Donnie Set to Make his Mark

by Tommy Dee on November 21st, 2008 at 8:48 am

So, if in fact this deal goes through (we’re waiting on confirmation), it is a great move by Donnie Walsh. The GM showed a tremendous about of patience before pulling the trigger on putting his stamp on the roster. We would have done this in July.

It shouldn’t be that much of a surprise that Jamal Crawford is on his way out. Mike D’Antoni had high expectations for the guard to take this team on his shoulders. Offensively he did, in spots, but defensively he’s simply not at the NBA level and D’Antoni wouldn’t tolerate it. D’Antoni privately was angered by Crawford’s lack of effort during the preseason where he shrugged off his poor play. D’Antoni needed leadership from his leading scorer coming in, and got nothing but aloofness. I love Jamal, but that didn’t sit well with me either.

Jamal is an enigma, and unfortunately Isiah Thomas can be blamed for giving him an unnecessary escalating contract before he even developed, thus heightening his expectations. He’s not a point guard based on his shoot-first mentality, and off the ball he struggles in the half court unless he’s able to get in a rhythm with the dribble. Defensively he’s been a nightmare.

So here comes Al Harrington, and by no means is he a savior, but we like his ability to fit into D’Antoni’s system. He’s a tweener himself, but he can play the 3 and 4 and adds depth to a front line in need of reinforcements.

But it’s Harrington’s contract that has to please Knick fans, you just moved on step closer to getting Lebron. If Walsh can find a taker for Eddy Curry (Bobcats for Adam Morrison/Matt Carroll?)  then he’s done the unthinkable, as in removing 20 million dollars AFTER 2010.

So don’t go crazy about Harrington, his back is fine by the way, he’ll be a good fit and he fits a need, but make no mistake, this is about 2010, where 18 teams are lining up for Bron Bron.

And today Walsh is officially set to throw the Knicks hat in the ring.
  • Bounding and Astounding

    Is it officially Crawford? Hahn’s blog says it isnt official and still might be Malik Rose. If thats the case then this trade is an amazing one that doesnt impact the current teams Offensive firepower and still clears cap room for ’10.

    Either way its a good deal, though does this mean we are going to see Steph lace up the Starburys for Coach D’antoni?

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Not official yet, waiting for confirmation.

  • theghostofwillisreed

    to be honest, if it crawford that’s going, i’ll be a little sad. warts and all, the guy was a true blue knick and tried to give it his all. it’s a shame it has to end this way but it’ll be good to see what big al can bring to the offense. a little defensive intensity and we could well be on our way to surprising some peeps this year.

  • freeman24

    If Crawford isn’t in the trade how exactly does it help our cap situation in 2010?

    Crawford plays defense only slightly better than my 6 year old daughter and the current team will not miss a beat without him. Any reduction in scoring (which I don’t believe there will be much) will be more than made up for by a reduction in the oppositions scoring due to his horrific defense.

    Steph still won’t play as Q moves to the 2. Harrington takes his front court minutes. Nate gets more time too against smaller, quicker 2 Guards that will give Q problems which I think is a good thing overall. Starting to think Nate is the RFA to keep over Lee.

    We are one trade away (hopefully Curry) from Lebron, Wade and Bosh.