We are about to enjoy a September hoopfest while also finding out if the immense hype building for the first European championships in five years proves justified
So Marc, I was so angry at the Knicks losing Mitchell that I swore off the NBA. Canceled all of my basketball newsletters including this one, and began to list my season tickets for sale.
Well, that lasted two days and the first thing I did we to reinstate my paid subscription to your newsletter. And I took my tickets down from Stubhub (well most of them) and started to look for positive stories on the Knicks. To my great surprise, there were a lot of articles praising the Knicks for turning down a deal for Mitchell that would have cost RJ, Quickley, three unprotected first round picks and one protected piece. Mind you, I still would have done it.
But even better, my favorite basketball columnist (that’s you Marc) begins writing about the EuroBasketball tourney. And even better, two of the best players have been Fournier and Rokas Jokubaitis. Rokas looks like a premier find for the Knicks so we can add him to our numerous first round picks over the next few years (could have four in 2023 although a long shot).
Just saw this note, David. Much appreciated. I just got back from Germany this afternoon because my trip, sadly, was very short. I, too, would have done the deal. I am not in the camp that says the Knicks were wise to show restraint, because I think Mitchell would have meant more to the team (and Leon Rose) than just his on-court production. Maybe the Knicks end up signing Mitchell in free agency in 2025. But that has to feel like a LONG way off in September 2022. PS -- Met Rokas briefly at the hotel. Will try to figure out what the Knicks' plans are for him.
Thanks Marc. Just like the Red Sox had the Curse of Babe Ruth, my Knicks have the Curse of Walt Frazier. Trading the best of our best in the twilight of his career. Here is what he said that day: “
“I was traded to Cleveland. It was like getting traded to Siberia. There was one reporter. On the weekend, there was no reporter,” Frazier said, per Darren Rovell of the Action Network.
Hey Marc long-time reader of yours! I grew up in New York but have been living in Berlin for the past 8 years. We have similar interests - tennis, football, food, general nerd stuff. If you’re in Berlin for the business end of Eurobasket I’d be honored to share a meal with you or otherwise guide you around this amazing place!!
Thanks much. Sadly won't make it to the knockout portion of the event and even more sadly I've never been to Berlin. Only Koln and a little place called Wurzburg.
Team Canada is rolling in World Cup qualifying .... but EuroBasket, my friend, is Europe-only. Had to finish this piece before the RJ extension news broke late last night so I could make my flight to EuroBasket in time ... but I suspect we will be talking plenty about the RJ latest for days and weeks to come. I still think Mitchell winds up with New York ... eventually. Can’t tell you how long it will take, though.
So Marc, I was so angry at the Knicks losing Mitchell that I swore off the NBA. Canceled all of my basketball newsletters including this one, and began to list my season tickets for sale.
Well, that lasted two days and the first thing I did we to reinstate my paid subscription to your newsletter. And I took my tickets down from Stubhub (well most of them) and started to look for positive stories on the Knicks. To my great surprise, there were a lot of articles praising the Knicks for turning down a deal for Mitchell that would have cost RJ, Quickley, three unprotected first round picks and one protected piece. Mind you, I still would have done it.
But even better, my favorite basketball columnist (that’s you Marc) begins writing about the EuroBasketball tourney. And even better, two of the best players have been Fournier and Rokas Jokubaitis. Rokas looks like a premier find for the Knicks so we can add him to our numerous first round picks over the next few years (could have four in 2023 although a long shot).
Just saw this note, David. Much appreciated. I just got back from Germany this afternoon because my trip, sadly, was very short. I, too, would have done the deal. I am not in the camp that says the Knicks were wise to show restraint, because I think Mitchell would have meant more to the team (and Leon Rose) than just his on-court production. Maybe the Knicks end up signing Mitchell in free agency in 2025. But that has to feel like a LONG way off in September 2022. PS -- Met Rokas briefly at the hotel. Will try to figure out what the Knicks' plans are for him.
Thanks Marc. Just like the Red Sox had the Curse of Babe Ruth, my Knicks have the Curse of Walt Frazier. Trading the best of our best in the twilight of his career. Here is what he said that day: “
“I was traded to Cleveland. It was like getting traded to Siberia. There was one reporter. On the weekend, there was no reporter,” Frazier said, per Darren Rovell of the Action Network.
Good line by Walt ... gotta look that one up.
Hey Marc long-time reader of yours! I grew up in New York but have been living in Berlin for the past 8 years. We have similar interests - tennis, football, food, general nerd stuff. If you’re in Berlin for the business end of Eurobasket I’d be honored to share a meal with you or otherwise guide you around this amazing place!!
Thanks much. Sadly won't make it to the knockout portion of the event and even more sadly I've never been to Berlin. Only Koln and a little place called Wurzburg.
No RJ for team Canada.
Was hoping to digest some RJ contract insight. Good deal?, Mitchell ramifications?, deal with Jazz still on the horizon ?
Latest cookie crumble includes Mitchell scrubbing social media of any Jazz association.
Team Canada is rolling in World Cup qualifying .... but EuroBasket, my friend, is Europe-only. Had to finish this piece before the RJ extension news broke late last night so I could make my flight to EuroBasket in time ... but I suspect we will be talking plenty about the RJ latest for days and weeks to come. I still think Mitchell winds up with New York ... eventually. Can’t tell you how long it will take, though.
Thank you for your time and the response! Great versatile content as always.
Will Eurobasket be televised in the US?
All the games will be available via ESPN+. The whole tournament.