Considering recent guard play, Curry would be a step in the right direction

by Tommy Dee on May 15th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

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Reports say that the Knicks have had discussions with Davidson guard Stephen Curry even though Curry’s camp has denied them. I was down on Curry as an option for the Knicks, but I think I was caught up in the hype of a kid who couldn’t lead his team back to the big stage of the NCAA Tournament. The more I study tapes on the kid, the more I realize that he has a perfect skillset for Mike D’Antoni’s offense.

Turns out we shouldn’t have expected a return to glory from Davidson because Curry’s performance, with his surrounding talent, was probably a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. But now I realize that that should not to take anything away from the kid’s NBA future.

It appears that the Knicks feel that Curry, a high-IQ guard from a decision-making standpoint, can play both point guard and shooting guard, which would give the team some added depth and give them another young pure shooter to add to last year’s top pick, Danilo Gallinari. In D’Antoni’s spread offensive system that thrives on space, having two players who can rip the twine is a pretty solid foundation moving forward. Curry can create for teammates and himself off of the dribble as the lead guard, and D’Antoni would be wise to run him off screens in way that has made Richard Hamilton one of the league’s most effective guards.

Curry’s game appears to have similarities to Steve Nash, whom the Suns picked 15th overall in 1996. Nash was a relative unknown talent who, after a few years of development at a small school, has gone on to become a future Hall-of-Fame guard. People questioned Nash’s strength and defensive capabilities right out of college, and Curry has had similar doubters.

Curry has shown the ability to be a capable pick-and-roll player, which Nash has mastered, and Curry is also an above-average passer. Come to think of it, wouldn’t it be something if Nash came here as a free agent and mentored the kid? Nash could bolt Phoenix if the economically conscious Suns decide that Nash is no longer worth his expensive price tag.

What Curry would bring to the Knicks is a guard who has been developed in college and has a great feel for how a coach wants the game played. From Stephon Marbury, who was at odds with every coach in his tenure with the Knicks, to Jamal Crawford, who sadly was never groomed into a complete player, the team has lacked consistent, smart basketball from the guard position. Mike D’Antoni craves someone who can kickstart his high-octane offense his way. And he should; he’s proven that it can work with the right players. More.

In fairness, Frank Isola thinks that selecting Curry is a bit premature, and wonders if he’s really a point guard.

Curry is the one who compared himself to Nash. I believe Curry has the fundamentals to be a very solid pick and roll player and he does have similarities to Nash at Santa Clara. They can shoot, handle, are well- above average passers, they have the exact same frame and they both dominated at small schools. Also, they had their share of doubters.

And if the Knicks stay at 8 and don’t take Curry, I’ll gladly take Gerald Henderson or Ty Lawson. But I’d have to think that Curry is on top of the list at this point. I even think they’d deal up to get him.
  • Magik_Trick

    Ive never heard such a strong buzz about a player going to a team than Curry coming to Knicks, and keep in mind Team Workouts and/or The Lottery hasnt even happened yet.

    I can understand Kings MAYBE talking to Blake Griffin, but not a team with the 8 pick talking to a prospect.

    Honestly, I do think he’ll be our pick if we dont luck up, but this is a bit insane

  • Mucha

    I like Stephen Curry but I still rank Tyreke Evans (coached by Allan Houston) ahead of him. He could be a matchup nightmare and I like guards that are able to take it/finish in the paint. You need space but you got to get easy buckets as well, I mean look at the Orlando Magic.

    And Tommy, you like Gerald Henderson, I can understand that. But drafting him would be totally useless – we already got Wilson Chandler! I mean we don’t need to add wing players but at least (AT LEAST – and I’m not even talking about him anymore) James Harden brings something ELSE to the table!

    I would be satisfied with Curry anyways.

  • J-Knick

    Tommy, please stop this unbelievable buzz around Curry.

    Could you prepare us something about the other PGs, Lawson, Flynn, Maynor, Jennings ? How do you rank these guys and what do you think of their skills ?

  • J-Knick

    … and truely speaking, for a nash-type PG, I never saw any mind-blowing assist in the highlights of Curry

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Mucha- Henderson is an NBA two.

  • Mucha

    I know that, Chandler as well if Gallinari’s healthy.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    The kid can pass. I didn’t that until i saw more tape.

    i’ll give you more run downs on the guards, but if we stay at 8, again, and if we don’t trade I think Curry is a iock.

    Just preparing you all…

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    and honestly guys, based on all the knucklehead guards that we’ve had over the past decade, wouldn’t it be nice to get one that has a strong IQ, who can shoot, pass and make plays?

    Lawson is another one as is henderson.

    But as far as Evans, again, this guy has a checkered background. He may be a nice kid but he was caught up in some serious stuff.

    Now, he’s not the only one, but based on the distractions this organization has gotten thru, they are not picking him.

  • J-Knick

    I see more Gallo as a Dirk type. with better passing abilities.

    Him playing the 3 … well do you think he can guard 3s ? Chandler can

    he’s gonna build up like Dirk (remember how skinny was Nowitzki when he was a rookie ?) and end up as the same type of player.
    that’s why we need a strong post presence at the 5 after 2010

  • KBT1615

    What about Brandon Jennings?

  • KBT1615

    I mean where is his little excerpt?

  • Mucha

    He will not be able to bulk up this summer, and he’ll need a couple of years anyways. If you want to destroy his career, give him Carl Landry and Kevin Garnett everynight.

    Gallinari’s more like Detlef Schrempf with a higher ceiling in my opinion. Nowitzki’s different.

  • Mucha

    What about OJ Mayo’s background? You know that Donnie Walsh loved him.

    A lot of teams will regret passing on Tyreke Evans, even though I really like Stephen Curry’s IQ.

  • J-Knick

    I like Lawson a lot

    I feel that Lawson has the same floor vision and IQ as Curry but is far better at destabilizing set defense. You can see that he knows his plays and has a good use of his natural gifts.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    I wasn’t as high on mayo but he’s ahead of evans now.

    Gallo is the 3 of the future, I think Wilson is trade bait.

  • Magik_Trick

    Just thought I would throw this out there, the Knicks have been covering some of draft prospects, im sure this isnt in anyway connected to D’Antoni or Walsh, but its quite interesting.

    http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/prospectprofiles2009.html

    Also, when you look at this, notice that they have Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio, and Stephen Curry ahead of every other prospect. Blake and then Ricky dont seem like “random order” and to have Stephen Curry above Harden, Hill, Evans, Jennings, and others, might mean something

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    I love lefty PGs so I like jennings. He’ll be off the board. If you’re asking me who would I rather have Jennings or Curry I’d say Jennings.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Saw that and yes it is a sign that Curry is part of that list.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Love the banter fellas and FYI i’m trying to organize a sit down with Donnie.

    Keep your fingers crossed.

  • Mucha

    Yeah – and I’m not saying that Evans is as good as Mayo – but the fact that he has a “checkered background” as well won’t be a factor if he’s good enough from a basketball standpoint. That was the case with Mayo, and Evans is a great talent in my opinion.

    Anyways I don’t understand your logic, if Chandler is trade bait, why pick Henderson? I mean a lottery pick has more trade value (than Chandler) because other GM’s would actually have the opportunity to draft the player they want. So why do you like Henderson from a Knicks perspective?

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    physically he can play right away and he’s a two. Plus he’s got supreme athleticism.

    Help me out with mayo, did he also witness a shooting?

  • italian stallion

    Quick question.

    If Curry is this amazing shooter with a high basketball IQ that can also pass and play either the 1 or 2 why the hell won’t someone take him before #8?

    Honestly, if this kid is as good as you all think,. then perhaps it’s time to shut our mouths before we talk someone else into taking him.

  • Mucha

    The biggest reason why I like Tyreke Evans is his defensive potential. He has a long wingspan and a great body (which is a big part of Rondo’s success) – I think Evans is a safe bet from a defensive standpoint which is not Curry’s case.

    I like his ability to play both guard positions (and he’ll never be undersized) and his capacity to get buckets in the paint. Like I said, you need to spread the floor but “if you live by jumpers, you die by jumpers” – like the Orlando Magic. He’s like the anti-Stephen Curry and he desperately needs to improve his jumpshot but we got somebody called Allan Houston.

    I like Stephen Curry but I prefer Tyreke Evans.

  • Mucha

    sorry I didn’t mean to reply.

  • CircleLimit4

    Curry is still a favorite of mine. I have a feeling Evans and Jennings will be off the board by the time the 8th pick rolls around.

    Aaron Brooks’ recent performances has me rethinking Ty Lawson and Johnny Flynn as a picks. A tiny PG can impact a big game more than I previously thought if they are quick enough and can score. I think Ty Lawson could be a better version of that. I might choose him if Curry is unavailable.

  • Mucha

    Yes Henderson is a good prospect but you didn’t really answer (no disrespect). Chandler is a two (or three), he “can play” and he’s got “supreme athleticism” as well. So why trade Chandler and not the pick considering the fact that a lottery pick has (I think) more value if you really like that kind of player?

    You are right, this shooting story concerns me as well and we’ll never know the truth. But if he really didn’t know about it, that’s just bad karma because every family has a bunch of knuckleheads you still got to have respect for – and I was kind of crazy when I was young as well. You know.

  • KBT1615

    We have Thabeet ahead of Jennings WOW.

  • cragganmor

    I do like Curry a lot as our PG of the future.

    However, just watching the playoffs this year, it’s startling how physical and tough the play is, especially in the paint. If we draw the #8 spot, I think we’d be better served taking DeJuan Blair.

    Yes, he’s only 6’7″, but he has a 7’3″ wingspan and incredible size at 280#, excellent strength. His game is referee-friendly; it’s all about gracefully nudging/pushing his opponents out of position and getting the best position for himself. He loves doing the dirty work of defending, rebounding and screening, has the leadership ability that is also a problem for us. Already a man playing amongst boys in the NCAA, will be able to step in right away and give us toughness down low; this is our most noticable weakness, not scoring (we were 4th with 105 ppg).

    He reminds me a lot of Wes Unseld, the last guy who was ROY and MVP the same year. The other guy was named Wilt. No, I don’t think he’ll have the same career, but he will be an impact player that addresses our most glaring need.

  • Jack D

    Totally agree with you.

    Same thing with Eddy Curry. First off noone will take his fat contract (and fat a@@) but if every single website about the Knicks say that we MUST trade him, who would even consider taking him?

  • SpaceMan

    to where? portland for fernandez?

  • harlem heat

    Hey guys I am new to the blog so thanks for having me. I think Curry would be a good pick if you look at the over all draft prospects. worst case scenario he could be instant offense off the bench. Now if we where lucky enough to move in to the top 5 or even 3 that would change things completely! but from the 8th spot down I think Curry is a safe solid choice…. Just a thought but if the Lakers don’t win this year would you be for signing and trading David Lee, Nate Robinson & Jared Jeffries for Andrew Bynum and one of there back up PG’s? I feel it would be a fair trade seeing as David Lee is the type of hard nosed rebounder with high basketball IQ, passing skills and athletic ability that the triangle offense requires, and Nate is the explosive off the bench instant offense that they badly need. While Andrew Bynum is the legit big man we have not had since Ewing! When health he is everything we need in the post and if we have Curry at the PG Wilson Chandler at SG Al Harrington at SF Chris Wilcox at PF and Andrew Bynum at C That in my eyes is a team that is 1 Bosh or Amare Stoudemire away from big things!!

  • Not Hawthorne Wingo

    I’m amazed Maynor doesn’t get more love around here. Man has similar magic to Curry (leading his team into the NCAA’s) and he’s been doing it as a PG from the beginning. Plus, you could trade down and get a 2nd round pick and Maynor.

    Maynor and a 2nd round pick vs. Curry. I’m not saying it’s clear but it sure as hell worth thinking about.

  • harlem heat

    Okay now don’t go crazy on me just think about this….Eddy Curry and our first round pick in 2010 and our second rd pick this year for Richard Jefferson. I know at first it is like “WHAT” but think about it….The Bucks want to drop payroll in the worst way, and have no legit (there guys are finesse) low post player and this trade would not only give them another first round pick to build on but it saves them 4.3 mill the season coming up and 3.4 mill the year after, that’s almost 8mill saved another first round pick and a center who in a small spotlight like Milwaukee may just be able to get his head right or at the very least a big man tandem that will keep defenses honest on there great shooters. As far as the Knicks go well geez if they could pull off the first trade I suggested and then this one the line up would be S.Curry at PG Wilson Chandler at SG Richard Jefferson at SF Al Harrington at PF and Andrew Bynum at C and I say lets go!! lol

  • Jeff Cykiert

    Tommy said: “and honestly guys, based on all the knucklehead guards that we’ve had over the past decade, wouldn’t it be nice to get one that has a strong IQ, who can shoot, pass and make plays?”

    I have been thinking like that for a while now, and i couldn’t agree with a statement more than i do with that one. You know MD’s system needs smart players who are unselfish, willing to do whatever is asked, and able to create plays for eachother. Also, maybe most importantly, they need to have a great shot. Curry is like the epitome of that… Every comparison you drew to nash in your post was spot on… Undersized, but very high IQ, unbelievable shot, and perfect b-ball attitude. Him not making it to the Tourney this year doesn’t really mean anything to me; their team was significantly worsened. Instead, i look at what he did in the tourney last year, all by himself. That was absolutely ridiculous. I go to Wisconsin, one of his victims, and i can tell you that as long as Curry hasnt gotten worse or shrunk, he will be extremely successful under mike dantoni.

    Evans just seems to represent the type of player that we are trying to avoid… i know he’s young and its unfair to judge him like that this early, and we should be looking to draft the best available talent, but i just believe Curry is by far the most perfect fit for us. (toss up between him and Rubio.)

  • Jeff Cykiert

    We don’t have a second round pick this year… but you make an interesting point… Would we be willing to give up a draft pick if it got rid of Curry, and at least got us another good player in return?

    I don’t know.

    t

  • harlem heat

    Thanks for taking the time to read my post and for being open minded enough to see that we need to be creative & think outside of the box to move E.Curry. I would give up the first & second rd picks in 2010 with E.Curry for Richard Jefferson if the trade could be done, and I really don’t think it is to far fetched. Richard Jefferson is making on average 4 mill more a year and there contracts are done in the same year, and lets be honest Milwaukee has no long term plan to win so they may as well save money and stack picks!

  • Mucha

    We don’t have a first round draft pick in 2010 (Stephon Marbury trade) and we can’t trade our 2011 first round draft pick unless we get it (the 2010 pick) back.

    Richard Jefferson has 3 years left on his $13 million contract. That’s worse than Eddy Curry. No disrespect but your suggestion is horrible in my opinion. The Knicks want to dump his contract, why would they even think about taking back a bigger contract? Jefferson is overpaid anyways. I’d much rather keep Eddy Curry, saying that is kind of surprising but it is what it is.

  • paulempson

    Knicks need to package their 8th pick + expiring ( Hughes ) & Nate and get #2 pick & Camby ,lets say , from Clippers.

    Draft Rubio at all costs. He is a great back up and the PG for the future. We aint getting #1

    Curry reminds me of Jamal to much. All the mix vids have him shooting up a storm . Whereas when I watch Rubio vids they are 50/5o and a lot of play making and solid D. Both have skinny bodies . I think Rubio has the better B ball IQ

    Duhon/Rubio
    ?HUghes / FA
    Chandler/Gallo
    Lee/wilcox
    Camby/curry

  • harlem heat

    I looked it up 3 times he and E.Curry have the same amount of years left on there contract and I cant see how a 20 points 5 rebounds and almost 3 assist a night guy is not appealing to you. I do agree he may be over paid but he will have value in 2010/2011 when he is about to come off the books. So say this trade where to happen and in 2010 we ended up in line to sign one of the star small forwards that will be free agents we would have a value chip in Richard Jefferson to trade for a draft pick at the very least in my opinion. Plus we need to have a team a superstars can look at and say hey if I was on that team we could really make a run. So seeing as we all figure to be stuck with the E.Curry contract anyway why not try to find a way to flip it in to a better player for the same amount of years? But hey I am trying to think of a solution to the E.Curry contract so if you have another better creative way to get rid of him please share it with us. I as a knick fan am honest about watching Richard Jefferson light us up many a ugly night so I would not mind adding the slight difference to get a better player if there is a way to do it.

  • harlem heat

    See that is a very interesting Idea….How about Danilo Gallinari and the 8th pick for Rudy Fernandez & Jerryd Bayless both wasting away on the Blazer bench!!

  • Mucha

    First, one million could throw the whole plan out the window so I really don’t want Jefferson’s additional numbers. We have to have to get enough space to sign two max free agents, period.

    Second, most 2010 free agents are wing players (James, Johnson, Wade, Gay, Roy) so why do you want to add another wing player considering the fact that we ALREADY got Gallinari. And Chandler!

    Your suggestion doesn’t make sense. Throw a lottery pick in it and that’s a nightmare scenario. No thanks.

  • Mucha

    Wow. Wow wow wow.

    A healthy Gallinari is better than Fernandez and Bayless COMBINED. Now you want to give them the 8th pick? No disrespect but COME ON, what kind of piff are you smoking.

  • Mucha

    *have to get

  • KBT1615

    Good Idea Paul. you left out Harrington though
    So it would most likely be like
    Duhon/Rubio
    Ill Will/….
    Gallo/Harrington
    Lee/ Wilcox
    Camby/ Jeffries
    And can we even trade Nate for a pick on draft day?

  • KBT1615

    Bout Time I mean I like Curry but pair a Point Guard Coach like Mike D with Jennings in this running system and we have liftoff. Jennings has a lot of potential and he is already good.

  • Mucha

    No we can’t – unless Nate Robinson, his agent, Donnie Walsh and another GM reach an agreement before the draft. Which is (theorically) a dumb decision if you’re Nate Robinson.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    I would have to agree with this but not for a 2nd rounder. It would have to be for a late 2010 pick…

  • harlem heat

    Hold on!! Gallinari is a cool player and for his age very skilled but better then Fernandez and Bayless COMBINED?? Please explain how that is? Have you seen film on Fernandez or just watch a game with this guy!?! This guy is automatic from 3 and can get to the hole and plase passing lanes, Bayless well they guy is a scoring PG who fits our coach’s offense. But hey if you think just the 8th pick would get us those guys then I am all for it!! We are deep at SF plus the dream of 2010 is Lebron James a SF but that being said a trade for a legit SG and PG gives us balance and since I dont see us getting LJ but we could end up with Bosh or Amare Stoudemire and we will need great shooters and scorers to help keep the defense honest! But please tell me how you see Gallinari being better then Fernandez & Bayless combined??

  • Mucha

    Because he’ll be a matchup nightmare. And he’s tough.

    I prefer one unconventional talent like Gallinari – who brings a lot of intangibles to the table unlike Fernandez and Bayless – to two talented but “regular” NBA players.

    I don’t mean to compare Gallinari to Nowitzki but THEORICALLY I’d rather have Nowitzki (an unconventional talent) alone than Arenas and Butler.

    Gallinari’s the only Knick that I really like – of course he has a bad back that is ironic – that’s what happens when you’re a Knicks fan…

  • paulempson

    We have so many guys expiring that its silly to think we cant make some noise on draft night

    Harrington
    Hughes
    Richardson
    Mobley
    Duhon

    all are expirings

    Add a top 10 pick and either Nate or Lee ( obviously Nate before Lee )

    and we can move up in to the top 3 spots in my opinion

    Check it out……

    Clippers / Have B Diddy at PG and paid a boat load . Unmovable
    Memphis / Have Conley and OJ Mayo . Why draft Rubio ?
    Wizards / Just paid Agent Zero for the rest of the decade is seems

    Anyone of one of these 3 teams get the #2 pick ,especially Clipps and Wizards , Id be surprised not see something get done. Both are pretty over the cap and will have little chance to be a player in 2010

    There is a myriad of ways these deals can work. Help Wizards get more cap flexability

    Same with Clipps

    Keepers should be Lee , Chandler , Gallo …… add Rubio

    Sign a “big” star to a Max and a Joe Johnson type as 2nd ( he aint getting max $ )

    Rubio
    Johnson
    Gallo
    Lee
    Yao/Amare/Bosh

    For example…..

    Thoughts?

  • paulempson

    Oh….. and if we dont have a competitive team next year , especially one that makes some noise in the playoffs

    We’re toast in getting any of these big names in 2010

  • paulempson

    S& T …….. Nate , unlike many think , is appreciated as a great 6th man ion the right team. Replace Nate ion the Lakers right now instead of Fish or Farmar fopr example……

    He’s a great spark plug off the bench and will get MLE -6 mill x 3-4 yr deal

  • harlem heat

    See but you kind of make my point, the guy is not even 23 and has a bad back! We all know he will need to gain weight to really be a factor as a forward which will not help an already bad back.

    Do you really think Fernandez and Bayless would be regular in Mike D’s system? I think they are made for his system and would excel. But if you want to get creative trade Gallinari & a expiring contract for Fernandez and Bayless then turn around and offer up our 8th pick & Bayless to move up and get Rubio!

  • Mucha

    This is just bad buisness IMO harlem heat. Gallo’s hurt so his trade value is down, you don’t trade your most talented player when his trade value is down! I mean come on! See I wouldn’t trade him FOR THE FACT that he is hurt now.

  • Mucha

    That’s a reasonable scenario.

    I think the Knicks will be in a great position to draft Rubio (even though I have a lot of doubts, he’s a risky pick in my opinion) :

    1. Because he’s an international prospect with a huge buyout which will give him a lot of leverage. Maybe he’ll blackmail everybody if he wants to play in NY – like Gallinari.

    2. Because a lot of teams in the lottery don’t need a point guard. I think the Clippers would deal Davis if they’re high enough to pick him, and it’s Los Angeles. Maybe the Golden State Warriors.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    Haha, someone suggested Yao… Not only would he be completely useless in our system, and completely ruin everything we try to do on the court, but he is just a useless player anyway.

    I am not good at basketball, and i am a more valuable player than Yao ming. Why? because, if my team makes it as far as the finals, i will be healthy enough to suit up and sit on the bench in case they need my body. Yao, on the other hand, is just not durable enough to last that far into the season. We finally got to see him make it deeper into the playoffs, only to learn that his bones can’t stay together long enough to do anything for an entire post season.

    The only thing that matters in sports is the playoffs, and the finals. If LeBron wasn’t allowed to play in the playoffs, he would be the LEAAST valuable player in the league, because if you can’t play through to the finals at a high level, than you are not helping your team accomplish anything. yao is just a show and a marketing tool, he will, sadly, never be able to actually help a team succeed.

    ESPECIALLY ours.