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In 22 years in the NBA, Larry Brown has reached the playoffs 17 times. Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images

By Ian Thomsen

How could anyone second-guess this move?

Short of luring LeBron James or Shaquille O'Neal to New York, the Knicks could make no better short-term investment than to hire Larry Brown. He'll single-handedly convince New Yorkers to believe in the Knicks again as they return to the playoffs and renew a tunnel rivalry with the resurgent Nets.

Younger (half of their roster is 25 or younger) and more athletic than when team president Isiah Thomas was hired 19 months ago, Brown's Knicks will pressure the ball and push the pace, thus helping to restore Madison Square Garden as one of the most punishing courts an opponent could face.

Brown will have no choice but to develop a good relationship Stephon Marbury, because the 28-year-old point guard isn't going anywhere -- Marbury's sore knees, reputation for selfishness and four-year, $77-million contract make him virtually untradeable.

Brown will demand that Marbury show leadership by playing defense, even though that effort will diminish his stats at the other end of the floor. They're likely to have some rough times at the start, but as Marbury receives credit for the Knicks' resurgence he'll be more willing to meet Brown halfway. Marbury has never won a playoff series, and Brown can help him do that.

Many also will predict a doomsday relationship between Brown and Thomas. While it's sure to end badly between them two or three years down the line, they'll enjoy a tremendous honeymoon in Year 1 as both share credit for a Knicks turnaround.

Brown behaved despicably toward the end of his days in Detroit when he helped manage the rival Cleveland Cavaliers while he was making $7 million to defend the Pistons' NBA championship. But that doesn't mean he isn't an exceptional coach with a track record of turning losers into winners. Last year the Knicks (33-49 overall) went 12-21 in games decided by 6 points or fewer. Brown's charisma, energy and tactical genius will help turn a lot of those 21 losses into victories.

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Stephon Marbury hasn't won a playoff series in four postseason trips. Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images

By Marty Burns

With Stephon Marbury ignoring his pleas to play the right way and Isiah Thomas looking over his shoulder, Brown is going to be reaching for the Maalox early and often.

It's possible he could reach accord with Marbury, but don't count on it. Brown would rather share a hot tub with Allen Iverson and Bill Davidson than yield on his coaching principles. More likely he'll seek to rip apart the roster and send Marbury and Tim Thomas (another player with whom he's had issues) packing.

Meanwhile, New York has spent the past few years collecting young talent such as Michael Sweetney, Jamal Crawford, Trevor Ariza, Channing Frye, David Lee and Nate Robinson. But it's doubtful they're going to see much playing time under Brown, who favors veteran types who know how to defend.

Just ask Darko Milicic.

While that approach might help the Knicks in the short term, it will adversely affect New York's future and lead to friction with Isiah.

Speaking of egos, Brown has a rather large one himself that needs to be stroked. The New York media, however, has zero patience. They will be expecting great things right away and be calling for his $10-million-a-year scalp when he doesn't deliver.

It all promises to make for a stressful environment, not good for a soon-to-be 65-year-old man battling health issues. That's why Brown will be packing his bags again in the not-too-distant future.

The Knicks would have been better off saving the money, rewarding Herb Williams for his loyalty and getting on with the youth movement. Then in a few years they might have had a team worthy of Brown's coaching acumen.