Monthly Archives: May 2009
Marc Berman reports that after official heights and weights were taken at the Draft Combine, UNC leading man Ty Lawson seems to have gotten the short end of the stick.
“Lawson came in at 5-11¼. Lawson believes it’s a reason why he is not considered a top 5 selection despite being the floor general of the dynamo Tar Heels. It’s why he is a definite longshot for the Knicks at 8.
“Word here is Lawson didn’t look too impressive in some of the drills in comparison to the more sizeable Jrue Holiday (6-3¼ of UCLA). “It’s my height,” Lawson said of his mid-first-round draft status. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, my height being 6-foot. Hopefully whoever picks me I’ll show I’m a better player than most people think.”
Related to my previous comments, I am big on Ty Lawson and think he projects very well to the NBA game. Coming out of a UNC program that experienced both the let down of a Final Four loss and the elation of a National Championship win, there is something about Lawson that I can’t seem to shake. He has received accolades for his speed and his floor-IQ. Paired with D’Antoni I believe he could excell.
But.
The height could VERY well be an issue. I’ve never played in the NBA so I really don’t know how much of a difference being 6’0” instead of 5′ 11¼” makes, but I scanned current rosters, and the only guys that are listed under 6’0” in the league today are Brevin Knight (5’10”), Mike Wilks (5’10”) Speedy Claxton (5’11”), Chucky Atkins (5’11”), and of course, the shining star that is Nate Rob (5’9”).
Not exactly the NBA company you want to be rolling with…
We all know that DW & Co. are going to do everything in their power to shed as much of last year as possible and unveil a decidedly different lineup come Opening Night 2009. The first step in this back-breaking process comes on draft night, and by this point we are pretty well versed in the different directions in which Walsh could go.
With our position on the draft board, it is clear that no matter who we snag, he is going to be expected to contribute immediately and play up to the role he will be asked to fill. Be it a big man to hang out with Eddy Curry play defense and block shots, or a point guard to quarterback this team back into the playoffs, the goal of June 25 is to start patching up the holes in our 2008 roster.
Yet with the number of leaks in our ship, one player is going to be hard pressed to clog them all. While there will undoubtedly be a couple experienced, veteran additions through some trades and free agency, draft night has the potential to be more than a “I really really hope Stephen Curry pans out” kinda night.
Now don’t get me wrong: with the Knicks on the clock, I’d actually love to use #8 on Curry. I think he has the chance to be a real deal point gaurd in this league given a coach and a system that play to his strengths (shoot a lot, then shoot some more). Throw in a dash of “I stay late at the gym every night because I care about getting better” and I think Curry could be a true prize within the next 24 months.
But I also truly believe that they can find that later in the draft while also taking advantage of a few quality 2nd Round talents who could step in to fill voids for the ‘Bockers this year as well. A mid-first round point guard (Flynn, Lawson, Manor, Teague) along with an early second rounder (Darren Collison, Marcus Thornton or even Danny Greene, who may be able to contribute immediately on defense) might make less of a splash but more of an impact right now.
Would Detroit entertain the idea of swapping their 1st and 2nd rounders (#15 and #36) for our #8? How about the Bobcats swapping their #12 and #40 for the Knicks #8 and a player (Jefferies? Am I delusional?)?
While there are a plethora of plausible options for the Knicks where they currently stand, what two-man draft night package would make you most happy? Even if you’d prefer to see the team stay where they are, I am interested to know what mid first / early second round combo you are most intrigued by…
Heading into the draft and with the off season in full swing, I’m interested to get your response:
Loading ...This is from Heyman’s twitter page. There’s nothing more in depth than his last note, but there is 
something about Heyman that I trust. He’s a solid reporter. Of course, with Lebron now out, the only thing in my mind keeping Lebron from the Big Apple is a championship next season.
“…there’s a lotta scuttlebutt among yankee types that #lebron will be a knick. could just be wishful thinking, dont know…”
The Daily News grabbed C.C. the other day and added some more fuel to the fire.
“…Sabathia, who became friends with James during his years playing in Cleveland, won’t make any predictions, though he seems to believe that James would be a good fit in New York as a Knick.”It’s the biggest stage in the world and he’s the best player in the NBA,” Sabathia said. “If he wanted to come here, I think they’d welcome him with open arms.”
It’s gonna be a LONG 13 months…
So apparently the only player that Donnie Walsh would trade up for is UConn’s Hasheem 
Thabeet, or so says the Post’s Marc Berman. As for a quote from Walsh saying just that? Nah, not gonna find one.
“… When Knicks team president Donnie Walsh last succeeded in the lottery 21 years ago, the former Pacers president jumped to the second pick and selected 7-foot-4 Marist graduate Rik Smits, who led a Pacers renaissance.
“I remember he had to duck through the door every time he walked into my office,” Walsh said. “I haven’t had a player whose had to duck since.”
It is why Walsh is so intrigued with Hasheem Thabeet, UConn’s 7-3 junior shotblocker. Walsh interviewed Thabeet during the Chicago NBA Draft combine Wednesday and is the only prospect he views worthy enough to give up a decent asset to move up from No. 8 in the draft. The Knicks were last in shotblocking the past two seasons…”
Again, shot blocking is the biggest need, but there’s no chance Walsh takes Thabeet (let alone give up an “asset” for him) and by the way that’s the 15th prospect that Berman has mentioned. How about saying who the Knicks SHOULD take?
With the news this morning that Donnie Walsh offered to buy the Grizzlies’ 27th pick, I feel as though Donnie completely understands that he has a tough task ahead. Walsh knows that he needs to infuse this roster with some quality young players. Although refuted, as the draft nears and teams begin to solidify their draft plans, picks might become available that are not necessarily available right now. Minnesota has 3 first rounders. Portland has a 1st and 4 2nd rounders. Neither team needs all of those picks, especially Minny who would then have to give guaranteed contracts to three rookies if they used all of their picks. While we discuss who the Knicks should draft at 8, we will soon be taking closer looks at players that Walsh can “buy” towards the end of the first round and into the second round. Speculation about whether or not DW will try to get another pick is turning
into reality. That’s a good sign.
Also, the Darko for Richardson deal, which I recommended in my shot-blocking post on Tuesday, would be a great move for the Knicks. Clearly the Knicks need a player that has the ability to block shots. Even if Milicic came off the bench for 20 mpg, his defensive presence would help the Knicks. Also, it is a common belief that big men take a longer time to develop than guards. In Milicic’s case, with all of his hype and pressure, that might be the case. Playing for a players’ coach in D’Antoni, Milicic might find his comfort zone. Before last season even began, Milicic thought he was going to be dealt for Zach Randolph. I remember Milicic being excited about the prospect of playing for D’Antoni. After another rough season in Memphis, Darko probably now more than ever wants to head to NY.
From Memphis’ perspective, this deal would work. Richardson is a professional and can play anywhere. He has played for losing teams in NY and he can deal with any kind of media and pressure. Also, Q can earn himself some playing time in Memphis and earn himself a nice contract after next year. Q will be motivated this season. The Darko experiment has seemed to run its course in Memphis. Unless they have a better offer, which I doubt, then the Grizz would be smart to make the move.
Marc Berman notes that the Knicks will work out the guards on their radar on June 9th. He 
claims that Ty Lawson is a “long shot.”
“…Mark June 9 on the calendar. That’s when the Knicks will host their point-guard battle royale that could determine which player they will select.
Holiday will go against Curry, and point guards Johnny Flynn of Syracuse and UNC’s Ty Lawson, who measured 5-foot-11 at the combine and is considered a Knicks longshot.
“Why not play against the best players?” Holiday said.
Flynn of Syracuse is also champing at he bit.
“It’s definitely a great group,” Flynn said. “This year’s draft class for point guard is so deep, top to bottom. I like seeing how I’ll add up. I can’ t wait to get after them.”
Holiday is by far the biggest of the point guard group. After playing 5-foot-7½ Nate Robinson the past few years, that might be attractive.
“I definitely think it’s an advantage,” Holiday said. “I’m a big point guard, I can post up little guards. I can rebound and I can see the rim. On defense they have to get by me. I have a long wingspan. It’s definitely harder to see over me.”
Mike D’Antoni sees the upside in Holiday.
“He was smooth and uses some of his point guard skills,” D’Antoni said. “We’ll get a better handle when he comes to New York. He shoots nicely and looked real fast, like he had another gear he can go to…”
Seems to me, as it has been since January, that Holiday has everything the Knicks are looking for and, as we’ve said, Donnie Walsh has a tough choice if he is there along with Curry at 8. I want Holiday.
Oh, and Berman also said a certain Duke guard familiar with D’Antoni’s system is now on their radar. Can’t say we’re surprised.
“…Though Curry still is the favorite, Holiday, DeRozan, Flynn and even Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson, who emerged in Chicago onto the Knicks’ radar, are still in the mix…”
So here’s my take on a few stories that have come out over the past few days.
Amar’e is Better than Bosh (Buying)
Great interview by BT yesterday, which isn’t surprising because BT has the ability to get anything out of anyone he interviews. He’s cool and relentless at the same time. Injuries or not I’m buying the idea that Amar’e is better than Bosh, but it’s pretty close. Bosh is a better pick and pop player, but no where near the stallion that Amar’e is on the pick and roll and Amar’e's jumper is improving.
Amar’e is simply a stronger athlete, which to me is the deciding factor. Sure, I understand the hesitation fans may have about Amar’e and his contract and who you’d rather have at what number, but at the end of the day, contract or not, Amar’e is the better player.
Donnie Walsh Loves Thabeet (Selling)
No chance. Sure, Walsh knows shot-blocking is a need, but he can’t see Thabeet as a fit in this system. With space, Thabeet could become a decent post player down the road but he’s WAY too slow to play in 7 Seconds or Less.
Plus, and most obviously, he’s soft.
Lebron Won’t Leave Until He Wins in Cleveland (Buying)
Frank Isola had this note, and this is the thought process that I’ve been struggling with. A lot of my Lebron confidence comes from the fact that he’s winning this year, which I still believe will happen.
“…Even if the Cavs rebounded in 2010 and won the championship, it would seem a stretch that LeBron would celebrate Cleveland’s first NBA title as well as his single greatest achievement while plotting an exit strategy all within three weeks. James is a shrewd businessman but one has to believe that the euphoria of the moment would provide him with enough incentive to stay in Cleveland for, say, another three years. Then we can start the LeBron-to-the-Knicks scenarios all over again in 2013…”
It would be hard to imagine Lebron losing this year, winning next year and then leaving, but should he lose this year and next, I can see the frustration being high enough to bounce. And if he wins this year and next, or wins this year and loses next, I believe it’s easy for him to go. That puts the odds in NY fan’s favor.
Tyler Hansbrough Will have David Lee Impact (Selling)
Hansbrough doesn’t have the length or ability to finish with both hands around the basket that Lee possesses. But he does have a lot of heart. Heart is a great quality, but it also is an easy way to find you in a suit on the sidelines because of injury. They are two completely different players and Hansbrough could find some minutes on a bad team and have some impact, like Lee did, but if he lands on a good team his minutes will be scarce early.
Jrue Holiday
Stephen Curry
Tyreke Evans
See the rest at draftexpress.com.
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