With Randall, Barrett, and Quickley leading the way and with the support of dynamic center Mitchell Robinson and veterans like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, the Knicks have again electrified New York even despite the superstars who play across the bridge in Brooklyn.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

For most of the past two decades, the New York Knicks have been an organizational laughingstock.

Once regarded as The Mecca, Madison Square Garden often was lifeless – even before the pandemic.

The World’s Most Famous Arena still sold out nearly every game despite the woebegone franchise that plays its home games there.

With free-agent megabucks at their disposal over the past couple of years, the Knicks came up empty.

Superstar after superstar shunned them – adding insult to injury, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant took their talents to Brooklyn to play for the perennial, but exceedingly better, little brothers, the Nets.

Durant even mocked the Knicks and their frustrated fans on Twitter.

But something funny has happened during the 2020-2021 season – the joke appears to be on everyone else because no one is laughing any longer at the Knicks.

Having at last imported a top-notched coach in Tom Thibodeau who players trust and respect, and having been forced to develop instead of trying to buy quality players, the Knicks are the talk of basketball.

Some in the often-intimidating and unforgiving New York media already claim the team has its own Big Three- All-Star Julius Randall, second-year guard R.J. Barrett, and exciting rookie Immanuel Quickley.

“He’s someone I respect,” Houston Rockets star John Wall recently said of Quickley.

“I’m glad he’s showing people he’s more than just a shooter. That’s a lot of what people thought. The way he runs the point guard position has been good,” Wall exerted.

With Randall, Barrett, and Quickley leading the way and with the support of dynamic center Mitchell Robinson and veterans like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, the Knicks have again electrified New York even despite the superstars who play across the bridge in Brooklyn.

Their young talent also includes point guard Elfrid Payton and extends beyond Thibodeau’s regular rotation, with Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, and Obi Toppin coming off the bench.

Further, the front office has stockpiled a boatload of future draft picks and still has plenty of salary cap room.

The immediate and long-term future has not been this bright since Patrick Ewing teamed with Charles Oakley under Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy in the 1990s.

Knick fans vividly remember how loud The Garden was when Ewing dominated the paint, when Oakley crashed the boards, coming away with just about every rebound, and when a John Starks or an Allan Houston would drain a 25-foot three-pointer.

With momentum building toward a playoff berth, Knick fans are anxiously awaiting the full re-opening of The Garden to crowds (the team is currently allowed 2,000 in attendance).

While an 18-17 mark does not usually cause too much optimism, consider that the Knicks did not win their 18th game last year until they had already lost 35.

Two years ago, the Knicks won a total of 17 games.

“Thibs is my dog,” Knicks defensive center Nerlens Noel said, extolling the virtues of Thibodeau after a recent victory over the Detroit Pistons.

“He’s the exceptional coach who gives you the energy that you need to go out and do your job. He holds everyone accountable at a high level. Defensively his track record speaks for itself. I knew coming here it would be a match made in heaven, and I wanted to compliment his coaching style,” Noel stated.

The Knicks currently sit in fifth place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and would have a playoff spot if the postseason began today.

And, no one is laughing anymore at the New York Knicks.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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