There are some factors that make bringing him back sensible. Lets see how those play out. Starting with.
1) who we draft
2) does Kanter opt in/out

blkexec wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:KOQ sucks. He is a backup at best. No need to waste money on him. Best news I heard was that he wants to play for a winning team. Last straw was when he cursed out Horny. Good riddance !

KOQ skill set is easily replaceable....His locker room leadership is not.

this is the same mentality that wanted Kurt Thomas gone because he sucked. There are players that add more than what their stats say. I like KOQ, love that he is tough, that he is from NY and doesn't melt under the bright lights.

Do we need to upgrade the talent? Yes.

Could we improve on what KOQ is and brings to the table? Absolutely.

But there are a lot of holes elsewhere, and he is steady in what he provides.

franco12 wrote:

blkexec wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:KOQ sucks. He is a backup at best. No need to waste money on him. Best news I heard was that he wants to play for a winning team. Last straw was when he cursed out Horny. Good riddance !

KOQ skill set is easily replaceable....His locker room leadership is not.

this is the same mentality that wanted Kurt Thomas gone because he sucked. There are players that add more than what their stats say. I like KOQ, love that he is tough, that he is from NY and doesn't melt under the bright lights.

Do we need to upgrade the talent? Yes.

Could we improve on what KOQ is and brings to the table? Absolutely.

But there are a lot of holes elsewhere, and he is steady in what he provides.

Good leadership doesnt overcome lack of talent. Hard work can bridge gaps but will fall short. During this transitional period you need good locker room guys, we have had that and its helped. If you bring these guys back you have to give them some burn.

Depending on the other guys coming and going I would sign KOQ to a 2 year extension. Ideally 2/$20mm but I would prob give him $12mm a year for 2 years. NO THIRD YEAR. The whole point is KOQ expires when Lee/Lance/Noah do. That would set us up for a huge FA splash.

Lets see what happens. If we move up and draft Ayton maybe we dont need KOQ

BRIGGS wrote:No doubt about it. If Noah is getting 17 if Biyombo is getting 17 what am I worth? 10-12 is a discount!

While a solid bench player --- KOQ is DUMB as a bag of ROCKS.

Anyone watch him guarding (not guarding) K-Love last night --- KOQ is just a dumbo --- one reason he isn't valued as high as his talent should warrant.

BigRedDog wrote:

blkexec wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:KOQ sucks. He is a backup at best. No need to waste money on him. Best news I heard was that he wants to play for a winning team. Last straw was when he cursed out Horny. Good riddance !

KOQ skill set is easily replaceable....His locker room leadership is not.

How is he a leader cursing out the coach? Great example to set for the young guys.

If you want to, that's fine. But I'm not going to based KOQ's entire knick career and future career over a player / coach discussion that I read through the media's interpretation. But what I respect is that he apologized for his actions.....That's better than the president. That shows character and leadership. In my book, he's been as solid of a backup since Kurt Thomas and others. Well respected within the locker room and by the organization based on other players comments....based on how the organization has put KOQ in certain situations. For example, I went to that free practice session at the garden. The entire time I was thinking, why did the knicks use KOQ as the spokes person to fans, representing the knicks? I wanted him gone a long time ago, but I'm realizing his worth over time. I'm not going to cry if he's gone, or cheer if he stays. But if he comes back, I can see his locker room value on and off the court. Plus he's not going to cry to the media whenever things go south. He excepts his role and plays his role. Can't say the same about half the nba players.

BigRedDog wrote:

blkexec wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:KOQ sucks. He is a backup at best. No need to waste money on him. Best news I heard was that he wants to play for a winning team. Last straw was when he cursed out Horny. Good riddance !

KOQ skill set is easily replaceable....His locker room leadership is not.

How is he a leader cursing out the coach? Great example to set for the young guys.

fishmike wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

blkexec wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:KOQ sucks. He is a backup at best. No need to waste money on him. Best news I heard was that he wants to play for a winning team. Last straw was when he cursed out Horny. Good riddance !

KOQ skill set is easily replaceable....His locker room leadership is not.

How is he a leader cursing out the coach? Great example to set for the young guys.

it is a great example. What happened? He cursed back at the coach. What happened next? I remember a lot of mea culpa. I remember KOQ immediately saying he was wrong for doing that and not saying any negative about the coach. I dont mind hotheads that are pros. That was the only incident and it was handled well by everyone involved. I wouldnt even call it an incident. These are things that happen between athletes and coaches.

I agree about that.

I would also add look at Sprewell - he did far worse and was a tremendous leader for us.

Sometimes events like these help players grown.

We just got Beasley for nothing, Trey Burke for nothing, Evan and Rondo went for nothing in the offseason, there are bargains to be had all over the place.

What we can't do is continue to give people like Noah and Thomas long term deals, same goes with guys like THJR. Pass on KOQ.