Had his epiphany in Atlanta Dec. 19 after getting a technical from the bench. Has since been better with officials and the ball. He’s still a hard-nosed defender and has started to shoot with more success. His assists-to-turnover ratio (4.9-to-1.9) has Van Gundy pleased.
LUC LONGLEY
Missing the first six weeks, including all of training camp, set him back in a big way. As it is, Van Gundy rarely trusts new players and Longley has struggled picking up the offense. But when Luc is out there, throwing around his big body, the team functions well.
TRAVIS KNIGHT
Has had his moments. Van Gundy occasionally spots him during critical junctures and he hasn’t hurt the club at all.
FELTON SPENCER
Insurance policy for Longley and Camby, Spencer quietly fills his role as a $1 million practice player. Was activated Friday from injured list coinciding with Camby’s suspension.
ERICK STRICKLAND
He could be enjoying the Dallas renaissance. Once Rice came aboard, the Knicks had no use for him. With sporadic playing time, he hasn’t gained an offensive rhythm (31.9 percent) but his dogged defense should be in demand when he’s a free agent over the summer.
GLEN RICE
Rice has filled Ewing’s role as the oft-injured, fading superstar whose availability is sometimes a game-time decision. Rice has been too fussy regarding adjusting to his role. Surprisingly, Rice’s defense and rebounding has been his best attribute. He still could become a very dangerous 3-point shooting force in a tough playoff series.
LAVOR POSTELL
Had high hopes in training camp that he’d play so well Van Gundy would be forced into giving him meaningful minutes. Hasn’t happened and Friday he was put on injured list.
JEFF VAN GUNDY
Has done a great job getting this imbalanced group to defend and rebound. Sure, you’d rather he give the guys more freedom to run the break and come up with more inventive ways to get Rice, Houston and Spree shots. But his shortcomings as an offensive brain is outweighed by the way he prepares his team to defend on a nightly basis. The best part is Van Gundy saves his best work for the playoffs.
SCOTT LAYDEN
Had the guts to get rid of Ewing at the right time. His working relationship with Van Gundy is superb. Layden’s patience while this group struggled to find its identity has paid off.
