A fan-based argument on why it’s time for a new coach

Something is missing Madison Square Garden. Reporter DC Livers breaks down what it is.

By DC Livers (special to Black Press Radio)

NEW YORK, NY – Watching the 2015-2016 Knicks squad play is bittersweet. Sure, being a part of anyone’s rookie season is a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching players like Chris Copeland, Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis play their first games at Madison Square Garden so of course I’m enjoying watching Kristaps Porzingis try to get down in the boogie down.

Still, something is missing.

There is NO HEART. The team hasn’t completely “gelled” and it’s at times awkward to witness the disjointed efforts of the franchise. It’s not just the team. It’s the entire franchise from the top to the bottom. But mostly, it’s the coach.

I’m sure that Derek Fisher is a fine person and has plans to be a very good coach. He’s certainly got potential to be a force to be dealt with but he’s not ready to coach America’s team. The Knicks are too much team for him. I’m not talking about the players. I’m not talking about Madison Square Garden or the Big Apple. I’m talking about ALL of it.

If you’ll indulge me a little Kanye-like rant, you’ll likely see I’m right.

Porzingis: How long can his people allow him to be mediocre?

Phil Jackson’s “ZENfulness” may be the wrong vibe for The Garden

Bill Laimbeer is the right coach for the Knicks.

Aside from Phil Jackson’s squad, the best teams that Knicks have had in recent memory involved a group of bad boys.

History doesn’t lie.

From Latrell “Choke-a-Coach” Spreewell to J.R. Smith, the Knicks teams that had a few “bad eggs” did the best on the court, took the team the farthest and most importantly, made the crowd happy.

With two fifths of the Detroit Bad Boys - including Bill Laimbeer who now coaches the New York Liberty and Isaiah Thomas, who is the Liberty’s president - currently under contract with the Madison Square Garden franchise, it’s hard to imagine why the management would waste an opportunity to take advantage. Awkward contradictions aside, the Knicks need those bad boys to help restore the heart and soul of the team.

 This summer, I covered the WNBA Playoffs and was credentialed for the WNBA Finals. In the Playoffs between the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever, Coach Laimbeer stole the show. His excitement, strategy and commitment to his team was overpowering the game. With nearly every play, journalists, fans and the players found ourselves looking to Laimbeer to get his reaction. He didn’t disappoint. At one play, he kicked the air. He had Bobby Knight reactions and got technical fouls.

Unlike Derek Fisher, the Knicks’ current coach, there was rarely any time for hands in the pockets. Fisher straddles the sideline like his waiting for a cake to bake. He’s patient and understanding and exhibits little heart or commitment. Sure, his style displays extreme professionalism, epic emotional control and deep strategy, but we’re talking about Madison Square Garden. Fans and players are not looking for a spiritual mentor. They are looking for a coach with heart.

Think Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy who barely stands 6 foot but has the heart of a giant. When his 1998-1999 Knicks got into an on court brawl, he didn’t put his hands in his pockets and take a fatherly approach of “talking it out.” Van Gundy leapt to the floor, wrapped his arms around opponent player Alonzo Mourning’s legs and was drug across the floor in a gut-wrenching but street cred building manner. It was one of the greatest moments in coaching history because it showed his players that he was literally DOWN FOR WHATEVER. He proved he was one of them and would have their backs no matter what, especially against their heated rival Miami Heat. He did it for the team but some could argue that he did it for the fans, too. Knick fans were a huge “sixth man” for the team as they headed to the NBA Finals! It is easily one of the best years that the Knicks have ever had, especially from a fan perspective

Think Knicks coach Pat Riley. When his Knicks were having playoff heartburn, Coach Riley took Patrick Ewing and others to see Bruce Willis’ movie, “Die Hard.”  He gave a slow clap worthy speech about never giving up that was prolific.

In contrast, the 2015-2016 Knicks haven’t given the fans much appreciation. On Opening Night, fans were treated to blue and orange t-shirts on their chairs that made The Garden feel electric, but since then fans haven’t gotten hats, towels are much love from the team. It’s disappointing and disrespectful in many ways. It reminded me of watching the movie, “The Walk,” in which a tight rope artist walked from one World Trade Center building to the other – eight times back and forth in total. He would say in the movie, “You have to respect the audience. They are part of the act. If you don’t respect them, nothing matters.” The Knicks aren’t doing a good job of respecting their audience.

Consider how Dean McDowell of the Indiana Fever and Pacers treats his fans and you’ll see that the Knicks have some work to do. McDowell’s WNBA games are electric, the stadium is on fire with excitement. The fans have jerseys and the Banker’s Life Fieldhouse is transformed into a fan frenzy. There fans can walk the circle of the arena and take photos at exhibits that will put their photo on the “cover” of the Indianapolis Star. There’s an exhibit that allows fans to put a wreath around their necks, hold a bottle of milk amid the Indianapolis 500 backdrop and feel like a winner with a photograph to prove it. In fact, there are so many fan-based exhibits that it’s hard not to get into the game.

And the players know it.

Take Game 1 of the Fever vs. Liberty playoffs. There is no conceivable way that the Fever were able to win that game, especially considering that star player Tamika Catchings went into the fourth quarter with just two points. With the crowd’s help, Catchings went on a Jordan-like scoring frenzy and finished with 21 points lifting her team over the stunned Liberty. Watching Laimbeer’s reaction was almost as dizzying as watching Catchings abuse the boards.

On top of it, the event staff has balloon drops during each game that has to be an advertiser’s dream as each balloon is attached to a promotional item. Sometimes it’s a gift card for a free carwash or $5 at McDonald’s. McDowell ties the promotions into the season’s sponsors in a way that makes you want to thank the companies for the experience.

When you come to The Garden, there should be an electric vibe around the arena that feels like a heartbeat. There should be promotions with sponsors the next day for free pizza or prizes. Passersby should feel the excitement and want to be a part of it. New York is home to dee jays, dancers and the like so it’s almost unforgivable that there isn’t more hype around each game.  A year or two ago, the Knicks had a placed a great deal of effort on fan experience going from bar-to-bar and getting fans involved in the game. It was truly awesome to watch and desperately needed this season especially since the Knicks have a great player in Porzingis and a really impressive squad.

The Knicks should throw the kitchen sink to get Patrick Ewing to work with Porzingis. No one but Ewing can do the job. He understands the demands of the town, the requirements of being worthy of being a Knick. He knows how to survive unbearable heartbreak in The Garden. He’s been there. He’s done it. He can help Porzingis do it. If Ewing isn’t brought to help, Porzingis will likely walk before his contract requires. Today’s league is not about contracts. For the right price, anyone can be available or sent packing. If the Knicks hope to keep Porzingis around, they had better be willing to put aside some hurt feelings and get Ewing in the building, stat.