Posted by knickgeek:

Anyone else want to see Kurt Thomas stay? I'm glad Layden didn't trade him for Mutumbo, and I don't favor any of the trade ideas posted here that feature him.

Would I like to have a "real" center like Karim, Patrick or Shaq? Sure. But I don't see anybody like that out there who is available.

Also, I don't think we need a new point guard. I think Eisley and Ward can do the job. Remember that Eisley didn't get consistent playing time last year. I think he'll do better once he does.

I don't think it's worth giving up Thomas to get someone like Nick Van Exel.

[Edited by - knickgeek on 08/08/2002 16:35:37]

KT's value is at an all time high, if the Knicks are going to move him this is the time to do so. KT won't get the numbers he had this year because he won't be a third option on the team. He will become the fourth option after he gets in the game from the bench. It is in the best interest of the Knicks to move him right now and get the most for him. If he can help land NVE I think it is deal which is worth it. NVE has great ability to penetrate and kick the ball out to open player. He can strech the defense with his outside shooting opening the middle and spreading the floor allowing Spree to slash and giving Dice more room to work the low post. He has excellent court vision and can give out 8 or 9 assists a game while scoring 15-17 points a game. His game would greatly benefit the Knicks.

Posted by Vmart:


He will become the fourth option after he gets in the game from the bench.

Who says KT's coming off the bench? I think during training camp a decision's gonna be made. But right now I don't see how anyone on the current squad could take the starting center spot away from KT.

If we think about it unless we can bring in a Dampier or Foyle or some other bonafied center Kurt should stay. With the big three handling the offensive load I think Kurt would concentrate on rebounding. What is Starbury contract situation?

Who says he is starting?

The facts.

Posted by OasisBU:

I dunno man, I feel like I may be the only one on this board that thinks crazy eyes sucks. I dont want him on this team, especially not as a starter. Trade him and get Van Ex, start Dolz - then we will see whats up. Cr8zy Eyes smokes ballz. Forget about him. There is a reason the trigger hasnt been pulled with a trade involving him so far - and it definitely isnt his skill level adding something to our frontcourt. Its the general lack of interest from around the league.

Well, If the reports are to be believed, Philly was ready to take him (with Ward and Knight) for Mutumbo, so they must think he has some value.

What is it that you don't like about Kurt Thomas? For me, the knocks have always been 1) He thinks he's better than he really is and 2) He has a persecution complex with the officials. However, I thought he did a good job last year.

"KT did a very good job"

here is why I disagree. KT is a nice role player, works hard, good attitude etc. He is not an impact player. Van Exel is. People say the Doleac signing isnt a big deal, but he's just as good as Kurt at that point in their careers. Doleac is 25, cheap and has a bonafide NBA center body at 6'11 and 260. He's strong, and its fair to say still has an upside at only 25. Kurt is a savy vet, and knows tricks to survive, but who cares? I want talent and impact players. Van Ex is, Kurt isnt. If Kurt could go back to the bench for us it would be great. The problem is by being the same size as Dice it means Dice will always get the better defender. Doleac is 2 inches and 20 pounds heavier than Kurt, a big diffrence.

There's no questioning Van Exel being an impact player, but how many impact players can a team have. The Knicks have 3: Houston, Sprewell, and McDyess. All can single-handedly effect the outcome of the game. I think the Knicks should try out Thomas at center to start the season, 9 of the first 10 opponents were playoff teams last year, so he will be tested, as will Ward/Eisley/Williams. If Thomas can't play center or if the Knicks severely need an upgrade at PG, then the Knicks will pull the trigger.

But I don't understand where some are coming from. KT is a role player and I think he'd fit in well as a center for this current team. I think Eisley will finally learn the offense and by December, he'll be the starter. I don't see why this would fail, the Knicks have a PG that will distribute the ball to it's three scorers, and KT would be playing his role as a defender and rebounder. Off the bench would be Doleac, who has a decent shot and can at least put up a fight against some centers to defend and rebound for stretchs at a time. Harrington is still a good post scorer, regardless of his height. The Knicks have 2 really good backup PGs, except one will be forced to start. Anderson is still a pretty good defender, and Weatherspoon averaged 8 boards a game last year, the same amount as Alonzo Mourning. That's not a bad bench.

If they traded Thomas and Ward for Van Exel, they'd get a PG who isn't used to the offense, who loves the throw up bad shots, and they'd be left with the scary Doleac/Knight combo to man the center position. They would just enter another transition phase, waiting for Van Exel to adapt to the offense. I think the Knicks are better off staying put, at least until they test it out.

[Edited by - bigsm00th on 08/09/2002 14:33:56]

Posted by BigSm00th:


If they traded Thomas and Ward for Van Exel, they'd get a PG who isn't used to the offense, who loves the throw up bad shots, and they'd be left with the scary Doleac/Knight combo to man the center position. They would just enter another transition phase, waiting for Van Exel to adapt to the offense. I think the Knicks are better off staying put, at least until they test it out.

[Edited by - bigsm00th on 08/09/2002 14:33:56]

I don't think any of the Knicks point guards are use to offense. They have been stagnating at the bottom of the team scoring for what now three or four years. Lets face it Knicks need all the scoring help they can get. As far as a point use to the offense well the team is suppose to learn Chaney's style of play which is supose to be new and improved offense, I don't see why NVE can't learn his offense.

KT is a decent player that put up his best number I don't expect him to do that as a fourth option.

Posted by fishmike:

not a chance. Why bother getting impact players like Dice if you dont put them in a position to succeed? One reason we need a legit center is to protect Dice on offense. If it's Kurt and Dice, Dice will always get the better defender and that will hurt us. You can put your average pf on a big man like Dampier or Nesto, Mark Jackson, Foyal, etc...the size along will create easy opportunites. And as for Eisley and Ward neither will be the starter. They are both so bad FW will beat them out in camp for the starting role. I would rather have Van Ex at point and Doleac and Travis at center, than Eisley and Kurt.

Totally agree with you I would rather have NVE than Thomas and Eisley. Thank Thomas for being a good Knick and send him on his way. Its time to make a move and send Crazy eyes on his way. The Knicks need skill player and the point is the most vital position on the court they get everyone involved. Ward and Eisley have done a terrible job of creating easy scoring opportunities and getting people involved in the game. Knicks need a highly skilled PG that will do all this including get himself involved in scoring and NVE is your man.