To me, having a stiff like the current version of Malik Rose on the team instead of even 75% of what Allan was would be sad. He stinks even at his best, and I have yet to see the fruits of his supposed leadership abilities do anything for this team.

How about a new thread on training camp?

Based on Hahn’s column, some cause for optimism….my thoughts on camp thus far:

1. Jerome James lives! Imagine if he can actually contribute this year? Funny how he is the only one on the roster to have even an outside chance of filling a gaping void on this roster (interior defensive presence).

2. If D’Antoni is only going to play 9-10 guys, lots of players are going to ride the pine, especially if Steph is in the mix. Mardy looked good in Vegas, but the only guy he can possibly beat out on paper is Duhon and D’Antoni probably won’t let that happen. So, as it stands:

Lee, Zach, Jamal, Q, Wilson, and Nate are guaranteed to be in rotation. That’s 6.

Steph, Curry, Duhon and Jefferies are probable.

Gallinari will probably be phased in as Steph is phased out?

That leaves Houston, James, Mardy, PEJ, Grunfeld, and Rose on the outside looking in.

Two people need to be cut or traded to get to 15. I would hope they wuld initially be Rose and Grunfeld, unless James gets hurt or otherwise reverts back to form, in which case I would keep Rose and eat James’ contract. If Houston can give 5-10 minutes a game of spot duty every other game, he’s worth keeping around, as he also fills a void as a 3-point specialist. I don’t see the void that either Rose (what has his supposed locker room leadership meant since he’s been here? Zero.) or Grunfeld fills this year; PEJ has athleticism and could develop into a defensive presence, his presence as a 15th man could help chandler and gallinari develop their offensive games during practice. Mardy is worth keeping as insurance against injuries to Duhon and to take Steph’s roster spot when that time comes.

Here is an excellent post from Free Darko, analogizing the current credit crisis, the NBA, Hank Paulson and the Isiah Thomas…
http://freedarko.blogspot.com/2008/09/fd-guest-lecture-dribble-down-economics.html

That was great. That is exactly what Isiah has done for teams, he gave them a bailout. In fact, I can think of few teams that have dealt with Isiah that did not come out better for the deal.

He bailed out the Bulls with two lottery picks-though they seemed to squander them.

He bailed out the Blazers, who made the most of the help.

He bailed out the Suns by taking Marbury, Hardaway, AND giving them the room to sign Nash.

He bailed out the Suns again by eating Q Rich’s contract for the relatively small price of Nate Robinson in return.

While not a bailout, the Spurs won two titles shortly after Malik Rose came to NY. All we have to show for it is David Lee. I like Lee but would rather have the title.

Two things that should have been addressed: 1) Isiah did not give Allan Houston that contract. 2) Time fixes all mistakes. The Knicks can get way under the cap again in just three years. Randolph, Crawford, and Curry all expire in three years. Just do your time and not let yourself get further into debt. July 1 2011 marks the end of the Knicks’ four worst contracts. Just let them go, build through the draft over the next three years and start with a clean slate of young talent and wise free agent spending. Dont just buy a player because you have the cap room. Find the player that fits in with the talent you already have. If you need a point and there isnt one worthy of the money, dont just sign one to a bad contract just to fill the need (mo williams). Ditto with a center (eddy curry, Jerome James).

It is painful but we should just wait it out. If we build a team that can contend for 5-7 years it will be worth it.

That was an execellent find. Thanks

IS

http://freedarko.blogspot.com/2008/09/fd-guest-lecture-dribble-down-economics.html