Every time the Knicks proclaim they are engaged in a youth movement, with all the patience that implies, they turn around and start relying on veterans, like the just-acquired Jalen Rose. So Larry Brown tried to clarify things Monday.
Facing a week in which the Knicks will play five games, Brown spoke about an emerging third way for his feeble club, losers of 11 of the past 12 games.
Under the new system, which may best be described as a modified youth movement, Brown indicated that about half of the Knicks' younger players would receive significant playing time, with the rest playing infrequently, if at all.
Eddy Curry and Qyntel Woods will be playing consistently, as will the rookie Channing Frye. Curry, who is 23, and Woods, who will turn 25 next week, qualify as part of a youth movement only because of their age; they have a combined six years of N.B.A. experience.
Meanwhile, a source confirmed that Quentin Richardson and Stephon Marbury had to be separated during a player's meeting on Wednesday.