newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:A little disappointed. I was kinda holding out hope that we would've swung a deal for Lawson. I know he wasn't a popular choice on this board but I discussed a good 5 reasons or so why he would've made sense here. Who knows if we were ever even in on the conversation for him--I don't think we could've matched the deal Houston came up with to get him, which included a 1st round pick. So yet another potential backcourt upgrade off the table...I see others aren't too concerned about pursuing a couple of good players to finish the roster off sooner than later. I gotta disagree there -- I feel the more we wait, the more we're content to sit on our hands, the more options will continue to pass us by. Shved's gone, the kid Hackett went back to Europe, now Lawson's gone..Who's next--John Jenkins, Elliot Williams (one scenario I've been thinking about is cutting Ledo and picking up both Jenkins and Elliot Williams)?

Just curious why we even bothered working Williams out if we weren't gonna offer him a contract. What were we looking for in a private workout that he didn't show in his stellar DL stint this year which included being a DL all-star, a DL Finals run and Finals MVP honors? Look, I know what EW is--I know this kid isn't Michael Jordan, I know he's not the type of FA we contact first when the clock strikes midnight on the first day of free agency, I know he's been injured and I know he's had trouble sticking in the NBA--I still say he fits like a glove. He fits every quality we should be looking for in an extra guard--he's right in our salary range, he's available, he's got the versatility to play both guard spots we seem to covet, he's still young, plays reasonably good defense, he's athletic and can push the ball/play above the rim at times, and despite being a scorer (can never have enough scoring btw) he can handle the ball, he's unselfish and a very good passer. For a 14th, 15th guy, what more could we possibly want? The fact of the matter is he's no ordinary 15th man on a roster--over here he could very well compete for primary backup PG and SG duties (I'd argue he's actually a better player than Calderon, Galloway and Ledo). I think EW's good enough to start in the NBA.. I'd like to grab this guy now while we still can. He's a lot of value on a minimum contract. Just my 2 cents..

I'm not sure you realize this but just because you came up with some ideas that you think is right for the Knicks doesn't mean they are actually right? We have people in place to make the moves that's right for what they're trying to accomplish which nobody on here knows how to do better than them. We're just fans on a message board having our own debates with each other about what we would like to see done and how we feel about what's been done so far. We don't know if Lawson would fit what Phil is wanting to do and if having that kind of contract on our books would hurt what his plans for the future are because he has a pretty hefty contract and he's a certain type of player that only fits certain types of systems. I'm good with what Phil has done so far and how he hasn't hurt our future with bad contracts and has signed players that want to play TEAM basketball. People need to remember that the team we have now is not the finished product and i'm looking forward to seeing Phil's finished product which will hopefully be finished after next summer and i think Lawson and his contract would of hurt that.

I realize and carefully consider most everything surrounding this team before I ever bother to put fingers to keyboard. But hey, thanks for taking the time to point out something I may have missed. Appreciate it, pal..

2nd, I do agree with you here: "We're just fans on a message board having our own debates with each other about what we would like to see done and how we feel about what's been done so far." Right. No argument. That's what the board is all about--and not just for you and your thoughts--for EVERYONE. You have your opinions, I have mine. Never understood criticizing someone for their taken on matters. Either agree or don't even waste your time commenting...Difference of opinion as to what Ty Lawson could've done for this team. No big deal. I had it as adding only $3-4mm per yr over the next 2 seasons if we had swapped Lawson for Calderon and also gave them a sweetener or 2 (Early, cash?). At that time Lawson would've come off the books, same time as Calderon. Not a significant increase in salary cap over the next 2 seasons and not a significant commitment in length of contract. You wanna argue that maybe that 3-4mm might interfere with the possibility of bringing in a big-time FA next year? Ok, you might be right. I pointed this out with Alexey Shved and why the team may have made the decision to not offer him anything above his vet minimum...Alas, HOU came up with a better deal than what I was proposing which actually included a 1st round pick. We wouldn't have been able to offer that, so I've moved on. I already pointed this out -- all I was questioning was whether or not we had any meaningful discussion with DEN for Lawson, a guy that was linked to the Knicks in a possibly "trade down" scenario leading up to the draft. And I pointed out that this is another potential guard upgrade that has gone by the wayside (a productive 'win now' player in his prime who's had prior experience playing with Melo and Afflalo btw). I'm disappointed--I like and value Lawson's game and think he could've done well here. Some apparently don't feel that way. I do...Let's move on. I already did in my first post. LOL.

I'm much more puzzled over the inability and lack of urgency to finish off the roster, esp. at the guard spot where at least 2 good options remain (John Jenkins and Elliot Williams). I can't for the life of me see how they might feel that a backcourt consisting of Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway as two main contributors could possibly be good enough. Add to that Ricky Ledo, who hasn't looked great this summer and Jerian Grant, a rookie and no reliable backup 2G in place behind Afflalo--there's a ton of question marks there. I like what they did with the frontcourt--hey, can't get on Phil because all these top FA bigs passed on the Knicks (although I still believe that if we offered Greg Monroe the max, we could've gotten him--I don't think we did, despite what his agent said which came across as an attempt to save face for the Knicks and maintain/salvage a good working relationship between his clients and the team for any future dealings). Phil made decent secondary moves to bolster the frontcourt. Don't feel nearly as good about backcourt depth right now. I feel one of the last 2 spots (assuming Ledo makes the team--maybe he doesn't) ABSOLUTELY MUST to go to a guard, preferably one who's versatile enough to play both spots, which seems to be what they value and are looking for anyway. Who better than Elliot Williams fits that criteria?

Wow that's a lot to read so I think i'm just gonna pass on reading it but i'm sure there's some really good stuff in there somewhere. Maybe.

Fine, no problem. You wanna take me to task on something then run for the hills when I respond, that's on you. Have a nice day.

I am having a fantastic day so thank you for that. I didn't realize you would get all whiny when someone disagrees with you but this is a message board and if I don't agree with something you say then i'my gonna let you know about it cause that's what these fan boards are for so that's what i'm gonna do. I just don't care to read a 3 paragraph response is all. Now you have a nice day sir.

Are you kidding me?!? On the contrary buddy -- you're the one acting whiny. 100%. Outta nowhere too. I don't even know you. You've got the wrong guy man, trust me when I tell you that! LOL... How long have you been posting on this board, a couple of weeks?? You addressed me in a snide manner and then take it a step further and decide to act like a wise guy. People disagree with me all the time -- I don't choose to get personal. In fact, I enjoy reading different thoughts and takes on this team from my own...Like yourself for instance -- just so happens that I haven't agreed with a thing you've had to say going back days. Disagree with your take on Ndour; disagree on the Lance Thomas/Amundson signings (remind me, you were in favor of those two signings, right?), etc.. Never once addressed you on it--just posted my views in a general, non-threatening manner. You've decided to take it to another level today for some reason. LOL...OK. Let's do it!

mreinman wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

TPercy wrote:Finestrg I think phisher considers Galloway a sg. so he will likely be the back up shooting guard. If galloway can significantly reduce the amount of midrange shots he took and keep improving his 3pts shot then I will be okay with it.

Respect your opinion. My take--not nearly enough in place in the backcourt right now. Need at least one more competent guard in the fold before we go to war. No way around it. EW is out there right now--he's available, we already worked him out, he compiled quite a resume based on his work last year (he accomplished everything you could possibly ask out of a young player looking to get back into the league), he's obviously talented and passes the eye test and he fits the salary we're looking to spend. Big Shved fan and I actually like him better than Shved.. I wouldn't wait on this guy. If we continue to act indecisively and kick the tires on this guy, we're gonna lose out of him too. Just mho.

EW?

Elliot Williams.

mreinman wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

mreinman wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

TPercy wrote:Finestrg I think phisher considers Galloway a sg. so he will likely be the back up shooting guard. If galloway can significantly reduce the amount of midrange shots he took and keep improving his 3pts shot then I will be okay with it.

Respect your opinion. My take--not nearly enough in place in the backcourt right now. Need at least one more competent guard in the fold before we go to war. No way around it. EW is out there right now--he's available, we already worked him out, he compiled quite a resume based on his work last year (he accomplished everything you could possibly ask out of a young player looking to get back into the league), he's obviously talented and passes the eye test and he fits the salary we're looking to spend. Big Shved fan and I actually like him better than Shved.. I wouldn't wait on this guy. If we continue to act indecisively and kick the tires on this guy, we're gonna lose out on him too. Just mho.

EW?

Elliot Williams.

ah ... thanks. Did not see him much.

Real nice player imo who deserves a chance to get back in the league. I think he's more than earned it based on his stellar play in the DL from last yr. Fits here like a glove -- an extra guard who can play both spots, play them well, he'd add extra scoring and the ability to play more uptempo, he's a quality passer and he fits the salary slot we have available -- shouldn't even have to tap the room exception to get this guy. A vet minimum offer should suffice. And if it didn't, say there's competition for his services out there (San Antonio, semi-lucrative offers to go play in Europe I'm sure, etc.), we do have part of the room exception to offer and remain competitive. I hear what guys like Crush and Walt are saying about remaining patient to see what players might shake loose from other teams--maybe I'm wrong but I just can't picture a guard option presenting itself this late in the process better than Elliot Williams. I don't think we were in on a deal for Ty Lawson and even if we were, we could've have beaten Houston's offer. Deron Williams was bought out by Brooklyn and was promptly scooped up by the Mavs. Shved and Hackett decided to go play overseas...I'd jump all over Elliot Williams right now before someone else does.

Finestrg wrote:

mreinman wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

mreinman wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

TPercy wrote:Finestrg I think phisher considers Galloway a sg. so he will likely be the back up shooting guard. If galloway can significantly reduce the amount of midrange shots he took and keep improving his 3pts shot then I will be okay with it.

Respect your opinion. My take--not nearly enough in place in the backcourt right now. Need at least one more competent guard in the fold before we go to war. No way around it. EW is out there right now--he's available, we already worked him out, he compiled quite a resume based on his work last year (he accomplished everything you could possibly ask out of a young player looking to get back into the league), he's obviously talented and passes the eye test and he fits the salary we're looking to spend. Big Shved fan and I actually like him better than Shved.. I wouldn't wait on this guy. If we continue to act indecisively and kick the tires on this guy, we're gonna lose out on him too. Just mho.

EW?

Elliot Williams.

ah ... thanks. Did not see him much.

Real nice player imo who deserves a chance to get back in the league. I think he's more than earned it based on his stellar play in the DL from last yr. Fits here like a glove -- an extra guard who can play both spots, play them well, he'd add extra scoring and the ability to play more uptempo, he's a quality passer and he fits the salary slot we have available -- shouldn't even have to tap the room exception to get this guy. A vet minimum offer should suffice. And if it didn't, say there's competition for his services out there (San Antonio, semi-lucrative offers to go play in Europe I'm sure, etc.), we do have part of the room exception to offer and remain competitive. I hear what guys like Crush and Walt are saying about remaining patient to see what players might shake loose from other teams--maybe I'm wrong but I just can't picture a guard option presenting itself this late in the process better than Elliot Williams. I don't think we were in on a deal for Ty Lawson and even if we were, we could've have beaten Houston's offer. Deron Williams was bought out by Brooklyn and was promptly scooped up by the Mavs. Shved and Hackett decided to go play overseas...I'd jump all over Elliot Williams right now before someone else does.

I will look out for him. I think I saw him but did not zone in.

Curious ... do you think that Phil is missing out on moves like this because he is missing them or not entertaining them? Or do you just not agree with his plan for building the right team?

I really did not like the signings of Thomas and Lou but I can see why he did it (even though I still may not like it).

H1AND1 wrote:

LivingLegend wrote:

TripleThreat wrote:

RonRon wrote:If Phil Jackson really has interest in Beverely and Morey really had interest in CA at a MAX
CA can join a contender and make even more money with the trade kicker, no state tax, and get wide open shots with defenders to help him

Morey can still give us a good package for CA if he shows he can play at a high level

Beverly
DMO
Terrence Jones
Brewer or KJ McDaniels
2 2nd rounders, 2016 Knicks 2nd rounder, 2017 Portland 2nd rounder
2 future 1st rounders from Houston
150% rule

Rights to Monztrell/Decker
Throw ins if needed...

for

CA
and throw ins
Early
Ledo

Are you sure you are asking enough from Houston here? I mean I can't be sure if you are letting them off light. I mean 6 players ( What would end up being just about 5 starting players for the Knicks) and 4 draft choices, hey that's really letting the Rockets get over on the Knicks here.

You sure you wouldn't want to ask for more assets than that?

Absolutely sure?

***

Morey's history of personnel shows he acquires talent first and foremost and worries about fit later.

At one point, several years back, he had like 10 PFs on the roster in an offseason.

NBA Trade History generally shows that the single more talented player often yields the better return than the platter of smaller parts.

Houston wins this deal by a longshot.

We win too because we rid ourselves of Melo's aging ass -- get young assets and more cap space. Time to move on from Melo -- we've already seen that high ranked free agents aren't interested in joining forces with him in NY so we are currently on a treadmill to nowhere with Melo here.

If you can re-stock with DMO, Beverly, Decker/Jones, KJ and a pick or two -- plus more cap space --- I think you go for it.

Pretty sure he is being sarcastic because there is no way in hell HOU gives up all that for a 31 year old one way player with 100 million left on a deal coming off knee surgery who has a no trade clause and a trade kicker. If we ever trade Anthony we aren't getting back much but salary relief. RonRon's proposal wasnt just trade rape it was trade bukaki.

CA is a once in life time franchise talent, just give the same speach that was sold to Dolan
That was my thoughts after we traded for CA it was a trade rape, leaving us little to no cap room/flexibility to improve the roster
Can we even get back just Wilson Chandler and Gallo for CA at this point? Certainly not if you add in MosGoV

There is a combinations of talents on the Houston roster and we also need to match salaries to go with 150% rule

It is probably more unlikely now after the Ty Lawson trade

Finestrg wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

Finestrg wrote:A little disappointed. I was kinda holding out hope that we would've swung a deal for Lawson. I know he wasn't a popular choice on this board but I discussed a good 5 reasons or so why he would've made sense here. Who knows if we were ever even in on the conversation for him--I don't think we could've matched the deal Houston came up with to get him, which included a 1st round pick. So yet another potential backcourt upgrade off the table...I see others aren't too concerned about pursuing a couple of good players to finish the roster off sooner than later. I gotta disagree there -- I feel the more we wait, the more we're content to sit on our hands, the more options will continue to pass us by. Shved's gone, the kid Hackett went back to Europe, now Lawson's gone..Who's next--John Jenkins, Elliot Williams (one scenario I've been thinking about is cutting Ledo and picking up both Jenkins and Elliot Williams)?

Just curious why we even bothered working Williams out if we weren't gonna offer him a contract. What were we looking for in a private workout that he didn't show in his stellar DL stint this year which included being a DL all-star, a DL Finals run and Finals MVP honors? Look, I know what EW is--I know this kid isn't Michael Jordan, I know he's not the type of FA we contact first when the clock strikes midnight on the first day of free agency, I know he's been injured and I know he's had trouble sticking in the NBA--I still say he fits like a glove. He fits every quality we should be looking for in an extra guard--he's right in our salary range, he's available, he's got the versatility to play both guard spots we seem to covet, he's still young, plays reasonably good defense, he's athletic and can push the ball/play above the rim at times, and despite being a scorer (can never have enough scoring btw) he can handle the ball, he's unselfish and a very good passer. For a 14th, 15th guy, what more could we possibly want? The fact of the matter is he's no ordinary 15th man on a roster--over here he could very well compete for primary backup PG and SG duties (I'd argue he's actually a better player than Calderon, Galloway and Ledo). I think EW's good enough to start in the NBA.. I'd like to grab this guy now while we still can. He's a lot of value on a minimum contract. Just my 2 cents..

I'm not sure you realize this but just because you came up with some ideas that you think is right for the Knicks doesn't mean they are actually right? We have people in place to make the moves that's right for what they're trying to accomplish which nobody on here knows how to do better than them. We're just fans on a message board having our own debates with each other about what we would like to see done and how we feel about what's been done so far. We don't know if Lawson would fit what Phil is wanting to do and if having that kind of contract on our books would hurt what his plans for the future are because he has a pretty hefty contract and he's a certain type of player that only fits certain types of systems. I'm good with what Phil has done so far and how he hasn't hurt our future with bad contracts and has signed players that want to play TEAM basketball. People need to remember that the team we have now is not the finished product and i'm looking forward to seeing Phil's finished product which will hopefully be finished after next summer and i think Lawson and his contract would of hurt that.

I realize and carefully consider most everything surrounding this team before I ever bother to put fingers to keyboard. But hey, thanks for taking the time to point out something I may have missed. Appreciate it, pal..

2nd, I do agree with you here: "We're just fans on a message board having our own debates with each other about what we would like to see done and how we feel about what's been done so far." Right. No argument. That's what the board is all about--and not just for you and your thoughts--for EVERYONE. You have your opinions, I have mine. Never understood criticizing someone for their taken on matters. Either agree or don't even waste your time commenting...Difference of opinion as to what Ty Lawson could've done for this team. No big deal. I had it as adding only $3-4mm per yr over the next 2 seasons if we had swapped Lawson for Calderon and also gave them a sweetener or 2 (Early, cash?). At that time Lawson would've come off the books, same time as Calderon. Not a significant increase in salary cap over the next 2 seasons and not a significant commitment in length of contract. You wanna argue that maybe that 3-4mm might interfere with the possibility of bringing in a big-time FA next year? Ok, you might be right. I pointed this out with Alexey Shved and why the team may have made the decision to not offer him anything above his vet minimum...Alas, HOU came up with a better deal than what I was proposing which actually included a 1st round pick. We wouldn't have been able to offer that, so I've moved on. I already pointed this out -- all I was questioning was whether or not we had any meaningful discussion with DEN for Lawson, a guy that was linked to the Knicks in a possibly "trade down" scenario leading up to the draft. And I pointed out that this is another potential guard upgrade that has gone by the wayside (a productive 'win now' player in his prime who's had prior experience playing with Melo and Afflalo btw). I'm disappointed--I like and value Lawson's game and think he could've done well here. Some apparently don't feel that way. I do...Let's move on. I already did in my first post. LOL.

I'm much more puzzled over the inability and lack of urgency to finish off the roster, esp. at the guard spot where at least 2 good options remain (John Jenkins and Elliot Williams). I can't for the life of me see how they might feel that a backcourt consisting of Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway as two main contributors could possibly be good enough. Add to that Ricky Ledo, who hasn't looked great this summer and Jerian Grant, a rookie and no reliable backup 2G in place behind Afflalo--there's a ton of question marks there. I like what they did with the frontcourt--hey, can't get on Phil because all these top FA bigs passed on the Knicks (although I still believe that if we offered Greg Monroe the max, we could've gotten him--I don't think we did, despite what his agent said which came across as an attempt to save face for the Knicks and maintain/salvage a good working relationship between his clients and the team for any future dealings). Phil made decent secondary moves to bolster the frontcourt. Don't feel nearly as good about backcourt depth right now. I feel one of the last 2 spots (assuming Ledo makes the team--maybe he doesn't) ABSOLUTELY MUST to go to a guard, preferably one who's versatile enough to play both spots, which seems to be what they value and are looking for anyway. Who better than Elliot Williams fits that criteria?

Wow that's a lot to read so I think i'm just gonna pass on reading it but i'm sure there's some really good stuff in there somewhere. Maybe.

Fine, no problem. You wanna take me to task on something then run for the hills when I respond, that's on you. Have a nice day.

I am having a fantastic day so thank you for that. I didn't realize you would get all whiny when someone disagrees with you but this is a message board and if I don't agree with something you say then i'my gonna let you know about it cause that's what these fan boards are for so that's what i'm gonna do. I just don't care to read a 3 paragraph response is all. Now you have a nice day sir.

Are you kidding me?!? On the contrary buddy -- you're the one acting whiny. 100%. Outta nowhere too. I don't even know you. You've got the wrong guy man, trust me when I tell you that! LOL... How long have you been posting on this board, a couple of weeks?? You addressed me in a snide manner and then take it a step further and decide to act like a wise guy. People disagree with me all the time -- I don't choose to get personal. In fact, I enjoy reading different thoughts and takes on this team from my own...Like yourself for instance -- just so happens that I haven't agreed with a thing you've had to say going back days. Disagree with your take on Ndour; disagree on the Lance Thomas/Amundson signings (remind me, you were in favor of those two signings, right?), etc.. Never once addressed you on it--just posted my views in a general, non-threatening manner. You've decided to take it to another level today for some reason. LOL...OK. Let's do it!

callmened wrote:my problem with elliot williams is he cant shoot (consistently). i feel like we already have elliot williams - his name is r. Ledo

Ledo really didn't show anything but bad in SL until the last game so i'm still a little iffy on if he even deserves a job with us.

Nalod wrote:Ty got issues and is under 6 ft tall. Is he a triangle guy?
Maybe this alone is why phil don't pick up the phone.

Priggy. We all like him. at 38 he is not or should not be a knick going forward. I would imagine he has a situation he might prefer as well.

I don't think rockets have what it takes to make a good trade for Melo.

Moot point now but just curious -- what is it about Lawson that doesn't make him 'a triangle guard'? The fact that he's a couple of inches shorter than your average PG? I dunno man--I think this whole 'ability to see over the defense thing' is overrated. What does that mean exactly? Lawson averaged almost 10 dimes per. He can find open teammates..Outside of the size issue, which I don't see as that big a disadvantage really, he fits all the other criteria -- not a knockdown shooter but he shoots a decent 3-ball, he's fast and can penetrate/get anywhere he wants to go at will, he's a good passer, one of the league leaders in assists in fact. I agree his defense could be a little better but he's hardly a complete liability on D -- dude averaged 1.2 steals per last yr, 1.6 and 1.5 the prior 2 years (good steal numbers in college too). Is he a better defender than Calderon? Upgrade from Jose Calderon in every facet of the game sans 3-pt FG % and he only would've been a 2 yr experiment..

Nalod wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

Nalod wrote:Ty got issues and is under 6 ft tall. Is he a triangle guy?
Maybe this alone is why phil don't pick up the phone.

Priggy. We all like him. at 38 he is not or should not be a knick going forward. I would imagine he has a situation he might prefer as well.

I don't think rockets have what it takes to make a good trade for Melo.

Moot point now but just curious -- what is it about Lawson that doesn't make him 'a triangle guard'? The fact that he's a couple of inches shorter than your average PG? i dunno man--I think this whole 'ability to see over the defense thing' is overrated. What does that mean exactly? Lawson averaged almost 10 dimes per...Outside of the size issue, which I don't see as that big a disadvantage really, he fits all the other criteria -- not a knockdown shooter but he shoots a decent 3-ball, he's fast and can penetrate/get anywhere he wants to go at will, he's a good passer, one of the league leaders in assists in fact. I agree his defense could be a little better but he's hardly a complete liability on D -- dude averaged 1.2 steals per last yr, 1.6 and 1.5 the prior 2 years. Is he a better defender than Calderon? Upgrade from Jose Calderon in every facet of the game sans 3-pt FG % and he only would've been a 2 yr experiment..

Historically Phil seems to not roster midgets and if they are, they better be sharpshooters. Lawson is a very good player and from a talent perspective he is an upgrade but that means trading away something of interest to denver. not to say our role players are not expendable but I'd just a soon give Grant the chance to start and grow.

Fair enough.

JrZyHuStLa wrote:When you're a title contender or close to being one, taking a gamble on an idiot like this makes sense.

I'm not sure- a backcourt of him and Harden is a defensive abomination. Not really sure the rockets needed more offense.

Plus it turns out he has FOUR DUIs, which indicates a serious longer term alcohol issue- 30 days mandated in rehab then being surrounded by the nba lifestyle,I'm not sure if that's a recipe for success. Really the desire for change has to come from the person, not be forced on them. Also, addiction issues do seem to drain the talent from players- especially as they come up to 30. Look at Lawson's increase in injuries and decline in efficiency. Eventually dogging it in practice and not working out or taking care of your health, catches up on you, usually around mid to late 20s

Sangfroid wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

Nalod wrote:Ty got issues and is under 6 ft tall. Is he a triangle guy?
Maybe this alone is why phil don't pick up the phone.

Priggy. We all like him. at 38 he is not or should not be a knick going forward. I would imagine he has a situation he might prefer as well.

I don't think rockets have what it takes to make a good trade for Melo.

Moot point now but just curious -- what is it about Lawson that doesn't make him 'a triangle guard'? The fact that he's a couple of inches shorter than your average PG? I dunno man--I think this whole 'ability to see over the defense thing' is overrated. What does that mean exactly? Lawson averaged almost 10 dimes per. He can find open teammates..Outside of the size issue, which I don't see as that big a disadvantage really, he fits all the other criteria -- not a knockdown shooter but he shoots a decent 3-ball, he's fast and can penetrate/get anywhere he wants to go at will, he's a good passer, one of the league leaders in assists in fact. I agree his defense could be a little better but he's hardly a complete liability on D -- dude averaged 1.2 steals per last yr, 1.6 and 1.5 the prior 2 years (good steal numbers in college too). Is he a better defender than Calderon? Upgrade from Jose Calderon in every facet of the game sans 3-pt FG % and he only would've been a 2 yr experiment..

Two DUIs since January makes Lawson a walking time bomb. Better to leave such damaged goods on the doorsteps of another team than to take him in and hope for the best.

UPDATE!

Plus it turns out he has FOUR DUIs, which indicates a serious longer term alcohol issue- 30 days mandated in rehab then being surrounded by the nba lifestyle,I'm not sure if that's a recipe for success. Really the desire for change has to come from the person, not be forced on them. Also, addiction issues do seem to drain the talent from players- especially as they come up to 30. Look at Lawson's increase in injuries and decline in efficiency. Eventually dogging it in practice and not working out or taking care of your health, catches up on you, usually around mid to late 20s