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We can only hope that Zeke’s talent evaluation skills turns up another prospect comparable to Butler, because watching Curry and James collect more fouls than rebounds next season is really going to suck.

As for Curry, the smartest thing the management could do would be to send him to Pete Newell’s Big Man Camp and have him learn to play the post. His footwork is terrible, he receives the ball with a preconceived idea about what he wants to do, as has been mentioned elsewhere here, he’s an awful passer out of double team situations and he can’t react to the defense and improvise worth a damn. That’s why he’s as likely to commit an offensive foul or a turnover as he is to score.

Second, who has the bigger upside potential, Butler, James, Rose or Taylor. Duh, Butler. Given the answers to these questions, sign Butler and play him as the back-up.

I understand trying to save money, but Butler’s deal was relatively short, it would not affect whether we are over the cap or not, and I think he would have made us a better team. The Knicks are bad enough that a position like back-up center (especially when Curry barely plays 1/2 of the game because of foul trouble) is actually pretty important.

I was pleased to see Marc R give Isiah his customary lap dance though. Some things never change.

“It?d be nice if the Knicks did start making some deals, if possible?”

Be careful what you wish for. The last time IT started making moves we ended up w/ the contracts of Francis, J. Rose, Jerome James, and Curry and won 23 games.

Caleb,
I wouldn’t be suprised if Jim Dolan has finally pulled in the reins on Thomas in giving the “win now or else” edict. I don’t think that Thomas has the freedom to make big trades and/or take on large contracts that he enjoyed in the past (though the persistent K-Mart rumors are disturbing).

Has Curry maxed out his potential – don’t know. As you imply, potential has several aspects – physical, instincts and character. Character being a sloppy phrase for work ethic, intensity and other intangibles.

Has he maxed out his physical tools – no. Has he maxed out what he can get from his physical tools based on the other items – don’t know. But lets say giving a big 6-year contract to a guy not known for staying in shape and playing hard hoping he will find the internal drive and dedication is questionable.

Yes I realize that development patterns vary across players, but what is Curry’s development pattern?

As to Camby, what he has improved most is his health. Being able to play 30 to 35 minutes a night on a regular basis is important.

It’d be nice if the Knicks did start making some deals, if possible…if this is the roster we have for the season, we’re in trouble, not cuz they can’t win, but because I generally don’t like any of the guys who’ll be demanding minutes! I mean, they’re unpleasant people, who needs em!?!

Promising young players with upside are constantly being traded or simply allowed to walk when the team has no place for them. Look at JR Smith, Kurt Snyder, Marcus Banks, Marquis Daniels, etc.

Besides I do not think Butler wanted to return to the Knicks. He has a much better opportunity in San Antonio. As a fan I do not want players that do not want to be here.

The impatience with Curry is understandable, but do you really think that he has maxed out his potential?

Unfortunately, he’s not one of those highschool kids that comes into the NBA with God-given court awareness, so he’s got to learn the stuff in the NBA that he probably should have learned in college. (like how to pass the ball…)! It’s ridiculous that he only plays 25 minutes a game (granted, mostly due to his foul trouble) – they’ve got to leave him out there until he figures out how to stay in the game. Also, not everyone is on the same developmental curve, and Curry’s just happens to be slower than hoped for. It doesn’t mean he can’t improve his weaknesses. Just look at Marcus Camby!

Isiah made a huge long term investment in him, so unless they can trade him, making Curry into a more complete player should be one of the Knick’s top priorities for next season.

JJ is untradeable, unless you have someone cheap (cough-cough) to throw in. So it boils down to
a) paying him $5m+ to sit his butt on the bench, or
b)throwing in another $2m and having a functional backup center.

Not paying Butler is what you’d call penny wise and pound-foolish. (or 400-pound foolish, in this case). Of course, that’s only if you agree with me that Butler is a decent player and getting better. Otherwise, good riddance!