If we wind up getting lucky enough to get LeBron and bring back Lee, that might be it for the time being. That's gotta be Plan A and I agree it should be. If we get lucky enough and that happens, we'll pretty much be forced to call it a day...Too bad we won't have the funds to do more because there are a lot of guys out there I like for the backcourt that will be available for sensible money...Who knows what the brass is thinking in terms of putting together next year's team. Maybe they throw us all a curveball & have something secretly lined up for Lee and then turn around & wind up using any money they might save there for some of the available mid-market talent that'll be out there...Donnie's really got his work cut out for him here - he's really gonna have to come up with a way to not only round out a full squad but to also make the situation at least look semi-attractive in the process...I do like Shannon Brown. I like that he played with LeBron in Cleveland before - you figure there should be some familiarity and friendship there. Regardless, he's made strides since then. He's really become a solid player off the bench for the Lakers. I was watching a tape of the Lakers/Orlando games yesterday. He played real well. The jumper was falling from mid-range, the athleticism was on full display and he was pretty much able to get whatever shot he wanted. Played some decent defense too. He definitely went for over 20 in this game...One of the broadcasters commented that he's a fan favorite & a restricted FA, so dealing for him before the deadline may prove to be difficult. So will trying to sign him in the off-season -- we'd have to really come up with a loud offer to pry him away from Hollywood this summer..
I just got finished watching a tape of the Cavs/Raptors game from last night. Gotta tell ya, Antoine Wright really impressed me. I haven't had a chance to see him play in awhile (he didn't really play with the Nets and I haven't watched too many Raptor games) but he played well last night. He's got great size and length for an off-guard, was playing good defense on LeBron and he was hitting shots from deep and taking it strong to the rim. Just looked smooth and confident out on the floor... He's on his 3rd team so far since being drafted. UFA at the end of the year. Like the Nets and Dallas, the Raptors may give up on him as well (esp. with DeRozan, Belinelli and Turkoglu all in the fold at his positions)...Maybe this is a guy we find a way to pick up on the cheap (I think he'd come cheaper than Shannon Brown). He'd be nice as another SG/SF to add to the mix for next year. I know the career numbers and even his numbers this year are underwhelming but I like the guy, he's got talent. Maybe he's a late bloomer and we can go catch some lightning in a bottle...
We really need to get lucky with those two 2nd rounders. As of right now, I want backcourt help but the bottom line is we at least need two players with those picks that D'Antoni will actually play next year. What we don't need are two projects that'll never see the light of day. Part of the Knicks on-going draft homework/preparation needs to involve zeroing in on two guys that can contribute & play some steady minutes. Maybe we can turn one of those 2s into a 1st rounder somehow.... It's good to see that Nate seems to be building up his value. Hearing the rumor that the Celts just made Donnie an offer for Nate... Best case scenario is that we trade away JJ along with Nate in a package but if not, I'd definitely require a 1st round pick in return. The Celts' 1st rounder next year will be low but it's an asset. We can get a pretty good young player there - a rotation player. No question about it. This draft is gonna be deep. Better than nothing I suppose. I also think Nate to Portland might work out well for both teams. That's definitely one trade Nate wouldn't reject.
1/20/2010 12:04 PM