Nate Robinson is an offensive force off the bench. He can also play point guard better than we ever gave him credit for. The dude has paid his dues and I believe he's matured. He's been on the outside looking in alot since the Knicks traded him. Boston didn't want him, OKC didn't play him, Golden State gave him a shot after having sat in limbo without a contract all summer. He's a free agent again and he's not on anyones radars....he only made the veteran minimum last year. Regardless, he's a great one on one guy, can breakdown the defense, he doesn't get tired, he is fearless, and can shoot the lights out. Backing up Jeremy Lin we couldn't ask for anything more.

Jamal Crawford hands down is one of the best ball handlers in the league. He is a streaky shooter but he can score big time when he is hot. He is also a good passer and gets to the line pretty well. He is clutch everywhere on the court. The Knicks need that talent to replace the fearless bumb they had starting at shooting guard in Landry. Have Shump taking the starting spot eventually and then have Crawford come in in his usual role and the Knicks offensive game all of a sudden has no weaknesses.

Sub in a guy like OJ Mayo for Jamal or a guy that can score from the point spot instead of Nate and its the same. I bring these names up because they been here and never wanted to leave....The know what's at stake, and they would love to do it here in NYC. They understand the history and what it would mean to win here. I think they would be great for us.

Nate will always be doubted because of his size but he really has improved, worked very hard on his game.
If we didn't have TD and/or Lin, I think it is a no brainer to go for N8te, but since we do, I would prefer a couple players before him.
Because none of these guys have a shot at defending SGs, which is why I would prefer a player that can play both guard spots.

Crawford, has also improved his all around game and facilitating role.
But he cannot break down defenses with his ability to penetrate, and is awful on defense despite his height and length/reach.
Both Nate and Crawford are UFA, so they can go wherever they please.
Crawford just opted out of his 5m year deal with Portland though, I am not sure if we would risk most our MLE on him.
If we were to use most of our MLE, I would prefer Dragic or Felton, since I can see them both coexisting with Lin on the floor together.

Gary Neal and Delonte West are 2 players I feel that can play both guard positions on both ends better than Nate and Crawford.
They both can hit the 3point shot consistently as well, would probably cost much less than Crawford.
Patty Mills is the better pure PG, with a good 3point shot too, but cannot defend SGs with his size.
I think SA will have to let Gary Neal or Patty Mills go, neither wants to stay as a 3rd option.
Danny Green is a great spot up shooter, that needs good looks, space, and needs to get squared up to get in rhythm.
Despite his size, he has poor foot speed/quickness, and wasn't exposed The Spurs played OKC.
He has more skills than Novak and can cost less or about the same.
Novak, also a tweener, is our poor man's stretch 4, while Green can play positions PG, SG, and SF.

In todays league, having 4 legit shooters to space the floor, with 2-3 players that can penetrate, and 2 post up players, all at the same to counter the elite defenses in the league.
Still being a good defensive team with such a line up, breaking down the defenses, and sharing the ball efficiently basically how Dallas was able to win a ring last year.
It is very hard to build such a team like that when Melo and Amare make so max salaries.

This is a moot point now cuz jr is coming back...now must find front court depth

smackeddog wrote:I don't want Jamal back at all- it's easy to get nostalgic about him because he seems a nice guy, but I remember most people grew to hate him as a player with his inconsistent offense and non-existent defense. Now he's on the decline, and I really don't see him playing well with Melo.

So yeah, if the choice was between Nate and Jamal, I'd sign nate simply because he's cheaper- haven't seen Nate play in a few years so I don't know if he still has maturity issues.

this is my issue with most peoples analysis of Jamal's time as a Knick. He was never supposed to be the 1st or 2nd offensive option for this team. Alan Houston was supposed to be that guy with Jamal backing him up. When Houston became a no show, Jamal was thrust into a role to big for him. Is that his fault or, is it on the team and coach. I put that on the latter, not Jamal.

On this team as presently composed, he would not be expected to do nearly as much and, defense is also a team responsibility. Done right, it could, if not mask his flaws, limit them.

Nalod wrote:where has Nate matured? Seems to me he can't stick.

The little freak can make a good buck overseas.

More talent per inch than any player in the league but his brain is smaller than his height.

Jamal im fine with in a back up role but I don't think we can afford him unless he wants years. He did very well with WOodson in ATL.

Id rather him over JR Smith.

I would rather have Crawford over Smith for the simple reason that Jamal has no problem scoring on Wade, matter of fact Crawford makes Wade look silly trying to guard him.

Nalod wrote:where has Nate matured? Seems to me he can't stick.

The little freak can make a good buck overseas.

More talent per inch than any player in the league but his brain is smaller than his height.

Jamal im fine with in a back up role but I don't think we can afford him unless he wants years. He did very well with WOodson in ATL.

Id rather him over JR Smith.

VDesai wrote:Crawford is a lot better than smith

Smith is a much better defender

EnySpree wrote:I feel Miami exposed the knicks ability to score....the knicks only had melo....jr smith priced he can't create or make good decisions but he diss play with effort. He's not a 3rd option.....knicks need a 3rd option or at least more guts that can play with skill and effort. Singe guys that can drop at last 15 points on any given night to help out. The knicks don't have enough of that.

I feel with jorts, and Jordan the knicks have good depth up front. Lamar Odom would be nice, but right now all the knicks have is jr smith.....Landry should not be back and Shump is basically out until the all star break. Knicks need back court skill. Scoring, ball handling and fearlessness.

that's why I like the Jamal-pipe dream. He can create his own shot against nearly anyone and, as a plus, has a habit of showing up big against Miami. Wade himself, said that when trying to get him so sign in Miami when he was a fa