Bobs, just to clarify, what I'm saying is that I think
the Knicks organization believes Curry is the right guy to build around. Do I believe that? Not necessarily, but it doesn't really matter what I think. They made the big trade for him. They've put all their eggs in his basket. He's here to stay. I don't think they're ever trading him unless they get an offer that'll blow them out of the water - AND THEY'LL NEVER GET THAT for an assortment of reasons (Isiah's not the most well liked guy around the NBA, Eddy has holes in his game, Eddy has a heart condition, etc...). So moving forward, this is the corner of the franchise, like it or not. So recognizing that that's how the organization apparently feels, I want them to now surround the big fella with the best possible talent to get the job done and become competitive again. And right now, with Curry firmly in place, it's so obvious that this is not a good mix. BTW, I don't hate Curry. His lack of rebounding and defense at that size will always bother me, but he has made some strides and for that I'm happy for him, Isiah and the Knicks.
Regarding Armstrong, I've seen the kid play for U-Conn. I'd say a good 30 times over his 4 years there and I think, rather I know, he can play. I think he can be much, much more than just some part-time "shotblocker off the bench." A comment like that is really selling this kid short dude, not for nothin'. Hilton was the Big East defensive player of the year last year. Think about that for a second. We're not talkin' the Missouri Valley Conference here, we're talkin' the Big East. Great teams. Tough schedule. Going up against tremendous competition every game. An achievement like that speaks volumes, I'm sorry. I actually remember one game against Villanova at Gample Pavillion last season where there was a play where someone (pretty sure it was Kyle Lowry) was taking the ball to the rim right down the middle and as he's coming Armstrong gets knocked to the floor. Instead of giving up on the play, Armstrong springs up off the floor and in the air for one hell of a block. It all went down so quick, in about 2-3 seconds. I TiVoed that game and rewound that play about 5 times in a row - I was so amazed! Honestly, it was one of the best defensive plays I ever remember watching! That's really when I knew this kid was special. At this point, all he needs to do is hit the weight room a little and build up his body and stamina - prepare to start playing 30/35 mins. per over an 82-game schedule. When he builds up his strength and skill level to the point where he's ready to go 30-35 mins a night, he's at least 10-15 pts/10 rebs. and 3 blocks per game. Easily.
And when I say "splashy" moves I mean moves involving big names and/or big money contracts coming and going. Trades for Pietrus and Armstrong (both young and definitely not your typical household names, not yet anyway - two guys making little money at this point) and the two D-league signings of Amundson and Rodgers hardly qualify as splashy. They're sensible and fiscally reponsible. The type of low-risk/high-reward moves we should be looking into instead of signing guys like Jeffries to full mid-level exception deals when we already drafted a guy just like him (better in fact) in Balkman.
Bottom line is I want them to pull of all 4 moves I came up with. Pietrus can be a star, maybe not a first team all-NBAer, but a star on the same level as, say, Josh Howard. All he needs is PT and touches. If he gets 35 mins. a night, 15+ shot attempts a night and the same freedom that Crawford gets he's an All-Star in the Eastern Conference for the Knicks. Plus, as a bonus, he actually appears to have a great personality - he always seems to be laughing, joking around - generally a good dude - a guy that feels completely at home in front of the camera or the tape recorder with the media. So rare for a foreign player. NY would fall in love with this guy, trust me. He's worth trading David Lee for.
And listen, I realize it's kind of taboo around here to even hint at the idea of trading Lee but you gotta give to receive in this league. And yes King1, it is possible to replace David Lee with a rookie and a D-league player. In fact, a combination of Hilton Armstrong (shotblocking/rebounding/some scoring even out as far as 20 feet from the rim) and Louis Amundson (hustle/rebounding/energy/some interior scoring) more than makes up for what Lee provides - and Lee provides a lot, no doubt. I love Lee. I even like Frye a little too. Never said I didn't. I just would love Pietrus, Armstrong, Amundson and Chris Rodgers a whole lot more, that's all.
Speaking of Rodgers, we all keep talkin' about a defensive stopper, especially in the backcourt - a guy who can come in and really guard the perimeter. And that's where this guy comes in.
I will defend these 4 players to the death. They are exactly what we need.
P.S. - No, I don't have AOL AIM Bobs. But when I install it, I'll let you know. Would love to chat hoops with you anytime partna!!!
2/2/2007 5:36 PM
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