Reactions: Can Brown fix the Knicks?

It's hard to believe that Larry Brown will not succeed, given his track record. I also believe that the Knicks aren't as awful as they seem. With a coach who will preach defense first and a team mentality, they're bound to succeed in the weak Eastern Conference.

And as far as those whom worry that Brown will destroy the youth movement, it's not as if the Knicks have a bevy of four-year projects on their team, such as a Darko Milicic or Gerald Green. Of their top seven players, six are 28 or younger. New York also doesn't have a Rasheed Wallace to stop a prospect's (i.e. Milicic's) growth. And speaking of Darko, if any other coach had benched Wallace and played Darko, the team would have stunk and the coach would have been fired. The Knicks will win this year, and Brown will -- deservedly -- get most of the credit. -- Jesse, Whitestone, N.Y.

I agree with Marty Burns that Larry Brown is more of an "immediate result" kind of coach. His coaching philosophy does not complement the Knicks' youth movement. I predict that the farthest he can bring the Knicks is to the first round of the playoffs, and you don't pay $10 million just to reach the first round ... -- Marc, Quezon City, Philippines

I think Larry Brown is a hell of a coach. Any job he takes -- on any team -- will make that team better. -- Juan, Austin, Tex.

Larry Brown is a fantastic hire for the New York Knicks. As a New York City native, I have reason again to be excited about being a Knicks fan.

Brown did wonders in Philadelphia with Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise that was an absolute mess when Brown arrived. Of course, Brown to live with Iverson's sins -- so working with Stephon Marbury will also work similar wonders.

Marbury will respond in ways the New York fans and press corps deem impossible because Starbury wants to shine on the biggest of stages at home with a coach he tremendously respects.

And while I have little doubt Marbury respects any coach for his Xs and Os acumen, he'll respect Brown because he has an NBA title.

Still, I think things will end badly for Brown and Isiah Thomas, because coaches like Brown can only achieve such quick, short-term success by overwhelming the franchises he coaches with a maniacal obsession that leads to quick burn outs by all associated.

Before that day comes, though, I am confident Brown and Marbury can reach the Eastern Conference finals in three years -- together. -- Alen, Allentown, Pa.