The Knicks Fix

As much as I would like to believe that Zach could be shipped off to the Cavs, I highly doubt Cleveland will deal with the Knicks before the summer of 2010. Because even the smallest of deals could lead to a bigger deal and a bigger deal that gives the Knicks a better team or cap flexibility. I just don't see anyone in the Cavs management agreeing to a deal, knowing well that LeBron is the apple of Walsh's eye.

An excellent point Tim - if they are thinking of helping the Knicks in this way (surmising it is Randolph), this could also be an indication that they are VERY confident he will re-sign....

Curry could work quite well for them, maybe better - nice fella, a load inn the post, and he evens out Varejao and Wallace. I think LeBron is mature enough and charismatic enough to work Curry up into a good teammate. If I'm the Cavs, and thinking bargains, Curry is a no-brainer. Could be Curry they are looking at.

I don't know how well Curry works with Lebron, Willis. His unispiring play and lack of work ethic would drive Lebron crazy. Lebron also loves dominating the ball and playing in the open court, having two fat guys in Curry and Big Z clogging up the post and the paint probably wouldn't be a good idea for a guy who loves to drive the lane like Lebron. At least Zach can play on the wing. Mike Brown also has a move the ball philosophy in which everyone has to make the extra pass, not exactly Curry's forte. Zach is a better passer than he showed last year, when he wants to be of course.

I think Zach and his jump shot and rebounding ability plays better next to Big Z. When motivated he also is a pretty hard worker (on the court and in the post of course). Zach's D is bad but Curry is terrible. If I'm the Cavs I take the gamble on Zach.

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

let me start by saying:
THIS WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE!
I would much much much much rather trade Zach straight up for Wally then Ben, but if it had to take Ben then i would. I think the Cavs are very confident they can resign Lebron(eventhough they shouldnt be) so dealing with us wouldnt concern them in the least. I think this deal makes sense for both teams, the Knicks need to rebuild and reload and the Cavs are prolly one player away from being serious contenders..

If I am DW I stay on the phone until we make something happen, hell throw in DLEE and get this thing done..After all most of us said we would throw in DLEE to get rid of some garbage.

This is excting we finally have a chance to get out of this hole.

PLEASE DW MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!

Keeping 2010 alive
with some Bulljive

The cavs dont care about us having caproom because they understand that only winning will attract the top players like Lebron.He is not going to start over so unless we can win some games over the next two years it doesnt matter how much money we have we wont have a real shot at Lebron.

The cavs would be all over that deal as it now gives them a nice trio(Lebron,Zach,Mo williams) who can put up numbers and they would be surrounded by scrappy defensive players like Varejo and spot up specialists like Gibson.Randolph to the Cavs make them the favs in the east even over Boston.

Marbury is as good as gone .Walsh is trying to get back some of Dolans dough before he lets him leave. Marbury will be told he is Duhons backup and asked to get carry his bags around lol and marbury will PAY to leave . After all the offseason work hes claiming to be putting in once he realizes that hes not gonna get minutes and wont start he will give up 5-6 million to be set free. Walsh is ol skool and knows this .....

I think it works for both teams if the Knicks get Wallace. To me, Wallace is basically done. But he's not so terrible that he can't play some defense along side either Curry or Lee. Plus, even though Randolph is young and IMHO underrated at this point, we don't really need him that much as long as we have Lee who fits a little better with Curry. Randolph has the better outside game than Lee, but Lee works harder, may still improve a little, is faster, and plays more efficiently. It's really a close call between those two.

Wow Alan thanks for the info. I knew it was about Zach.
That would actually make sense for the Cavs because they could use Zach down low and I also think Zach would play 2nd fiddle to the King down there in Cleveland with no problem.
I wonder how much validity this story has.
I hope it's true...even though I don't like Wally, he can shoot and like you said, you can never have enough shooters in this new system.
I'm not really sure about Ben Wallace. I think we would pull the trigger on the Wally trade before the Big Ben trade right?
Wallace isn't the same player he used to be.
He would be good next to Curry but that gives us 2 big men that can't shoot on the floor at the same time.
Yeah, I would prefer Wally.

If a deal for either of our big men goes through and we get Wally in return, instead of one of their bigs, we would seriously be lacking depth up front which probably means we'd see a lot of Jeffries at the 4. That would free up time for either Q, Wil or Gallinari. I'd have to support that move as it would help Wil or Gallo develop and it'd be an indication of the roles D'Antoni has in mind for these players.

Life - True, Zach is a better player, but is this a big move or a tweak? Curry's cheaper (they are going to have to pay LeBron soooooo much money) and I think big Z's days are numbered anyway, so I don't think any move is a looking at big Z as the starter going forward. looking for a big man can mean they are looking at post Z days. Maybe they are serious about putting Zach in the starting lineup. To me, any addition will be part of an ensemble cast anyway. Curry next to Varejao, Curry next to Wallace - never paired with Z, and never for more than 20 -25 minutes a night. And as for speed down the court, Curry is an upgrade over Z, actually, a manual typewriter would be an upgrade in speed over Z, so, never mind that last point.

I'm just thinking they would need at least three basketballs and six quarters of play to feed Mo, LeBron and Zach enough shots. Like you say, LeBron dominates the ball, Curry would be OK with being the third banana, Zach maybe not. Just an alternate theory.

Interesting how the thinking on Zach has shifted from the time of the Clipper's attempted robbery. Zach to the Cavs would make them the favorite in the East? From your mouth to God's ears - we're getting somewhere. Maybe Walsh knows what he's doing. Ferry is a dumb ass, so you never know. We are not the only team to have suffered from dumb-assery, maybe Walsh is just waiting for the inevitable dumb-ass panic move by somebody else. Any interest in our players helps.

Zach's contract is not quite as restrictive for an owner as it looks on the surface.
2 million is in an incentive for making the allstar game... ( I have also seen it reported as 1 mil. )

On the business end (although it does not help with the cap) he has something rare, the maximum 30% that is allowed is in deferred payments
which might help sell it to ownership.

24 mil of his contract is paid over 6 years starting 2012 after the
contract officially ends.
About 8mil of that is the blazers' bill, about 5 mil so far the knicks.

Next year he makes 14.6 -2 since he is not going to the all-star game 12.6 on the cap. With $30% deferred they are writing checks for 8.8 mil

I can live with keeping Zach for some time but please dump Marbury no matter what! Us Knicks fans deserve a break from DistractionBury

That's what I'm talking about Laurel! Infor -freakin-mation!

May we retain your services for contract discussions in the future, Laurel _______......I didn't catch your last name - might it be....Walsh? (Dr. Evil pinkie to the corner of mouth)

Good point and info Laurel but I think owners and GMs are more worried about the ramifications on the salary cap of bringing Zach in. Hard to add other players and stay under the cap with his huge contract on the books even if the payments are deferred.

Willis, I saw that stuff about how Zach would take other teams to the next level and remembered how Knick fans felt the same way while Portland fans clapped and cheered to get rid of him. Ferry is an inept GM (I'm being kind) so DW should really look to trade with him and the GMs in Memphis, Minn. Miami, Chicago and Dallas are probably heading into panic mode soon too. Zach will find a home and hopefully we get something better than a 2nd round pick or Wally freakin Sczerbiak..

I have to say after watching Marc Gasol play I can't belive Memphis traded Kevin Love and Mike Miller. If they couldn't succeed with Paul Gasol how is Marc an upgrade over him. Love would have been a great fit next to Marc Gasol and they also sent away their best 3 pt shooter for yet another PG (although a supremely talented one). I think his plan is to use all his cap room for 2009 but who would want to go to that team. He is going to have to overpay for mediocre talent like Chicago had to do with Ben Wallace and we did with Duhon, unless somehow Mayo is a stud as a rookie, Rudy Gay turns into a #1 option, and Marc Gasol dominates down low. We need to sucker this guy before he gets fired but I have a feeling Pat riley talks him into taking Haslem for one of their many PGs which would be a very good trade for both teams.

Don't forget Zach already played with Z before.
So he won't have to go through that much of a transition.'

Make it happen Donnie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its highly unlikely the Cavs will help the Knicks get under the cap in 2010, and its also unlikely that the Cavs view Randolph as the missing piece.

Other sources have reported that the Cavs interest is in Rose, as a solid backup.

While it would be great to trade Zach for an expiring, it might be too much to ask this year. Maybe next when the contract only has two years to run, rather than three.

@laurel....thanks for the impressive info, it's amazing that, considering all of the research and knowledge in this room, no one here knew any of this.

@knick4...i'm glad to see that you've softened a bit on the "trade zach for a 2" idea.

@ bulijive....really, you'd throw lee into the deal too just to get it done? check your meds dude.

@willis...i agree that ferry is a dumb-ass, but he does have a ticking clock there. contrary to the view expressed in here that this looks like an expression of confidence from the cavs that they can resign lbj, i suspect this is a win-now-or-never move. there is no way lebron is staying in cleveland his entire career, not with the crazy endorsement money that is available to him in a big market (new york, europe?).

ferry has one great chip to trade, Szczerbiak, he's got one year in which to do it, and he's got 2 years left with lbj. the cavs need exactly what zach has to offer: a guy you can go to for an easy bucket when lebron is playing 1 on 4. we are not talking about building for the future here, they have no future, and ferry knows it.

this is a move i thought the lakers should make, but indeed i think it makes sense for the cavs too. they do have a legitimate shot to win the east if they make this trade, they don't if they don't.

now for the ultimate fixer fantasy. throw marbury, big ben and a sign and traded delonte west into the mix!

We've been saying here this summer that Stephon Marbury's days with the Knicks will be soon over. This point was echoed by the Boston Globe on Sunday.
Posted by Alan Hahn on August 18, 2008 11:37 AM

Alan is a real insider now! Like his Balkman odd man out article,
above is Alan's way of saying Bye Bye Marbury.....he indeed knows what's going down! Man, Isola and Lupica are gonna hate you!
Alan get a restraining order against Berman! LOL

We need to keep Marbury for his expiring contract. Keep in mind we don't clear cap space by a Marbury buyout. We only gain a roster spot. We can trade him during the year or let his salary go off our cap which i suggest. We ain't going to win this year. So why trade to add to the roster.

Ok sec your right...lets resign David Lee and keep Zach and suck for the next 5 years you moron.

Its like you idiots forgot that we are the biggest laughing stock in the history of the nba...its not gonna change because of a coach..you have to get rid of people and start over

chill bulijive,

everyone here wants to dump these crummy contracts, but there is no need to throw lee in to the mix with that deal. i have been a major advocate of dealing lee sooner than later, inasmuch as we will not be in position to overpay for him when he becomes a free agent in a year.

lee is a valuable assett, perhaps our most valuable. you don't just "throw DLEE in".

"moron".

sec 11: I'm not "softening" on trading Zach for a 2nd round pick because I liked the idea of the huge trade exemption we would have gotten as well as the pick. We could have used that to get Josh Smith this year or Boozer next year in a sign and trade.

If the plan (which I don't like) is to dump salary to get under the cap in 2010 then we should have made that trade. If that is the plan we should be dumping these guys now before their value decreases in a running system. I get where you are coming from with buying low and selling high I'm just not confident that Zach's value will increase. Crawford, Nate, Chandler, Lee, Q-Rich, maybe even Curry's value will increase if he can lose weight. Zach's offense game is premised upon him facing up and holding the ball. Would work in Cleveland who are more 1/2 court, I don't know about NY. We shall see though I hope I'm wrong.

And no way LBJ plays with Marburry, they hate each other. That trade would never happen.

Charlie Murphy did a segment on Bulljive, you gotta watch the Chapelle show extra where he talks about the guy who called everybody a "moron". Funny stuff. Your right though Bulljive Lee is probably a goner.

I'd take Wally for an extra roster spot next year plus cap space.
But the Cavs would be crazy to do it.

Amen on thew registration process.

Zach is one more night club fight away from being Pacman Jones...Yes you throw in david lee to get it done because thats how important it is to get an overpaid Tupac off the team.

keeping 2010 alive
with bulljive

What was our record last year?

Oh and the year before??

Wake up

Concerning Marbury, I believe that Boston actually WANTS him on their team. Just think, a motivated Marbury playing for an already loaded Celtics team? He'd be a perfect fit. They'd immediately pick him up for nothing. It would also make the Knicks looks like fools for releasing a guy would could possibly be the key to the Celtics repeating.

No one seems to mention that we should try to avoid helping the Cavs if we want to sign Lebron in 2010. There are other 2010 prospects to sign, but if Zach ended up playing well with the Cavs, and they could somehow make it back to the finals they are just one more trade away from LeBron not needing to leave Cleveland. Sure, it most likely won't happen but you shouldn't be giving LeBron Zach and David Lee and expect for him to not try to win with that team. If LeBron wanted to be in a big market over his hometown he would have done it already. I think it would mean a bit more if he could win a championship in Cleveland if he could and so we should be careful.

David - interest in Malik Rose is much more realistic - where did you hear the Rose talk?

I've been wondering when people around the league would get around to Malik Rose. Last year of his contract, consummate pro, always ready to fill the breach for 15 - 20 minutes a game. Rose for a draft pick, or an interesting player on his rookie contract. How much does Delonte West want? The guy is tough, a pest, would he take a two year deal like Duhon in a sign and trade for Malik? Would you make him part off the core going forward?

One thing that is going to be interesting this year is to see D'Antoni doing his thing with a point guard who can defend. One of the supposed truisms of D'Antoni's system was that its just duck and chuck and forget about playing D. All I have heard from the coaches (his brother in Summer League) the players and Walsh is that the team intends to defend. They were coached to play D in Las Vegas, and every player when asked about what they will do this year, said some variation of "defend, cause turnover's, run." If you look at what the Redeem Team is doing this year, its all about harassing the dribble, getting into passing lanes, turning the ball over for dunks. Not saying we're going to defend the perimeter like D Wade and Kobe, but Duhon is supposed to do this kind of work. It will be refreshing to have a guy who tries to stop the ball before it gets in the paint.

I think a big part of "D'Antoni teams don't defend" had to do with the fact that Steve Nash can't defend. Alot of the problems the Suns had defensively had to do with the ease with which opposing point guards could run their offense or score on Nash. We won't be getting 10 assists a night from our point guard, but we also won't be getting 10 points a night from the opposition as they go around our point guard like a subway turnstile.

I also expect David Lee to become a competent shooter in this offense. The guy is diligent, he's had another summer to work on his stroke, and when you get the ball rotated to you in rhythm, the jumper is a much easier shot to make. As we had no offense last year, Lee's attempts were often on dead balls where he was staring at the basket wondering if indeed it was his turn to shoot. This should change.

In reading all these solid posts and thinking about whether or not to trade Zach, and if so, for what, I'm actually starting to sympathize with Walsh's desire to see what he has under a new coach and system. Right now, its hard to say what he could be worth. I'd rather have Wally or Wallace then the cap-clogging ball hog of last season, but that's about all he'll bring in now. An its not like anyone really wants those players on the Knicks - its just that they are less toxic all around then Zach, his attitude and his contract. If he gets off to a better start in Sept., maybe he'll bring in better options.

Since Walsh seems to be looking long term, there are a few questions that are in play. Are the Knicks serious about being a max deal under the cap in 2010, or are they just shooting for a more manageable payroll - is the LeBron/Wade/Bosh play Plan A? Do Walsh and D'Ant actually like Zach, or is it a smoke screen to not trash his value to potential trade partners? Do they really plan on being "competitive" this year, or are they thinking lottery? Is the upcoming season really a clean slate evaluation period for the roster or is Walsh just biding his time? I think there is a basic plan and moves are going to fit into it, but its hard to say what those will be without knowing the plan.

The other problem is that the roster is so mediocre that any move created huge holes. Just dumping the bums won't bring improvement - the Knicks need an upgrade at most positions to be a serious playoff team. And swapping Zach for Wally does nothing to change that. Walsh's real challenge is to find talent somewhere, which is why I like any trade that includes a pick for the Knicks (Rose, perhaps?).

Bulljive,

So you would get rid of ZBo AND Lee for Wally ? Don't we have enough SF's on this team ? With Zach and Dave gone, who on the entire Knick roster do we have to fill the 4 spot or to just get us a rebound ? What good is a team full of shooters if we can't get a rebound to get the ball in their hands ? Cmon dude, think logically. The team has to have a rebounder.

Zach for Wallace would make alot of sense. Curry would get any touches he needs in the post and Wallace keeps order.

Looking at a Cavs thread over on ProSportsDaily, Cavs fans are bullish on Zach. They all think LeBron can control him and that Zach puts them over the top.

Zach to the Cavs would be great. Should get draft picks, not 1-dimensional over-the-hill rereads who can't play D like Szczerbiak. Knix need a power forward to bang with Bosh, Howard, Boozer, Bynam, Gasol, Artest, Garnet, etc.

Love this blog, Alan!

DTR

@JohnQ

What does it matter if you have rebounders or not, when you are going to go 24-60? Trade them fill in the holes with some scraps because we are gonna suck next year either way.

Then hope some of these guys opt out and even if they dont we have some cap room to make some moves in 09 and in 10.

Do you seriously think this team is a playoff contender?

If the answer is No(it should be) Then it doesnt matter who plays the 4 spot.

keeping 2009 alive(with a Zach trade)
with my bulljive

Trading Lee AND Zach to the Cavs for Wally would be crazy but I would do Zach for Wally and a pick straight up. Even Zach for Wallace would work and actually make us better.

I said it once before but will say it again, we should strongly consider bringing in Theo Ratliff for the veteran's minimum.

Theo Ratliff already signed with the Sixers.

The only way shuffling flawed players in and out makes sense is if there are salary reductions and/or picks coming the Knicks' way. So Zach to the Cavs for Wallace works if there is a pick thrown in. If Cleveland is really operating on the assumption that Zach and Mo Williams are going to provide the championship-caliber nucleus that will lock LeBron up long term, then Walsh should jump on this before Ferry sobers up or is fired.

Jive,

I understand your point man, but you'd be creating a new hole in our team. Aren't we trying to fill in the holes instead of creating new ones ?

Look, anyone who thinks LeBron is going to leave his HOMETOWN Cavs needs to put the crack-pipe down. Wade is our target.

Anyone who thinks we should trade Marbury is dumber than Isiah. LET HIS CONTRACT EXPIRE! Thats $21M off the books! We would have to take back $21M in a trade (and probably LONG-TERM contracts at that). This makes sense, how? CUT HIM!

Zach for Ben! Wallace's contract expires in the Knick-of-time, and he fits our needs perfectly. As of now, Lee is the only Big on the bench. I'd love to see Lee get consistant minutes for the first time in his career (Frye, Z-Bo). He's put up impressive numbers as a reserve, but he's only been a reserve so we don't know if he's worth big money or not. Say he develops into 15pts 12rbs with solid TEAM D (not to be confused with lock-down-1-on-1-D) If we keep using him only as a backup how do we know?

Curry
Lee
Chandler
Crawford
Duhon
=======
Big Ben
Gallo
Nate
Q
Jeffries
Roberson
Rose

I've made many trade suggestions for the Knicks at NBA Gauntlet, but Randolph or Curry for Ben Wallace might work well for everyone.

I agree also about trading Zach for Wallace. Yesterday I said it would give us 2 bigs that can't shoot but I thought about it and he does address our rebounding needs and clogging up the middle needs. I say trade Zach for Ben but a pick has to be thrown in. Cleveland will not have a lottery pick for a while but we need all the talent we can get.
I think Donnie and Danny will make this deal it's just a matter of when. Whoever thinks they are talking about sending Rose is silly. Nobody wants Rose...even if he has an expiring contract. Only way Rose get's traded is if he is included as a second or third piece. I agree with the poster that thinks we should just let Marbury come off the books at the end of the year and not trade him. If we are going to do anything we should just buy him out but I say let him play and then walk at the end of the season.

Just saw that Ratliff signing. Damn, he would have been a good fit off the bench.

With all of Zach's baggage it would be a steal if we got Wallace and a pick for him. I don't think Cleveland is that stupid. I think Zach helps Cleveland but defense wins championships. The reason Sheed worked in Det (until now that is) is because he actually is a really good defender and has been since college, even though he spaces out from time to time. Zach would really hurt what that team does defensively but they would be much, much improved on offense. I think they should do the deal but for everyone who thinks that would make them the team to beat and Lebron would never leave because now he has . . . Zach Randolph and Maurice WIlliams is crazy.

I'm with you Willis on Delonte West by the way, I'm a big fan of his game and he was big for Cleveland in the playoffs. He is also a good defender. That would destroy our precious 2010 plan though so I doubt it happens.

@JOHNQ

The biggest hole we need to fill is that money pit that we continue to throw dead money into on guys like zach,Q,Curry,Steph,jerome James,Jeffries,Duhon,crawford,malik rose need i go on?

There isnt holes on this team to be filled the team is a big black whole.

Rumor going around that Newsday's Knicks beat writer will get a job with Sports Illustrated next week. Or maybe it was the National Enquirer? Nah, probably People magazine. Could've been Home Depot? Never can keep these things straight.

Discuss.

Life - West's contract would be a problem, but not if other contracts go. Let's say you do shoot for D Wade, no need for Crawford or his contract. West and D Wade would be formidable defensively, Wade could handle any two guard in the league, and Delonte could chase the PG, allowing Wade to conserve energy for stirring the drink on the offensive end.

Remember, Zach's isn't the only contract that's going to go. I would do Crawford for draft picks and Rookie scale contracts/expiring contracts. I'd live with Nate as the shooter, guarding pg's and Duhon at the point checking the shooting guard for a while. D'Antoni can make freaky s#!t happen.

"I've always had this opinion about Z-Bo: he's a better player when he's on a good team. When he's in a losing situation, Zach tends to go for self."

So, Zach Randolph has exhibited his best efforts when he plays on a winning club, huh? Nice theory.

Just one slight problem, though. Zach's never played significant minutes for a winning club.

During Zach's first two seasons in the league, he played on winning teams in Portland. The Jail Blazers went 49-33 in 2001-02, Zach's rookie year. During that campaign, Zach played a whopping 5.8 minutes a night, never started a single contest, and appeared in just 41 of the team's 82 games. The Lakers swept Portland in three straight in the first round of the playoffs.

In his sophomore season, 2002-03, Zach 16.9 minutes per night and appeared in 77 of 82 games, including 11 starts, as the Jail Blazers finished 50-32. The Mavs needed the full seven to top Portland in the first round of the postseason.

Beginning in 2003-04, Zach moved into the starting lineup, first in Portland and then, last season, on the Island of Misfit Toys. In five years, Zach has NEVER played on a winning team and NEVER made the playoffs.

Zach Starts, Team Loses
Season Record PPG
03-04 41-41 20.1
04-05 27-55 18.9
05-06 21-61 18.0
06-07 32-50 23.6
07-08 23-59 17.6

So it's nice, cute really, for a writer to have the opinion that Zach Randolph is a better player on a winning team. Problem is, the facts show that Zach Randolph has NEVER played significant tick for a winning team. When Zach starts, his team LOSES. For five straight seasons and counting.

For a writer to make such an analogy (get out your dictionaries) is a bit like noting how wonderful it is to see the sun rise in the west and set in the east every day. Unfortunately, it NEVER happens.

Mr. Zell, please call your sports department. This is embarrassing to you and the hedge funds that own a share of your firm. Even GAAP (see accounting regulations) requires more common sense that your writer's (lack of) effort.

"Some of you who also visit the Yankees blog on our site might have noticed a change in the comments area that will soon be the standard on all Newsday blogs. To put an end to "trolling" and you bold "anons" who try to dominate the conversations or cause trouble, we will require all commenters to go through a one-time and FREE registration so you can be identified (and dealt with personally...it's only fair right? You know who I am and know where to find me...now I'll know who you are and how to find you.)."

Would this be an attempt to silence those "bold 'anons' " who point out that the Newsday Knicks' beat writer called Jamal Crawford a "one-dimensional player" who does everything (sic) except play defense?

Or an attempt to mute those "bold 'anons' " who note that while the Newsday Knicks' beat writer believes that Zach Randolph is a "better player when he's on a good team," Randolph has never played significant minutes for a winning team and, further, than in the five seasons that Randolph has started, his club has never had a winning record and, in fact, posted four straight horrendous losing seasons?

Sounds like Newsday wants to protect its Knicks beat writer and foster plenty of group think? Or Crip and Blood thug/mob mentality?

In the interest of fairness, though, it's good to know that Newsday blogs will offer the thoughtful insights of such clearly defined and identified individuals who carry screen names such as:

Peaceman (is that Peaceman Peaceman or just, like Sting and Prince, just Peaceman?);

Bulljive;

Knicks4Life;

DaJoka; and,

Italian Stallion.

Love to see each of these fine American's birth certificate. None of them is a Scientific Mapp, but their moms and (probably not) dads certainly got creative when handing out name's on the day of birth.

Be sure to delete this post, Mr. Hahn. After all, such accuracy has no place on a Newsday blog site. Only rigorous agreement and blind obedience must be permitted, the First Amendment be darned..

love delonte west. expand the deal, zack and rose for a signed west and Szczerbiak./wallace.

as for 2010 cap space, it will be there because crawford will certainly opt out next year, and marbury, rose, wallace/Szczerbiak. will be off the books. we might even be able to sign lee when crawford opts out.

@bruno...given the option, you'd have to trade marbury for mello. i don't see any other max contracts out there (that might become available) i'd be interested in taking on, but this one would be near impossible to turn down. always better the bird in hand my friend.

Wade is another guy who can't stay healthy. Supreme talent but I hate giving max money to guys who only give you 60 games a year. He is a guy who you can build a team around though so I wouldn't complain, and would actually be excited if we threw our money at him. We may have to rebuild our team a little bit though because he and Chandler (and Danillo from the brief stretch I saw) can't stretch a D with 3's, and both love to slash to the hoop so we would need some spot up shooters. I like that idea but the comments I have heard from Wade make me less optimistic he will ever leave Miami.

If we threw Bosh the money and pitched NYC with the way he loves attention I think he is a great fall back option to Lebron and Wade. If JO doesn't work out up there he may be frustrated enough to walk away.

Alan, I'm sorry about my recent outburst.
I didn't mean to talk about anybody's mothers.
I was actually born from a monkey and a pitbull so I may be a little hard to understand at times. Please forgive me.
However, I stand by what I said about Zach.
Peaceman
DaJoka
Bulljive
Ittalion Stalion
Please accept my apology.
What is this white stuff on my lips?
I'll be right back.............

To all Fixers - judging from the outbursts above, it appears that the registration plan has struck a nerve. Although I generally ignore Anon and his self-indulgent and repetitive drivel, I must admit that the thought of leaving him alone to fester with his Tourettes-like outbursts makes me chuckle.

To all Fixers - judging from the outbursts above, it appears that the registration plan has struck a nerve. Although I generally ignore Anon and his self-indulgent and repetitive drivel, I must admit that the thought of leaving him alone to fester with his Tourettes-like ravings makes me chuckle.

Sorry about the repost - hopefully the new system will finally solve some of the technical problems here as well as provide a measure of parasite control.

This makes sense for both teams ... Knicks shed some fat now and more when 2010 comes along. Cavs get some more needed scoring help, players seem to buy into a program when there is a true super star on the team. I think LeBron could get the most out of either Zach or even Curry.

If Lebron can get the Cavs to the Finals with what they had, plus they almost took out the Celtics ... might just be enough to get them to the next level.

I wouldnt bet on Crawford opting out there just is not that many teams available with the cap space to offer him a big deal.If he has a good year he will look for an extension from us and probably get it.

Unless we somehow can put a decent team on the floor the next two season we wont be getting any lebrons or Wades. Why would they leave their current situations to start over with us ? They both will be in position to attract their Olympic teammates as both teams will have capspace available so why start over when they can be trying to get Amare or Melo or Bosh to join them in their current cities .

What I dont like is this entire 2010 thing is turning into a derby to see who will be granted position to offer guys who have not shown they can lead a team anywhere(cept Lebron) almost 20 mil per year.

We need to rebuild while maintaining cap flexibility and using it responsibly

I still doubt that Cleveland would do anything to help the Knicks steal LeBron away from them in 2 years. They know that if they're able to dump Zach, they'll have an easier time doing that...

Even if they wouldn't want to admit that, they'd have to at least consider it.

Anyone else catch Mike D on the Boomer Esiason show? It's sounding like he's preparing himself to have Zach and Eddy on his roster...

Got linked to this story on cavs.com so I thought I would help you knicks fans out with the perspective of a cavs fan. Ferry has said multiple times that Wallace is one of the core players he wants to go forward with (which of course includes TheBron, Z and Boobie). And you know that the moment mike brown took over at head coach in cleveland hes been foaming at the mouth for a guy like Wallace to be his bigtime inside presence.

Keep in mind that Wallace never really learned the Defense last year as he was just thrown into the mix with only 1 team practice last year and still performed at our expectations. Plus, Wallace's contract expires in 2010 which is the year we resign TheBron (fingers crossed) which could bring in a gigantic "stay in cleveland" incentive free agent like D-wade or something (also, fingers crossed). And lastly, we love Wallace in Cleveland, He brings a hard hat and lunch pal to the court every day. So dispel the Wallace to Knicks rumors right now.

As far as Wallyworld going to the knicks its much more likely but still not very likely. As any GM who's worth his salt knows, an expiring contract goes up in value as the season goes on. No team is going to admit to "rebuilding" a franchise when they are trying to get people to buy season tickets and would much rather pick up an expiring right before the trade deadline when they know for sure their season has gone kaput. Im an NBA fan so I sort of know the situation in New York, but Im not going to pretend to be an expert on your situation, but im pretty sure even your new front office would go on a fire-sale before the season starts.

I look at the cavs using the Wallyworld contract much in the same way we used Larry Huge's contract and picking up some nice pieces mid season. So, I dont think Wally is going to happen either.

So, with the rumors flying around, who do I think will be packing their bags for the biggest of apples? Probably Delonte West in a sign and trade.

With MoBang coming to cleveland and Boobie backing him up he just doesnt fit anywhere, its hard to keep a guy like delonte sitting on the bench and as much as I love delonte in Cleveland, I would much rather see him go somewhere else and have a great career.

In this story you mention getting rid of Marbury somehow, which would basically hand the keys over to an unproven duhon, which could go south very fast. Bringing Delonte into New York would bring some proven talent, guts, and some great perimeter defense to a team that, God knows, needs it.

Also, while you are at it, take Sasha Pavlovich off our hands. I hate him, he stinks, he wont play defense, hes lazy and he has delusions of grandeurs on offense (mostly taking shots when he shouldn't (aka. All of them)). But if D'antoni could turn him around it would be proof positive of coach of the year (or century) honors.

but anyway, in summation, its probably going to be a sign and trade with Delonte West and someone else thrown in (maybe a future pick) if there is any truth to this rumor at all. Jamal Crawford would be the best fit for the cavs since we have 0 talent at the 2 in cleveland, but since the rumor is for a big man I would have to say it will be for Zach Randolph not Curry. We've always rated Randolph pretty high in Cleveland since he seems to always waltz into town and kill the cavs.

Thanks for reading New York, and please stop looking at TheBron with googly eyes, its freaking us out.

I could see Curry and Marbury gone before the season starts. Although, Marbury will have a break out year with the Celtics and make us look stupid. As if that hasn't before. I say keep the squad even its mission impossible to win with. Crawford, Lee, and Randolph have the highest trade value. If any of those players plays semi pro we can trade them to clear more cap and get more draft picks for the future. Nate. Chandler, Gallanari, Q, Jefferies have to have an impact this year for us to be competitive.

Quote: In his sophomore season, 2002-03, Zach 16.9 minutes per night and appeared in 77 of 82 games, including 11 starts, as the Jail Blazers finished 50-32. The Mavs needed the full seven to top Portland in the first round of the postseason.

Not promoting Zach, but everything was not negative in portland and he did contribute a lot in that playoff series..

Blazers lost the first 3 games to the Mavs. Nellie was starting Dirk at SF
with LaFrentz and Bradley and Mo refused to match the big lineup.
In the 4th game Mo (finally) put Zach into the starting lineup moving 'Sheed
over to small forward and they won the next 3 and came within a couple of
clutch plays by NVE of becoming the first team to come back from down 0-3.

Zach off the bench
game one 4pts 4rbs L
Game two 3 pts 3 rbs L
game three 8pts 10 rbs L

Zach starting
game four 25pts (on 9-17) 15 rbs, W
game five 22pts (on 7-12) 9 rbs W
game six 21pts (on 6-10) 10 rbs W
game seven 14pts (on 5-12) 10 rbs L

The next season he was the MIP and then got the contract...

Quote sec11rowH
@laurel....thanks for the impressive info, it's amazing that, considering all of the research and knowledge in this room, no one here knew any of this.

Well I usually hang out on usenet...

about the contract:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1913969

He can make an additional $2 million if he is named to the All-Star team each year over the duration of the contract, putting him at $86 million, according to his agent, Raymond Brothers.

Paying Randolph the $84 million was a big concession for the Blazers, who on Oct. 29 were offering $72 million. However, the Blazers are deferring 30 percent of his contract ($25 million), which will be paid out over six years beginning in 2012, ESPN Insider Chad Ford reports.

wow, thats an ugly, ugly contract. I dont think any team would take that on now that I look at it. Especially since it extends beyond 2010. Forget about it, its not going to be randolph. Maybe DLee is the big man the cavs are after.

Zach starting
game four 25pts (on 9-17) 15 rbs, W
game five 22pts (on 7-12) 9 rbs W
game six 21pts (on 6-10) 10 rbs W
game seven 14pts (on 5-12) 10 rbs L

The next season he was the MIP and then got the contract...
Posted by Laurel | August 19, 2008 19:14

Good post! We need Zach to play like that and we might be
better than what I thought! Who knows....maybe if Marbury
is humble, ( A stretch) and backs up the X-factor known as Duhon ......we might see daylight. I agree that Boston would
take a released Marbury and Marbury would thrive on that team,
making us look like fools again. Imagine the Celtics wining again
with Marberman and we are paying them to do it????

Alan, now you get your "tips" from the Boston Globe. I guess it sounds better than taking credit for old news alreday written and posted in the Daily News and NY Post. Be glad your new boss is a dope. Too bad Dolan has no clue otherwise he could throw you a bone every so often.

Quote Peaceman wow, thats an ugly, ugly contract. I dont think any team would take that on now that I look at it. Especially since it extends beyond 2010.

Owners like keeping a third of the money for several years. It is off the cap then and you can make a lot off investing it meanwhile.

That report says he had to be an all-star for 6 years to get one 2 mil incentive bonus. I have understood it as it is a yearly incentive of 2 mil if he makes the AS game. That would make the total 74 mil.

The way they were handing out max contracts that summer to players like AK47 I think Nash was worried about having to match a full max perhaps frontloaded or trade bonuses added.

Five seasons:
Zach Starts, Team Loses
Season Record PPG
03-04---41-41---20.1
04-05---27-55---18.9
05-06---21-61---18.0
06-07---32-50---23.6
07-08---23-59---17.6

Four games:
Zach starting
game four 25pts (on 9-17) 15 rbs, W
game five 22pts (on 7-12) 9 rbs W
game six 21pts (on 6-10) 10 rbs W
game seven 14pts (on 5-12) 10 rbs L

Laurel,
You've got Zach Randolphs' four games, one of them a loss, played in 2003. I've got Fat Zach's five seasons. Failure in each and every one of them.

You want to match four games played in 2003 against five seasons?

You want to measure four games played in 2003 against 338 games played out of a possible 410 in the past five campaigns?

We've yet to discuss Fat Zach's arrest record, litany of well-earned criminal complaints, and in-season trips to strip clubs in Gary, Indiana.

You really belong on Wall Street, Laurel. With your level of reason and success, I suggest Bear Stearns or Lehman Brothers. With your creative applications of mathematics, statistics, and basic logic and your use of more BS than one can find in the entire state of Iowa or Peaceman's sordid credit history, you could make millions - before the SEC comes calling with 5-O, of course.

Four games in 2003 against 338 games since as a barometer of Zach Randolph's value?

Laurel, you really do need Hardy, Ollie, Stan, Jack Benny, Rochester, Jake, Elwood, my brother Darryl, my other brother Darryl, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chris Rock, Richard RIP Pryor, Gene Wilder, Eddie Murphy, John RIP Candy, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Robin Williams, everyone who's ever appeared on Saturday Night Live, and the exorcism of Johnny Carson to pull off the level of miraculous comedy to which you aspire.

levelandOG |quote

wow, thats an ugly, ugly contract. I dont think any team would take that on now that I look at it. Especially since it extends beyond 2010.

Owners like not paying a third of the money until after the contract ends. The 4 million not paid for another six year can be invested. The contract as far as the cap goes ends in 2010, when the money is paid has no cap effect.

If the incentive is how I remember it, 2 mil per year in incentive for an all-star appearance...as opposed to the story which says he had to be an all-star for 6 straight years to get one 2 mil bonus then the total was 74 mil.

I think Nash was worried with the way players like AK47 were getting max that summer Zach's offer sheet the next summer might be max with trade or signing bonuses that would make it worse.

Market value is a tricky thing...

@ cleveland OG...excellent contribution to the fixers nation, thank you for the perspective. i agree it is delonte that makes sense, not wallace, but i have to believe it is zach, certainly not curry or Dlee, though perhaps rose/jeffries.

@laurel...i continue to be impressed by your acumen.

@anonymous....i think i might miss your sad and pathetic little quips just a bit. every body needs a little virus.

@alan...your old i.t./submission problems are happening again.

it's a good trade.

zach randolph can play basketball, but it just isn't right for him in new york. keep curry. start lee at the 4. try and get wallace in return for randolph, as he'd provide the rebounding and shotblocking off the bench that we desperately need...unless he is a marbury type who balks at coming off the bench. if we were to keep marbury, i'd have him backing up crawford, unless he refuses this role. at which point you'd wave him.

wally would also be handy, but a first rounder would be ideal

starters:
5 Curry
4 Lee
3 Gallinari/Chandler
2 Crawford
1 Duhon

backups:
5 Wallace
4 Chandler/Gallinari
3 QRich
2 Marbury if he is up for it - if not, Roberson or Wally if we get him.
1 Nate

i think this is competitive.

According to Starberman the Rooster won't be running around his Hen house.............

The Italian Stallion's back is still not 100 percent.

Still resting an injured back he suffered during summer league in Las Vegas last month, New York Knicks first-round pick Danilo Gallinari has withdrawn from the Italian National Team, which kicks off today its Eurobasket Qualifier tournament vs. Serbia.

According to Gallinari's father, Vittorio, his 6-10 Italian prodigy will sit out all the games so he can be fully healthy when the Knicks kick off training camp in their new site Sept. 30 in Saratoga. Italy did not qualify for the 2008 Games so it must start the process of making it in 2012.

A source said Gallinari made the decision on his own, though the Knicks are relieved he is not playing and are appreciative considering they know how much playing for the Italian National Team means to him.

Let Donnie & Mike see how it all looks in camp before any decisions are made...

We have no where to go but up.

Anonymous quote:
Laurel,
You've got Zach Randolphs' four games, one of them a loss, played in 2003. I've got Fat Zach's five seasons. Failure in each and every one of them.

===
You brought up that playoff series, I was just expanding on it.
What did you not understand when I said "I am not promoting zach" and "Everything was not negative in Portland"?

That you only care to look at the negative is not my problem or lack of insight.

His first couple of years he was very young and playing behind Dale Davis, Sabonis, Rasheed and even Pippen. Just how is the blazers failure to get out of the first round Zach's while sitting on the bench? Because it fits your argument?

Then they blew up the team, what was left after implosion, and went to rebuilding, when he was the focus he had one pretty good year on a bad team with not much help. That can be said for lots of much better players than Zach. KG, Gasol and SAR and Brand for instance have all been on teams with the worst record in the league.

Then came the micro-fracture surgery.

You do not prove a thing by trying to beat down a good playoff series for him...one that they likely would have won if he had started the rest of the games... instead of Mo trying to have an badly injured and old Pippen guard Dirk...

Zach plays less than zero defense and has plenty of problems to whine about...and does not make his teammates better...but he is does have assets and I think would do well if he finds a team that fits. The knicks are not exactly an environment that promotes team effort...Playing with a great defender again like 'Sheed might help zach fill a role where he does provide wins... maybe not, but ranting on like there is not an iota of worth to him judging from the blazers win/loss record does not make it a bottom line of 5 years of zach's failure.

"Quite honestly we have had players on our teams before
that make Bonzi Wells look like Mary Poppins."
Hubie Brown

Anonymous quote:
Laurel,
You've got Zach Randolphs' four games, one of them a loss, played in 2003. I've got Fat Zach's five seasons. Failure in each and every one of them.

===
You brought up that playoff series, I was just expanding on it.
What did you not understand when I said "I am not promoting zach" and "Everything was not negative in Portland"?

That you only care to look at the negative is not my problem or lack of insight.

His first couple of years he was very young and playing behind Dale Davis, Sabonis, Rasheed and even Pippen. Just how is the blazers failure to get out of the first round Zach's while sitting on the bench? Because it fits your argument?

Then they blew up the team, what was left after implosion, and went to rebuilding, when he was the focus he had one pretty good year on a bad team with not much help. That can be said for lots of much better players than Zach. KG, Gasol and SAR and Brand for instance have all been on teams with the worst record in the league.

Then came the micro-fracture surgery.

You do not prove a thing by trying to beat down a good playoff series for him...one that they likely would have won if he had started the rest of the games... instead of Mo trying to have an badly injured and old Pippen guard Dirk...

Zach plays less than zero defense and has plenty of problems to whine about...and does not make his teammates better...but he is does have assets and I think would do well if he finds a team that fits. The knicks are not exactly an environment that promotes team effort...Playing with a great defender again like 'Sheed might help zach fill a role where he does provide wins... maybe not, but ranting on like there is not an iota of worth to him judging from the blazers win/loss record does not make it a bottom line of 5 years of zach's failure.

"Quite honestly we have had players on our teams before
that make Bonzi Wells look like Mary Poppins."
Hubie Brown