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SugarRayRichardson
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Joined: 8/28/2006
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Dream deal: Bring back Curry
Original '05 trade hasn't meant much for Bulls or Knicks
December 10, 2006
BY JOHN JACKSON Staff Reporter
Normally, this space isn't wasted on trade proposals that have zero chance of being consummated. But that's exactly our topic this week as we throw out a deal between the Bulls and the New York Knicks that would greatly improve the prospects of both teams.
Essentially, our proposal is a reversal of the October 2005 deal that sent Eddy Curry to the Knicks.
In the new deal, Curry would return to the Bulls, and the Knicks would get Tyrus Thomas, Michael Sweetney, Viktor Khryapa and another throw-in player (for salary-cap purposes) and wouldn't have to face the prospect of swapping first-round picks with the Bulls next June.
Why rewrite history? Simply put, neither team has benefitted from the previous trade, and this deal would better address the immediate needs of both franchises.
As maddening as Curry often was during his five seasons in Chicago, the Bulls still haven't replaced the low-post scoring he provided. It's the glaring weakness of this team and perhaps the only thing preventing the Bulls from being serious title contenders this season.
Adding Curry would give the Bulls an incredibly balanced and potent offense without lessening the team's prowess on the defensive end. Say what you will about Curry, but he is a legitimate low-post scorer whom the defense must respect.
Think about it. The Bulls could start each half by throwing the ball inside to Curry repeatedly. The 6-11 center would score, draw fouls and get the other team in the penalty sooner. Despite his shortcomings in other areas, Curry is an accomplished scorer who can be effective against just about any big man in the league.
With the threat of Curry in the low post, the Bulls' perimeter players would get less attention and more open shots. This alignment would be even more effective if Curry becomes a better passer out of the post.
Even with Curry's current limitations, the combination of Curry inside and Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng on the perimeter is a high-powered offensive attack that would be successful against any defense. It was extremely successful two years ago, when the Bulls amassed 47 wins despite Curry missing the final month of the season with an irregular heartbeat.
As for New York, the Knicks are using Curry as the centerpiece of their rebuilding efforts, but they would be better served by building around Thomas and the player they would get in the draft in June. Although it's very early, that draft is expected to be deep and loaded with quality big men.
Whether New York coach/president Isiah Thomas wants to admit it, the Knicks aren't going anywhere this season and definitely will be a lottery team. They are not in a position to lose another high draft pick -- the Bulls used a pick they acquired from the Knicks to draft Thomas -- and the crowd at Madison Square Garden might not boo so lustily if they had hope for the future.
Of course, this is all fantasy. There's no chance of the Bulls and Knicks swinging a deal, let alone a trade involving Curry. There's just too much bad blood between the two sides from the original Curry deal last year.
But that doesn't change the reality that Curry returning to Chicago would be a move that could benefit both teams.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/jackson/167378,CST-SPT-jax10.article
I LOVED how Curry just exploded in the 4th, speaking as a fan of the Raptors, Curry looked well, scary I think is the word. Or Shaq-like
Curry: 19.1ppg-7.3rpg-58%fg
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12/6/2006 11:42 PM
