This was the best thing that could have ever happened.
The Knicks were getting too comfortable giving out large contracts to average players and making lopsided trade offers that not only crippled any long term flexibility, but yielded projects, not guarantees. By making this move early in 2008, it took a first step to erase the poor moves of the previous front office. In doing so, Walsh checked off the first task on his "make the Knicks respectable again" list: Find ways to create available money for the FA class of 2010. Knicks fans are smart and they love the game. We understand sacrificing now, for the opportunity to contend tomorrow.
The mishmash Knick team of 2008 would finish with 51 losses. Yikes. Were there signs of promise, potential and eventual development? Sort of. David Lee finished second in the NBA in double doubles, behind only Dwight Howard. Chris Duhon proved to be a solid team leader and unselfish court general, averaging over seven assists a game. His promising numbers unfortunately would be overshadowed by a lack of stamina (2008 was his first year playing starter minutes) that took away from his burn later in the season. DePaul product Wilson Chandler may have been the biggest emergence on the roster. He doubled his points per game from his rookie campaign and also recorded solid percentages from all parts of the court. Chandler's potential is clear following a solid season and it may keep him around for years to come. Nasty N8 is always hit or miss. He is a modern day Vinny "The Microwave" Johnson. Can get you 20 points in a quarter, block Yao Ming or finish a game with eight turnovers. I am okay with Robinson, I just wish he would lose the attitude.
Eddy Curry was a non-factor last year, Jarred Jefferies played a similar role, Stephon Marbury lost his mind and first-round pick Danilo Gallinari was never himself due to back issues. So, despite the few players that did impress, the team overall had issues.
New York entered this summer's NBA draft with their hearts set on Davidson star Stephen Curry. A young man with a killer J, smart basketball IQ, clutch performances and the added bonus of a relationship with LeBron James. However, Curry was selected one spot before New York hit the clock. The front office settled for Arizona big man Jordan Hill. The pick wasn't what fans throughout the MSG audience were hoping for and acquiring Tony Douglas 29th overall didn't do much to help either. The Knicks would make one other draft day move. After the Memphis Grizzlies drafted UCONN center Hasheem Thabeet second overall it allowed them to get rid of a backup at the same position. The Knicks would trade Quentin Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic. The NYK would leave draft night with two big men and a solid point guard. No Curry.
Since the draft the Knicks have had two major issues to address before the 2009-2010 season begins. David Lee and Nate Robinson both want lengthy extensions with raises.
Lee's initial asking price was 4-plus years at twelve million per. Donnie Walsh wasn't feeling this and essentially allowed Lee to talk with other teams. Only a few teams (Portland was involved but not at twelve) showed interest, which has lowered the perceived value of the former Florida Gator. With the preseason quickly approaching it appears Lee will be offered no more than a 1-year deal to stay in New York in the neighborhood of $7 million.
This is exactly what happened to Ben Gordon in Chicago last year. After not being offered a contract he felt he deserved, Gordon played through the 2008 season and led the Bulls in scoring for the third consecutive season. Gordon, who was the first rookie to ever win the sixth man award, bolted to Detroit upon signing a 5-year, $55 million contract.
Robinson wants to stay in New York, he recently declined a two-year, $10 million offer from the Greek club Olympiakos. The New York Times reports he is likely to sign a one year deal for about the same money to stay in MSG.
Or, both free agents may be forced to settle for qualifying offers, which would be in the neighborhood of $3 million.
The Knicks have spoke for weeks with Milwaukee Bucks guard Ramon Sessions. A young player who has lots of upside and excellent passing abilities. He is asking for $16 million over four years, which if offered, would eliminate the Robinson signing and vice versa.
Personally if the Knicks only wanted to sign a guard for a one year deal, so to keep cap space open for the potential signing of a star in 2010, why no offer to Allen Iverson? He signed this morning with the Memphis Grizzles (not with Larry Brown in Charlotte), but would have likely preferred MSG. A one year deal, for an upcoming season where the Knicks likely won't be extremely competitive, why not bring in AI to sell tickets and excite the NYC fans. Just sayin'.
Entering the 2009 campaign, the Knicks have a nucleus of Duhon, Douglas, Chandler, Gallo, Harrington, Milicic, Hill and assumed signings of Lee and Robinson. All solid players that float around average. Not exactly the star studded depth charts a team may need to lure a mega star to NYC. However, take LBJ off the Cavs and compare the two teams...Knicks aren't that different.
There will be almost two dozen high quality players available a year from now. The Knicks have put themselves in position to sign at least one, if not more of these stud players. If Walsh is able to somehow package Jefferies and Curry into deals before the coming season ends, it would open up even more available money. I don't know if LBJ or Wade (who has already expressed zero interest in joining Knicks) will pan out, but Joe Johnson, Manu and Amar'e might.
Or, if by chance 2010 doesn't yield all the riches Knick fans are hoping for, we can turn our attention toward Kevin Durant in 2011.
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