Isiah’s Midterm Grade: C+.

At the halfway point and in their first-game after the All-Star Break, the Knicks knocked out their 24th win of the season against Orlando last night, 100-94, thus eclipsing last year’s woeful 23-59 full-season record under Larry Brown. I haven’t been posting about them much, but thanks to the magic of TiVo I’ve watched a lot of games this year, and there are definitely causes for hope among the Knicks nation, even if there’s not much chance of a serious playoff run, or even a playoff spot, this year. No, I haven’t climbed aboard the Isiah bandwagon, and I think we’d be better if he was gone from the Garden next year. But, in the emergence of Eddy Curry as a semi-consistent offensive force in the post, and the solid play of the second-years — most notably rookie/sophomore game MVP David Lee, who leads the league in shooting percentage and is a prime candidate for six-man of the year, the Knicks have a foundation to build on for the first time in a good long while. Let’s just hope Isiah doesn’t make any more panic trades that lock us in with overpriced underperformers — see Steve Francis, Jerome James, Jalen Rose, Penny Hardaway, Antonio McDyess, Vin Baker, Glenn Rice, Luc Longley, Shandon Anderson, Howard Eisley, all since Patrick left in 2000 — for the next 4-6 years.

Trading Day.

Trades galore today in the NBA, with C-Webb off to Philly, ‘Toine back in Boston(?!), Baron in Golden State, Big Dog to N’Orleans, Van Horn in Dallas, and the Knicks…well, they picked up Malik Rose, Mo Taylor, and a couple of picks, which, well, probably isn’t going to get the job done. But, then again, we didn’t give up much either (Nazr, Vin Baker, and Moochie). I’m just glad I’m not writing the checks.

Wheelin’ and Dealin’.

Removing the last vestiges of the Layden era, Knicks GM Isiah Thomas makes another big trade, sending Keith Van Horn to Milwaukee for Tim Thomas and Atlanta’s Nazr Mohammed. (We also gave up Michael Doleac and a second-round pick.) Hmm. True, Van Horn is inconsistent, but he’s been playing well lately…and better than Thomas. Still, Thomas and Mohammed are both athletic players, and this might end up turning out for the best if Isiah can light a fire under ’em. (As for reports that we’ll pick up a troubled Vin Baker off waivers, all I can say is, I hope not.)

Rolling the Dyess.

After a 2-5 start and two dismal games Cleveland (not exactly the powerhouses of the league), the Knicks look for deliverance from Antonio McDyess, who will probably play Friday for the first time in almost two years. If he plays to old form, he could be exactly what the Knicks have needed since LJ retired — a guy who can command double teams and create open shots for Allan Houston and Keith Van Horn. But…three knee surgeries? Still, after Vin Baker’s comeback this year, I’d say anything is possible. If nothing else, McDyess’s return injects some interest in what’s fast turning out to be another mediocre Knicks season.

Vinsanity.

In the first big NBA deal since draft day, the Celtics trade underachieving head case PG Kenny Anderson for underachieving head case F Vin Baker. I dunno…but I’ll wager it was a terrible call for the Celts. I would have stuck with Rodney Rodgers, but perhaps Baker can turn it on in the East. At any rate, thank goodness the Knicks didn’t end up with him.