http://dimemag.com/2009/08/al-harrington-thinks-hes-part-of-knicks-2010-masterplan/

Dime: A lot of people look at guys like you and Larry Hughes as space fillers until 2010. Does that bother you?
AH: No I don’t look at it like that. My whole thing is that if our team wants to sign two max players, you still need a team you know what I’m saying? I know I’ll be a great fit no matter who they bring in because I’m a great basketball player. I can play the game in every aspect. Whatever coach needs me to do, I feel like I can do. So I’m going to be there, I’m not worried about it.

Dime: Do you think Nate Robinson and David Lee will be back?
AH: We need both of them back you know what I’m saying? Obviously they can’t get the years they want to get. But I feel if they come back and we have a great year, I think they’ll be taken care of. So we’ll see what happens.

Dime: What is your take on the two rookies Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas?
AH: I really don’t know that much about them. I played with the first time the other day at pickup at the practice facility. Douglas is very good young player with a lot of energy defensively and he can score the ball. Jordan Hill is a great athlete. He’s going to help block shots and clog up the middle for us. It’s going to take time with them, but I think they’re going to be good.


[Edited by - fishmike on 01-09-2009 09:47 AM]

free candy ain't gonna come back for free tho...

i have little faith in Al, hate to say it.

He'll be a good Knick for awhile. Bank on it.

"Know what im saying"

"Im a great basketball player"

Al is a good dude and will likely have a good year. They all do in contract years.

Al can be an effective bench player for 4mil a year. If his ego can handle that then its good.

Maybe its the cheap sneaker effect. Some how you sell inexpensive sneakers and see your self as a world class talent and savior.

Al must also realize he is a Tim Thomas type player on a bad team. The future is not him.

I like him enough.

Hughes is cap fodder.

Posted by NYKBocker:

I like Al. I think he was trying too much last year and from the jist of his interviews, he looks like he is ready to accept his new role as a role player once 2010 comes. Money wise anyways.

Is he willing to accept $5/6M/yr for 20-30MPG (based on how he is shooting that game) coming off the bench with limited crunch time minutes?

And both Jason Kidd and Grant Hill said they were interested in playing for the Knicks, but both ended up taking the money and running.

Summer 2010 when we renounce his rights, he might not find a team willing to pay him more than us. But if he does, I think he will make the easy decision and take the money.

I had no problem with Al, except for the dumb hanging on the rim crap. He's got plenty of game and just needs to make some adjustments to fit in better. He's committed to better conditioning, which was a big issue with him fading late in games. I think he's also gonna have a reduced role, so that will help. If he's willing to settle for less to be in a good situation in the future, then I think he'll be here. I actually think he's seeing how the market is now for guys like Lee and Nate and he realizes that he's not likely to get big money in the future.

I think this is right up there with Marbs' "I'm the best point guard in the NBA" and Postell's "I'm an all-star on the rise" statements.

Posted by sebstar:

funny at all the hate for a guy who is a good player, is in the prime of his career, is from the city and is very consistent in his claims of wanting to be a part of this franchise in the coming years.

But we'll just harp on the little mistakes he made last year and dismiss him. Keep my man Lebron away from these forums.

man you said it... if there was a point to this thread its that there are guys on this team still playing for something beside the 4 that will be in their rookie contracts through next year. Harrington wants to prove he can be a winning player, and he wants to do it here and now.

With little to be excited about this season rooting for a guy like Harrington to wants to be here and part of something bigger (two max FAs) in the future.