the NBA is funny... you cant control how a team plays together. Its hard to predict or scout why the Pistons went from 32-50 to 50-32 the next year with a rookie coach and Cliff Robinson, or why the Sonic are doing what they are with Danny Fortson being the only real change.

What you can do is control the direction of your team. Its fair to say we have seen what Nazr and KT can offer and it peaked out at 16-13 with Crawford and Marbury playing at a very high level.

Moving those guys for Rose and Ervin Johnson and picks should be #1 priority. If its a disaster you come away with a possible franchise player in the draft. If those guys rally, play their butts off an win the divsion then thats ok also... you still in a position to fill your bench with younger talent and or use picks and expiring deals for other players or take Euro guys that cant come over right away.

You have to ask your players to play hard and win every game. Its a business after all, but you can tell fans that your taking one step back to take two steps closer to a title. We say it happen with the Rangers last year, the Knicks are in position to do some of the same.

The nice thing is with a couple impact rookies along w/ Marbury, Crawford and possibly a MLE FA like Swift, Walker, etc the Knick could VERY quickly become a good team in the East.

the only way I would be interested in Chris Webber is if they were willing to take back Allan Houston, which is not happening. You cant rely on Chris Webber like you cant rely on H2O and I dont think that is a way to run a business. Sacremento is into him for the contract and if he does indeed collapse, they have many capable players to keep a high style of play up. We took a chance with Mcdyess and it didnt work, I think we need to move on from that.

Jalen Rose? Is he the answer here? Really I don't think that is the avenue either. You have to take on significant money for him and they haev already said they won't take on huge contracts for players past their prime. I would say Jalen is probably close to his prime, but those extra years is what Dolan is talking about.



If you want to sell me on a package for Zach Randolph with Ruben Patterson, Im down for that because Zach is young and Patterson is a young 29[because of limited PT over a number of years], and Id be willing to eat a bad contract like andersen's to take them back-and throw in Sweetney, but this couldnt take place until after the season.

I think at position 1-2-3-6, we have a whole different avenue of ways to improve the team both short and long term. At position 6 we have a legit chance at the lottery, so the only name I would throw out is Bogut until we actually LOSE the lottery. AND i wouldnt stop in my pursuit if I had a chance to move up, because at position 6, you do have that leverage.


Im not opposed to trading Sweetney and ending contracts if I get someone like Zach--but thats the only road I would try to go down.

Bad business? Bad business is taking on EXCESSIVE payroll from someone like Rose and were talking 32MM$just to TRY to get into this years playoff.

I wouldnt try to lose, but first off I would claim sampson and put him on the 12 man roster adn i would limit everyones playing time going to a 12 man rotation. Everyone plays Sundov brewer Sampson Norris etc... everyone plays and cut down Marburys minutes to 30 to keep him from getting hurt. And if we lose, we lose. thats not tanking it.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=1987251

Sampson is a BEAST. We absolutely NEED to take a look at him. Come back from Spain, Zeke!

this year will be a true shame if we dont see Sweetney get some stretch of time where he gets 30 minutes every game. At least give me 8-12 starts. Move KT to center while it happens for all I care.

I would like to use Nazr in a S&T for Swift this offseason, but I could move him for Ervin Johnson and Sotas #1 (with only top 3 protection) I would do it in a NY minute.

To me you HAVE to get a look at Sweetney for extended minutes. If he gives you 14/9/2 over 10 games it has to change how you approach the draft. Then your more likely to pass on a guy like Simien and look for help at the 3 or backup 1/2.