Isiah Thomas Done in NYC

As the 2007-08 playoffs start up, the Isiah Thomas "era" in New York has finally ended. Knicks president Donnie Walsh made the executive decision to fire Thomas on Friday after yet another dismal season. Fans had been calling for Thomas' firing throughout the season, and finally got their wish granted.

There's been plenty of controversy in the far from media-friendly city of NY. Isiah was involved in the headlining sexual harassment case which cost the organization at least 1 million in damages. That definitely put a dark cloud over Thomas and his team during the season. There was also the Stephon Marbury vs. Isiah Thomas blowup, and then makeup. Fans continued to call for Isiah to be fired due to the team not producing the expected winning seasons they wanted. It's tough in NYC where the spotlight is always on...

But it's tough to blame Isiah so much as maybe the players he was given to work with. The Knicks haven't had many All-Stars at all over the past several seasons, and often seem to be a mixture of guys who don't know where they really fit in. The only notable All-star would be a Dunk Contest winner in Nate Robinson. At times the team was also very guard heavy, with multiple talented players being acquired. For example, at one time they had Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Quentin Richardson, Jamaal Crawford all wanting to star in the guard role. Jalen Rose was brought in, and Nate Robinson was drafted. With that many guys at the guard position, it would be tough to win. Eddie Curry and Zach Randolph have also been brought in to try to resurrect things, but it never has quite clicked. Unfortunately, when teams don't meet up to expectations a coach is usually the one to go, just like Scott Skiles in Chicago this past season.

So now the Knicks begin their search for a brand new coach...So who wants to be under the constant scrutiny of New York sports fans and media all over?

NBA Releases 2007-08 Schedule

The NBA released its 2007-08 schedule today, and highlights 10 key games to watch this season. Here's my look at the ten dates they chose to mark down on your calendars.

October 30 - The Rings and the Rookie
Portland @ San Antonio, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
Houston @ LA Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

A great opening night contest with the Spurs receiving their championship rings and Greg Oden the highly touted rookie debuts against Tim Duncan. Definitely worth watching. Followed by a nightcap of Kobe and the Lakers vs. T-Mac, Yao and Steve Francis in a Rockets uniform again.

October 31 - KD, meet AI
Dallas @ Cleveland, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Seattle @ Denver, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Dallas vs Cleveland was my predicted Finals matchup last year, but Golden State spoiled that notion. This should make for a great Halloween night matchup, followed by Kevin Durant and the Sonics taking on Melo, AI and the Nuggets.

November 2 - The New Big Three
Washington @ Boston, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

The new big 3 of Boston in KG, Allen and Pierce (who stated he feels like a rookie again) taking on the big 3 of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

November 8 - Not a Good Match
Dallas @ Golden State, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Most likely considered a game where the Mavs should or could extract revenge. Golden State bounced them from the first round of the playoffs in a season where the Mavs were considered championship caliber.

December 6 - Date With a Showman
Miami @ Portland, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

The legendary Shaq takes on the newcomer Oden. Nuff said.

Monday, December 17 - Rematch
Phoenix @ San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV

A rematch of the playoff series here. And no Tim Donaghy will not be calling the game. :)

Wednesday, December 19 - Recipe for a Classic
Phoenix @ Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Phoenix vs Dallas has always provided some classic games with tons of scoring and back and forth lead changes. You also have the past 2 MVP award winners and good buddies, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitski.

December 25 - A New Holiday Tradition
Miami @ Cleveland, 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Phoenix @ LA Lakers, 5 p.m. ET, ABC
Seattle @ Portland, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Great Christmas gift for basketball fans, a triple header. Not only that but you get Kobe, D-Wade, Shaq, Lebron, Nash, Amare, and then Kevin Durant vs. Greg Oden.

February 8 - The Return of the Big Ticket
Boston @ Minnesota, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

KG makes his only return of the season to face his old team, the T-Wolves.

March 19 - The Answer Comes Back
Denver @ Philadelphia, 7 p.m. ET, League Pass

AI finally makes a return to Philly, where he and the Nuggets should most likely roll over the Sixers.

The Priciest NBA Cribs

One thing about NBA Stars is they know how to live in lavish homes. MTV Cribs ran a marathon of its show this Saturday called "Priciest Pads Countdown". The show, hosted by Kimora Lee Simmons, featured more than a few NBA stars ranked on the top 25 list.

#22 was the Houston Rocket, Steve Francis' home, featuring a downstairs barbershop as well as outdoor poll and b-ball court.

At #20 was Detroit Piston,Rasheed Wallace, with a home worth an estimated $9 million. His home had the standard movie theater complete with popcorn machine, candy, and life-size predator statue (value of $8000).

#17 was NBA star Penny Hardaway's 12 million dollar Phoenix Arizona crib. The home featured an outdoor pool, bball/tennis court and putting green as well as an indoor bowling alley. It also included a picture of the home where Penny grew up in Memphis, which featured just 4 rooms.

#13 was the legendary Shaquille O'Neal's 64,000 square foot home in Orlando Florida (pictured above). Shaq's huge kitchen had a fridge stocked with popsicles, french fries and ice cream. He also has a movie theater complete with the "S" symbol on the carpeted floor and a bed that measures at 15x30 and prices at $32,000. It is the largest bed in MTV Cribs history.

The #1 priciest Crib as shown on MTV Cribs belongs to billionaire entrepreneur, Richard Branson who owns Virgin Records. The home is on its own island in the British Virgin Islands and is worth an estimated $150 million dollars.

Amazingly, no NBA stars ranked in the top top 10, but expect Lebron James to change that if his soon to be completed mansion in Ohio gets showcased on an upcoming MTV Cribs.