Will be posting the files tonight in the thread I already started.

Just doesn't sound like this guy is coming back. Sounds like he already knows as much. Will be an interesting summer for sure.

Donnie needs to be careful as hell. We got to give LeBron, Bosh, and Wade their visits quickly and get decisions from them as early as possible.

If we strike out on the top free agents and fail to even bring back Lee, this summer will be an absolute nightmare.

But I could see us ****ting the bed.

Pulling a Bulls and throwing the max at Joe Johnson (Jalen Rose).

Then doing something like absorbing Elton Brand's contract.

If we did it'd be better than what we had but it won't take us where we want to go.

I'm not sure this team can wait. I think they will sign players this summer no matter who they are. Cannot go through another nothing season. Just can't. Pressure is on to build a team and we will do so.

Even if it means keeping Harrington, Duhon, and Lee.

Cosmic wrote:Surprised this topic has gotten no burn. Nobody care?

...

Apr 12, 2010 6:20 AM EST
Knicks forward David Lee knows that the team is focused on signing a superstar, which could delay any possible deal for him this summer.

New York has an estimated $32 million in cap space and Lee will be a free agent on July 1.
"I don't know how it's going to work. At this point, I''m just going to look at everything as it comes to me and let my agent do his job."
"I don't know how the Knicks are going to do timetable-wise, or if LeBron is going to have a decision made by July 1 or Sept. 1," Lee said.

New York executive Donnie Walsh has admitted that the pending free agent market isn't likely to move quickly.
If the Knicks sign two superstars, they'll be forced to let Lee sign with another club.

We could really end up ****ing ourselves here waiting for these random free agents while our own go and sign elsewhere.

Coming away with nothing is a distinct possibility.

I hear you (and I really, really care)... personally, I'd rather resign Lee--the only thing of any value from the Isiah/Layden regimes--and sign Livingston, Reddick, Gay, and Camby. Keep some space to trade Curry and package him with Gallo/Chandler/Douglas for a nice piece next season, or let him expire and make a pitch for Melo. Either way, I would actually like to have some pieces to reshuffle the deck and come out with a new hand.

fishmike wrote:look at Walsh's track record. He's not losing Lee. The only way Lee doesnt come back is if some combo of (Lebron or Wade) + Amare happens. And they will have a feel on that for a week. After that its one max guy, give Lee $9-$10mm and use the other $8-$10 on some very good 2nd teir guys that are available.

If I were David Lee I would look to sign immediately, when teams are feeling trigger happy. I'd have to wait until the first tier of players signs, but I'd be ready to sign ASAP and get paid

Personally I'd like to see the kid stay and get a center. A core of Lebron, Lee and Gallo is pretty good.

Im not as fatalist as many but think the Starphuch splash is a longshot and perhaps the smart way is small moves that equate. Like a Shaun Livingston for a decent wage, like making a trade that brings in talent and we take on some cap, like maybe getting a draft pick in the process, etc.

Its a work in progress and the final result won't be known for months, and really well into next season.

Knick fans are not patient so unless we get some big marquee guys in some of you are going to be bitching pretty loud.

THe smartest way is going to be the least obvous to the masses. I think we all know plan "A" but the concept of other alternatives is going to be very interesting.

I hope we look long term and with quality. Say no to Boozer and Amare who are kicking it in high gear in contract years. Say yes to guys that have yet to hit their full potential or can benefit from the right environment and chemistry with others. For example, look at Channing frye in the right system. The guy has a certain skill set and is really doing well. Nash became an MVP with the right chemistry.

Great coaches are often not given credit because the have "Great players". I think great coachs take great players but makes them into winners. Thats what great ones are remembered for, winning. Jordan was a David Thompson/George Gervin/Dominique Wilkens kind of great "scorer" but Phil Jax created a system and chemistry with the right players and collectively they became great. If Red Aurbach tried to mold Bill Russell into a somthing else than what he was perhaps they would not have been so successful.

Great coaches have great players. Maybe only Larry Brown can say he did not have great players and won.

iSergio wrote:I know the league has changed and I'm not looking for David Lee to be Charles Oakley but the formula for success hasn't changed imo. You need your starting frontcourt players to play some type of defense and show some toughness. Lee doesn't play any defense and shows no toughness. I just can't see a team winning with it's starting PF allowing lay-up's and not making any effort to rotate defensively. So for the good of the team and for him, it's best for Lee to move on. I'd look to move on if I was him too. Five years of losing on the same team get's old and tiring.

I think his rebounding numbers speak about his toughness. He is not going to bitchslap anyone in the lane. He is a finesse player.

This is a wonderful player who is out of position and needs a shotblocking athletic 5. If we can't do this then he should leave. Marry him with the right player and he could get even better.

To say he is not "tough" takes for granted his rebounding ability. Soft players are not top rebounders in the league.

Cosmic wrote:Anyone watch that pre-game bit with him?

Wow....it just sounded like a man who is moving on.

Then they cut to Toney D and made sure to keep pointing out that he was a Knick who is returning...and asking him what it will be like to play with 8 new players.

Just really odd how that went.

I will post the pre and post games later tonight in addition to the game. So keep an eye out.

Cosmic--can you give me an example of a player you believe is appreciably better than David Lee available in FA sans LBJ and Wade?

knicks1248 wrote:Notice how Dlee's rebound #s have drop since E barron signed.