“Watched the last quarter of game 5. I forgot how many free throws we missed at the end once we had taken the lead. Even after the Mitch rebound and OG got fouled he only made one of them.”
Yeah, this is what I was referring to when I said unlike the closeout games in 1970 and 1973, Knicks fans had to sweat this one out until the final few seconds when OG made that final FT. Once he put us up 4 we knew it was a done deal. But the total time that we could relax during any of the four wins was probably less than a minute. All 5 games were nail-biters that went down to the wire. Even game 1 that we wound up winning by 10 was a 4-point game with 38 seconds left.
Yesterday I was flipping through the channels and the Knicks parade was replayed on MSG. I realized that I hadn’t watched it except for the City Hall speeches, and even though I was there, my view was mostly obscured by people in front of us with arms holding cell phones. Seeing it on TV made being there feel more real and meaningful to me.
He’s OK, but he’s not quite what we need. We need a young rim protector who is better overall than Drum, and can push Drum to third string. I like Drum and am glad that he is on our team, but if he is our second-string center…….we’ve got problems.
That’s what you want (and it would be nice) but probably not what the Knicks will get since we are limited to paying a vet minimum salary
That’s why I think it’s got to be someone pretty young with upside that (hopefully) we can develop. Less NBA years of experience = less that we have to pay them.
Kinda like, you know, drafting someone at that position and then not trading them away immediately. Something like that, maybe.
After watching this mix of Drew Eubanks from 2023-24, I’m warming up to the idea of signing him to a minimum deal. He’s clearly a decent all-around big, a bit undersized but he has some polish in his offensive game and seems to have a high b-ball IQ. The advantage to signing him is that he is probably movable on a minimum deal prior to the deadline should another option come up, and he would give you the option of seeing if a bigger two-way guy with some upside, like a Hunter Dickinson/Liam Roberts type, unexpectedly develops, or one of the Hornets’ or Pels’ young bigs shakes loose. Eubanks is not flashy but he’s clearly a legit NBA-level backup big who can hold the fort during the regular season.
Here’s a Eubanks mix from his days with Portland when Josh Hart was on the team (there’s a nice P&R in the mix.) I know this is a bit of hyperbole but I see some iHart features to his game. He can pass, roll, set screens, block shots, follow, and has a nice array of hook shots. At the very least, he would probably be an upgrade over Huk for next year.
Ben Simmons just signed with the Kings for 1 year/$3.5M.
OK, I’m in on Eubie. Sign ‘im.
Probably a good move for Ben if he doesn’t want the pressure of playing for a winner right off the bat.
I read an article about the Clips being a team that the Knicks should look to trade with since they are probably desperate for draft picks, and in particular, about Yanic Konan Niederhäuser as a target. Maybe they would consider Dadiet plus two or three seconds for him. I don’t think he’s the kind of player you blow a future first rounder on, but he definitely fits the bill of a young defensive big with upside. I also like the “Konan the Barbarian” possibility for Clyde.
Niederhäuser just had recent Lisfranc surgery—not great for a young guy just starting his career. I’d need to see that he’s recovered, and we ain’t got time for that shit.
Outside of Toppin and Hartenstein we’ve done a really good job during in championship era not investing into bringing guys up just for other people to collect on the investment. Quickley got good here and turned into OG. Grimes too. We collect first now. That used to be the whole franchise, raising guys for somebody else’s rotation. Good place to put a pension.
If I’m allowed to call him U Drewbanks, then I’m in… iHart had rock solid advanced stats playing for the Clippers IIRC. I don’t think Eubanks does. In any event, I appreciate you posting the video!
On the surface, the big disappointment on the roster for me right now is Pacome Dadiet, although there aren’t any guys drafted between him and Kolek that were all that, and lots of guys actually wanted us to draft Kolek at 24 or 25. I just thought that Dadiet would be able to shoot, but he has struggled at every level. He only just turned 21 but waiting for him to develop is seeming more and more like a waste of a non-minimum roster spot.
Unless there’s a miraculous improvement in his shooting in the next 2 months, I’d be mildly surprised if he’s still on the roster by opening day, and shocked if he’s here past the trade deadline.
The caveat in my comparison of Eubanks and iHart is that in the former case, we are looking for a 3rd C on a minimum deal, whereas with iHart, we signed him to a guaranteed 2-year deal at $8+M AAV (equivalent to clost to $12M AAV today) with the expectation that he would play a very prominent role and had significant upside. I’m saying that he has similarities in his game to iHart…the Temu version, if you will.
1
If no one else shakes loose, not going to complain if Eubanks signs for the minimum as our 3rd big. TBH rather have had Huk, but Drew very well may deliver more momentum-shifting plays (ala a (very) poor man’s Mitch on the offensive glass put back), which might be the most valuable attribute a 3rd big brings. Leon values locker room fit, so if he does sign, Hart is onboard, which means something.
If I’m allowed to call him U Drewbanks
Dammit, you beat me to it, DS
Konchar was once pt’s Mathurin, so hoping it works out for them here
That’s what you want (and it would be nice) but probably not what the Knicks will get since we are limited to paying a vet minimum salary
The Knicks have the TP-MLE and can pay slightly more than the vet minimum for players with up to 6 years of service.
“Konchar was once pt’s Mathurin, so hoping it works out for them here”
It’s been pretty much established that we can’t sign both of them.
pt shouldn’t command more than the vets minimum
Ewbank is clearly not the answer.
I’m not sure that the team is good enough to win it back to back without improving and I think Leon knows this so he’s keeping powder dry.
There has to be a material higher risk/reward trade(s) simmering on backburner.
I would rather he use the powder now. We won’t be more likely to win when Deuce is either gone or paid, and everyone is older.
1
Speaking of Deuce, after EB smartly corrected me that Rui Hachimura is not a good comp, I ended up finding a really good one: Isaiah Joe.
Joe’s taller than Deuce and he’s somewhere between a little and a lot better than him in pretty much every statistical category, and he’s at 4 years/$48M.
I maintain Deuce is not getting “PAID” and we should be able to afford him.
I still believe Deuce is more likely to get around the mid-level, i.e. more than we’re willing to pay him, and so he’ll be traded. If you’re right and the offers are around what he’s making now, Hubie, that would be great, but I consider it highly unlikely assuming he plays like he did last year when he wasn’t hurt. Leon will certainly find out, and based on history, will trade him if he feels it’s a Quickly or Grimes situation.
I would rather he use the powder now. We won’t be more likely to win when Deuce is either gone or paid, and everyone is older.
Hear you. We don’t know what we dont know… but think we must give him some rope here…at least until the deadline.
Posts crossed – but even if you’re now giving a higher number than you were, Hubie, how do we afford that?? We’re up against the apron as is.
I also think Leon should wait until closer to the deadline and we can only repeat if we get better. Going to be hard to do with Mitch gone but that is why Leon should be patient. Although he should bring some more bigs into camp and maybe we use a G-Leaguer or 2way until we can make that move.
I’m also holding out that he’s got some scout overseas who’s working to find the center version of Prigs and bring him over here. Some veteran polished guy who would be a great back up and wants to give the NBA a shot.
Grateful that Hubert’s post forced me to finally find out who Isaiah Joe actually is. And he’s correct, outside of assists/blocks/steals, Joe is better than Deuce at most of the other things. Who knew.
Posts crossed – but even if you’re now giving a higher number than you were, Hubie, how do we afford that?? We’re up against the apron as is.
I think a lot of the future maneuverability comes down to KAT, and to a lesser extent Hart, and what kind of extension they’re willing to take. KAT’s current contact was 4 years/$220M, Hart’s was 4 years/$80M. Would they accept 5/$250M and 4/$72M? That saves the team $7M AAV per year and pays them through their age 37 seasons.
1
You can keep your powder dry AND sign a vet’s minimum guy, so long as that guy can be traded with a second with nothing coming back after December 15, or packaged with someone for a larger salary. Eubanks seems like one of those types.
how do we afford that?? We’re up against the apron as is.
Dolan seems to think KAT & Hart should pay for it by taking less money.
I think Dolan should pay for it and am ready to hang him in effigy if he doesn’t change his tune in a year.
The second apron is still a soft cap, no matter what anyone tells you.
Bondy speculated that KAT will extend for 4/180, but I’m not sure if that would be after his player option year or instead of it.
but even if you’re now giving a higher number than you were
I’m not sure that I am. Joe’s worth $12M and he’s bigger and better than Deuce. He also signed his contract in 2024 before the squeeze began. ~$10M still seems right for Deuce.
But you have to offer that soon. If you let him get to free agency the price will go up.
The second apron is still a soft cap, no matter what anyone tells you.
Facts!!! – If that idiot Ballmer owned this team, can you imagine the checks he would be willing to write fresh after those comeback euphoria wins and celebrity friends he just made.
It’s got to be something like the social network where Director was the Eduardo Saverin & Ballmer was the Sean Parker.
Either that or they dated the same girl.
(Or he just worked for MSFT in the 00’s and hated his boss, but I like the other ones better.)
As much as I love Deuce, I can’t imagine a team wanting him as a starter. But as a high-end sub, I could see him getting between 10 and 14 mil AAV on the open market.
I guess we could keep him around if KAT/Hart take less money, but a useful bench big still might be more necessary.
But if you’re another team, is it really that urgent you lock up Deuce this year via trade rather than wait for free agency? I’m thinking probably not. He’s not Melo or anything.
So maybe a trade would have to involve our young guys, particularly Diawara, to bring in another center?
Joe’s worth $12M
Joe is getting paid $12M. I’m not sure that’s his worth. OKC had Joe under contract for $2.1M option. Part of the negotiation was declining that option.
He effectively got 3 extra years for $15M/yr and skipped the risk of a down year to get the guaranteed money.
Without that leverage, Joe probably holds out for a better offer.
he’s bigger and better than Deuce.
Joe is 2 inches taller but Deuce has 30lbs on Joe.
Deuce is 53rd in 4yr RAPM. When Joe signed his deal, he ranked 161st.
He also signed his contract in 2024 before the squeeze began. ~$10M still seems right for Deuce.
When we first had this conversation, you guessed $6-$8 million. So you’ve already revised it up. I still think the non-taxpayer mid-level is a good baseline.
Even at $12M, we need KAT or Hart to opt out and take a payout next year for more guaranteed money.
If KAT does take 4/180 starting next year, we could make Deuce fit. But that’s a $16M pay cut for KAT in that first season.
Dolan’s going to pay or Dolan’s going to pay.
He got away with his meddling this summer in the court of public opinion because everyone was delirious and no one understands the second apron. He also had good cover because Mitch has injuries, can’t hit free throws, and had the broken pinky on the eve of the finals.
He will not have that cover with Deuce. And if he cries poor when we’re not coming off a championship, he’s not going to have enough security at MSG to throw out all the people who are agitating him.
dang owen, heard you smoked out sabalenka at the open…
control yourself sir…
Huh?
Strangely, I have never smoked weed other than one friendly fire incident, where it’s fair to say I might have gotten a little high. Was at the Open today, much better vibe with the roof open. Pegula and Leylah had a really fun second set but I kind of wanted to be at Paul-Bublik. That was the one to see with Alcaraz rolling to an easy victory.
This Walter stuff is wild if Pablo can be trusted.
And I trust Pablo.
1
good for you owen, always assumed no drugs/alcohol/stimulants/depressants was the way to go…
just lack the courage to discover the truth of it…
man, pablo torre better have a remote start car…shoot will probably need a food tester here shortly…
that dude is seriously out there big game hunting…very cool to see…
1
saw somewhere today that it was olympia who convinced her mom to go out there and play some tennis with auntie VeVe…
them old head williams sisters just put on a heck of a show in their second set to draw even…
let’s see if they gas, or actually get a good rhythm going…serena’s had a few nice moments towards the end of the set…except the double fault on set point…oh well…
Heck of a first round doubles match. Olympia might be on to something
47 replies on “Knicks Morning News (2026.09.04)”
“Watched the last quarter of game 5. I forgot how many free throws we missed at the end once we had taken the lead. Even after the Mitch rebound and OG got fouled he only made one of them.”
Yeah, this is what I was referring to when I said unlike the closeout games in 1970 and 1973, Knicks fans had to sweat this one out until the final few seconds when OG made that final FT. Once he put us up 4 we knew it was a done deal. But the total time that we could relax during any of the four wins was probably less than a minute. All 5 games were nail-biters that went down to the wire. Even game 1 that we wound up winning by 10 was a 4-point game with 38 seconds left.
Yesterday I was flipping through the channels and the Knicks parade was replayed on MSG. I realized that I hadn’t watched it except for the City Hall speeches, and even though I was there, my view was mostly obscured by people in front of us with arms holding cell phones. Seeing it on TV made being there feel more real and meaningful to me.
That’s what you want (and it would be nice) but probably not what the Knicks will get since we are limited to paying a vet minimum salary
That’s why I think it’s got to be someone pretty young with upside that (hopefully) we can develop. Less NBA years of experience = less that we have to pay them.
Kinda like, you know, drafting someone at that position and then not trading them away immediately. Something like that, maybe.
After watching this mix of Drew Eubanks from 2023-24, I’m warming up to the idea of signing him to a minimum deal. He’s clearly a decent all-around big, a bit undersized but he has some polish in his offensive game and seems to have a high b-ball IQ. The advantage to signing him is that he is probably movable on a minimum deal prior to the deadline should another option come up, and he would give you the option of seeing if a bigger two-way guy with some upside, like a Hunter Dickinson/Liam Roberts type, unexpectedly develops, or one of the Hornets’ or Pels’ young bigs shakes loose. Eubanks is not flashy but he’s clearly a legit NBA-level backup big who can hold the fort during the regular season.
Here’s a Eubanks mix from his days with Portland when Josh Hart was on the team (there’s a nice P&R in the mix.) I know this is a bit of hyperbole but I see some iHart features to his game. He can pass, roll, set screens, block shots, follow, and has a nice array of hook shots. At the very least, he would probably be an upgrade over Huk for next year.
Ben Simmons just signed with the Kings for 1 year/$3.5M.
OK, I’m in on Eubie. Sign ‘im.
Probably a good move for Ben if he doesn’t want the pressure of playing for a winner right off the bat.
I read an article about the Clips being a team that the Knicks should look to trade with since they are probably desperate for draft picks, and in particular, about Yanic Konan Niederhäuser as a target. Maybe they would consider Dadiet plus two or three seconds for him. I don’t think he’s the kind of player you blow a future first rounder on, but he definitely fits the bill of a young defensive big with upside. I also like the “Konan the Barbarian” possibility for Clyde.
Niederhäuser just had recent Lisfranc surgery—not great for a young guy just starting his career. I’d need to see that he’s recovered, and we ain’t got time for that shit.
Damn, Doogie, didn’t realize that, thanks. Moving on…
Outside of Toppin and Hartenstein we’ve done a really good job during in championship era not investing into bringing guys up just for other people to collect on the investment. Quickley got good here and turned into OG. Grimes too. We collect first now. That used to be the whole franchise, raising guys for somebody else’s rotation. Good place to put a pension.
If I’m allowed to call him U Drewbanks, then I’m in… iHart had rock solid advanced stats playing for the Clippers IIRC. I don’t think Eubanks does. In any event, I appreciate you posting the video!
On the surface, the big disappointment on the roster for me right now is Pacome Dadiet, although there aren’t any guys drafted between him and Kolek that were all that, and lots of guys actually wanted us to draft Kolek at 24 or 25. I just thought that Dadiet would be able to shoot, but he has struggled at every level. He only just turned 21 but waiting for him to develop is seeming more and more like a waste of a non-minimum roster spot.
Unless there’s a miraculous improvement in his shooting in the next 2 months, I’d be mildly surprised if he’s still on the roster by opening day, and shocked if he’s here past the trade deadline.
The caveat in my comparison of Eubanks and iHart is that in the former case, we are looking for a 3rd C on a minimum deal, whereas with iHart, we signed him to a guaranteed 2-year deal at $8+M AAV (equivalent to clost to $12M AAV today) with the expectation that he would play a very prominent role and had significant upside. I’m saying that he has similarities in his game to iHart…the Temu version, if you will.
If no one else shakes loose, not going to complain if Eubanks signs for the minimum as our 3rd big. TBH rather have had Huk, but Drew very well may deliver more momentum-shifting plays (ala a (very) poor man’s Mitch on the offensive glass put back), which might be the most valuable attribute a 3rd big brings. Leon values locker room fit, so if he does sign, Hart is onboard, which means something.
Dammit, you beat me to it, DS
Konchar was once pt’s Mathurin, so hoping it works out for them here
The Knicks have the TP-MLE and can pay slightly more than the vet minimum for players with up to 6 years of service.
“Konchar was once pt’s Mathurin, so hoping it works out for them here”
It’s been pretty much established that we can’t sign both of them.
pt shouldn’t command more than the vets minimum
Ewbank is clearly not the answer.
I’m not sure that the team is good enough to win it back to back without improving and I think Leon knows this so he’s keeping powder dry.
There has to be a material higher risk/reward trade(s) simmering on backburner.
I would rather he use the powder now. We won’t be more likely to win when Deuce is either gone or paid, and everyone is older.
Speaking of Deuce, after EB smartly corrected me that Rui Hachimura is not a good comp, I ended up finding a really good one: Isaiah Joe.
Joe’s taller than Deuce and he’s somewhere between a little and a lot better than him in pretty much every statistical category, and he’s at 4 years/$48M.
I maintain Deuce is not getting “PAID” and we should be able to afford him.
I still believe Deuce is more likely to get around the mid-level, i.e. more than we’re willing to pay him, and so he’ll be traded. If you’re right and the offers are around what he’s making now, Hubie, that would be great, but I consider it highly unlikely assuming he plays like he did last year when he wasn’t hurt. Leon will certainly find out, and based on history, will trade him if he feels it’s a Quickly or Grimes situation.
Hear you. We don’t know what we dont know… but think we must give him some rope here…at least until the deadline.
Posts crossed – but even if you’re now giving a higher number than you were, Hubie, how do we afford that?? We’re up against the apron as is.
I also think Leon should wait until closer to the deadline and we can only repeat if we get better. Going to be hard to do with Mitch gone but that is why Leon should be patient. Although he should bring some more bigs into camp and maybe we use a G-Leaguer or 2way until we can make that move.
I’m also holding out that he’s got some scout overseas who’s working to find the center version of Prigs and bring him over here. Some veteran polished guy who would be a great back up and wants to give the NBA a shot.
Grateful that Hubert’s post forced me to finally find out who Isaiah Joe actually is. And he’s correct, outside of assists/blocks/steals, Joe is better than Deuce at most of the other things. Who knew.
I think a lot of the future maneuverability comes down to KAT, and to a lesser extent Hart, and what kind of extension they’re willing to take. KAT’s current contact was 4 years/$220M, Hart’s was 4 years/$80M. Would they accept 5/$250M and 4/$72M? That saves the team $7M AAV per year and pays them through their age 37 seasons.
You can keep your powder dry AND sign a vet’s minimum guy, so long as that guy can be traded with a second with nothing coming back after December 15, or packaged with someone for a larger salary. Eubanks seems like one of those types.
Dolan seems to think KAT & Hart should pay for it by taking less money.
I think Dolan should pay for it and am ready to hang him in effigy if he doesn’t change his tune in a year.
The second apron is still a soft cap, no matter what anyone tells you.
Bondy speculated that KAT will extend for 4/180, but I’m not sure if that would be after his player option year or instead of it.
I’m not sure that I am. Joe’s worth $12M and he’s bigger and better than Deuce. He also signed his contract in 2024 before the squeeze began. ~$10M still seems right for Deuce.
But you have to offer that soon. If you let him get to free agency the price will go up.
Facts!!! – If that idiot Ballmer owned this team, can you imagine the checks he would be willing to write fresh after those comeback euphoria wins and celebrity friends he just made.
It’s got to be something like the social network where Director was the Eduardo Saverin & Ballmer was the Sean Parker.
Either that or they dated the same girl.
(Or he just worked for MSFT in the 00’s and hated his boss, but I like the other ones better.)
As much as I love Deuce, I can’t imagine a team wanting him as a starter. But as a high-end sub, I could see him getting between 10 and 14 mil AAV on the open market.
I guess we could keep him around if KAT/Hart take less money, but a useful bench big still might be more necessary.
But if you’re another team, is it really that urgent you lock up Deuce this year via trade rather than wait for free agency? I’m thinking probably not. He’s not Melo or anything.
So maybe a trade would have to involve our young guys, particularly Diawara, to bring in another center?
Joe is getting paid $12M. I’m not sure that’s his worth. OKC had Joe under contract for $2.1M option. Part of the negotiation was declining that option.
He effectively got 3 extra years for $15M/yr and skipped the risk of a down year to get the guaranteed money.
Without that leverage, Joe probably holds out for a better offer.
Joe is 2 inches taller but Deuce has 30lbs on Joe.
Deuce is 53rd in 4yr RAPM. When Joe signed his deal, he ranked 161st.
When we first had this conversation, you guessed $6-$8 million. So you’ve already revised it up. I still think the non-taxpayer mid-level is a good baseline.
Even at $12M, we need KAT or Hart to opt out and take a payout next year for more guaranteed money.
If KAT does take 4/180 starting next year, we could make Deuce fit. But that’s a $16M pay cut for KAT in that first season.
Dolan’s going to pay or Dolan’s going to pay.
He got away with his meddling this summer in the court of public opinion because everyone was delirious and no one understands the second apron. He also had good cover because Mitch has injuries, can’t hit free throws, and had the broken pinky on the eve of the finals.
He will not have that cover with Deuce. And if he cries poor when we’re not coming off a championship, he’s not going to have enough security at MSG to throw out all the people who are agitating him.
dang owen, heard you smoked out sabalenka at the open…
control yourself sir…
Huh?
Strangely, I have never smoked weed other than one friendly fire incident, where it’s fair to say I might have gotten a little high. Was at the Open today, much better vibe with the roof open. Pegula and Leylah had a really fun second set but I kind of wanted to be at Paul-Bublik. That was the one to see with Alcaraz rolling to an easy victory.
This Walter stuff is wild if Pablo can be trusted.
And I trust Pablo.
good for you owen, always assumed no drugs/alcohol/stimulants/depressants was the way to go…
just lack the courage to discover the truth of it…
man, pablo torre better have a remote start car…shoot will probably need a food tester here shortly…
that dude is seriously out there big game hunting…very cool to see…
saw somewhere today that it was olympia who convinced her mom to go out there and play some tennis with auntie VeVe…
them old head williams sisters just put on a heck of a show in their second set to draw even…
let’s see if they gas, or actually get a good rhythm going…serena’s had a few nice moments towards the end of the set…except the double fault on set point…oh well…
Heck of a first round doubles match. Olympia might be on to something
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