KNICKS FANATICS IS MOVING ON UP, JOINING BLOGUIN.COM; NEW SITE OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 16th

 

We are extremely pleased to announce that Knicks Fanatics has joined the fast growing blog network, Bloguin.com.  The new site at KnicksFanaticsblog.com will open on October 16th, 2009 and will immediately become our permanent home for the 2009-2010 season and beyond.

This move by Knicks Fanatics marks an historic moment in our growth.  In April, after the Knicks season ended early, we moved our independent blog to WordPress.com in search of more professional functionality and ease of use for our community.  Since the move, our exposure, and therefore our community, has continued to grow but at a more rapid pace despite it being the off-season.  Today we will surpass 20,000 views since we opened the doors here.  In April and May we had a combined 2011 views.  Last month (which included the hilarious “Happy Week”, we peaked at 5,080 visits for the month.  Perhaps that’s not much in the grand scheme of things when compared against the blogs tied into large media networks, but for a little indie blog it speaks volumes about how important it is for Knicks fans to have a venue to express and e-hear (i.e., read) non-mainstream voices and perspectives about our favorite basketball team. 

We picked Bloguin because they picked us and in the process of discussing their plans for the future, we concluded they were doing a great job in collaboration with indie blogs and that the Fanatics community would benefit greatly by joining their network of blogs. It all started with a nice message, left on our “About” page, from Dave Kelsey, one of the founders of Bloguin.  After I confirmed that Dave wasn’t a spammer rodent, I entered into what turned out to be great discussions with the Bloguin founders which included Dave, blogger and former Yardbarker exec Ben Koo and medical-doctor-to-be, Derek Hanson.  They offered three things which I decided not to refuse: 1) An opportunity to grow our audience and resources for better coverage of the Knicks and NBA; 2) absolute and total control of our blog content and 3) a little chump change from the ads sharing our blog space.  You will see that the result of those collaborations is a space we can continue to be proud to do our thing at.

Bloguin.com started a year ago. The concept behind the venture was to provide resources to sports and entertainment bloggers to enhance their resources, aesthetics and financial viability while offering greater distribution to advertisers.  On October 28th, the one year anniversary of Bloguin, the community will be about 100 blogs strong including 21 professional basketball blogs. 

We expect to see you at the new space when we open.  I recommend that you go to Bloguin.com now and register.  Take a look around the neighborhood while you’re there.  I’ll provide more details about the open house as we get closer.

Finally, big ups and credit to the Fanatics family for making this move and continued progress possible. The biggest props go to Peaceman who had the foresight to put up a bare bones blog page and throw it in my lap for development, despite my protestations regarding starting and managing a blog .  It was that move by Peaceman that has captured my imagination and inspires me to make sure we have a safe place to provide the best venue for adult sports blogging.

See ya soon.

Knicks Get Defensive In Pre-season Loss To 76ers

There was a time when the Knicks would leave everybody else in stitches (as in laughing wildly), but these days its the Knicks players who are getting stitched up. Last night, in order to counteract the Knicks first show of aggressive defense all  pre-season, Elton Brand got away with throwing wild elbows after a rebound and he caught Jared Jeffries on his right eye.  Jared, who had a very mixed game despite his incessant hustle, wound up with a bloody gash which had to be sewn back together.

Unfortunately, the Knicks and Danilo Galinari’s shot also need mending as they continued to shoot poorly (30.9%) in their 93-85 loss to the 76ers.  Nevertheless, many of the Fanatics who watched the game and communed at the Live Blog last night saw some positive signs, at least for a brief period of time before half-time.  The most significant occurrence was the Knicks playing swarming, pressing defense which disrupted the 76ers who clearly need a true point guard.  The other point, which we hope D’Antoni fully absorbs, is that Milicic looks far better at the fie spot than an excessive dose of David Lee, who gives up too much defensively to guard the position for more than a hot minute. Milicic is credited with 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 14 minutes, but his play was more consequential than his stats as he helped with a defensive charge that saw the Knicks take control in the second quarter.

I’ll have more notes on the game later but for diverse and insightful real time impressions you really should read last nights LBE.  We had a full house of Fanatics including the Czar (O&B), Peaceman, JayBee, Tman, Post Up Prince and our old buddie, DaJoka (DVJ), whose daughter turns one next month.  We also had some sharp newbies in Miller.  It was like old times and makes me really hope that I am wrong about this season’s Knicks being a bust at 35 wins max.

BTW, I don’t think the Laker Dancers have anything on Miami (an inside-LBE joke – check it out).

 

 

76ers 93, Knicks 85

Recap Box Score Play-By-Play Shot Chart Photos Conversation  

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	1	2	3	4	T
PHI (4-0)	22	13	32	26	93
NYK (1-2)	15	28	20	22	85

Final

7:30 PM ET, October 13, 2009

Madison Square Garden

New York, NY

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Elton Brand, PF	33	8-12	0-0	4-5	2	6	8	0	2	1	3	2	+15	20
Thaddeus Young, F	27	9-15	1-2	7-8	4	2	6	0	1	0	1	6	+4	26
Samuel Dalembert, C	25	2-6	0-0	0-0	2	10	12	1	0	0	3	4	+15	4
Andre Iguodala, SG	37	6-14	1-3	2-3	1	6	7	6	2	0	8	1	+4	15
Lou Williams, G	28	3-12	0-1	8-10	0	6	6	4	1	0	1	0	+19	14
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Primoz Brezec, C	5	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	-9	2
Jason Kapono, SF	24	3-3	1-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	2	-1	7
Royal Ivey, PG	19	1-3	0-1	0-2	0	3	3	2	0	0	3	2	-4	2
Willie Green, SG	14	0-3	0-0	0-0	0	4	4	1	0	1	2	2	-5	0
Brandon Bowman, F	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	+3	0
Jason Smith, PF	6	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	-10	0
Dionte Christmas, SG	5	0-0	0-0	1-2	0	1	1	1	0	0	0	1	+9	1
Marreese Speights, PF	13	1-4	0-0	0-0	2	2	4	0	0	0	3	1	0	2
Rodney Carney, SF	DNP STRAINED LEFT HAMSTRING
Jrue Holiday, G	DNP COACH’S DECISION
TOTALS		FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF		PTS
		34-74	3-9	22-30	11	44	55	15	6	2	28	24		93
		45.9%	33.3%	73.3%	Team TO (pts off): 28 (17)
+/- denotes team’s net points while the player is on the court.
NEW YORK KNICKS
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Al Harrington, PF	29	6-17	1-8	5-6	2	2	4	0	1	2	1	4	-3	18
Jared Jeffries, PF	24	2-7	1-6	2-2	4	2	6	1	2	1	2	4	-10	7
David Lee, C	35	2-8	0-0	4-4	2	10	12	1	0	2	1	2	-12	8
Chris Duhon, PG	33	2-7	1-4	1-1	1	1	2	1	0	0	3	2	-12	6
Wilson Chandler, SF	29	7-18	2-10	0-0	2	6	8	2	0	1	1	2	+3	16
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Larry Hughes, SF	16	0-8	0-1	1-2	0	2	2	1	2	0	0	0	+2	1
Nate Robinson, PG	25	5-13	0-5	5-6	2	0	2	4	3	0	4	4	+5	15
Darko Milicic, C	14	2-3	0-0	0-0	0	2	2	2	1	1	0	2	+4	4
Toney Douglas, G	12	1-5	1-3	1-2	1	1	2	0	1	0	2	1	-9	4
Jordan Hill, F	4	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	-7	2
Danilo Gallinari, F	19	1-6	1-4	1-2	1	3	4	0	2	0	1	1	-1	4
Eddy Curry, C	DNP RIGHT ANKLE
Chris Hunter, F	DNP COACH’S DECISION
Joe Crawford, SG	DNP COACH’S DECISION
Marcus Landry, F	DNP COACH’S DECISION
TOTALS		FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF		PTS
		29-94	7-41	20-25	15	29	44	12	12	7	15	23		85
		30.9%	17.1%	80.0%	Team TO (pts off): 16 (14)
+/- denotes team’s net points while the player is on the court.

Flagrant Fouls: None
Technical Fouls: PLAYERS: 1 NEWYORK ( N Robinson 1 ) – TEAMS (def3sec): PHILADELPH (3) – COACHES: None
Officials: Scott Twardoski , Michael Bobiak , Jamie Morales
Attendance: 16,377
Time of Game: 02:20

KNICKS v. 76ers Pre-Season Live Blogging Event

 

 

 

 

 

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JOIN THE FANATICS TONIGHT FOR THE THIRD PRE-SEASON GAME

Gallo is Concerned But Not Worried

 

 

Danilo Galinari is a shooter and he is not concerned about his current 3-13 shooting slump. "I’m not worried," he said. "Sometimes that happens . . . but that’s not a problem."  In all fairness, this is only a pre-season game and thirteen shots in two games is nothing.   Shooters shoot their way out of slumps and 13 shots in two games is ridiculously low for a “star-in-waiting.”

According to Marc Berman, Galinari was very upset about how he played. I like that attitude.  Remember, you cannot measure how much heart can improve, enhance or transcend ability.

After Friday’s ugly 96-84 loss in Boston, Gallinari’s body language in the locker room spoke volumes. At his locker, he was cloaked in a black sweatjacket, hood pulled over his head. He snuck out of the locker room as reporters spoke to Lee. The writers caught up with Gallinari outside. The Italian Stallion seemed more upset than at any point during his pain-ridden rookie year.

Some are starting to blame Gallo’s legs for the shooting woes, but common sense does indicate that the combination of conditioning and recent major back surgery will slow whatever Galinari’s progress will be.

It’s not time to panic yet.  After all remember how poorly Crawford started the preseason last year.  Craw was using hte season to get a feel for the game in D’Antoni’s system and eventually he and ZBo caught on.  So it is a little early to press that non-functioning eject button.

“DAG DAWG, WHAT TRAIN DID I GET HIT BY” – CELTS RUN OVER KNICKS IN PRE-SEASON

O.K., I’m really awake now. What had happened was . . . .What year is this?  2007?  Hey somebody tell  Coach Zeke to come to my office so I can slap his hands for this. . . .Say what? He went to Florida?  Did he retire? He should have after that pre-season debacle? Oh he’s with another team now. FI Who? FU Too. Well tell his azz to get back here; he forgot to take his losing culture with him.

What you say?  The losing culture wasn’t his for keeps?  You say, that ghost named Boo is a resident of MSG and Zeke was just borrowing it for his stay in New York like most of the Knick admins before him?  You mean that was not Zeke’s Boo for keeps?  You mean our boy not only got Anuked but he was being haunted by a dawg named Boo too? No shyte?

I digress, but speaking of Boos, can somebody tell me how in the hell a married David Letterman humps his employees in the office (and anywhere else he can tell a joke) but the press fallout is little more than feature stories on the prevalence of workplace relationships?  Can somebody tell me how a married Rick Pitino, the master of OPP, is eating more than somebody else’s spaghetti in a restaurant kitchen after hours and he is still a good guy, but Stephon Marbury get’s his roll over minutes from a MSG employee in a pick her up-truck, and he is the devil?   Something that makes you go hmmmmmmmmm.  (Where is Arsenio anyway? Is he doing America’s Got Talent now.  I wonder if he’ll let Minister Farrakhan play the violin on his show?).

I’m sorry, I lost my train of thought.  Oh yeah, I was thinking about the train wreck of a pre-season team being haunted by a losing culture.  No, I’m not delusional.  I saw those shadowy figures floating around Danilo Galinari as the best shooter that D’Antoni ever saw missed shot after shot.  I could have sworn that Boo was altering tres and pushing the ball out of Duhon’s hands.  No, I’m not crazy.  I’m not delusional. As Warner Wolf says let’s go to the video tape. Check this out, and be careful because hopefully it will self destruct after playing (kinda like the Knicks, but they barely played).

More of the story is told by the box score.  Numbers aren’t lying this time.  The Knicks shot 16.1% from the tre arc and 37.7% over all.  The good news is that will probably never happen again.

Knicks 82, Celtics 96

Recap Box Score Photos Conversation

	1	2	3	4	T
NYK (1-1)	8	25	18	31	82
BOS (1-1)	19	22	23	32	96

Final

7:30 PM ET, October 9, 2009

TD Banknorth Garden

Boston, MA

NEW YORK KNICKS
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Danilo Gallinari, F	27	1-7	1-4	2-2	0	2	2	0	1	1	0	2	N/A	5
Al Harrington, PF	24	5-9	1-4	2-6	0	4	4	1	1	0	3	2	N/A	13
David Lee, C	27	6-14	0-1	1-6	1	5	6	1	0	0	0	5	N/A	13
Wilson Chandler, SF	16	1-5	0-2	1-4	2	2	4	1	1	0	2	3	N/A	3
Chris Duhon, PG	25	3-6	1-4	1-1	0	1	1	3	0	0	2	0	N/A	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Darko Milicic, C	16	0-2	0-0	0-0	1	7	8	0	2	0	2	0	N/A	0
Larry Hughes, SF	16	0-3	0-3	0-0	0	5	5	0	0	0	1	0	N/A	0
Jared Jeffries, PF	23	2-7	1-5	4-5	0	3	3	3	0	1	2	3	N/A	9
Toney Douglas, G	23	3-8	1-4	4-4	0	4	4	3	3	0	4	1	N/A	11
Nate Robinson, PG	25	3-10	0-4	1-2	0	3	3	2	1	0	1	1	N/A	7
Jordan Hill, F	12	4-5	0-0	1-2	3	1	4	0	0	0	1	2	N/A	9
Joe Crawford, SG	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N/A	0
Marcus Landry, F	3	1-1	0-0	2-2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	N/A	4
Eddy Curry, C	DNP TORN RIGHT PLANTARIS MUSC
Chris Hunter, F	DNP SHIN SPLINTS SHIN SPLIT
TOTALS		FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF		PTS
		29-77	5-31	19-34	7	37	44	15	9	2	18	20		82
		37.7%	16.1%	55.9%	Team TO (pts off): 18 (8)
+/- denotes team’s net points while the player is on the court.
BOSTON CELTICS
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Paul Pierce, SF	24	4-12	1-2	0-0	1	4	5	3	0	1	1	0	N/A	9
Kevin Garnett, PF	22	4-8	0-0	2-2	0	8	8	1	1	0	0	3	N/A	10
Kendrick Perkins, C	20	5-7	0-0	4-5	1	6	7	1	0	0	1	2	N/A	14
Ray Allen, SG	23	4-8	1-2	4-7	0	3	3	3	2	0	2	0	N/A	13
Rajon Rondo, PG	21	3-7	0-2	0-0	0	2	2	3	2	0	2	5	N/A	6
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
Rasheed Wallace, FC	22	5-12	3-9	0-0	2	10	12	2	0	0	2	1	N/A	13
Glen Davis, PF	16	3-6	0-0	1-1	2	6	8	0	0	1	1	3	N/A	7
Eddie House, PG	23	2-4	1-2	0-0	0	2	2	5	0	0	2	3	N/A	5
Marquis Daniels, SG	19	1-5	0-0	1-2	0	3	3	0	1	0	0	0	N/A	3
Tony Allen, SG	8	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2	2	N/A	0
Brian Scalabrine, PF	17	3-5	3-4	0-0	1	0	1	1	1	0	1	2	N/A	9
Lester Hudson, G	9	1-3	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	1	1	0	1	0	N/A	2
Shelden Williams, PF	6	0-1	0-0	1-2	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	N/A	1
Michael Sweetney, PF	5	1-2	0-0	0-1	0	2	2	0	0	0	0	3	N/A	2
J.R. Giddens, SG	5	0-0	0-0	2-2	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	N/A	2
Bill Walker, SG	DNP RIGHT KNEE SURGERY
TOTALS		FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF		PTS
		36-82	9-21	15-22	8	46	54	22	9	2	17	25		96
		43.9%	42.9%	68.2%	Team TO (pts off): 19 (20)
+/- denotes team’s net points while the player is on the court.

Flagrant Fouls: None
Technical Fouls: PLAYERS: None – TEAMS (def3sec): BOSTON (1) – COACHES: None
Officials: Art Vaulk , Ben Taylor , Tim Greene
Attendance: 18,624
Time of Game: 02:09

Since, I slept through the fourth quarter and I refuse to review the recording I made of the game, I can’t offer much end-game insight except to say I think the game ended in the first quarter.

As a team the Knicks came out flat.  Certainly, it is easy to understand that the group expectations were probably not great.  The Celtics are loaded former champions.  They just added Rasheed Wallace, an amazing advantage.  So, it is easy to see that they could have felt doomed from the start. Also, the Knicks just released four players including Gabe Pruitt, Sun Yue and Warren Carter.  It is possible that the release of competition was followed by lower energy and an absence urgency.

I cannot understand how the Knicks would provide a subpar effort since most of them are playing for contracts and some, like Robinson and Lee, are playing to pay for  bonus  food money.

Gallo is proving to be what I think he is, but it is early.  The comparison to Jamal Crawford is still alive.  Jamal had a horrible shooting pre-season last year.  Gallo has been putrid.  Knicks fans are developing a bad habit of claiming and extrapolating greatness based on competence.  To project Gallo as a star this year is ridiculous and an unfair burden.  He is not ready for the physicality and the speed of the game.  He has not played regularly for over a year and he will not be in D’Antoni condition for a while. He is not ready.

The scary part of his game, for now, is his poor defense — he had trouble guarding Ray Allen — his inability to get set quickly — he seems to be over thinking his form — and his relative offensive inactivity — he sits on the perimeter too much adn does not more around without the ball enough; he also does not show great ability to drive against NBA talent.

The other key observation is the similarity between Douglas’ and Duhon’s stats.  Duhon?  Nice guy. Not a starting point guard.  Douglas posted more steals, rebounds and points in fewer minutes.  Douglas may not get into the starting line-up soon because of D’Antoni’s well demonstrated deference to vets, but Douglas will slowly pick up more and more of the PG responsibilities unless Walsh gets a new point guard which seems unlikely.

Live Blogging Event: Knicks v. Celtics Pre-season Game at 7:30pm on 10/09/09

Knicks 2009-2010 Previews Galore Gala

It’s about time for Fanatics to offer their own previews.  But in advance of those glorious moments, below are links and excerpts to a few of the more interesting and accessible Knicks Previews floating around the blogosphere.  Enjoy. 

Fanhouse Preview Knicks

The Knicks have slowly climbed their way out of salary cap hell — but all that got them is a season in NBA purgatory. 

Instead of making moves toward actual improvement, the Knicks are blatantly looking past this season to next summer when they hope to strike it rich with the famed free agent class of 2010. But while Donnie Walsh’s long-term strategy may eventually pay dividends, it offers little hope in the interim that the Knicks might rise above last year’s fifth-place finish in the Atlantic.

Consider their competition: the Celtics are a virtual lock to repeat as division champs, and the 76ers could return to the playoffs if Elton Brand returns to form; the Raptors would like to join them after fortifying their roster with a handful of free agents; and even if the Nets spin their tires in the win-loss column this year, at least they’re doing it with a clearly-established young nucleus.

The Knicks, on the other hand, consist of an odd collection of expiring contracts (including Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, Darko Milicic and Chris Duhon), previous mistakes (namely Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries) and promising but flawed youngsters.

But no matter how optimistic you may be, there’s no denying that this roster is constructed to bide time, not contend. All that’s left is figuring out which players will be around when Walsh attempts to sign the biggest pieces of the puzzle next summer.

Ball Don’t Lie Preview: 30-52

Donnie Walsh is the right executive for this team. Mike D’Antoni’s the right coach. And soon enough, they’ll have the right players. Or, at least, they’ll have a chance at them. And it’s just not worth commenting on any of these players because they won’t be Knicks in 12 months time. Danilo Gallinari(notes) will be, and he looks like a stud. Jordan Hill looks solid, for a thin draft at least. Others might come back, but if Knicks fans have any say, they’ll be role players. Even the ones who are brilliant, like Lee. Or explosive, like Robinson.

So take in one more year of nonsense. It might not net you LeBron or Bosh or Wade or even Carlos Boozer(notes).

But whatever happens, another year of taking blows will lead you toward respectability. And though New York’s record won’t be respectable this season, you can respect where they’re going. Even if they step back in 2009-10.  Kelly Dwyer

Posting and Toasting 38-44

What are the Knicks’ biggest strengths?

The Knicks should thrive on their versatility. There are few pure position players on the roster, with a number of guys who can play and guard multiple positions. Expect Mike D’Antoni to use this to his advantage, as he’s already brought up the notion of a 6’8”-and-over lineup (with Danilo Gallinari running the point), and experimented with a number of unorthodox lineups throughout training camp. Don’t be surprised to see a unit with a 6’10” shooting guard and a 6’8” center at some point this season. D’Antoni’s got the tools to create mismatches aplenty on offense, and adjust to mismatches on D.

Also, the fact that like half the guys on the team have expiring deals could cause a cosmic alignment of contract years that somehow catapults the Knicks into the playoffs. Stop laughing.

What are the Knicks’ biggest weaknesses?

Despite small additions a concerted effort from Coach D’Antoni, this team still doesn’t really intimidate defensively. The acquisitions of Darko Milicic and Toney Douglas should deter the occasional drive to the basket, but it would take a truly dramatic improvement to be considered an even average defensive team.

Additionally, the Knicks still don’t have "that guy". After roster shuffling last year, New York was left without a truly reliable scorer to pick up the slack when things went badly and make it happen in crunch time. D’Antoni will rely on relatively young players to make game-winning decisions. It’ll be exciting, but a real gamble every night.

Knicks Bandwagon 37-45

How will the Knicks ever win playing Euro-ball and not playing any defense?

OK, so I stacked the deck with this question — but it comes up with aggravating frequency in blogs and message boards. Even after years of success in Phoenix and a mostly admirable job with a patchwork of spare parts last season, the myths persist that because D’Antoni favors a fast-paced system that puts pressure on teams with offense and ball movement, somehow his ideal lab experiment on the court results in a glut of  1) European styled players and 2) indifferent defense. (Extra credit if you imply causality between point 1 and point 2!)

It’s true that last year’s Knicks, by any standard, were dreadful defensively (23rd in defensive efficiency, 28th in eFG% allowed, 2.9 Blk% and 0.24 blocks/foul – the block numbers are less than half of most of the rest of the teams in the league). Historically, D’Antoni’s Phoenix teams were most effective defensively through unorthodox means, but the system broke down last year for the Knicks because of the lack of any interior presence, the poor help defense, and especially toward the end of the year, poor transition defense.

Unless Lee, Robinson and Harrington count as honorary Euros, however, this defensive futility isn’t a Euro or D’Antoni specialty — it was simply a function of personnel. The coaching staff isn’t blameless, but with injuries, player turnover, and lack of size, it was difficult to put together effective lineups that could get stops.

There is purportedly an increased emphasis on playing defense in this year’s training camp (help defense in particular), and irony of ironies, an offensively-challenged European player (Darko) is going to be one of the key players in providing an interior presence. Another one of those dastardly international players, Gallinari, shows above average intelligence with defensive positioning and reading screens. The coaching staff has explicitly stated a goal of being in the middle of the pack in terms of defensive eFG%. That would be a major step forward and could make the difference in winning close games and challenging for a playoff spot.

 

HOOPSWORLD

Travis Heath
In the bottom-half of the Eastern Conference there is a chance for virtually any team to sneak into one of the final couple of playoff spots. This will also likely include the Knicks. However, it doesn’t appear the Knicks have what it will take to win more than 40 games this season. Expect the team to win 30-something games and stay focused on the summer of 2010. Heck, with all the hype that has surrounded the Knicks and what could happen next summer, some might wonder why the Knicks are even bothering to take the floor this season. One thing is certain: New York darned well better hit a homerun next summer to justify the team’s conservative approach this summer.

4th Place, Atlantic Division

Bill Ingram
Last season the Knicks shook up their leadership team, and while team president Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D’Antoni are probably the right guys to lead this team into a new era, we’re not talking about a quick-fix. Fans in New York are counting the days until LeBron James and Chris Bosh sign with New York in 2010, but that’s far from a guarantee. The focus must be on who’s in the locker room today, and today it’s murky at best. Draft picks Toney Douglas and Jordan Hill have potential, but the Knicks are still much more about tomorrow than they are about today.

5th Place, Atlantic Division

Luke Byrnes
This team is still at least a year from winning much of anything but the lottery. The Knicks won just 32 games last year and weren’t a player in free agency this summer while other Eastern Conference bottom-feeders Washington and Toronto improved dramatically. It is a good thing New Yorkers have the Giants and Yankees.

5th Place, Atlantic Division

Joel Brigham
The Knicks are certainly capable of winning more than 32 games, as they did last season, but not a whole lot more. To be .500 in the Eastern Conference means making the playoffs, and New York doesn’t have a roster that looks as though it can do that. Regardless, small improvements are expected and another full year of Mike D’Antoni can’t be all bad. Expect 34-36 wins and another frustrating season.

4th Place, Atlantic Division

Yannis Koutroupis
The most important thing for the New York Knicks this season is to develop a supporting cast capable of luring away LeBron James or another high-profile free agent and clearing up more cap space. Because of that the wins are not going to pile up, but they’ll still be competitive with guys like Nate Robinson and David Lee playing for a new contract along with their talented young pieces. The Knicks are going to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division and likely miss the playoffs, but that doesn’t make the season a failure for them at all.

4th Place, Atlantic Division

Straight Outta Vancouver 30-52

The New York Knicks are in big trouble. While they did finally secure David Lee and Nate Robinson for the upcoming year, they’ve also completely failed to make a discernible splash this offseason. Instead of taking advantage of their nearly endless funds in a weak economy where no other buyers existed, the Knicks sat on their hands in the name of signing two max free agents in 2010.

I’ve got news for you Knickerbockers, it could just be a dream. Most marquee free agents end up staying put. LeBron probably isn’t coming. Bosh probably isn’t coming. Wade probably won’t come either. Sure maybe you’ll land Amar’e Stoudamire and another tier two All-Star, but it’s not like $30 million in cap space is going to buy you a championship quality team when Danilo Gallinari, Jordan Hill, and Wilson Chandler are the only other semi-effective players on the roster. The Knicks needed to solidify their roster this season, but didn’t get it done.

And here’s some more bad news for you, this season your team is probably lottery bound, and you’re not even going to have the pick. For a little more Knicks bashing, as well as some positive points, come on over the jump.

ESPN 32-50

Projected to finish 13th in the East

It has been a strange offseason in New York, with doomed bids to sign 1995 co-rookies of the year Jason Kidd and Grant Hill, a field trip to witness Eddy Curry‘s waistline and endless negotiations with free agents David Lee, Nate Robinson and Ramon Sessions. The reason, of course, is the summer of 2010. In the meantime …

Knicks Links for October 7, 2009

 

Good morning Gents.  Preseason is in full swing adding that much needed compliment to football season and whetting that round-ball appetite. There’s a lot happening; let’s check some of it out.

Apparently, the Nets did not think much of the Knicks defense as a true test for their center Brook Lopez who spent the first half being rather abusive of the Orange and Blue in the paint with 19 points in 12 minutes.  The Nets and Lopez are hoping that more teams double team him and present him with a greater challenge during the pre-season to hasten his development.

“I don’t know how many teams are going to do that,” Harris said of single coverage. “And obviously they’re playing smaller than most teams are. If that’s what we can get, I’m definitely more comfortable doing it. If we get a layup with him I’ve got no complaints about that.
“He’s going to start to command a double team more and more the better he gets. It’s respect for him, but it’s something we have to work on. It’s our job to space the floor so he can get what he wants in the post.”

That’s when teams will start sending extra defenders.

And the Nets are eager to see how Lopez responds.

“It’s something we’ll have to work on, and see what kind of gauge that he has,” Harris said. “He’ll get better more when he sees it.”

“I just hope they never figure it out,” said Nets forward Bobby Simmons. “The truth is, if he continues to dominate under the basket, the farther we’ll go this year. If he’s making plays, you play through him.”

Following The Beats

 

Surprise! The Beats are reporting that Eddie Curry will not be ready for the first game of regular season and that he will not be cleared to practice or play until he is in shape good enough so that he does not injure himself.  According to the Daily News, “Knicks president Donnie Walsh revealed Tuesday that Curry won’t be available to even practice with his teammates until the team’s medical staff is confident that he can go through a full workout without getting injured.”

"When we feel he can get out there and play without pulling something then we’ll bring him back," Walsh said following the team’s practice, minus Curry, in Greenburgh. "I don’t know how long it will take. . . .

"The kid is doing everything he can," Walsh said of Curry. "I have faith in our training staff."

In today’s Post blog, Berman seemed to take some delight in pointing out that GM’s around the league haven’t caught on that the Knicks are a bit more relevant than in the recent past.  The Knicks were not favored answers in the annual GM poll results just released although they were considered one of the four best teams in the league to watch.

The Knicks were barely mentioned in the 60-question GM poll released today on NBA.com.

Mike D’Antoni wasn’t even rated among the top six for best coaches. David Lee came in third place on the question: "Which players does the most with the least.” He got 7.1 percent of the vote. The Knicks were tied for fourth place for "team most fun to watch” (7.7 percent).

The Post also offers a little feature on Duhon in which the point guard repeats earlier assertions that he is ready to play and was not phased by the Knicks efforts to improve at his position over the summer. "I’m more comfortable with everything," Duhon said after yesterday’s practice in Greenburgh, "the coaches, the players, the whole organization. It’s easier for me to go out and be myself."  Personally, I don’t see why he should be phased – last year he had a great opportunity and did the best he could with it.  This year he is getting paid far more than he should and he has a chance to prove himself again.  He will not get $7 Million from anyone else after this.

Baseline Chatter:

Walsh confirmed publicly, to Peter Vescey,  that his draft target was Stephen Curry, not Rick Rubio.

At dinner Friday night I asked Walsh who he would have selected had he been able to acquire the fourth or fifth spot in last June’s draft: Curry or Ricky Rubio?

"Curry," he answered without a pause. "Not only is he a great shooter but he can get his shot on anyone. Opponents look at his baby face and figure they can manhandle him. Meanwhile he tore up every top-rated guard he went up against at our workout, including Tyreke Evans, who might be the best player in the draft next to Blake Griffin."

So Montel Ellis has changed his mind about playing with Stephen Curry after seeing him play as a teammate. (Perhaps he should have kept his damn mouth shut in the first place. Does Nellie inspire verbal recklessness?). See Fanhouse’s Monta Ellis On Stephen Curry:’He’s Better Than I Thought He Was.’

He is from upper-state New York, but he brings that NYC swagger to the game: look out for Jonny Flynn.  He had a bizarrely successful outing against the Milwaukee Bucks as he scored 14 points on 14 for 15 shooting from the charity stripe and added 7 assists in 26 minutes.  This might be a fun team to follow as Flynn weaves in and out of the paint around screens from his bigs, Love and Jefferson, and they all benefit from Rambis’ installation of the triangle.  Watch these guys.

 

KNICKS V. NETS LIVE BLOGGING EVENT TODAY AT 2:00 PM

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Knicks Revivalism (Part 2: Divine Numerology; Arm Chair Joe Questions; and to Hang Ten at the Tides Crest or Wipe Out Amidst a Tsunami of Immense Expectations)

[As the Knicks draw ever so closer to the Sanctified date indicated by the 2010 Plan Cult Holy Trinity, resident blogger Orange and Blue throws some lime in that 2010 koolaid and dares to question the logic of the Holy Trinity Franchise Orthodoxy!]

Hang Ten at the Tides Crest . . . or a Wipe Out at the Tsunami on the Horizon?

Three is the Magic Number and Good Things Come in Threes, heck if you use numerology to size up what number the sacred day 2010 produces, … ta da it produces the number 3! Hey if you spell out the names of the three members of the Knicks 2010 Plan Cult Holy Trilogy: Donnie Walsh (11); Lebron James (11); and Alan Hahn (8) you get 11+11+8=30 but in numerology is actually 3. Whoa! This ain’t coincidence people, … there are magical forces at work in the universe beyond our control fating the fortunes of Walsh, Hahn and James together in a cosmological equation beyond our understanding. No Doubt about it! The 2010 date as day of jubilee is indeed on its way!

“THE PLAN,” getting ready to Hang Ten at the Tides Crest…?

OBTW “The Plan” = 7 + “Tatoo” = 5… 7+5 = 12 = a numerological … 3!

Ain’t the Plan Lovely?…

Back to reality and some spiking of that 2010 Koolaid with a dose of questions and some unheeded reality. As noted previously, the 2010 Plan Cult Holy Trinity represents a shifting of the tide for the Knicks organization. However, does that tide in and of itself usher in a whole different set of imbalances detrimental to the building of a contending NBA Franchise. Currently the Franchise’s actions, or lack thereof, indicate that management may have key free agents expire when their contracts are up without possibly obtaining anything in return. Additionally, the Franchise option not to secure an up and coming buck to address the team’s need at point guard, where such a move may have provided the organization with an additional value added asset when exposed to the current system of play. Lastly, the current head coach’s, failure to address the need for adequate coaching on the defensive side of the ball, while insisting on a style of play that devolves into an overreliance on three point shooting and long jumpers is a model that has consistently failed to succeed against more defensively oriented coaching models. More importantly is the understated nature of the gamble at play in 2010 and the great stakes for the Franchise should 2010 not materialize as ideally expected. At stake in the latest “Win Now” gamble, and make no mistake 2010 is “Win Now” on a studder step, may very well be the slow but steadily replenished cupboard of talent nursed to fruition over the span of time after the Scott Layden regime. What may be deduced from assessing the possible flaws, actual miscues and high stakes gamble at play resulting from management’s dogged stated fixation with “the plan,” suggest that the organization might just as easily Wipe Out as it just may Hang Ten when the 2010 Tsunami of inflated expectations comes to the shores of Knicks Fate.

Maybe NOT!…

Maybe NOT!!!

Squandering Assets and opportunities?

I. LoveLee hand, DeadLee hand, drifting Nates and fleeting fates

The contract plights of RFAs David Lee and Nate Robinson, in which both waited till the week before the beginning of the 2009-10 training camp to secure one year offers beyond the qualifying minimum[1], could result in a scenario whereby the Franchise may fail to retain either player when they join the pool of unrestricted free agents in 2010. The Franchise’s failure to secure both players in a manner which may have provided them fuller trade possibilities, namely by resigning either or both in the summer of 2008, may prove to be an important miscue when one considers the importance of young capable talent in today’s NBA. It is important to remember that an absence of talented trade assets is a situation experienced by the Knicks in it’s recent past under the Scott Layden Regime[2] and addressed, in part, by the succeeding Isiah Thomas Regime. Although Thomas’ efforts to cycle limited and undesirable players for questionable young talent via trades that stripped the Knicks of draft prospects in 2007 and 2010 failed, Thomas’ drafting acumen did yield the Franchise several popular and capable talents in the trio of Lee, Robinson and Chandler. Back to the point. Young capable talent, when acquired at a relatively reasonable cost, are important assets in the league because they may be used as resources that facilitate sound trades to acquire talent in return. By sound I mean not the lopsided variety entered into by Isiah Thomas in his wayward trade efforts to revitalize the barren talent cupboard left to him by Scott Layden.

A valid question then is Could David Lee and or Nate Robinson have been resigned in the summer of 2008 when their value, prior to heavy minutes in the “[ ]”Antoni system, was still low and conjectural[3] instead of inflated and debatable? [4] The resigning of Lee and possibly Nate when their value was conjectural rather than debatable would have allowed the franchise to have either or both available and as preserved trade assets. Perhaps a contract offers at a more reasonable price scale with increases prior to 2010 and a decrease in salary for 2010 coupled with a team option in the 3rd year and a player option in the 4th year would have preserved the Franchise’s option to exercise a trade of either one or both Lee or Robinson without the required permission that must accompany one year contracts of players acquiring Larry Bird or Early Bird Rights.[5] Such an arrangement could also have allowed all parties better options long term to test and use value as new outside free agent streams opened up in succeeding years beyond 2010. It should not be forgotten that much discussion of both David Lee and Nate Robinson has continued to be inextricably tied to possible cap reducing moves for the summer of 2010 and in particular as trade inducements to help facilitate trades with current Knicks’ undesirables Eddy Curry and Jared Jefferies. Additionally the retention of Lee and Robinson would have given the Franchise additional trade assets for the purposes of acquiring outside talent in return, since very few upper tier talents just leave their franchises without that franchise obtaining something in return, should the 2010 pool have dried up or not flowed as expected. Lastly despite the many articles written in the NY Press regarding Robinson’s supposed immaturity and Lee’s player limitations both have shown the professionalism lacking from franchise Albatrosses Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury. Namely, both Lee and Robinson have consistently shown improvement to their overall games by addressing voids in therein. Moreover, Robinson’s relentless offensive abandon for a player his size and Lee’s willingness to play out of position on defense, contribute to making both players far less gambles had they been resigned in the summer of 2008 than either Curry or Marbury were due to both players histories with their prior teams. With all that said did Walsh’s failure to secure Lee and Nate in the summer of 2008 signal the squandering of a Lovelee hand potentially turned Deadlee should Nate and Lee exit the franchise for nothing in return?

II. Penny Wise Pound Foolish? A buck stopped but not here as common sense yields to timid purse strings

As the summer of 2009 developed, it became increasingly clear to the Knicks and many amongst their fan base that the current solution at point guard was insufficient. The organization indicated as such through their pursuit of various point guards available in the 2009 summer free agent market- e.g., Jason Kidd, Andre Miller, Ramon Sessions-and the drafting of rookie point guard Toney Douglass. As Jason Kidd, thankfully, decided to spurn the Knicks and Andre Miller secured a deal with the Trailblazers, Ramon Sessions reportedly remained the main point guard in the Knicks cross hairs. As articulated by Tommy Beer of Hoopsworld, Ramon Sessions presented the Knicks a point guard prospects with a good combination of height, strength and upside.[6] Also as Beer points out, while not fully seasoned, Ramon Sessions’ two year stint in the NBA with the Bucks clearly demonstrated the young pure point guard’s upside- e.g., Sessions 15.1 PPG, 7.6 assists, 4.2 boards, and 1.3 steals per game average as a starter in 37 games for the Bucks. Additionally Ramon Sessions per 36 minutes per game production, in the half court oriented Bucks offense, in terms of assist and scoring exceeded[7] that of Chris Duhon’s whose production benefited from exposure to the “[ ]”Antoni up tempo style of play. [8]

As the summer sailed along numerous reports emerged of Walsh’s mythical patience at play, craftily waiting out Sessions. During the summer of 2009 the Bucks organization made offseason moves that pointed to their lukewarm interest in matching offers made to Sessions above the qualifying minimum. As the New York Sports Daily’s continued their boisterous speculation that the Master Turtle, like an apex predator was awaiting the perfect time to pounce over the free agent point guard, Sessions services were snatched up by Walsh protégé, David Kahn, who signed the RFA to a contract offer totaling 16 million dollars over four years, which the Bucks failed to match.[9] The moment which many NY Sports reporters, and fan boys, so brazenly claimed was Walsh’ for the taking in which Walsh supposedly had the up an coming and relatively inexpensive point guard where Walsh wanted him, became just more hot air.  Because Sessions was secured to manageable contract, which the Knicks easily could have exceeded, Sessions’ services and possible value increase while in the “[ ]”’Antoni  offense was squandered. For a team, such as the Knicks seeking a point guard capable of better directing the “[ ]”’Antoni offense, and with a skeleton crew possibly entering into the summer of 2010, the failure to sign an affordable and talented player with a combination of physical tools and potential to address an important aspect of the team’s offensive scheme may just result to be another Penny Wise Pound Foolish Move on the part of the 2010 Cap Space Cult.

III. Lost in a mess of Seven Seconds or Less and the 2010 Cap Space Cult Tunnel Vision: the unheeded overtures of Defense wins Championships and No Rebounds no Rings

As opportunities are lost and assets possibly squandered in the dream world tunnel vision that is the 2010 Plan, often neglected are the possible limitations with the Knicks’ current style of play. As previously noted the acquisition of Mike “[ ]”Antoni at the coaching helm is a move that was a significant improvement in many ways from the former listless coaching tenure of the Isaiah Thomas era. However, if the ultimate goal for the franchise is to eventually contend for and win an NBA Championship, then the current style of play, with its nonchalant approach to the defensive side of the ball, and apparent failure to bolster coaching on that end, may well prevent the franchise from its stated objective. During the 2008-09 season the Knicks were ranked 28th out of 30 teams in scoring defense, yielding 107.8 points per game, and 28th out of 30 teams in field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to connect on 47.98% of their shot attempts.[10] Certainly the absence of a presence in the middle of the paint to anchor the defense would help but the problems affecting the Knicks defense may be as much philosophical as they are a reflection of the franchise’s absence of an interior presence. The current approach towards the defense is exemplified in  “[ ]”Antoni’s simplistic player personnel preference approach to bolstering the team’s defense to the current exclusion of any wholesale improvement in the team’s overall coaching approach on that end, which would require either a greater attention to coordinating and orchestrating that side of the ball or acquiring an assistant capable of effectively directing defense. For instance, although “[ ]”Antoni may be credited with favoring players prepackaged with a defensive mindset, “[ ]”Antoni’s failure to properly direct or acquire such a director on that end indicates a general  unwillingness to craft an orchestra on defense for the grand stage. During the course of the 2008-09 season opportunities existed to enlist the services of Mark I’avaroni, Bill Lambieer and even former Knicks defensive standout Charles Oakley but no move was made by the organization to acquire either named coach or personnel.  Ultimately, could it be that the simple valuation and acquisition of individual defenders without acquiring defensive oriented coaching to improve and provide cohesiveness and structure on that end, hints at a neglect of the defensive side of the ball[11] that rivals, former Eagles coach Buddy Ryan’s self destructive spurning of his offensive players during his tenure with the formidable NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles teams.

In addition to the concern with the teams defense, less mentioned is the Knicks shortcomings in the area of rebounding. Although the Knicks were ranked 8th in total rebounds per game the Knicks ranked 26 out of 30 teams in rebounding differential giving up 4 rebounds more per game 46.1 than secured 42.1. Lee in 2008-09 Season ranked third in the league in rebounding pulling down 11.7 rebounds per game. With David Lee’s possible exit in the summer of 2010, in order for the 2010 Caps Space Cult to carve out further Cap Space[12] for Le Saviour, the remnant Knicks roster may well end up without any proven rebounder approaching Lee’s ability. That scenario could likely lessen the scraps of talent on the Knicks roster when the Franchise invites the King or their next “Saviour” onto the Garden.

All Eggs in a Basket with some large holes in it, … or …

Going to a shoot out with plenty of ammo but not enough men?

While much of the talk about King James emphasizes his aspirations as a mogul and not just icon, often lost in that conversation is King James’ serious aversion to losing and desire to reach the leagues pinnacle by winning a championship. The most instrumental example of the Kings’ unwillingness to readily accept defeat was on display during his recent playoff appearance against the more balanced Dwight Howard led Orlando Magic team, when King James refused to shake Hands with the victorious Magic team that had eliminated the Kings Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With that as the backdrop is it possible then that King James would so readily bolt an average team on an organization that has attempted to improve the product on the Kings behalf for a possibly gutted Knicks team that could be without its best rebounder, a scorer off the bench, and direction at the point. Would James, leave a team ranked near in the top five to ten in most defensive categories[13] for a team that ranks near the bottom in those same categories. Also consider that the 2010 market is not simply the Knicks play pen that the local press paints it out to be as there will be other potential buyer’s, many of which may possess either a combination of comparable cap room or a fuller set of complimentary talent or both. [14] With the possible holes in the Knicks roster that may result from the Franchise’s effort to maximize every bit of cap space for LeSaviour, why would James, or any upper tier free agent for that matter, merely go for only a bigger salary if the supporting cast offered by other teams may generally be better constituted than the remnant supporting cast the Knicks stroll out in 2010?  Lest everyone forget that Superstars generally need sidekicks and a capable team around them in all aspects of the game.

The Stakes at Play

As stated earlier a tide has turned for the Knicks Franchise as they have shifted from overpaying for players whose production would not yield results towards an end game of entering into and succeeding in post-season play to an agenda of obtaining cap space flexibility to secure star caliber talent in the upcoming free agent wave. But no matter how lovely the plan might appear it is nonetheless a gamble and yet another variation on a creature that has been fostered by New York’s win now mandate- 2010 will be only two full regular seasons and three summers removed from the end of Isiah Thomas’ regime. With a team that may well lose two of it’s own key free agents and has passed on acquiring talent that could address a key component of the offense, not to mention the important task of improving the team’s play on the defensive end, the stakes at play in this gamble might leave the franchise without their long sought out Savior and possibly with another empty cupboard. Should the Knicks not “Hang Ten” and rather wipe out on the wave of 2010 free agency, it will be the fan base who will finally have to come to terms with the Tsunami of heightened expectations fed to them by the local sports media.

U2’s Staring at the Sun

Waves that leave me out of reach
Breaking on your back like a beach
Will we ever live in peace?

‘Cause those that can’t do
Often have to
And those that can’t do
Often have to preach

To the ones
Staring at the sun
Afraid of what you’d find
If you took a look inside
Not just deaf and dumb
[you’re] staring at the sun
[you’re] not the only one
Who’d rather go blind

---

[1] David Lee’s deal is reportedly worth 7 million dollars in 2009-10 season with incentive clauses that could increase the value of the contract to 8 million. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-leeknicks092409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

The increase in David Lee’s contract to a maximum of 8 million would occur only if the Knicks make the playoffs in the 2009-10 season.  Nate Robinson is reported to have signed a one-year deal worth more than the 2.9 million qualifying offer the Knicks are required to extend to Robinson by league rules.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/david-lee-re-signs-with-knicks-1.1471520

[2] For a thorough discussion of the Knicks’ dearth of talent under the Scott Layden regime and the Herculean efforts of Isiah Thomas to revive the Franchises’ talent base, See http://www.cosellout.com/?p=128

[3] An article suggested that the 2008 offseason negotiations to resign Lee would have had to have started at about 6 million per season at minimum. See New York Post article “’Shaky’ Deal: Lee Status with Knicks Up in Air: by Marc Berman (last updated 7/14/08 at 6:46am)

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/shaky_deal_U1LbMN5E8MR9IkRPsPgBvO

[4] David Lee’s production per 36 minutes per game in “[ ]”Antoni system of play increased Lee’s scoring average by 4.07 points per game from 12.43 PPG to 16.5 PPG, his rebounding average per 36 minutes per game increased by .5 per game from 11.1 RPG to 11.6 RPG.

Nate Robinson’s statistical production in terms of points per 36 minutes also improved by about  4 point per, from 16.733 PPG to 20.7 PPG, while in the “[ ]”Antoni system of play. Robinson’s assist per game per 36 minutes increased by 1.6 per game, from 3.3 APG to 4.9 APG with his turnover remaining steady 2.2 TOV to 2.3 TOV with “[ ]”antoni.

See Player Statistical Reference at Basketball Reference.Com

http://www.basketball-reference.com/

[5] See Coon, Larry (2005); “NBA Salary Cap/Collective Bargaining Agreement FAQ”

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm, last visited September 28, 2009

In particular read answer to question80. When can a team trade a free agent it signs? Do they have to keep him forever?

[6] See Tommy Beer’s Hoopsworld.com Article entitled “Knicks: Sessions Makes Sense in New York!” (last updated 8/4/09 at 9:04am ET)

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13500&print=yes

[7] Ramon Sessions per 36 minutes per game scoring and assist average is 15.3 points per game and 7.9 assist per game.

[8] Chris Duhon’s per 36 minute per game scoring and assist average during the 2008-09 NBA season with the New York Knicks is 7.0 assist per game with 10.9 points per game. That figure represented a .725 assist per game increase from Duhon’s 4 year career assist total of 6.275 with the Bulls and a 1.225 point per game increase from Duhon’s 9.675 points per game average while with the Bulls.

[9] Associated Press “Sessions to fill Rubio’s Shoes in Minnesota,” Krawzcynski, John, September 15, 2009. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g1I0RUcT7zvlTBR0Id4REm7h2FfgD9AO2HPO0

[10] http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=tmcompare&season=2009&seasontype=2&league=nba

[11] To D’antoni’s credit he recently recognized that he did not properly emphasize defense during the 2008-09 NBA Season. D’antoni has set a goal to have the Knicks in the top half in defense for the upcoming 2009-10 Season. Via Twitter (Marc Berman, New York Post), September 29, 2009.

[12] Note that unless a Team renounces their rights to a player, that player’s salary is counted against the team’s payroll at a percentage relative to the particular type of free agent that that player represents.

Since, David Lee negotiated a contract with the Knicks above the Qualifying Minimum of his Rookie Scale Contract he will become a Free Agent in 2010 not on a Rookie Scale Contract, which would place his cap hold at 150% of his current salary, 7 million annually, or a 10.5 million cap hold on the Knicks 2010 Salary Cap. The Knicks could clear that cap hold by renouncing David Lee’s rights. However, once renounced in that particular situation the Knicks cannot undo that renouncement even if they wipeout against the 2010 Free Agent Wave. See Questions 14, 29, 30, and 32-34 in Coon, Larry (2005); “NBA Salary Cap/Collective Bargaining Agreement FAQ”.

[13] Cleveland Ranked first in scoring defense limiting their opponents to 91.4 points per game. They ranked 2nd in defensive field goal percentage limiting their opponents to 43.0% shooting. Cavaliers ranked 7th in shot blocking averaging 5.3 blocks for contest. The Cavs also ranked 3rd in rebounding differential outrebounding their opponents by 3.3. rebounds per game. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=teamstatreb&season=2009&seasontype=2

[14] Assume Salary Cap in 2010 = 57,000,000.00

** Indicates key player in team’s possession

The list below points to teams who will likely have significant cap space in order to be players in the 2010 free agent market. The cap space estimates are rough estimates and do not take into account the cap space hold rules noted above in footnote 12 or other rules applicable to determining Salary Cap Space that can be found in questions 14, 19, 20 and 35 of Larry Coons Salary Cap FAQ

Information regarding team salary commitment scenarios and salary cap space alternatives in 2010 extracted from tables found at Hoopshype Team Salaries and Payroll page found at http://hoopshype.com/salaries.htm

Cavs in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $25,346,007 when James test free agency

– $8,196,764.00 should James not opt out- not likely

(Notable Players, possibly, still on Roster:)

– A. Varejao, M.”Williams, D. West, D. Gibson, J. Moon.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

– **L. James, S. O’Neal

Knicks in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $35,099,217.00

– $29,664,176.00 retaining both W. Chandler and D. Gallinari

(Notable Players, possibly, still on Roster)

– Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari, Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas, Eddy Curry, Jared Jefferies.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

– D. Lee, N. Robinson

Rockets in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $17,339,518.00 assuming Aaron Brooks retained by Rockets

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– Yao Ming, Shane Battier, Trevor Ariza, Aaron Brooks.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

T. McGrady, L. Scola, Y. Ming

Heat in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $51,190,760.00 D. Wade Opts out and team options exercised retaining M. Beasley and M. Chalmers

– $34,041,517.00 should D. Wade not opt out (not likely) and the Heat retain M. Beasley and M. Chalmers

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– M. Chalmers, M. Beasley.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

– **Dwayne Wade, U. Haslem

Bulls in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $19,330,174.00 in cap space with only J. Noah and D. Rose retained.

– $13,073,368.00 in cap space for 2010- assume J. Noah, D. Rose and T. Thomas retained by Bulls

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– L. Deng, K. Hinrich, J. Salmons, D. Rose, T. Thomas, J. Noah

Kings in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $21,759,595.00  no team option exercised and no qualifying offer tendered

– $18,953,707.00 if S. Rodriguez retained with qualifying offer

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– K. Martin, A. Nocioni, B. Udrih, F. Garcia, T. Evans

Clippers in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $17,907,455.00 assuming E. Gordon and A. Thorton are retained by Clippers.

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– B. Davis, C. Kaman, B. Griffin, E. Gordon, A. Thorton

Nets in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $39,176,520.00 not retaining RFO and not exercising team options to retain named players

– $25,010,456.00 in cap space retaining RFO with QO and exercising team options on named players

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– D. Harris, B. Lopez, Y. Jianlian, J. Boone, S. Williams, C. Lee, C.Douglas-Roberts

Blazers in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $18,365,374.00 Blazers extend QO to L. Aldridge and exercise team options retaining G. Oden, J. Bayless, R. Fernandez and N. Batum

– Blazers will likely resign Brandon Roy effectively limiting their participation in the 2010 market.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

** B. Roy, T. Outlaw, S. Blake

Hawks in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $25,896,303.00 in cap space with A. Horford Retained

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– J. Smith, J. Crawford, A. Horford

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

– **J. Johnson

Thunder in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $26,730,214.00 in cap space with K Durant and W. Wesbrook retained.

(Notable Players, possibly, still on Roster)

– K. Durant, R. Westbrook.

Suns in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $26,180,796.00 A. Stoudemire exercises Player Option

– $24,313,476.00 A. Stoudemire Opts out and Suns Retian R. Lopez

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– J. Richardson, S. Nash, L. Barbosa, R. Lopez.

(Key Expiring Contracts or Players possibly electing to exercise Player Options)

– **A. Stoudemire,

Grizzlies in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $20,196,987.00 Team options not exercised on OJ Mayo, M. Conley nor extend QO to R. Gay.

– $6,404,998.00 Grizzlies exercise team options on OJ Mayo, M. Conley and extend QO to R. Gay

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– M. Gasol, H. Thabeet, Z. Randolph, OJ Mayo, R. Gay, M. Conley

TWolves in 2010

(Cap space in 2010 not considering cap hold figures)

– $35,494,200.00 no team options exercise – really about $31,494,200.00 b/c of Contract with R. Sessions

– $28,152,448.00 team options exercise on K. Love and C. Brewer – really $24, 152,448.00 same as above.

(Notable Players, possibly,  still on Roster)

– A. Jefferson, R. Gomes, K. Love, J. Flynn,