I’m back after some time off and pleased to see some activity and good discussion going on here in my absence. So rather than waste your time with pleasantries, let’s get right to it with some thoughts on the comments you posted.
I agree with David that there’s no rush for anyone to do anything with Artest at least until training camps open next month. Even then, Artest’s value won’t be as high as it will be at the trade deadline. But I think he’s overstating his opinion that Kobe “’simply won’t be traded.” I think it’s better than 60-40 that he won’t – maybe even 70-30. But don’t forget that Kobe holds all the cards. He could really throw the Lakers into chaos if he balks at showing up for camp in a few weeks. If he plays that card, all bets are off, and the Knicks are at least as well positioned as the Bulls are to make something happen. As Alan Hahn noted, Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune correctly pointed out that the Knicks will be major players in the Kobe situation as long as there is a Kobe situation.
As for the notion that acquiring Artest would overload the Knicks at a position where they are already “loaded,” I disagree. I tend to agree with Zdiddy, who points out that Artest is by far a better defensive 3 than anyone the Knicks currently have. And with Curry and Randolph not playing much D, they would be helped immensely by Artest’s defensive presence. He can defend the bigger 3s and some 4s in the post and also defend the perimeter. If you look at who the Knicks have to contend with in the East – LeBron, Pierce and KG, Carter, to name a few – Artest would draw the toughest assignment every night and hold his own.
Handcheck points out that there’s no reason the Kings can’t compete with Artest, Kevin Martin, Bibby, etc. I still think they’re trying to move Bibby, and if they do, you know Artest won’t be happy – unless he’s included in the deal. If Sac stays intact, where they stand in February will tell you everything you need to know about whether they are going to trade Ron. The most interesting thing he’s said to me this summer is that the only thing that really makes him angry is playing for a team that doesn’t believe it’s a championship contender. The Kings, as currently constructed, surely are not championship caliber. If they really struggle out of the gate, Artest will force his way out of there at the deadline – if it doesn’t happen sooner.
Since Kobe and Artest are dominating the discussion here, we should start a little contest. Give me the date you think either one will be traded, and to whom. Whoever is closest will receive the undying respect of everyone else on the blog.
While we’re at it, I’m also curious to get your thoughts on Team USA’s dominant performance in Las Vegas. There is no question they will be one of the two or three most intriguing stories next summer at the Beijing Olympics, where they will be heavily favored to bring home the gold. Tell me how you think this team compares to the ’92 Dream Team. You can take into account any categories you like, but I would propose experience, athleticism, and team chemistry as a starting point for any comparisons.
Keep up the good work. Only 28 days until the Knicks’ first practice in Charleston. I’ll leave you with one last question: Aside from the spare parts (Dickau and Jones), what player currently on the roster is least likely to be dribbling a ball in the College of Charleston gym on Oct. 2?
Comments (9)
well, does kelvin cato count? he's a free agent and obviously if you're two over the max of 15 players, you won't be resigning the seldom seen Cato.
If the spare parts you alluded to (Dan and Fred) are for some reason both kept, and the roster needed two cuts besides Cato, I'd say obviously Jerome James is deadweight and i'd try to move Nate, if not in a package, then for a future first round pick and some cash (perhaps get back some of the $2 million we gave each team in the league this year due to luxury tax penalties). Jerome has not had any shining moments in NYC since joining the knicks. he's not a knick warrior. Nate is perhaps the most phsyically talented on the team, but is also definitely the shortest and always seems to be looking for his shot.
with regards to team USA, i'm glad to see the team playing so well together. you got to give Jason Kidd credit for being a great point guard, but all the guys played well and it would be a bit dissapointing if they tinkered any further with the roster going into the olympics. i say keep it exactly as it is now. I know they are looking to add d wade and perhaps another big like boozer, but like charles oakley says "if it ain't broke, don't break it."
one last thing about the three position for new york. I think artest would improve the team, but I'm really curious to see what wilson chandler can do. ron artest is proven talent on the basketball court, particularly at the defensive end, but Wilson Chanlder could also turn out to be a a defensive stopper in this league. one thing isiah can hang his hat on is his draft record. Chandler doesn't have Balkman's shooting deficiencies either. 6'8" 230, and he can block shots and get steals. I didn't notice how much of a help defender he was during the summer league... He did say he wants to win rookie of the year this year...
Great blog, Ken, but I still maintain that there is no way Kobe gets traded this offseason. Although he could wreck havoc on the Lakers if he choose not to report, I have a feeling he's enjoying the good press he's been getting thanks to the USA's good showing recently. Thus, I think he'll bide his time, and not force the issue until next season.
And the one player who has the best chance of not being at Charleston is still Nate Robinson. He has some value thanks to his summer league play, and he has star power. However, i think Isiah wants more of a true point guard under development. And, I don't think Collins is any more than a 10 minute player on a quality team.
To win the ultimate respect of your Blog forever......Kobe will be traded Sept-13th- 2007 at 3:30 pm EST to the NETS in exchange for Sean Williams, Carter, Josh Boone and two protected first round picks!
How's that for precision down to the second? lol
Shaq files for divorce.
http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/225735.html
I think the Knicks should standpat for now...They finally have some good players and some very good prospects so they should not be in a hurry to trade or tear this team up...with that said, if the Kings offer Artest for a reasonable package such as Nate, Morris, and Rose, then I would quickly change my mind but we shouldn't give up the farm just yet...I actually like our young players (Summer Leage anyone?) for Artest because he could have a negative explosion at any time. However, if the Lakers offer Kobe, then they could have anyone on our eh the Knicks Roster but, forget that...anyone but not certain combinations, i.e. Zach and Eddie in one deal or Lee and Balkman...you get the picture. Otherwise we go into camp and cut Jerome and Dickau unless one of them show up as the next coming of His Airness. Listen...let's just give this team 30 Games. If Isiah can figure out how to use the twin headed-monster that is Eddie and Zach, there is no reason the Knicks can't give us a lot to cheer for and you know...nobody cheers like New Yorkers...Go Knicks, Go New York!!!!
Christopher:
that summer league team was awesome. Even Brian Greene was playing very well, not to mention the deadly starting five that we had.
And that's sans Mardy Collins; hope that guy has healed and is ready to play.
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