Msg and Knicks’ radio play-by-play man Spero Dedes talks about the Knicks’ hot start and the Lakers’ hiring of Mike D’Antoni. Before coming to the Knicks, Dedes was the voice of the Lakers for six seasons.
Q: Given the skepticism before the season, how important is the Knicks’ fast start?
A: Huge. If they stumbled out of the gate, people would have been quick to lay blame on the coach and the players. … I’ve never seen Carmelo (Anthony) the way he is now. He is completely business-like. He is at the stage of his career where all he has to do is win.
Q: Is Anthony’s emergence as a leader the biggest reason for the start?
A: He’s always been a scorer, but there’s a different presence about him that I don’t think we’ve necessarily seen (before). I think he always wanted to win, but all the other stuff — the scoring, personal accolades — ring hollow at a certain point if you haven’t done it in the big moments in the playoffs. It’s also a better mix of guys, a better balance. They made a coaching change, and it’s hard to argue the fact that Mike Woodson is probably the right coach for this team at the right time.
Q: Is it too early to worry about Amar’e Stoudemire’s role when he returns?
A: Woodson’s decision-making has been good, and whether Amar’e starts or comes off the bench, I just think as a Knicks fan you have to put your faith in him because up to this point he’s been a perfect fit for the team.
Q: Were you surprised D’Antoni got the Lakers job over Phil Jackson?
A: I think Mike’s probably a better fit at this point, but even he said he was surprised. If you are going to bring in Steve Nash to be your point guard, you have to run an offense that he’s comfortable with. In that respect, it’s a sound fit.
Q: How does the pressure in L.A. compare with the pressure here?
A: The biggest misconception about L.A. is that the fans that are out there are laid back, and it’s a warm-weather city. I was shocked when I first went out there with how demanding the fan base is. With the other teams out there it’s a different animal, the Lakers are a religion in Southern California and in that way it’s pretty similar to here. And I think Mike’s prepared for it, having been in New York with the most pressure possible. He understands what he’s getting into, and I expect them to be there in the end.