Knicks Reject Deal for Fernandez?

Yesterday, Real GM reported that the Knicks rejected a deal that would have made Rudy Fernandez a Knick.  In the three-way deal, the Knicks would have given up Anthony Randolph.  Because of Randolph’s potential, this was a very smart decision by Donnie Walsh. 

Fernandez is a very good player, but I wouldn’t even give up Wilson Chandler for him. 

New York Nine: The Years

Honorable Mention: 2009

In 2009, the Yankees finally were back on top after nine years of waiting.  They picked up their 27th championship after a six game World Series victory over the Phillies.  The Jets also got in on the action, making a Cinderella run to the AFC Championship game.

9)  1995

After an exhausting 1994 season for both teams, all was quiet on the Rangers and Knicks front.  Luckily enough, there was a championship won this season.  The New Jersey Devils brought home their first Stanley Cup in an amazing series.  For more on  the 1995 Devils, click here.

That is all great, but possibly the greatest story to come out of 1995 was the first true ALDS.  After taking a 2-0 series lead on the Mariners, the Yankees dropped three straight on the road en route to elimination.  This series may have saved baseball, saved the Mariners, and led to the modern Yankees dynasty. 

8)  2003

While most people remember the Yankees’ epic ALCS against the Red Sox, it was actually the Devils who stole the show in 2003.  They won their third Stanley Cup and their second in four years.  The Yankees had a pretty exhilarating series too, winning their ALCS in seven games after a historic comeback.

7) 1996

In 1996, the Yankees upset the Atlanta Braves en route to their 21st championship.  This season began the run of dominance the Yankees still thrive from today.  While everyone else in New York had rather quiet seasons, this is still remembered as the year that changed the face of New York baseball.

A few months later in 1997, the Rangers would make their second Eastern Conference Finals in four years.

6)  1973

As if the Knicks winning their second championship wasn’t enough, the Mets made the World Series in 1973.  Although they lose the series, the pushed the mighty A’s to seven games.  Oakland won the series, but the Mets won the hearts of America.

5)  1999

The Yankees, Jets, and Knicks were the feature teams this season.  The Yankees captured another World Series title, the Jets came within 30 minutes of making it to the Super Bowl, and the Knicks made it to another NBA Finals.  1999 was truly one of the greatest years in New York sports history.

4)  2000

While the Rangers missed the playoffs, the Knicks rode all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.  Despite the Knicks having a good team, no one remembers that team.  They don’t remember that team because of the Yankees, Mets, and Giants.

In 2000, the long-awaited Subway Series finally happened.  The Yankees and the Mets finally faced off for all the marbles.  The Yankees won in five games, but every fan in New York was satisfied with the thrill and excitement of the series.

How about those Giants?  Well they only made it to the Super Bowl that season.  Sure they lost to the Ravens, but every Giant fan will remember that year as one of the greatest in their history.

3)  1986

The Mets and Giants both picked up championships in 1986.  Facing the tough Red Sox, the Mets won the World Series thanks to an amazing comeback.  For the the Giants, they beat Denver to win their first Super Bowl. 

2)  1994

Baseball strike?  No problem.  The Knicks and Rangers both made it to their sport’s finals and suddenly a double championship looked probable.  The Rangers took care of business, but the Knicks fell to the Rockets in seven games.  No basketball or hockey fan will ever forget 1994.

1)  1969

Double championship?  How about a triple championship?  Let’s start in January.

January 12, 1969.  That was the date that Jet fans will never forget.  Hands down, Super Bowl III was the greatest upset in New York sports history.

Let’s move to October.  The Miracle Mets finally made it to the World Series.  They defeated the mighty Baltimore Orioles in five games to win their first World Series.

For more on the 1968 Jets, click here.  For details of both series, click here.

While the Knicks didn’t win their championship in 1969, the 1969-1970 Knicks would take home their first championship in May of 1970.  January 1969 – May 1970 are without a doubt the greatest 17 months in New York sports history.

NBA Power Rankings: July 28, 2010

Based on this year’s offseason and last year’s performace, I have ranked all thirty NBA teams.    When the NBA season begins, I will be doing weekly power rankings.   Feel free to leave a comment and list your own rankings. 

1) Los Angeles Lakers
2) Miami Heat
3) Orlando Magic
4) Boston Celtics
5) Dallas Mavericks
6) Chicago Bulls
7) Atlanta Hawks
8 ) Utah Jazz
9) San Antonio Spurs
10) Denver Nuggets
11) Portland Trailblaizers
12) Oklahoma City Thunder
13) Milwaukee Bucks
14) New York Knicks
15) Charlotte Bobcats
16) Phoenix Suns
17) Houston Rockets
18) Memphis Grizzlies
19) New Orleans Hornets
20) New Jersey Nets
21) Cleveland Cavaliers
22) Philadelphia 76ers
23) Washington Wizards
24) Indiana Pacers
25) Toronto Raptors
26) Los Angeles Clippers
27) Detroit Pistons
28) Golden State Warriors
29) Sacramento Kings
30) Minnesota Timberwolves

I really do see the Knicks as a top 15 team this year.  They should make the playoffs.  As far as the Nets go, they have a tough hill to climb.  I may have given them too much credit here, but I wouldn’t underestimate their young talent.  If Avery Johnson can inspire this team, they can go places.