Blue and Orange: Dr. J, Larry Legend, and the New York Knicks Dynasty

[dsp19]

MARCH 31, 1976

KNICKS ELIMINATED AFTER LACKLUSTER LOSS TO SUNS
Out of postseason for first time in a decade

By Peter Vecsey, New York Daily News

NEW YORK-Only three short years ago, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe and Bill Bradley were the toast of New York, having led the Knicks to their second world championship in four years.

A lot of things change in three years.

The Knicks were unceremoniously dumped from the playoffs by the hungry Phoenix Suns, 113-97, in front of a Garden crowd of 13,494. Most of the two-thirds capacity crowd exited for the dangerous city streets well before the final buzzer.

"I'm extremely disappointed that we were unable to produce a good performance for the fans this season," opined Knicks coach Red Holzman. "It was a challenging season for everyone involved in the Knicks organization."

For the fans who remained, the fourth quarter was the time to unleash their anger. After the Suns took a 21-point lead through three quarters, the few blue seat denizens in the stands hurled abuse at forward Spencer Haywood, who dramatically underperformed since his trade from the Supersonics at the start of the season. His ugly three-point total this evening led many in the crowd to insinuate that Haywood fell prey to the New York nightlife.

Holzman dismissed these rumors.

"Spencer had a difficult time transitioning to the big city," Holzman said. "However, he is an incredibly talented player and we expect him to lead us into the playoffs in the 1977 season."

The Knicks' future problems extend beyond Haywood's ability to adjust. Bradley and Monroe are aging, as evidenced by Paul Westphal's dominant 29-point performance this evening, which capped off a series of games where the Knicks were exposed in the backcourt. Walt Frazier, the Knicks' legendary point guard, suffered a back injury earlier this month and his future effectiveness is also a question mark.

Holzman acknowledged that changes were coming during the offseason.

"Monroe, Bradley, Frazier; I love those guys," Holzman opined. "They play basketball the right way and are models for any young basketball player to look up to. However, Haywood will have to take on a greater role next year, that is certain."

Considering Spencer Deadwood's performance this season, the future for the Knicks looks dim. An intervention will be required for the Knicks to approach the heights attained just three short years ago.

LOUGHERY DISMISSES ERVING RUMORS, PREPARES NETS FOR A.B.A. PLAYOFFS
By Paul L. Montgomery
New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS-The New York Nets continue their challenging road schedule this evening against the Indiana Pacers. However, as the Nets maintain their pursuit of an American Basketball Association Championship, reports surfaced about forward Julius Erving's displeasure with his current contract situation.

Erving is arguably the preeminent star in basketball, and the cash-deprived owner of the Nets, Roy Boe, is contemplating selling the forward to an N.B.A. franchise to ensure that his team remains in existence beyond the 1976 season. The impending merger between the leagues, long held up by the Oscar Robertson lawsuit against the N.B.A., is settled and the remaining A.B.A. teams are scrambling to survive and join the N.B.A.

New York Nets head coach Kevin Loughery focused on the task at hand.

"We're intent on winning tonight in Indiana and gearing ourselves up for a successful playoff run," Loughery said. "Erving is fully committed to winning the championship for the New York Nets and our devoted fans."

The Nets are rumored to pay a $3.2 million entrance fee if they are accepted to the N.B.A. The New York Knicks, a flagship N.B.A. franchise, will demand additional penalties if a second competitor is introduced into their media market. These financial costs will almost certainly force Boe to part with Erving at the end of the season.

Loughery is focused on the present.

"We cannot control what happens with our owner's negotiations when it comes to playing next season," Loughery said. "All we can control is our play on the court, and it was not good enough on Monday against the Spurs. We're probably going to see them again in the playoffs and they feel confident they can beat us. We'll have to change that by going on a run ourselves."

 

[dsp19]

My first timeline...a big sports fan

Just wanted to try out a sports WI I've been juggling around for a while

 

[dsp19]

Next installment

MAY 14, 1976

CHAMPIONS! DR. J, NETS RALLY TO BEAT NUGGETS IN 6
Massive Celebration in Nassau Coliseum
Doughery, Erving Thank Fans for Success

Newsday

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK-The New York Nets are the last ABA Champions.

Although the future of the franchise as a competitive force remains in doubt, the New York Nets can celebrate their remarkable accomplishment. Led by Julius Erving's 31 points and 19 rebounds, the Nets rallied from a 22 point third quarter deficit to stun the Denver Nuggets, 112-106. The championship was New York's second in three seasons.

"We were trying to take it a little bit at a time. That was the key to it," Erving said, when speaking about the comeback. "Then Soup got exceptionally hot, and we kept on giving it to him."

"Nobody wanted to go back to Denver."

In what was likely Erving's last game as a Net, he put the team on his back in the second half with a variety of dunks, inside moves, and tips to teammates on missed shots. Erving, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, was not thinking about his NBA future at the moment. He just wanted to savor the victory with his teammates.

"I can care less about where I'm going to be next year," Erving said. "These teammates are like my brothers. This is the best team I've ever played on."

As the Nets pulled off their miracle comeback in the second half, the crowd, already emotionally engaged, rose to a full crescendo. When the victory was secured with three seconds left, the crowd did not wait to celebrate. They rushed the court in jubilation before the final buzzer, forcing both the home and away teams into their respective locker rooms.

"We've got the most enthusiastic fans in basketball," head coach Kevin Loughery exclaimed.

"Even when we were down over 20 points, the fans kept the energy level high. They pulled our boys through. It's no coincidence we went 6-1 in the playoffs and only lost six regular season games in the Coliseum."

Erving also credited the fans for the team's remarkable success at home.

"They're just smart and flat out amazing," Erving said. "I don't ever want to play in another city because the New York fans are the best in basketball."

Erving also talked fondly about his Long Island roots. He admitted he gives the maximum effort in the Coliseum because it is so close to home.

"I grew up in Roosevelt. I'm a Nassau County boy at heart. If the Nets stay in Nassau or move to the big city, there's no way I can leave."

"Some of those fans cheering us on were childhood buddies of mine when we used to play on the street."

Owner Roy Boe was overjoyed at his team's second ABA championship. However, when addressed about Erving's future, Boe remained non-committal.

"I just want to celebrate with the best team in basketball, NBA or ABA," Boe said.

"I know that negotiations will be very difficult with Julius, but we haven't crossed that bridge yet."

 

[dsp19]

And some classic 1976 NYC atmosphere to set the scene

June 1, 1976

MURDER, VIOLENT CRIME, DRUG ABUSE RATES STEADY FROM 1975, BUT STILL OUT OF CONTROL
Last year's cop layoff blamed; Mayor Beame helpless

NEW YORK--The city is turning into an insolvent cesspool.

Violent crime rates remained at the same level as the previous year. However, 7 murders are committed on average every day in what was once the most vibrant city in the world. Rapes occur by the dozen, and many more go unreported. If you're in New York, one out of every six citizens have been robbed or assaulted at some point since 1970.

New York, which suffered through a bankruptcy crisis last year, responded by laying off 5,000 cops. The 15% reduction in the overall police force did little to help matters.

"This is the worst I've ever seen," said an exasperated Representative Ed Koch, a rumored candidate for mayor next year. "If the city spirals out of control any more, there won't be a city left."

"Some parts of the Bronx look like Dresden after we firebombed it in '45", Koch continued.

In addition to violent crime, drug abuse and prostitution are literally endemic. One can barely walk through Times Square without being propositioned by a young teenage girl or pulled over by a peep-show buckster soliciting your services. Times Square literally smells of cocaine, marijuana, stale beer, and sex. On 42nd Street, known nowadays as "Forty-Deuce", literally every store between Broadway and the Hudson River advertises some sort of pornography, gay, straight, or transgendered.

"I can't believe how bad it's gotten," said New York Secretary of State Mario Cuomo. "My son Andrew is at Fordham now and I try to tell him as often as I can to remain on a straight and narrow path, but it's hard."

Cuomo opined further about his family, and felt sympathy for the teenagers on the streets selling their bodies for cash.

"I feel fortunate that I was able to provide financially and emotionally for my daughters," Cuomo said. "A lot of these kids getting exploited out on the street are the same age as my girls. It's heartbreaking."

Mayor Beame, in his latest press conference, attempted to voice optimism in the face of despair.

"I believe we've seen the worst," Beame said. "We had to make a lot of painful cuts last year to avoid going under, but we look to restore these services in 1977."

Right now, there seems to be no respite. The city is facing an uncertain, bleak future, and who knows where we're headed.

 

[AltSptHst]

Pretty good

This is pretty good thus far. I am looking forward to more.

 

[dsp19]

Ask and you shall receive

June 18, 1976

NBA-ABA MERGER CONSUMMATED: NETS, SPURS, NUGGETS, PACERS TO JOIN LEAGUE
Kentucky Colonels, Spirits of St. Louis folded; fans heartbroken
Dispersal Draft for Colonels and Spirits players set for August 5

NEW YORK--The NBA and ABA finally ended their basketball war today, as the New York Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers were admitted to the NBA. As a result of this acquisition, the ABA as of today ceases to exist.

The NBA initially wanted five of the ABA franchises, but lowered their demands to four earlier in the month. The Nets and Nuggets, the two ABA finalists, applied for admission to the NBA last year and were obvious choices to survive the merger. The Spurs were one of the most well-supported teams in the ABA, and became the third obvious selection. Lastly, the Pacers give the state of Indiana a professional team for the first time since the Fort Wayne Pistons moved to Detroit almost 20 years ago.

"We feel that these four teams will provide a high level of competition and excitement for our older, more established franchises," Commissioner Lawrence O'Brien said. "Although the Nets, Nuggets, Spurs and Pacers will face an expansion fee for entering the NBA, we expect them to add strength and quality to our league."

The four new NBA franchises will be forced to pay $3.2 million each to the league as an entrance fee. In addition, the Nets, the final ABA champion, will be required to pay an additional $4.8 million indemnity to the league in exchange for gaining territorial rights in the New York market.

The Nets dire financial situation is sparking rumors that owner Roy Boe will be forced to sell his top player, the exciting Julius Erving. The most credible rumor suggests that Boe is reaching out to the New York Knicks; he would sell Erving to the Knicks in exchange for a waiver of the territorial rights fee. The 76ers, Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, and Bullets are all mulling multi-million dollar offers for the six-foot, nine inch small forward who has electrified the basketball world.

Boe could not be reached for comment.

HEARTBREAK FOR KENTUCKY, ST. LOUIS

The two teams considered by the NBA, but ultimately folded, were the Kentucky Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis. The Colonels, one of the most talented and exciting teams in the league, were a surprise omission, and many of their diehard fans are saddened by the news.

"We got to call Artis Gilmore one of our own," said a crying female fan. "We loved him, Maurice Lucas, and Jan Van Breda Kolff. They were our team, and it's all gone, gone!"

The Colonels owner, John Y. Brown, Jr., folded the Colonels for $3 million. It is believed that Brown holds political ambitions, and the money will go far for him in his future pursuits.

Sentiments were similar in St. Louis, where the Spirits fans were falling in love with young star center Moses Malone.

"Moses was going to lead us to the promised land," said an enraged male Spirits fan. "But all those people with money in New York ruined it. Basketball is dead to me."

The Spirits owners, Daniel and Ozzie Silna, made a deal with the four surviving franchises and the NBA for $2.2 million up front and 1/7 of the surviving teams' (New York, San Antonio, Denver, Indiana) television revenue money as long as they do not go defunct. As of now, the Silna's investment does not look promising, since the NBA is struggling. Time will tell if the Silna's make a killing off their unique financial arrangements.

DISPERSAL DRAFT SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 5

The NBA scheduled a Dispersal Draft for August 5 for the folded Spirits of St. Louis and Kentucky Colonels. The draft will last for three rounds, and its participation is optional for each NBA franchise.

The draft order, set by Commissioner Lawrence O'Brien, was arranged based on team records from the 1975-1976 NBA season. The four surviving ABA teams will also be eligible to select players.

Once a player is drafted, the team will have to pay a signing price to the player. The money raised is expected to assist the four new franchises.

Artis Gilmore is the most highly sought after player between the two folded teams, and it is expected that the Bulls will sign him. The Trail Blazers, who select second, are believed to like power forward Maurice Lucas to serve as an enforcer for their franchise center, Bill Walton. The New York Knicks are in active trade talks with the Kansas City Kings to acquire the third pick; they are searching for a center to pair with Spencer Haywood, who flopped in his first year at Madison Square Garden.

The draft order is as follows:

1. Chicago Bulls (24-58)
2. Atlanta Hawks (29-53)
3. Kansas City Kings (31-51)
4. Detroit Pistons (36-46)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (37-45)
6. New York Knicks (38-44)
7. Milwaukee Bucks (38-44)
8. New Orleans Jazz (38-44)
9. Indiana Pacers (39-45, ABA)
10. Houston Rockets (40-42)
11. Los Angeles Lakers (40-42)
12. Phoenix Suns (42-40)
13. Seattle Supersonics (43-39)
14. Buffalo Braves (46-36)
15. Philadelphia 76ers (46-36)
16. Washington Bullets (48-34)
17. San Antonio Spurs (50-34, ABA)
18. Cleveland Cavaliers (49-33)
19. New York Nets (55-29, ABA)
20. Boston Celtics (54-28)
21. Denver Nuggets (60-24, ABA)
22. Golden State Warriors (59-23)

 

[dsp19]

Reposted

This is pretty good thus far. I am looking forward to more.

This is one of the craziest, most dangerous periods in New York City history, so we're going to get the main sports timeline interspersed with some of the most famous events of the late 1970s and 1980s

But we'll start with a sports article:

JULY 25, 1976

HOOP DU JOUR: KNICKS, SIXERS, LAKERS, CELTS ALL INTERESTED IN DR. J
Rumored $8 Million Draconian Penalty to Nets Sets off Free-For All For the Doctor's Services

By Peter Vecsey
New York Daily News

If the Nets are going to survive the NBA-ABA purge, they'll almost certainly have to sell Dr. J.

Rumors have surfaced that in addition to the draconian $3.2 million penalty the four prospective new franchises (Nets, Spurs, Nuggets, Pacers) will suffer for entering the NBA, the Nets will be forced to pay an extra $4.8 million to the league for "invading the space" of the shoddily run New York Knicks.

This is absolutely preposterous on its face. The NBA is just afraid that the Nets will enter the league next year and win the championship, proving that the ABA's brand of basketball is not only more exciting, but superior to the stale NBA.

Nets owner Roy Boe confided in me that he would attempt to keep Dr. J if they only had to pay the expansion penalty. However, he stated that any costs beyond the merger fee, such as territorial rights, would be far more punitive and force the Nets to hold a fire sale.

Boe has already sent feelers to the Knicks about a potential Dr. J sale if the Nets are hit with territorial rights penalties. The Nets would sell Dr. J to the Knicks; in exchange, the Knicks would allow the Nets to play in New York under the same financial stipulations as the other three ABA franchises.

However, the champion Celts, under Red Auerbach (what else is new), are breathing down the Nets' back for a shot to lure basketball's greatest star to the parquet floor. The 76ers feel they are one piece away from an NBA championship, and are also rumored to be interested. Lastly, the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell flat on their face in Kareem Abdul Jabbar's second season, want to excite Celebrity Row again

WERBLIN to MSG?

Sonny Werblin is rumored to become the next President of Madison Square Garden earlier than planned. The New York Jets owner is looking to divest himself of the NFL laughingstock and sell his shares in the franchise to co-owner and oil magnate Leon Hess after Joe Namath's career fell apart.

The Garden is looking for new leadership after the once proud tenure of Irving Mitchell Felt turned sour. Felt attempted to move the Knicks and Rangers to New Jersey on multiple occasions, citing Manhattan's violent, drug-filled atmosphere as the cause. Felt is rumored to resign at the end of the month after the Knicks' disastrous season.

Ironically, Werblin, who also heads the NJSEA, wants to switch roles with Felt and believes there is an opportunity to revive the once-proud Knicks franchise. My tip from a person close to Werblin indicates that he suddenly became interested in MSG due to the rumored Dr. J sale, and believes he can develop a quid pro quo with Boe. Werblin is believed to offer Boe a cheap lease in New Jersey in addition to a Dr. J sale and the waiving of territorial damages.

KNICKS, KINGS TRADE RUMOR

I'm hearing reports from the Garden that the Knicks are in love with Moses Malone, and are willing to part with their first round pick in 1977 to move up to the third position in the ABA dispersal draft next month. The Kansas City Kings like the young Malone as well, but believe they cannot afford his services, as he will demand almost a half-million as his signing price. The two teams at the top of the draft, Chicago and Portland, look favorably upon Moses, but are looking for more established options. The Bulls fear that the wild Malone in Chicago will cause problems with team chemistry and get in trouble with the law. Apparently, the Knicks might be oblivious to Malone's perceived attitude problems, and are looking to deal up.

JULY 30, 1976

SHOOTING IN PELHAM BAY: ONE WOMAN DEAD; SECOND WOMAN INJURED
Killer Believed to Drive Yellow Car; Wearing "Mod-Style Haircut"

PELHAM BAY--One woman was found dead and another seriously injured after an unknown assailant shot five bullets into an Oldsmobile last night.

Donna Lauria, 18, was killed instantly when the first of five bullets struck her in the neck. Jody Valenti, 19, who owned the Oldsmobile, was shot in the thigh and barely escaped the vehicle screaming for her life.

Valenti was driving Lauria home from New Rochelle, where they spent the evening dancing at one of the local discos. The Oldsmobile was parked next to Lauria's apartment when the shooting occurred.

Lauria's devastated father, who caught a brief glimpse of the incident, was able to provide evidence for the police.

"There was a yellow car that I normally don't see parked around this area," said Michael Lauria tearfully. "Maybe the killer was driving that around."

Lauria was also able to pick out the killer's hairstyle.

"He was wearing a mod-style haircut," Lauria said. "I told my little girl to watch out for those types, but I failed," he cried.

Valenti is in surgery, but is expected to survive her injuries. She will be brought in by the NYPD for questioning as the closest eyewitness to the crime once she recovers. The NYPD sent cops to the scene, but the killer was gone well before the cops arrived and is still at large.

 

[dsp19]

Any basketball fans here?

AUGUST 6, 1976

ABA DISPERSAL DRAFT HELD; BULLS SELECT GILMORE WITH FIRST PICK
Knicks trade up with Kings for Moses Malone

NEW YORK (UPI)--The Chicago Bulls selected star center Artis Gilmore, a widely expected result of the ABA Dispersal Draft. The draft was precipitated by the folding of the former ABA franchises in Kentucky and St. Louis.

"Artis will help revive our struggling franchise," said young interim general manager Jerry Krause. "The Bulls are now a Chicago institution and the fans demand a better performance. Artis is the franchise center we need."

The Bulls were required to pay $1.1 million for Gilmore's services, a staggering sum, even for an All-Star pivot. They will look to develop a more physical presence after they were bullied in the paint throughout the 1975-1976 season.

The Portland Trail Blazers, concerned about franchise center Bill Walton mixing it up too much near the basket, drafted noted power forward and enforcer Maurice Lucas. The six-nine, 215 pound rebounder was one of the most feared men in the ABA, and Trail Blazers general manager Harry Glickman noted this in his press conference. The Blazers paid $300,000 to sign Lucas.

"Maurice will take a lot of the heat off Walton," said Glickman. "He'll allow Bill to score more effectively while he does some of the dirty work required for our team to take the next step towards a world championship."

The New York Knicks, who also suffered through a subpar season, took a huge risk by dealing their first round pick in the 1977 draft to the Kansas City Kings. The Knicks selected 21 year-old center Moses Malone, who made news two years ago by jumping straight from high school to the professional ranks. New York paid Malone $400,000 to secure his services.

"We started building a championship team a decade ago by drafting Willis Reed," said Knicks general manager Eddie Donovan. "Moses reminds us of a young Willis, just a lot more physical. As much as we all admire Clyde, Earl, and Bill for their efforts, we will need to bring in some young blood and build another champion for our loyal fans. We believe Moses is a key piece to the puzzle."

Donovan shrugged off criticism of sending his first round pick to Kansas City in a year where the Knicks might not make the playoffs.

"We don't believe there's a center available in the 1977 draft that will be as good as Moses," Donovan said. "That's why we made the move."

Donovan also rejected rumors regarding his young center's immaturity and potential to get into trouble in busy New York.

"We're going to keep our veterans around to ensure Moses doesn't get caught up in the nightlife," Donovan said. "However, boys his age and Spencer's [Haywood] age can't be Catholic priests; they've got to have some fun once in a while."

Here is the draft order:

1. Chicago Bulls: Artis Gilmore, C, Kentucky Colonels
2. Portland Trail Blazers (from Atlanta): Maurice Lucas, F, Kentucky Colonels
3. New York Knicks (from Kansas City): Moses Malone, C, Spirits of St. Louis
4. Detroit Pistons: Marvin Barnes, F, Spirits of St. Louis
5. Portland Trail Blazers: Ron Boone, G, Spirits of St. Louis
6. Kansas City Kings (from New York Knicks): Randy Denton, C, Spirits of St. Louis
7. Buffalo Braves (from Milwaukee): Bird Averitt, G, Kentucky Colonels
8. Indiana Pacers: Wil Jones, F, Kentucky Colonels
9. Houston Rockets: Ron Thomas, G, Kentucky Colonels
10. San Antonio Spurs: Louie Dampier, G, Kentucky Colonels
11. Kansas City Kings: Mike Barr, G, Spirits of St. Louis

 

[AltSptHst]

AUGUST 6, 1976

ABA DISPERSAL DRAFT HELD; BULLS SELECT GILMORE WITH FIRST PICK
Knicks trade up with Kings for Moses Malone

NEW YORK (UPI)--The Chicago Bulls selected star center Artis Gilmore, a widely expected result of the ABA Dispersal Draft. The draft was precipitated by the folding of the former ABA franchises in Kentucky and St. Louis.

"Artis will help revive our struggling franchise," said young interim general manager Jerry Krause. "The Bulls are now a Chicago institution and the fans demand a better performance. Artis is the franchise center we need."

The Bulls were required to pay $1.1 million for Gilmore's services, a staggering sum, even for an All-Star pivot. They will look to develop a more physical presence after they were bullied in the paint throughout the 1975-1976 season.

The Portland Trail Blazers, concerned about franchise center Bill Walton mixing it up too much near the basket, drafted noted power forward and enforcer Maurice Lucas. The six-nine, 215 pound rebounder was one of the most feared men in the ABA, and Trail Blazers general manager Harry Glickman noted this in his press conference. The Blazers paid $300,000 to sign Lucas.

"Maurice will take a lot of the heat off Walton," said Glickman. "He'll allow Bill to score more effectively while he does some of the dirty work required for our team to take the next step towards a world championship."

The New York Knicks, who also suffered through a subpar season, took a huge risk by dealing their first round pick in the 1977 draft to the Kansas City Kings. The Knicks selected 21 year-old center Moses Malone, who made news two years ago by jumping straight from high school to the professional ranks. New York paid Malone $400,000 to secure his services.

"We started building a championship team a decade ago by drafting Willis Reed," said Knicks general manager Eddie Donovan. "Moses reminds us of a young Willis, just a lot more physical. As much as we all admire Clyde, Earl, and Bill for their efforts, we will need to bring in some young blood and build another champion for our loyal fans. We believe Moses is a key piece to the puzzle."

Donovan shrugged off criticism of sending his first round pick to Kansas City in a year where the Knicks might not make the playoffs.

"We don't believe there's a center available in the 1977 draft that will be as good as Moses," Donovan said. "That's why we made the move."

Donovan also rejected rumors regarding his young center's immaturity and potential to get into trouble in busy New York.

"We're going to keep our veterans around to ensure Moses doesn't get caught up in the nightlife," Donovan said. "However, boys his age and Spencer's [Haywood] age can't be Catholic priests; they've got to have some fun once in a while."

Here is the draft order:

1. Chicago Bulls: Artis Gilmore, C, Kentucky Colonels
2. Portland Trail Blazers (from Atlanta): Maurice Lucas, F, Kentucky Colonels
3. New York Knicks (from Kansas City): Moses Malone, C, Spirits of St. Louis
4. Detroit Pistons: Marvin Barnes, F, Spirits of St. Louis
5. Portland Trail Blazers: Ron Boone, G, Spirits of St. Louis
6. Kansas City Kings (from New York Knicks): Randy Denton, C, Spirits of St. Louis
7. Buffalo Braves (from Milwaukee): Bird Averitt, G, Kentucky Colonels
8. Indiana Pacers: Wil Jones, F, Kentucky Colonels
9. Houston Rockets: Ron Thomas, G, Kentucky Colonels
10. San Antonio Spurs: Louie Dampier, G, Kentucky Colonels
11. Kansas City Kings: Mike Barr, G, Spirits of St. Louis

In this timeline, I notice that the Trail Blazers don't get Moses(which was just as well). However, I looked up Ron Boone, and he was a 4X All-Star in the ABA. He probably helps the Blazers to a certain degree.

Also, Moses, Bird, and Dr. J would have been kill. But, would the Knicks have been good enough in 77 to get to the Finals with just Moses and Doc? And if the Sixers don't make it, do the Blazers beat Boston in the Finals in 77?

 

[dsp19]

The Knicks also have Spencer Haywood at the 4...don't forget him. In OTL McAdoo goes to the Knicks...I'm going to either put him in Boston to replace Hondo or Philly where Dr. J of course played OTL

The Knicks have an aging Frazier and Monroe at the guards...I'll keep Clyde in NY instead of trading him like in OTL but the Pearl is getting dealt for a pretty good player in his own right...you'll see in the next few updates

 

[Cuāuhtemōc]

This looks to be interesting.

 

[AltSptHst]

The Knicks also have Spencer Haywood at the 4...don't forget him. In OTL McAdoo goes to the Knicks...I'm going to either put him in Boston to replace Hondo or Philly where Dr. J of course played OTL

The Knicks have an aging Frazier and Monroe at the guards...I'll keep Clyde in NY instead of trading him like in OTL but the Pearl is getting dealt for a pretty good player in his own right...you'll see in the next few updates

We may see a Knick-Portland clash in 77. Cool(although, as a Blazer fan, I hope that our only title doesn't get butterflied away).

 

[dsp19]

Another taste of 1976 city life

We may see a Knick-Portland clash in 77. Cool(although, as a Blazer fan, I hope that our only title doesn't get butterflied away).

I'll find another year to give the Blazers a ring...I've got a soft spot for them...Anyway, on to the next update.

August 15, 1976

TAX HIKES ON THE HORIZON
Mayor Beame: "Forced by Washington and Albany"
Police, Fire Chiefs Furious

Bad news for the Big Apple: Taxes are going up.

Mayor Abraham Beame confided that the city, which just barely escaped bankruptcy last year, will have to raise more revenue to make up for the budget shortfalls still present.

"We're still short about $500 million or so, and this is the only move we have left because Washington and Albany will not write the city any more loans," Beame confessed.

Despite the fact that the teachers' union, led by Albert Shanker, reluctantly gave up $150 million in pension funds to City Hall last year, that windfall only covered a fifth of the $750 million required to close the deficit.

Beame attempted another such move last April with the remaining civil service departments, but was rebuffed. The NYPD was especially upset when Beame came with hat in hand for funds due to the fact they lost 5,000 cops to the budget crisis.

"I wasn't appointed NYPD chief to hand over my boys' pension funds," said police commissioner Michael Codd. "My men are stretched to the brink as it is. I told the mayor, no dice."

Fire commissioner John T. O'Hagan concurred with his police counterpart.

"My boys are dealing with rampant arson throughout the outer boroughs, especially the Bronx," said O'Hagan. "I've heard that some of the rich guys who bought the properties are paying young boys on the street $50, $100 to torch the buildings they can't sell so they can get insurance."

"If Mayor Beame wants to balance the budget, don't do it on the backs of my boys. Make those crooked landlords who can't give away their housing pay their fair share."

 

[AltSptHst]

I'll find another year to give the Blazers a ring...I've got a soft spot for them...Anyway, on to the next update.

Well, if 77 isn't the year, then I don't know which one would have been given the Walton injury. That was inevitable.

 

[dsp19]

A Yankees update! But I won't mix in that much, I promise

SEPTEMBER 26, 1976

YANKS CLINCH EAST!
Blast Tigers 10-6; First Postseason Appearance In 12 Years

By Phil Pepe
New York Daily News

DETROIT--Thurman Munson sat at his locker, shedding tears of joy.

The wildly popular Yankee catcher capped off a remarkable season with a three-run home run in the 2nd inning to give his team a 9-0 lead. His heroic efforts were accentuated by teammates Chris Chambliss and Lou Piniella in a 10-6 victory over the Tigers.

With the win, the Yankees, who used to rule October, will return to postseason baseball for the first time since Mantle and Maris were patrolling the outfield.

"This team has so much spirit, heart, and grit," Munson said. "Billy's said he's never seen a harder-playing group of guys, and he's been around baseball for a while."

The mercurial Martin, who clashed with George Steinbrenner on a daily basis throughout the summer, hugged his nemesis as Oscar Gamble poured an entire bottle of champagne on their heads.

"I've never been prouder of any team I've played on or managed," Martin yelled. "These guys play baseball the way I used to when I was playing with the Mick and the Scooter."

As for Rizzuto, the popular old shortstop-turned-broadcaster saw resemblances between this team and some of the squads he played on under Casey Stengel.

"Martin was Stengel's guy back when he was a player," Rizzuto said, as Lou Piniella doused him with more champagne. "Although he's a lot more temperamental, he learned most of what he knows from Ol' Casey."

After the celebration died down, Steinbrenner addressed the team.

"This is only the first step boys," Steinbrenner said. "The Yankee franchise is all about winning World Series."

Big basketball update coming tomorrow night...Dr J, McAdoo, possibly Earl the Pearl all moving on to their new teams...

 

[dsp19]

Well, if 77 isn't the year, then I don't know which one would have been given the Walton injury. That was inevitable.

I'll keep Walton healthy for the 1978 playoffs...but after that, it's anybody's guess

Portland had the best record in the league in 1978...they were a 58-win team

Plus I'm planning on putting a hiccup or two in the Knicks' run, and 1978 will have to be one of them...and Spencer Haywood is going to become a VERY controversial figure during the 1977 and 1978 seasons. Very bad things are going to happen to Haywood, because he LOVES the New York nightlife

 

[dsp19]

Here come the trades...a four part Hoop du Jour update

October 2, 1976
HOOP DU JOUR: DR. J IS A KNICK

by Peter Vecsey
New York Post

First off, I'm at the Post now instead of the News because Dick Young couldn't handle the truth.

But on to the biggest news in basketball; Dr. J is coming to the Garden.

Sonny Werblin, the showman turned sports executive, consummated the deal with the nearly bankrupt Roy Boe. The Nets sold the Doctor for $5 million. In exchange, they received a waiver on the draconian territorial rights fees the Knicks demanded if they "invaded" the Knicks space.

"We just acquired the biggest star in basketball," Werblin said, smiling with glee. "We had to pay the Nets a bundle, but we were afraid the Celtics and Lakers were coming with bigger offers."

Jack Kent Cooke, the Lakers' owner, considered a $7 million bid for Erving but ultimately declined to pay anybody that kind of cash. Red Auerbach was also negotiating hard with Boe, and Werblin knew he had to make the deal quick.

"Auerbach's a feisty negotiator," said Werblin. "It was a miracle I convinced Roy to make the deal, because I thought he was going to Boston for sure."

There were also rumors that the Sixers flamboyant owner, Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. ordered his general manager Pat Williams to get the Doctor at all costs. Philly was arming up for a serious run; they bought Henry Bibby from the Jazz and are now considering a large offer for Bob McAdoo now that Erving is off the table.

As for the Knicks, Werblin, GM Eddie Donovan and Red Holzman are all smiles, but they disagree on what to do with the back court. Werblin wants to trade Earl the Pearl and Clyde; Holzman believes he needs both veteran presences for stability, even if their skills are declining. Red fears that Spencer Deadwood and newly acquired center Moses Malone will have difficulty handling themselves in the big city.

Donovan looks to side with his head coach, so it appears Clyde and the Pearl are staying put...for now.

WORLD B. FREEBASING

Insiders at the Philadelphia Daily News have informed me that second-year guard Lloyd Free, better known as World B. Free, who showed some electrifying potential in 1975, likes the Philadelphia nightlife too much.

The hoops legend from Canarsie, who I befriended and coached as a teen on the city blacktops, spends most of his time at the Harmony Club on 13th and Locust getting to know the strippers and seedy types.

The Sixers hired a detective to keep an eye on Free, but when he figured out that someone was trailing him, he demanded a trade. Reportedly, Free was caught in the act with one of the primetime adult entertainers. The Sixers are looking to accommodate the talented Free, and believe he is a headache and a corrupting influence on star guard Doug Collins.

Personally, I hope Free gets his life back in order. He's a really nice, good-hearted kid who saw several friends of his succumb to drugs and gang violence. He's too talented to fall prey to the same things. But Free's a man now, and the ability to stay out of trouble rests solely with him.



Here's Dr. J's account on how the negotiations went down in his autobiography, DOC:

The Knicks were always my first choice when Roy [Boe] told me there was no way they could meet my salary demands. I did not want to move far away from home on Long Island; it was a dream to win championships in my hometown and be celebrated as New York's greatest basketball player. However, the period between the 1976 ABA Finals and the trade was very stressful because I was completely in limbo.

Almost every team in the league made offers to Roy. Philadelphia was very tempting, and Gene [Shue] was a very strong, father figure for a head coach. However, I heard reports that the owner [Fitz Eugene Dixon] liked to hire detectives to spy on his black players, and I was very uncomfortable with a situation where I would be living in a fish bowl.

As for Boston, well Auerbach was a real trip. He would literally talk your head off and promise you the world. I was almost sold by his sales pitch, and who wouldn't be, the Celtics were the NBA's flagship franchise with the greatest success. Auerbach promised me that the Boston fans would treat me better than they treated Russell; he had a very hard time dealing with the racism up there. He sold that point by saying that Jo Jo White didn't have any of the same troubles Russell faced. However, I was unconvinced, despite the fact that Auerbach was a genuinely nice man with forward-thinking principles.

Then Jack Kent Cooke came in. That old man was a pimp. I've got to give him credit, he knew how to talk a good game. However, I asked Jack how I would mesh with Kareem, and he told me, "You'll figure it out, both of you are too talented not to." Of all the teams who wanted me, I came the closest to telling Roy to sell me to Los Angeles. Jerry West was the coach, which was a really good selling point, since West knew how to talk to great players, being a legend in his own right.

When things settled, I was either going to choose the Knicks or Lakers. Roy wanted to sell me to the Knicks to get out of paying all that money for staying in New York. I wanted New York for different reasons. Holzman was the coach I always wanted to play for, and Earl, Clyde and Bill were the players I always idolized. Especially Bill. His jump shot was remarkable, and I always tried to emulate it when I was on the playground. Joining the Knicks was too good to be true, since I would be playing with the guys I idolized when I was playing on the streets as a teenager.

 

[Chipperback]

Doctor J in Manhattan!!! I'M IN!!!!

"The Doctor is operating...HOUSE CALL...YES!!!!!!!!!

 

[athleticsfan2kx]

Doctor J in Manhattan!!! I'M IN!!!!

"The Doctor is operating...HOUSE CALL...YES!!!!!!!!!

Great Now Get Him a Doctor he's In The Big Apple, So I Was Really Excited about that, right M. Bison?

All Hail Dr. Julius Erving!

 

[AltSptHst]

Portland

I'll keep Walton healthy for the 1978 playoffs...but after that, it's anybody's guess

Portland had the best record in the league in 1978...they were a 58-win team

Plus I'm planning on putting a hiccup or two in the Knicks' run, and 1978 will have to be one of them...and Spencer Haywood is going to become a VERY controversial figure during the 1977 and 1978 seasons. Very bad things are going to happen to Haywood, because he LOVES the New York nightlife

That would be tough, but do your best.

If Walton stays respectably healthy but has some problems, and they pull it out over Washington in the Finals(they would upset the Knicks in the East Finals), I think that they would realize that they need another big man to spell Bill.

In OTL, they had a top-5 pick because they traded Moses Malone, but in this timeline, they don't have it, so no Mychal Thompson. Their first pick in the first round would be 21st(after losing to the Knicks in the 77 Finals).

The Bullets take 6-11 Dave Corzine of DePaul a few picks ahead of Portland, so they turn their attention to 6-10 Wayne Cooper of the University of New Orleans(a solid player that they would get later in OTL), and draft him in the first round.