ISIAH WOOING EX-GRIZ SWIFT

By MARC BERMAN

July 4, 2005 -- Stromile Swift, a 6-9 backup shot-blocking power forward, devoured steak with Isiah Thomas Saturday night, then toured of the Knicks' practice facility in Greenburg and watched the team's summer league practice yesterday.
But it's still unclear if Swift — whose shaky mental makeup has Memphis on the verge of letting him flee — wants to be part of the Knicks' rebuilding.

He didn't sound opposed to what's going on with the Knicks, who added four quality 25-and-under players in Tuesday night's draft bonanza.

Swift ran into a local news crew yesterday and talked about his interest. "It's a challenge," Swift said of the Knicks. "Everyone knows they haven't been that good, but they're bringing in pieces to be a good team."

Evidently, it took only 24 hours for Thomas to brainwash him. After drafting 6-11 Channing Frye, Thomas is still looking to get longer at power forward and bring in a young 7-footer, preferably Washington free agent Kwame Brown, whose club is entertaining sign-and-trade possibilities.

The Knicks' pursuit of PFs such as Swift and Antoine Walker — and the decision to draft heady Florida PF David Lee at No. 30 — demonstrates that Thomas is looking to use Michael Sweetney as a trading pawn.

Sweetney refused to play summer league, which starts Wednesday in Las Vegas. Thomas said the decision didn't bother him, because of the trust he has in the 6-8 Georgetown product. However, Sweetney also has weight issues.



Signing Swift, 25, will be difficult. Memphis GM Jerry West is not big on a sign-and-trade with the Knicks, fearful of adding payroll. The Knicks probably can't get him for the mid-level exception, raised this summer from $4.9 million to $5.1 million, according to union attorney Ron Klempner.

"I'm not sure right now," Swift said, on whether he wants to join the Knicks. "I'm just weighing my options. I like it here though. I've learned a little bit about the city. Usually I'm just here playing the games. It's pretty nice. But I've got a few more visits."

2 things of note - 1. doesn't sound like he's "gung ho" about coming here and 2. what's up with sweets "refusing" to play in the summer league?

i like zeke's response but is this just some berman spin crap?

You know, I'd be happy if we got Hunter or Jerome James and left our roster alone for now.

As the season progresses, IT will be able to dangle TT's contract and Sweets or Butler for something better, or at least more realistic than what's out there now. I really don't want Kwame or Antoine or Z at all, and I would not want to give up Sweets for Swift.

IT is acting a bit like he HAS to make some kind of big move, but I think he should be patient.

It's almost always about the money. The Knicks only have the MLE, barring a sign trade, and Swift probably wants more than that.

Swift is a real enigma, and honestly I dont see where or how he fits. He can ran bigtime, and he can block some shots. He's added an ok midrange shot but its not much better than JYDs.

He doesnt get to the line much
He's got a very low basketball IQ
He's small. He's the same height and weight as JYD
He cant dribble and isnt a skilled post player
He shoots uder 50%

The only team I have seen more than the Grizz are the Knicks, because I have a good friend thats a freakish JWill fan. Stro is an exciting player, but not a very good one.

At this point he's a VERY poor man's KMart. The $9mm to start is a farce IMO

Yep, there is nobody out there that should be getting MoT money that isn't going to step in and make an immediate impact.

AS A KNICK
Following acquisition in Feb 24 trade, Maurice came off the bench in 27 games for Knicks, averaging 6.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg over 16.0 mpg. . .Shot .494 (76-154 FGA) from the field as a Knick, after shooting just .435 (127-292 FGA) with Houston. . .Appeared in each of the season’s final 27 games (Feb 26-April 20).

Led Knicks in rebounding three times. . .Had eight 10+ scoring games and one 10+ rebound effort. . .Logged 20+ minutes 10 times w/NY. . .After missing 17 games due to injury with Houston (flu/plantar faciitis), did not miss a game with NY.

Swift is making the rounds as all free agents do. However, I think Kwame Brown would be a better choice in terms of risk/reward.

Posted by Pharzeone:

The Knicks need to move Sweetney now. If his weight issues are the reason why he didn't or wouldn't be able to participate in the summer league, I can only imagine worst case scenarios in the future, if we secure him with a decent contract. I was ify about moving him but I think the Knicks think that his weight issue will be a serious concern in his future. He seems to have no desire to get into decent shape. I would move him before his value decreases.

from time to time shaq also had weight issues that were kept in check and was no big deal. sometimes things dont work out and you have to move in a different direction but how much are we committed to this first round draft pick?

Posted by fishmike:

Swift is a real enigma, and honestly I dont see where or how he fits. He can ran bigtime, and he can block some shots. He's added an ok midrange shot but its not much better than JYDs.

He doesnt get to the line much
He's got a very low basketball IQ
He's small. He's the same height and weight as JYD
He cant dribble and isnt a skilled post player
He shoots uder 50%

The only team I have seen more than the Grizz are the Knicks, because I have a good friend thats a freakish JWill fan. Stro is an exciting player, but not a very good one.

At this point he's a VERY poor man's KMart. The $9mm to start is a farce IMO

I honestly don't think Swift deserves more than a maxed out MLE and if he does get more, then that team is stupid.

I'd honestly rather give Jackie Butler the minutes over Swift- he at least looks like he can be a presence on the offensive end.