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NBA New York Knicks January 2012 National and…

dimakitop — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:32:00 +0000

With the NBA season finally underway, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, and Tyson Chandler are on a quest to lead the New York Knicks to an NBA championship in this shortened 66-game season. Luckily Knicks’ fans in New York and across the country can watch each game on television.

Check with your service provider for channel listings in your area.

Note: All start times Eastern

January 2012

Mon 2, Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Wed 4, Charlotte Bobcats at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Fri 6, New York Knicks at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Sat 7, New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Mon 9, Charlotte Bobcats at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBATV)

Wed 11, Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Thu 12, New York Knicks at Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m. (TNT)

Sat 14, New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Mon 16, Orlando Magic at New York Knicks, 1 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Wed 18, Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Fri 20, Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Sat 21, Denver Nuggets at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBATV)

Tue 24, New York Knicks at Charlotte Bobcats, 7 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Wed 25, New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Fri 27, New York Knicks at Miami Heat, 8 p.m. (MSG, ESPN)

Sat 28, New York Knicks at Houston Rockets, 8 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Tue 31, Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG, NBA LP)

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is a Cleveland based freelance sportswriter and Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

Thanks for reading! .

Son of New York Knicks coach with beach ties has…

AndreOess — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:17:45 +0000

Michael D’Antoni has lived the life of a military brat, only without the weapons, the war, oh, and a parent in a branch of the military.

That was all replaced by basketball.

D’Antoni, the son of New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni and nephew of former longtime Socastee High coach Dan D’Antoni, is a worldly 17-year-old who has lived in four states and Italy on two occasions as his father followed a career coaching on the hardcourt.

“He’s had a rather nomadic life,” said D’Antoni’s mother, Laurel, who is in Myrtle Beach this week to watch her son play in the Beach Ball Classic. “He’s lived everywhere, and I think he does really well adjusting to different places. He understands that there are a lot of different places to see and a lot of different things he’s been exposed to. He understands this is our life. That’s all he knows. It’s always been that way.”

As a 17-year-old junior at Rye High in New York, D’Antoni is now trying to forge a small place of his own in the basketball world.

Despite the constant presence of basketball in his life, D’Antoni only casually played the game until last year. In the past couple years the 5-10 guard began to put in the time and effort necessary to make basketball a college consideration.

“It would definitely be fun to play in college. I’m not going to doubt that,” D’Antoni said. “I would love to do that. But if I can’t, then so be it.”

D’Antoni was born in Milan, Italy, and lived there for six months. He then moved to Treviso, Italy, for about three years; Denver, Colo., for three years; Portland, Ore., for a year; back to Treviso, Italy, for a year; Phoenix, Ariz., for six years; and Rye, N.Y., for the past three years.

“I’ve lived in so many different places I know different cultures, and I’d like to think I see things more open now,” D’Antoni said.

Italian was his first language. He learned English after moving to the U.S. and is now learning Spanish. “[Italian] comes and goes. Sometimes I remember a word and sometimes I can’t think of it,” D’Antoni said. “I always mix up my Spanish with Italian now because they’re so similar.”

He excels academically, and has played the cello in orchestra since fourth grade. “That’s been influential. It makes me more relaxed in school,” he said.

Though his game is still developing, D’Antoni’s maturity translates to the court. “He can keep his composure on the court. He never gets too high and never gets too low.” Rye coach Chris DiCintio said. “… I think he sees the big picture when he’s playing on the court, like he sees the big picture as far as life is concerned.”

Rye has lost its first two Beach Ball games, with one remaining Friday against Gaffney. D’Antoni has been a minimal factor in games, hitting 3 of his 10 field goal attempts – all 3-pointers – for nine points.

“If he gets a little stronger and maybe a little bigger he can get some small school’s interest,” said Dan D’Antoni, a Knicks assistant coach and a Beach Ball founder. “I don’t think his interest in basketball was as fueled as it has been in the past year. The main thing is his strength and getting stronger. His skill set is pretty good he just needs the strength to be a little more aggressive when he plays.”

Mike D’Antoni never pressured his son to play basketball. “He never stressed it or

anything, just if I wanted to do it he’d be there to help,” D’Antoni said.

Because of the NBA lockout, D’Antoni’s father was there to help this past summer and fall, along with his coaching uncle. They helped not only D’Antoni with his game, but DiCintio and his entire team.

Has D’Antoni been blessed or cursed by all the traveling? “It goes both ways,” D’Antoni said. “It’s great to move around and see these different places and see what I’ve gone through. But then again I wouldn’t mind settling down in one place.”

The toughest part isn’t having to constantly make new friends. “You get used to making friends after moving place to place. It’s harder to lose friends,” D’Antoni said. “I guess when I was younger it was so much easier for me. But this past move from Phoenix to New York, since I was in seventh grade in Phoenix and moved to New York in eighth grade, it was a hard change because it was the last year of middle school and I have to make friends all over and get ready for high school while I’m starting from scratch. It was really tough.

“But I went through it and now I’m fine. It’s perfect,” he said.

He stays in touch with many of his friends around the world by playing X-box Live with them.

He’s unsure of his academic focus in college, possibly something in business or science, he said. “I’m not quite sure where he wants to go,” his mother said. “I think if anything that’s the problem. There are so many opportunities, and every place we’ve been has brought a lot of joy to him.”

In a basketball family, experiences on the court have played a small role in shaping Michael D’Antoni.

“He’s experienced everything,” Dan D’Antoni said. “He’s in line academically, doing things that will last more of a lifetime than basketball. He’s a great kid; a super person to be around. He’ll be fine regardless of what happens in basketball. If it doesn’t work out, he’s had a great experience and he’ll move on.”

That’s all for today.

New York Knicks Reportedly Interested In Signing…

Poessovagerry — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:38:26 +0000

The New York Knicks are preparing to reach out to several free agents, including Grant Hill, according to multiple reports.

Newsday, which reported the Knicks’ interest in Hill last Wednesday, said free agents Caron Butler and Shawne Williams were also discussed, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

While Butler and Williams are both notable players, Hill is a living NBA legend, making him the highlight of the rumors.

Hill strongly considered but turned down an offer from the Knicks in 2009, opting to stay with the Phoenix Suns instead. At age 39, the gracefully aging star has still proven himself a valuable role player, making $3.2 million last season while averaging 13.2 points per game, 30.1 minutes per game and starting 80 of the Suns’ 82 games.

The NBA, fresh out of a grueling lockout that delayed and shaved games off the upcoming season, has prohibited agreements of any kind until training camps open Dec. 9.

Suns president Lon Babby told The Arizona Republic that re-signing Hill “is an absolute first order of business and top priority.”

“But Phoenix is on the decline and Hill’s closest friend on the team, Steve Nash, is in the final year of his contract and may be traded,” Newsday reported, adding that Nash could possibly land with the Knicks and reunite with Hill next year.

Hill – if he were to sign with New York – would also be reunited with his former coach, current Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni.

That’s all for today.

Report: New York Knicks Want to Sign Grant Hill

HENILIAIX — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:28:06 +0000

The Phoenix Suns claim that Grant Hill is their top free agent priority, but according to Newsday, they’ll have to fight off the Knicks’ advances: “On the first day the NBA permitted team executives to contact agents about players, the Knicks prepared to reach out to several free agents, including one who turned them down two years ago. Although Caron Butler and Shawne Williams were discussed Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the situation said the Knicks are also interested in Grant Hill. Hill strongly considered an offer by the Knicks in 2009 but decided to stay with the Suns. The Lakers reportedly also have Hill on the radar. Though 39, Hill showed no signs of slowing down last season as a reliable role player and defensive specialist with the Suns. He made $3.2 million and started 80 games, averaging 13.2 points and 30.1 minutes. Although the free-agent moratorium ended Wednesday, agreements of any kind are prohibited until Dec. 9, when training camps are to open. Suns president Lon Babby told The Arizona Republic that re-signing Hill ‘is an absolute first order of business and top priority.’ But Phoenix is on the decline and Hill’s closest friend on the team, Steve Nash, is in the final year of his contract and may be traded. If the Knicks’ plans for Chris Paul don’t come to fruition, Nash could wind up in New York as a free agent next summer to reunite with Hill, Amar’e Stoudemire and Mike D’Antoni.”

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Woodson faces tall task with Knicks

biapman — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:05:39 +0000

In six seasons in Atlanta, Mike Woodson helped the Hawks go from being one of the worst defensive teams in the league to a borderline top-10 squad (Icon SMI)

Mike Woodson wasn’t a defensive miracle worker in Atlanta, but he won’t have to be in New York, where the Knicks have hired him as Mike D’Antoni’s designated defensive coordinator. In six years as Atlanta’s head coach, Woodson turned the Hawks from one of the league’s worst defensive teams into a borderline top-10 outfit that peaked, in 2008-09, to sit 11th in the league’s points allowed per possession rankings.

The Hawks’ improvement hasn’t moved Woodson to the ranks of Tom Thibodeau or Dwane Casey in terms of turning so-so defenses into top-five monsters. Still, that improvement in Atlanta was huge, even if it coincided with the maturation of Josh Smith and the drafting of Al Horford — a pair of mobile bigs that served as the foundation for much of what Woodson did with the Hawks’ defense. As players developed and personnel improved, Atlanta became consistently good at two things it was terrible at when Woodson first arrived: defending the three and avoiding fouls. That kind of consistent, category-specific improvement stems from a coach’s philosophy: Orlando or New York attempt a ton of threes because their coaches believe it is more efficient to play that way. The Knicks were among the league’s worst last season at both defending threes and fouling, and lifting them toward the league average in those categories would be huge.

The Knicks don’t need to be the Celtics or the Bulls, though that would be helpful. The team’s offense, given more time for Carmelo Antony and Amar’e Stoudemire to mesh, should be potent enough. The very best of D’Antoni’s Phoenix teams — the 2004-05 and 2006-07 versions — proved you can build a legit title contender around a dynamite offense and an average defense. The armchair clichés paint those Suns teams as defensive sieves, but that doesn’t stand up; Phoenix ranked 17th in points allowed per possession in 2004-05 and 13th in 2006-07, and they managed that while playing in a superior conference. And if not for a few unlucky breaks — Joe Johnson’s injury in the 2005 playoffs, the infamous 2007 suspensions against San Antonio — one of those Phoenix teams could well have won a ring.

That’s the formula for the 2011-12 Knicks, because Woodson is not going to turn this bunch into an elite defense. Any team built around Anthony and Stoudemire — two subpar defenders, and one subpar rebounding big man — is going to have a tough time reaching that level, and there is no Kevin Garnett-style, unifying on-court force on hand to mask everyone else’s limitations and serve as the fulcrum of a great defense.

Woodson is going to have to scramble, which is good, because he knows how to do that. In Atlanta, Mike Bibby was already in serious decline at point guard — the guy serving as the initial line of defense against most pick-and-roll plays. The Hawks lacked a starting-caliber “true” center, meaning Woodson manufactured a semi-undersized front line out of Smith and Horford. He took that apparent weakness and made it something of a strength, using the speed of his big men in a system that often had them switch onto guards during pick-and-rolls in order to make up for Bibby’s inability to pursue his guy over picks. The Hawks defensive rebounding suffered as a result, since one of their two above-average rebounders often ended up on the perimeter when a shot went up. Woodson’s Atlanta teams ranked 24th or worse in defensive rebounding rate in each of his last five seasons, and he comes to a Knicks team that ranked 26th in that category last season. But the trade-off was probably worth it.

It’s premature to assume the Knicks will adopt the style of defense Woodson’s Atlanta teams played. Woodson isn’t the head coach here, and the personnel is different. But those Atlanta teams showed Woodson’s capacity to adapt to the personnel and build a decent defense out of parts that didn’t look like they should add up.

Decent would be great for the Knicks. If New York can climb to something like 15th — league average — in points allowed per possession, they are going to be a major problem, provided their offense is as good as it should be. Woodson’s presence doesn’t guarantee that, but having another defensive-oriented voice around can only help.

Leave your comments on the news below.

NBA Superstar Amar’e Stoudemire Signs With…

BrogvonVK — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:02:00 +0000

{“s” : “schl”,”k” : “a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00″,”o” : “”,”j” : “”}

Press Release
Source: Scholastic

On Thursday August 11, 2011, 12:02 pm EDT

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Six-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks captain Amar’e Stoudemire has signed with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, which has acquired world rights to STAT: Standing Tall and Talented, a chapter book series for middle-grade readers launching in August 2012. Stoudemire is committed to turning kids, especially boys, into readers. The new series, named after his nickname STAT, will be based on the life of Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today. The deal was negotiated by Happy Walters from Rogue Sports, Aaron Spiewak from Designers Management Agency, and Cathy Hemming from McCormick and Williams for Amar’e Stoudemire and Debra Dorfman, Vice President Publisher for Paperbacks, Non-fiction and Licensing, from Scholastic.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110811/NY51025 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/SCHOLASTICLOGO )

“Amar’e Stoudemire is a NBA megastar and a New York hero. He is passionate about reading and education and we are proud to partner with him to publish a new chapter book series that will inspire more kids to embrace reading through Amar’e's story,” said Debra Dorfman.

“I am excited to create my book series with Scholastic,” said Amar’e Stoudemire. “They are the best in the business so I trust them with my stories. I decided to write for children because although I am an avid reader now, I wish I had read more as a child. I hope that together with Scholastic, we can creatively inspire a new generation to read.”

The first book in STAT: Standing Tall And Talented will be published in both hardcover and paperback on August 1, 2012, to be followed by new books in October 2012 and January 2013. In STAT #1: Home Court, eleven-year-old Amar’e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He plays sports with his friends. He takes his school work seriously. He helps out with his dad’s landscaping company. And he loves to go skateboarding in the park. But when an older group of boys start bullying his friends on the basketball court, Amar’e is forced to step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. He realizes that basketball is his true passion.

About Amar’e Stoudemire

Widely considered one of the best high school players in the country, Amar’e Stoudemire was selected ninth in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. His ability to adjust and learn helped him become the first player to be drafted out of high school to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In 2010, Stoudemire joined the New York Knicks for his ninth year in the league. This six-time NBA All-Star is a well-respected professional basketball player who continues to leave a legacy in the game and in the community through his award winning outreach.

Through the Amar’e Stoudemire Foundation, Stoudemire is focused on creatively inspiring youth to avoid poverty through education. Amar’e has been able to provide needed resources for New York’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Beacon Centers, AAU programs, youth basketball tournaments and projects abroad. Stoudemire was named a Good Will Ambassador to the country of Sierra Leone and he is currently developing a community center in the African nation of Mali. In Spring 2011, the National Father’s Day Council honored him as one of their Fathers of the Year. Learn more about Amar’e Stoudemire at: www.Amarestoudemire.com; facebook.com/AmareStoudemire; twitter.com/amareisreal; and youtube.com/stattv.

About Scholastic

For more about Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL – News), visit our media room at: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com

Follow Yahoo! Finance on ; become a fan on Facebook.

That’s all for today.

Ethan Hawke Welcomes Fourth Child

poippemythire — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:52:38 +0000

Ethan Hawke reacts with his son as the Phoenix Suns play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City o… Read Moren January 17, 2011. The Suns defeated the Knicks 129-121. UPI/John Angelillo

Ethan Hawke became a father to his fourth child, baby girl Indiana. According to New York Daily News, the 40-year-old actor and his wife Ryan Shawhughes were seen walking around New York City with their baby over the weekend.

This is Hawke’s and Shawhughes’s second child together. They are also parents to 3-year-old daughter, Clementine.

The 40-year-old actor also has two children with former wife Uma Thurman: 12-year-old daughter Maya, and 9-year-old son Levon.

According to New York Daily News, Shawhughes was the former nanny to Hawke’s two older children. The couple wed in 2008. This is the actor’s second marriage.

People magazine had quoted Hawke has saying in 2006 that parenting was his greatest joy and was “the only role that, if I fail, I will consider my life a failure.”

What are your opinions.

Knicks Mike D’Antoni To Toronto? Maybe That’s The Wrong Question

TSOhabahabaOST — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:22:35 +0000

There are conflicting reports today about the future of Mike D’Antoni as coach of the New York Knicks. One report says D’Antoni could be a candidate for the newly-vacated job as head coach of the Toronto Raptors, thus bailing on the Knicks. Another report calls that notion “amusing” and says there is no truth to it.

Ah, who do you believe? Whatever. Here is a better question, appropriate I believe with the 2011 NBA Finals going on right now between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. Can the Knicks ever reach championship level with D’Antoni running the show on the bench?

No doubt D’Antoni is a terrific coach. In seven full seasons as an NBA coach his teams (Phoenix and New York) have gone to the NBA playoffs five times. His Phoenix teams were always high-flying, high-scoring squads led by Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash. Now, he is in New York and with Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony the Knicks are pointed in the right direction.

Thing is, can D’Antoni get a team all the way to the mountaintop? He is an offensive coach, and a very, very good one at that. He talks about defense, but if you have watched his teams for years you know that is mostly lip service. For D’Antoni the path to victory is outscoring the other guy.

If you have watched the NBA playoffs you know they are not about offense. They are about toughness. They are about rebounding. They are about getting stops in the final few minutes and making life as miserable as possible for the top scorers on the opposing team. They are about executing at crunch time. D’Antoni’s Knicks did not execute at crunch time in this year’s playoffs against Boston, and got swept. His teams have never been about toughness, rebounding or getting stops.

So, the question will hang out there until the Knicks either move on from D’Antoni or he proves it isn’t a valid one. Can the Knicks win the big prize with Mike D’Antoni as head coach? I have my doubts.

Your thoughts?

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Price tag rising on Suns’ Stoudemire

Churlrada — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:44:13 +0000

It’s becoming clearer that Amar’e Stoudemire (notes) will opt out of his contract with the Phoenix Suns this summer, especially since he’s showcasing himself so beautifully in the playoffs. He could stick around Phoenix and make $17.7 million next year, but he is l ikely to make a lot more dough over the long term if he opts out now, according to the New York Times. A lot of teams have salary-cap space this summer because they’ve been planning for years to try to snag the big free agents of 2010: LeBron James (notes) , Dwyane Wade (notes) , Chris Bosh (notes) , Carlos Boozer (notes) , and so on

More here:
Price tag rising on Suns’ Stoudemire