Baker, sources said, will visit with Toronto, but that appears to be a courtesy trip. A source close to Baker said, "The Knicks want him and he wants them." Baker also met with Miami last weekend.

Baker fits in perfectly here, joining an emotionally and physically wrecked Knicks team that is reeling from a six-game losing streak.

Baker could be another distraction the Knicks don't need. But can it get any worse? The Knicks have gone from a renaissance to the road to ruin in less than two weeks, courtesy of Isiah's All-Star Sunday trade of Keith Van Horn.

Posted by playa2:

But can it get any worse?

Always can

I'll tell you what he will do for us. He'll nail Othella Harrington's ass on the bench and take the pressure of Sweetney and TT and Nazr because he can score. Once we get baker Nazr and Othella could rot on the bench all I care. The only bigs that matter to the Knicks are Deke for 24min as anyone can see based on how much better our Defense and rebounding is with him on the floor and Sweetney because he is the future. Baker could backup Deke. We'll working about Making Nazr our starting center of the future next year after he has a training camp under his belt. There's no reason for Nazr to come in and be our starting center right away just because Isiah Thomas expects too much from him.

At this point you might as well throw another bat in the witch’s stew of a team we got going right now lol.

Deke is huge. He takes up a lot of space in the middle. Sure he's the worst offensive player in history, well not as bad as shandon but our offense was doing perfectly fine when he started and our defense was pretty good. Now our offense stinks and our defense is even worse.

[Edited by - gunsnewing on 03/02/2004 19:26:33]

from what i hear, the knicks can only offer him 1.6mil. we all know he can offer at least 11pts 6rebs. that's a bargain! especially considering the fact that were only using him for the rest of the season.(he'd probably be using us for a different reason. to prove that he can keep his head clear, and get another contract next year.) bottom line is he can post up. what other player on our roster can do that affectively?

Posted by raven:

[quote]Posted by playa2:

But can it get any worse?

Nahhhh Chaney n Layden is GONE4GOOD

Dont bring this alcoholic to the knicks and mess up more of our so called "chemistry".

Some mention chemistry like its the end all... 'this trade was the worst trade in history (exageration), messing up what we had going ... now we suck!' ... Arguing timing over substance...
But ...
IMO We are a better team because of that trade. Bare with me ...

You may not see it now because of the losing, bad teamwork and embarrassing box scores, but that is a temporary sign of unfamiliarity (chemistry). But, just as long as we get into the playoffs, its enough for this season.

Think about it. Picture the team we had with Van Horn in the playoffs. The momentum gained since mid-season... We're talking a dangerous team that can shoot. The excitement, the D-FENSE ... How much better would it be if your team was "better" (in this scenario). Isiah did say that he did the trade because he thought he made the team better...

Don't think the Knicks can gel by then? They have enough talent to get familiar enough to squeak in... Then, its 'hello Gotham Roundball.' They want to win so bad (God knows they've lost enough) that the playoffs are just what they need to gel.

A more athletic team tailored to a dominant point guard is a stronger the team.

Oh, and I like Baker's fit. Can contribute meaningful minutes if teamed with Wallace IMHO (like a lesser twin towers). And if not, just cut the guy.
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The very best we can do is regurgitate educated opinions, at the worst we're complaining.