The Renaldo Balkman Conspiracy Theory
Isiah Thomas is a genius. He makes a draft pick that everyone mocks, selecting Renaldo Balkman in the first round when the dude wasn't even in the draft book. So Thomas feels the need to justify it.
Now that it is completely and totally clear that the Knicks are not a playoff team (and in case you forget, there were a number of folks who thought they had a chance this pre-season), he has nothing left to lose. He successfully insitgates a brawl by planting the seed in Melo's head and then having some kid name Mardy get thuggy with J.R. Smith.
So what happens? A melee in the Garden resulting in numerous suspensions. And all of the sudden, who is getting burn on the court? None other than Renaldo Balkman. Pulling down 15 boards, baby. And the Knicks beat the Jazz in overtime!
Now how do you like my draft pick?