Was that the game where Zach Randolph threw a cup of water at Nate Robinson?
Stephon Marbury was in my opinion the one who started the Knick's downward spiral when he first joined the team. Yes, Isaiah is a horrid coach and gm, but Marbury did the most to destroy the locker room spirit years ago.
Bringing in Randolph was a big mistake, and so will bringing in Artest if they do that. Why they bring in troublemakers is a mystery to me, maybe it is coming from upper managment like you say.