A Leader Emerges Unconditional optimism. It's what every Knicks fan holds onto so dearly each October. When the ball goes up on Nov. 2nd in Cleveland, will the team unveil a focus & determination reminiscent of the Riley years or should we brace for another year of sub .500 basketball? Clearly, the team has more talent this season than at any other point since Isiah Thomas arrived at MSG on December 22nd, 2003.

Procuring talent has never been Isiah's issue, but the team's inability to gel or stay healthy for 82 games has led to the post-Ewing blues. Lest we not forgetthat the Knicks have not won a playoff game since the 2000-01 season, yet every year the belief around 33rd & 7th is "now is the time" when it all comes together. Coming off a PR-nightmare of a summer that featured one televised Marbury meltdown after another and Isiah's infamous sexual harassment case, one could easily deduce that the 2007-08 season is doomed before it started. After a closer look, this may just be the breakthrough year Knicks fans have been longing for.

Zach Randolph's arrival is reminiscent of Latrell Sprewell's in some respect. When Spree & Camby arrived before the start of the 1998-99 season, many were concerned losing John Starks & Charles Oakley would destroy the fabric of the team. Needless to say, everyone knows the story of how the '99 team shocked the NBA world. Randolph seems to have the same swagger & baggage that Spree brought to the team. Spree quickly won the crowd over with his frenetic play and on-court bravado. He complimented Allan Houston's cool, calm & collected style of play. I see the same effect with Randolph & Eddy Curry. While the two have yet to establish a way to thrive in the court together, let's not forget that Spree saw much of his time behind Houston. Randolph was clearly brought in to be a starter, but the two big man act can work. Think back to 1996 when Patrick Ewing & Larry Johnson shared the low block. Before Johnson became known for shooting the three and flashing his trademark "Big L" sign, most of his points came from swirling forays in the paint.

In some respect, Isiah Thomas' Knicks have more overall talent 1-12 than Jeff Van Gundy's team, but there is one clear area that separates the two eras. Leadership defined the 90's Knicks as Dave Checketts was decisive, Ernie Grunfeld made savvy moves and Riles & JVG led a team of headstrong veterans. This group had its fair share of infighting (i.e. Grunfeld was sent packing because he could not see eye to eye with Van Gundy), but the product on the court was one New Yorkers were proud off. Although the NBA title eluded the team, there were 14 consecutive trips to the playoffs including 2 NBA Finals appearances. One of the staples from those playoffs trips was seeing the determination in Ewing's scowl, Oakley's true grit & Larry Johnson's ability to rally the troops.

The Jim Dolan, Scott Layden/Isiah Thomas regime have struggled mightily to re-establish a winning culture. Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkens & Larry Brown's efforts proved futile. Big contracts, limited victories & an incompetent owner have marred one of the NBA's charter franchises.

As we look to the 2007-08, there is hope. This season three together for many of the core members of the team, so it's safe to assume that roles have been defined and goals have been established. After an in-depth evaluation of the roster, I believe that a true team leader will stand up and will the team to a 40+ win season. That person is David Lee. While Marbury may be the captain, Lee is the engine. A closer look reveals Lee is both a fan favorite and well respected by his peers, which led to his invitation to the practice squad for Team USA. He appears to be healthy and ready to prove a point to many. Lee embodies everything that is right with the Knicks - with Jerome James holding the dubious distinction of Mr. Wrong - by playing hard, making winning plays and earning a salary that keeps him motivated.

From what most NYK fans can gather, Malik Rose is the resident locker room leader. History dictates that a leader must be on the floor early & often to have a real effect on wins & losses. This season, keep a close eye on David Lee's minutes and the plus/minus ratio when he checks in & out. His per-48 minute statistics are on par with some of the NBA's best forwards. I suspect the Knicks will win at least 50% of their games when D. Lee sees 30+ minutes of action. Moreover, I predict this is the year D. Lee becomes the inspirational leader the Knicks have been sorely lacking since LJ retired prematurely. For the Knicks, winning time starts when the first substitution whistle blows.

- Greg Hutchins