I'm really hoping the Knicks build a cheap core of players for the future, and like several of the existing ones. Pending their draft selection, there are some exciting possibilities with centers and point guards to retool in the near future. Adding Dragic and/or a D.Jordan could dramatically change our outlook.

C - Aldrich, Stoudemire (resigned cheaply)
PF - Okafor (best case scenario), Acy
SF - Melo, Wear, Thannasis
SG - Hardaway, Early, Galloway
PG - Dragic, Calderon, Larkin

Use free agency to fill remaining 2 spots

A lineup like this would have improved ball movement, shot selection, rim protection, diversity and balance. Would tell Hardaway he has until training camp to show significant progress defensively, or will be shipped out. If he can come around a little, I think a Dragic-type point guard would reignite him offensively. If not, he has to go - we couldn't afford to have 2 defensive sieves in the backcourt. I'm also interested in a cheaper pg option (would prioritize a center) - Isiaah Thomas is another possibility if we tried to squeeze the Suns to pick 2 out of their 3 pg's to pay. Calderon could then have a reduced role and probably will look much better with rim protection and additional talent. I'd be just as happy if he is traded, but don't think that's as likely. Feedback/Thoughts about these ideas are welcome...

The thing is how we get Dragic? What we can offer is limited.

And how about D Jordon in the lineup?

I thought we have near 28-29 million in cap space - could we just offer a front-loaded contract to the Suns? They are already paying Bledsoe and I.Thomas a lot over the next 3-4 years. Don't think they would sink too much into Dragic, otherwise it would cost them too much and they couldn't add much going forward. I realize D.Jordan may be harder to obtain, but think we should put it to the Clippers to see how much they're willing to spend. If they match, then they match and we go after one of the other bigs (eg Kanter).

Not a very good defensive team, and a number of questions...

Hardaway has to improve a great deal... can he?

I have doubts about Anthony being able to play D at the 3 at this point in his career. Will this surgery signal his decline as a SF?

Don't know much about Dragic as a defender, to be honest.

Don't see Cole as a 30 minute starter, but his offensive shortcomings would definitely be minimized with this starting 5, and OK4 has the length to help him out in the box.

Don't know enough about OK4 on D, especially if he has to guard a stretch 4. I expect that he will be a center at some point in his NBA career.

Don't see Early as a SG, unless his ball handling really improves.

The fascination with Dragic by some around here scares the igibiz in me. I hope Phil stays as far away from this dude as possible. Draft a young PG

even if we land all those guys, I still think we suck.

I think there is a lot of work to do in terms of adding talent to our line up and bench.

franco12 wrote:even if we land all those guys, I still think we suck.

I think there is a lot of work to do in terms of adding talent to our line up and bench.

Yeah, I'm not impressed either. We will have used up our cap space just to put together a .500 team.