Pro Sports Press: Rooster to New York- Wake Up!

Rooster to New York- Wake Up!
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Pro Sports Writer on 21 January, 2009 03:57:00
 
It is a day of hope for the entire country. With the inauguration of Barack
Obama, the nation is excited. It is excited and hopeful for change, for the
present and the future. As the tumultuous run of President George W. Bush comes
to an end, the promising and enthusiastic presidency of Barack H. Obama begins.
Similar is the case with the New York Knicks. One can say the last time the
Knicks tasted success was the last time a democrat was in the office.
It’s safe to say the New York Knicks organization has been a disaster
since the turn of the century, but unlike the United States there was no hope
for the future. There was no Barack Obama waiting in the wings.
The Knicks’ only hope? The slim chance at signing LeBron James or Dwayne
Wade in 2010.
It all looked pretty glum. What was the point of watching? Many of these players
on the current roster won’t be here in 2010. Wilson Chandler seems to be
a keeper, but even fan favorite David Lee, one of the few bright spots from the
past regime could be traded to keep the cap low for 2010. Danilo Gallinari, the
Knicks first round pick from 2008? He hurt his back in summer league, before
even stepping on the court in the regular season.  His future, and career looked
bleak with what seemed to be a lingering injury.
Despite 6 months of rehab, he had continuous pain in his back. His season seemed
to be lost. The Knicks’ season at 15-23 wasn’t going anywhere, and
looked to be heading towards another lottery finish.
Many, especially impatient Knick fans began to doubt Gallinari. ‘Euros are
soft! He needs to man up. The injury doesn’t seem that bad. The Knicks
screwed up! Should have taken Gordon! When will he come back? His career is
over.’
You know what’s great about fans in New York? They’re pretty much
‘out of sight-out of mind’. If you’re hurt, you don’t
perform, if you’re overpaid, or if you have an attitude, forget about it.
You’ll be treated worse than, (let’s keep it in the spirit of
inauguration day), George Bush at an anti-war rally. Stephon Marbury can attest.
But if you do perform, work hard, and hustle, you’ll be treated like a
king. Derek Jeter can attest to that.
Such was the case with Danilo ‘The Rooster’ Gallinari. Not so much
anger, for not performing, but disappointment for being injured.
That was until Gallinari, surprisingly, after reports of him still not being
100% made his ‘true’ Garden debut on January 17th after making a
brief four minute cameo in October. He played 15 minutes against the
Philadelphia 76ers scoring 6 points making 2 three-pointers. The Knicks lost
97-107, but the Garden was abuzz.
He added to that by scoring 9 points, grabbing 4 boards, throwing 2 assists,
making 2 steals, and making a great block on fellow heralded rookie Derrick Rose
in 16 minutes, in a 102-98 victory against Obama’s hometown Chicago
Bulls.
Fans that had earlier written him off as a failure were now quickly jumping
aboard. He showed an ability to create, make big plays, and play hard. Most
importantly he showed his high basketball IQ. He used his head where he lacked
athletic ability. He showed he is a player, and all of a sudden the
Knicks’ season isn’t all that boring.
For fans that were waiting for 2010, the hope comes a year early. There’s
a lot of things wrong with the New York Knicks, and don’t for a second
believe that Danilo Gallinari will fix them all, but it’s a beginning.
Much like the new beginning this country is taking.
The last time I honestly felt this excitement in New York Basketball was the day
Isiah Thomas traded for the since banished Stephon Marbury. Here’s hoping
this ends a lot differently. God knows the Knicks need it. After a long wait,
Danilo Gallinari is here, bringing hope for the future. The Rooster has finally
landed in Madison Square Garden, and his crow can be heard throughout New York.