MacLeod’s Decision One of Keys to Knicks’ Success

The editors of The Sporting News choose the NBA’s executive of the year, and thus far, they have not asked for help. It’s obvious, however, that there is only one choice:

John MacLeod.

Admittedly, MacLeod is without a job, and he has never been an executive. But as far as Knick fans are concerned, he made a very important executive decision when he rejected Al Bianchi’s overtures last summer. Bianchi wanted MacLeod, his good friend and boss in Phoenix for 12 seasons, to become the Knicks’ head coach. MacLeod refused.

Bianchi then promoted Stu Jackson to head coach, and Jackson responded by putting the best Knick product on the floor since the Knicks’ glory years in the early ‘70s. MacLeod, therefore, is largely responsible for the Knicks’ success. And because he already has been fired by the Mavericks, MacLeod deserves some form of compensation.

MacLeod’s decision to not take the Knicks’ job may be the smartest thing Bianchi has ever done. And although there has been much talk about Patrick Ewing’s bid to become the first MVP from the Knicks since Willis Reed in 1970, it is important to remember that it is Jackson’s system that has allowed Ewing to flourish. Perhaps it is time to begin focusing on Jackson as a potential award-winner.

Ewing was capable of dominating last season. But he did what he was told, which was shoot about 16 times a game. During last season, Ewing attempted only 135 more field goals than the Knicks attempted three-point shots. Ewing and the three-pointer were almost equal options.

This season, however, Ewing has attempted 570 field goals--about 20 per game--and the Knicks have attempted 270 three-pointers. Ewing now is more than twice as important as the three-point shot. It’s a question of focus, and the Knicks unquestionably are better focused than they were last season.

For that, Jackson must receive credit.

“It’s early,” Bianchi said, “but I think the things that we thought about him have come true. We knew he would be able to work with people, and he has. He’s handled the Mark Jackson-Rod Strickland situation well. It is evident that Kenny Walker needed to be treated with tender loving care, and Stu’s done that. And Patrick’s playing better than he ever has because Stu has given him the chance.”

When the Knicks hired Jackson, then 33, it was suggested here that no rookie coach could win a championship. That was wrong. Jackson hasn’t won it yet, but it seems obvious now that if he doesn’t, it won’t be because he’s a rookie coach. Some team simply will play better than the Knicks.

As it stands now, Jackson will make his imprint on Knick history. The Knicks’ nine-game winning streak ended Tuesday when they lost to the Suns, which gave the Knicks a 20-8 record. If they continue winning at their present pace, they will end the season 59-23. Only the 1969-70 Knicks championship team (60-22) had a better record.

Jackson also could become the third Knick coach--Joe Lapchick and Red Holzman are the others--to coach in the All-Star Game. If the Knicks have the best record in the East on Jan. 28, Jackson will be the Eastern coach, and benefit from the accompanying publicity.

And perhaps at some point he will thank MacLeod, because by not coming to New York, MacLeod has enabled Jackson to become perhaps the No. 1 contender for the coach of the year award.

The Magic may be an expansion team, but their clock crew apparently is familiar with some old tricks. In the Pistons’ 115-113 victory in Orlando Tuesday, Magic guard Nick Anderson missed a free throw with 2.7 seconds left. Dennis Rodman got the rebound, turned to his left and attempted to throw the ball to the other end of the court. Anderson, however, intercepted the pass and launched a desperation 40-foot, three-point shot. The problem, as the Pistons saw it, was that when Anderson attempted the last shot, 2.2 seconds were left on the clock. “Dangerous,” Coach Chuck Daly said. “I’m not sure the clock started.”

“The clock didn’t even move,” Bill Laimbeer said. “There’s no excuse for that. It’s bad for the NBA when stuff like that happens.”

OK, Bill. You want to talk about what’s bad for the NBA? The first release of Eastern Conference All-Star voting totals has Laimbeer trailing Ewing by only 363 votes in balloting for the starting center position. Not only that, but Mark Aguirre is second among forwards. Obviously there have been a lot of votes submitted from Detroit, where the fans are very loyal but not real bright. How could anyone vote for Laimbeer instead of Ewing, no matter where they are from? Anyway, Ewing will win when the votes from some of the more intelligent fans around the league are counted.

So far, various experts have credited the Spurs’ turnaround to David Robinson, Larry Brown and-or Terry Cummings. Now former Spur Greg Anderson, who was traded to Milwaukee with Alvin Robertson for Cummings, says Maurice Cheeks is the difference.

“When Alvin and I were there, they never really had a point guard,” Anderson said. “They always had a 2-guard they tried to use as a point. That makes it hard. Maurice is the difference for them.”

Anderson, of course, was reluctant to credit Cummings. “I think if Alvin and I were there, things would be about the same,” Anderson sniffed.

Anyone interested in wasting money and time should immediately call 1-900-872-6847. For he rather lofty price of $1.49 a minute, you can hear the hotline of Hornet guard Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues--”You know me,” the tape begins, “smallest guy in the NBA.”

Wednesday, the hotline featured Muggsy talking about upcoming Hornets games, taking a look at the NBA, some personal information, why things are going the Hornets’ way (?), whether Hornets fans should boo Kelly Tripucka, Muggsy’s reaction to Hornet GM Carl Scheer, who said the Hornets were “weak and limited” at point guard, and information on a free trip to Hawaii. But a personal favorite was the revelation by the 5-3 Bogues that the toughest guy in the NBA for him to guard is 6-9 Magic Johnson. Thank you, Muggsy. That was money well spent. And, by the way, for those who can’t remember the number, simply dial 1-900-USA-MUGS.

Reports from Miami indicate that in a recent game, Park Avenue Pat Cummings, the former Knick, completed a behind-the-back pass to a teammate for a layup. That sounds about as appealing to watch as Refrigerator Perry attempting a leaping high-five.

Magic guard Scott Skiles was a little dubious when a young fan recently approached and asked Skiles to autograph a Scott Skiles poster. Skiles being Skiles, he knew he didn’t have a poster. The kid produced a poster of Michael Jordan, who was dunking over a helpless Skiles. Skiles laughed and autographed the poster. “I should have asked for royalties,” he said.