I would love swift, but West has put on a good poker face by saying he would match(which I would expect him to say), but he is the kind of player that we need in NY, very long, tall and athletic, can block shots and rebound.. I say we make a run at him...

Zeke's first choice would be Dampier. But if that falls through, or we get him through a sign and trade, I would definately hope Zeke tries to sign Swift before Baker.

Im not so sure about Swift. The Grizz last year has amazing chemistry, with people coming off the bench know exactly what they have to do, and for how long. Can Swift start? We dont know yet. But dont forget, Eddie Robinson as also 'one of the most athletic people in the game' and look at him.

So, A. I would take Dampier for the MLE over Swift, just because its short term, he may be fightiing for a contract again and we KNOW he can start games.
and B. I would agree with Bonn and take Baker and Clark over swift, once again because those deals would also be short term deals, and if Baker can be the man he was at the start of last season for the Celts, we would'nt even be thinking about Nazr, let alone Swift.

No?

...also I understand thats what West said, but nobody offered any insight on my questoin. West just signed Brian Cardinal for 5 years plus. Where is he going to play?

Hey Fish. I still can't see why you're so high on Swift. Yes he's a former #2 pick and sure he has a lot of athleticism, but what else does he bring to the table? He's a dumb player, which is not something we need, he's not a center and possibly not even good enough to be a starter. Unless we're looking for another backup to put next to Nazr, I just don't see it. Dampier is a starter, Swift isn't, and that's the bottomline for me. If we can't get Dampier, I consider Swift the consolation, not vice versa.

As for Keon Clark, why are you so down on him? He's really had the injury bug the past few years. I wouldn't say he's been garbage. He's been decent for what you expect from a center. He blocks shots, gets a few points off putbacks and steadies your defense. I wouldn't give him more than part of the MLE at this point, but Clark would not be a bad pickup. My only issue is that Clark *really* only wants to play in warm weather areas, which NY is not.

a guy I work out with is a Jason Williams fanatic. When Jay went to the Grizz that became his team, and over the past 2-3 years I have seen more Grizz games than any other team beside the Knicks. Stro isnt the sharpest tool in the shed, but he does work his tail off. Also his athleticism is off the charts. I've watched him grow alot in the last few years also. He's developed an excellent mid range shot to go with a couple nice post moves. He's good on the boards and his athleticism and shot blocking has a big impact on the game.

You right he's not a starting center, but moving forward he could be a huge part of the frontcourt rotation because of what he offers. He can guard PFs and most centers.

Picture KT, but able to jump 2 feet higher, block shots with anyone in the NBA and 6 years younger.

As for Clark I have never ever seen him do anything that made me want him on my team. He strikes me as a lazy toker that doesnt take care of himself or really care about basketball.

Solace, nice to hear from you.

HAHAHA I agree it is like putting KVH at center. But sadly what options do they have at center? I would actually let Gasol play center offensively but on D he can switch to guarding the other team's PF while Stro with his strength and shotblocking ability can guard the other team's C a la Ben Wallace. It is all about adjusting the defensive rotations which I think their ancient coach understand it well.

Posted by KNICKSdom:

HAHAHA I agree it is like putting KVH at center. But sadly what options do they have at center?

Their center is Lorenzen Wright

If Baker's given about $3 mil, how would you spend the remaining $1.9 mil of the MLE?

I dont use it at all... why do we HAVE to use it?

Save it and then you have a little extra to offer some guy that guys dumped in midseason. Eddie Griffen, Vin Baker.. these kinds of guys.

I'm happy if we just sign Baker and move from there. Hopefully Sweetney has a MONSTER October and can win the starting job.

I'm not even opposed to starting KT at center and Sweetney at PF. Yes its short on height but you have Nazr 6'10 and Baker 6'11 off the bench and both are quality bench players. My biggest beef w/ KT playing center was that he wore down late in games because he just wasnt big enough and strong enough to play center for 35 minutes.. but if you remember that season of starting Eisley, Houston, Spree, Harrington and KT I believe we won 37 games.. we just couldnt close. My point is with the depth of Baker and Nazr it shouldnt be as much as a problem.

Simple fact is we ned a center and KT isnt it, but this seems like the best moving forward. It will inflate KT's #s and value as a guy that can play both spots and Sweetney will get valuable minutes.

This is all about forward thinking, not how to win an extra 2-3 games this season.

Same with Swfit