i like to listen to nba radio in the morning with frank isola. since he writes about the knicks, he always talks about them. he is also positive about them saying they are improving and should make the playoffs. not only that but make some noise in the leastern conference. anyway, someone called and asked what realistic trades are the knicks exploring ( garnett, j.o'neal, ak47 etc.). he said that the knicks won't get garnett since their team is in the thick of a playoff hunt. however, he did mention ray allen. at first i was like "no another bandage to a gaping wound". but isola made some good points. even though we have crawford who plays well, he is still inconsistent. too much so to compete in the conference. getting ray allen on a team that is currently structured now helps for two reasons:

1.) make teams pay for doubling or tripling curry. last night, we saw the benefit with q-rich. however, with his back problems, he has been very inconsistent. we can't rely on him. marbury is another who is incosistent though he benefits wider open driving lanes. you have marbury drive inside and allen shooting consistently outside, teams will pay dearly for doubling allen.

2.) the conference is as weak as it has ever been. allen would AUTOMATICALLY catipult us up in the thick of the race or even the upper echelon. we need to take advantage. this is not a star ****ing move. it is a move that would make us better at a time that is ripe. isola actually thinks the knicks can beat the best team in the conference ( cavs) in a playoff series currently constructing ( though i vehemently disagree). but with the addition of allen, we are so much better.

3.) though i like crawford because he is still fairly young ( though he is reaching his prime- he is 27 years old, you know), what you see is what you get. he is a good player but not great. he has many weaknesses in his game. allen has fewer weaknesses. he can shoot, drive, still finish at his age, create his own shots for himself that are reliable and for teammates, defend well on the perimeter and most importantly a good lockerroom guy with leadership abilities. yeah he is 32 but he is still good and him in the backcourt with marbury and curry posting would be awesome. trade frye, robinson and crawford for him and we have a very good team.

sorry, i meant to say THREE reasons.

Allen would be good short term.

I think a more pressing need is a shot blocker/inside help defender