"It's weird seeing the Knicks this bad and in such disarray."

That's the type of intimidatingly simple, but enlightened thought I had after hearing the Larry Brown media blitz. Knicks fans are supremely dedicated. The rest of us couldn't care less but for one simple reason: Now that Dolan's made this insane move, what will he do with these players?

We all know the Knicks are not a team, but a handful of their players can contribute on an actual team. It's insensible to consider Channing Frye as more valuable than even a Jared Jeffries, let alone Kevin Garnett. But, Jared Jeffries is becoming a vital part of the Wizards' scheme, especially defensively. Quentin Richardson displayed his value as a role player for Phoenix. Malik Rose contributed solidly for the Spurs during their recent runs.

Each NBA team that is still alive is playing team basketball, within its system. Jason Williams is playing unselfish basketball for the Miami Heat - who would have thought? This is the NBA today and in its future. So consider - what might a trade with a combination of the Knicks talented players be worth? Maybe a legit player(s).

NBA Takes a Tip from the Past

Now we all wish Larry’s sweet J still teased NBA nets, that Magic still threaded backdoor passes, and that Hakeem still fooled centers with his ‘Dream Shake.’ It’s unfortunate that we no longer see these heroes in their bliss, but it doesn’t mean we can’t recognize a “rebirth” of their style of play.

This rebirth can first be marked by the reemergence of driven superstars. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Gilbert Arenas and Steve Nash are only a handful of players in a tidal wave of NBA talent. One can only imagine how irked an Iverson, Duncan or Garnett fan would be if they read the previous sentence. This is recognition of the NBA’s talent and its current balancing act.

These leaders value the idea of possessing a complete game. Almost every one understands the importance of sacrificing his body for a charge, finding the open man when he’s trapped, and shielding his man before elevating for a rebound. “Pistol” Pete, Oscar Robertson, Magic and MJ are among many who pioneered these intricacies. Playing with such grit helps identify each teammate’s role for the whole’s good.

Teamwork is the product of these superstars and this style of play. I’m sure Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes would occasionally be frustrated at LeBron’s shot total if he wasn’t so damn good at getting them the ball. Iverson’s teammates could be upset with an occasional 8-24 shooting night if he didn’t get 13 assists to substitute. To be frank, it doesn’t always happen that way. But Hughes knows that if he extends his jump shot beyond the three-point line in the next year, LeBron’s going to find him a couple open threes every game.

Teams win when they discover this trust, this chemistry. It’s no secret that Chauncey Billups and Tim Duncan aren’t always the first people one thinks of when you think – superstar. That’s because their teams, who have hoisted four of the last seven championships, are teams – not groups of undisciplined players.

While the Pistons and Spurs have doctorates in this unselfish play, rising clubs like Dallas and L.A. (yes, the Clippers) are quickly learning the value of role players. These emerging clubs are learning that in the end, Josh Howard making a defensive stop like Tayshaun Prince can be just as valuable as Dirk sinking a teardrop jumper. This is the script for beautiful basketball and even better – winning.