s3231 wrote:I really love Shump but I wouldn't rule out trading him for Nash as much as I hate to say it...Our core is built to win now and I think if it comes down to including Shump to bring Nash in, you really need to consider it since Shump might not be able to contribute at a high level at all next season.
It's not just about adding a PG with Nash, it's about adding one of the most lethal shooters in NBA history (we need shooting around Melo badly) and one of the best passers of all-time (we need someone to facilitate for our stars badly as well).
Moreover, Nash gives our offense a coach on the floor and to be honest, we need that since Woodson's idea of a great offense seems to be give the ball each time down the court to Melo for hero ball....
Simply put, adding Nash makes this team a true contender for the next couple of seasons and gives our rising star (Lin) the best mentor possible. Not to mention, we would still have the mini-MLE available to chase down a guy like Camby for even more depth.
I'm glad I'm not Grunwalk b/c that would be a tough decision to make...Fortunately though, it is being reported that Suns would be happy with Fields in there and it looks like we won't need to include Shump.
Factors to consider:
1) Nash's age
2) Shumpert's injury. and what you expect him to be like as a player in 5 years
3) Our present roster's window of opportunity
4) Whether or not you really think Nash is some kind of final piece who will help this Knicks team get a title
If Nash was 29 (Yeah, I know he could probably ask for the moon in terms of a contract), I would do it if financially feasible, especially given Shumpert's injury, and the uncertainty surrounding any serious damage to a guy's wheels.
If Nash was 29, and If you really believed in the roster you have, Nash could be the guy to put us over the top, and even be part of a of rebuilding process (or trade chip) if this roster failed to develop.
But Nash is not 29, so you really have to look at this roster's chances of getting by Miami in the next few years. Personally, I think this squad is never going to get you to the promised land... sorry. We will have some exciting playoff series and a lot of good moments, but we are never getting past Miami, barring an injury to one of their big 3.
I also think (hope) that Shumpert will be a very good player, who will emerge, at some point, as a leader on this team. Knowing the Knicks, we will also include future draft picks for Nash which will come to haunt us someday. I would hope that Lin and Shumpert will be playing for the Knicks for the next 8 years or so
You also have to look at the kind of team we have, and whether Nash is the right kind of PG for the collection of players we have. Personally, I don't think the Knicks have a roster best suited to Nash's skills. We have the pick and roll components, but for the most part our outside shooting, and the spacing it creates, is not there. In my opinion Nash will not be the player he has been in Phoenix because our offense is so predicated on what Anthony does. I, and others, have asked this question before: How do people expect the guy who became famous under MDA to do on a team whose star player rejected his former coach that kind of offense?
Will I take Nash on the cheap, For example, Fields and a future #2 pick?- yup. Will I sacrifice anything of real value on the team for him?- nope.
No man is happy without a delusion of some kind. Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities- C.N. Bovee
7/2/2012 8:48 PM