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:

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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.

We knew that the Grizz could be a match, and apparently sources are telling the Memphis Commercial Appeal that Donnie Walsh is trying to find some action involving Darko Milicic and a late first rounder.

“…The New York Knicks offered to buy the Grizzlies’ 27th pick for $3million, according to a source. The Griz turned down that proposal.

The Knicks, according to speculation, also expressed interest in acquiring center Darko Milicic in a deal that could possibly include Quentin Richardson, whose $9.3 million contract expires after the 2009-10 season. Milicic will earn $7.5 million this upcoming season — the last of a three-year, $21 million deal.

…”No matter what people tell you right now, things change before draft night,” (Memphis GM Chris) Wallace said. “Whatever answers you’ve gotten now, you don’t rest on those answers. You keep churning.”

Ronald Tillery, who wrote this, is said to have serious ties to sources close to the Grizz front office so this is legit. Tillery was all over the Randolph rumors and that trade didn’t go down, as I learned, because the Grizzlies wanted a first round pick in return and Walsh turned them down before shipping Z-Bo’s mammoth contract to LA-LA land.

Two things of note here, one Walsh is trying to obtain more picks and, as we told you from day 1 of the offseason, this team’s roster should look drastically different come October.

Also, I think Q for Darko is a comparative deal for both sides and wouldn’t mind seeing it get done. Sure, Q has been one of the few leaders on the team, but you can expect more veterans on the roster (Nash?) to lead this team next season.

The most interesting thing that I’ve noticed from what’s happened during the NBA playoffs is the news that has come from off the court. While advertising dollars have been spent on commercials featuring Kobe Bryant and LeBron James that engulf the television screens, what’s most fascinating is that the play on the court leads us to believe that the much-anticipated match up seems as if it won’t happen.Even though I fully believe that James’ Cavaliers still have every right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, fans may not have the chance to end the debate of “Who’s better?” between the King and Kobe. At least for now.

But I’ve been amazed that two NBA greats have already decided that LeBron is the better player. Jerry West, the man in NBA logo who traded for Bryant, went on record a few weeks ago to say that he felt James had surpassed the Lakers legend.

“If I had to have somebody make a last-second shot, it would be Kobe Bryant,” West told The New York Times recently. “But even though it’s hard for me to be objective, because I brought Kobe to Los Angeles, I do think LeBron has surpassed Kobe as a player.”

And what about Oscar Robertson, the man who once mind-blowingly averaged a triple-double for a season, a feat that James himself would one day like to replicate?

“LeBron has been terrific for Cleveland, Kobe been great for the Lakers. But you need help. You need a good, strong bench to win basketball games for you; if you don’t have it, you’re not going to win.”

Which is why LeBron needs to be in New York. I’ve recently asked countless fans what their thoughts are when then think of The Big O. Sure, they can recite the triple-double year, but they have no clue what team that was on. more.

Over at his blog, Marc Berman relays an ear-catching interview from ESPN’s Brandon Tierney’s radio show where 2010 free-agent-to-be Amare Stoudemire states his interest in changing uniforms in fairly straightforward fashion:

“Back in New York, ESPN Radio’s Brandon Tierney had Amare Stoudemire on this morning and reiterated remarks about his desire to play for Mike D’Antoni in 2010 while boasting about being better than Chris Bosh. Stoudemire told The Post similar stuff during All-Star Weekend.

“When Tierney asked Stoudemire if he’s better than Bosh, the Suns forward said, ‘Oooh man, are you kidding me? Ask Chris Bosh that question.’

“So that’s a yes?

” ‘No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh’

” ‘How serious will you consider the Knicks in 2010′?

” ‘I will be totally serious about that, I spent a lot of my childhood there, I have a connection with the state, and I also love the entire coaching staff. I think Coach D’Antoni’s doing a phenomenal job with the Knicks, NY’s a great city, I follow them closely.’ “

I follow them closely, ay?  That’s nice to hear, although I don’t buy for a second that he was watching Knicks in 60 much last year.  

First and foremost, this is a story Knicks fans should feel very, very good about.  I have always believed that playing in midtown Manhattan has an allure that means a lot to a lot of these guys, and I think this is reiterated here a bit.  Moreover, something we all know but are yet to truly see, part of the success in bringing over D’Antoni last summer was that we got more than Xs and Os – we got his legacy and relationship with players, from both his days in Phoenix (discussions around Nash having a desire to reunite with his ex-coach have and will undoubtedly continue to surface) as well as with Team USA. 

That being said, while it is nice to hear that he is interested in changing shades of orange and playing in the House That Ewing Built (sorry Willis) in a couple years, Amare may be playing with fire more than he knows it with these types of comments.  Along with the hissy fits he reportedly threw this past season over not being used as the main piece of the Suns’ offensive system, I am growing a bit tired of listening to off-the-court Amare speak, and less amp’d about seeing on-the-court Amare play.

Don’t get me wrong, he is an absolute beast, and in D’Antoni’s system he is pretty much unstoppable.  But there is something to be said from taking the classy, professional route in these types of situations, and over the past couple of years Amare has shown more of a ‘me-first’ side than I like in a franchise type player.  If teamed with another big-name free agent in 2010, would Amare happily play tag-team sidekick? Or how long of a losing streak would it take until he got all cry-baby on us?

(Because it wouldn’t be fair to write on this and not enter the debate myself, would I take him over Bosh? In a heartbeat I would.  I must agree with his “oooh man, are you kidding me” response to the initial question: true Bosh has a nicer outside touch, but Amare is the type of aggressive power player that can change games in an instant, much more so than Bosh.)

While I am admittedly giddy about this type of NY-centric sentiment, for me, that doesn’t get to the core of what is illuminated in this interview.  Amare is slowly tiptoeing the line between confident superstar and cocky athlete, the latter of which really has no place inside a changing, maturing Garden locker room.

I am not crossing him off my wish list – not by a long shot – but these sort of antics are worth noting on your scorecard as the Summer of Dreams continues to creep closer…(that being said: so are these)

According to Marc Berman, who is at the pre-draft combine in Chicago, Donnie Walsh met with UConn center, Hasheem Thabeet last night and is apparently enamored with the 7’3 shot-blocker.  As I noted recently, the Knicks finished dead last in shot-blocking last season… and it was not even close.  At UConn, Thabeet averaged 4.2 bpg as a junior, 4.5 bpg as a sophomore, and 3.8 bpg as a freshman.  Sounds like a match.  Right?

Thabeet projects potentially as one of the biggest busts of the draft.  There are questions about Thabeet’s tougness and whether or not he will be able to have the same effectiveness defensively once he begins playing against taller and stronger players on a nightly basis.  Thabeet will not average 4 bpg as a pro.  That is for sure.  But can he block enough shots to be an intimidating presence in the paint?

I have said for a while that if Thabeet falls to the Knicks, do not be surprised if Walsh drafts him.  Thabeet was a premier shot-blocker in Big East, and unlike other bigs, he is agile and can move up and down the floor.  He is not the type to lead a fast break, but he can get up and down well enough to be an effective trailer.  Offensively, Thabeet is very raw.  He has the tools to get better, but the same can be said for many players.  Like I said before, potential doesn’t win championships… production does.  Walsh would not draft Thabeet on his offensive potential, but rather his shot-blocking production.  If Walsh believes that he can be an effective shot-blocker, then Thabeet can be the pick at 8.  However, I highly doubt that Walsh moves up to take him.

We’ve told you countless times that the Blazers will be active, and their hopes are to land Andre Miller. Again, look for the Blazers to be active.

“…Trade?

Why not?

The scene should be encouraging to Blazers fans.

Because it wasn’t that long ago that a previous general manager was running the team from Seattle, along with more than a dozen other Paul Allen companies. And now the guy in charge of personnel is walking around the farmer’s market, peeking into strollers. I’m thinking that’s one significant change worth pointing out.

Of course, Pritchard will make a trade. We’re talking about the general manager who once pulled off an NBA-record six deals on a single day. And we’re looking at a franchise that knows now more than ever that it needs to dramatically improve, quickly grow or decide to make a deal, and raise the talent level in three positions if it wants to play deeper in the playoffs. So we’ve arrived at another Blazers moment in which the off-season breakfast burrito should be — and is — taking a backseat to the basketball.

Portland has five picks (No. 24 in the first, and four second-round picks) in June’s draft. If anything’s become evident this postseason it’s that Orlando (Dwight Howard) and Cleveland (LeBron James) present formidable young, talented obstacles that promise to stay in Portland’s way unless the Blazers do something.

It’s time…”

And you know Donnie has Pritchard’s digits.