Kudos to Pete Vecsey for flat-out asking Donnie Walsh his preference between Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry in terms of who he would have drafted had the opportunity presented itself. It was something Alan Hahn has been telling us for some time.

“…”Curry,” Walsh answered when asked whether he would have taken Stephen Curry or Ricky Rubio. “Not only is he a great shooter but he can get his shot on anyone. Opponents look at his baby face and figure they can manhandle him. Meanwhile he tore up every top-rated guard he went up against at our workout, including Tyreke Evans, who might be the best player in the draft next to Blake Griffin…”

Interesting that Curry would be the pick over Rubio in my opinion based on the fact that Rubio seems to fit D’Antoni’s style a little better. Granted, I liked Curry as a facilitator and shot maker given space, but I thought Walsh for sure was targeting Rubio and heard several things of the like.

That being said, Walsh didn’t aggressively move in on Curry or move up one spot to take him at #7, which makes me wonder just how much in love they were with him. And judging from what’s coming out of Golden State, Curry isn’t a great fit with teammate Monta Ellis.

Two things of note this morning:

• Via the Minnesota Star Tribune is reporting that the Knicks did offer Chandler and 8 to move up for Rubio and the Wolves declined. Why on earth would the Wolves would decline, I have no idea. They also noted that the Knicks had Rubio on top of their list ahead of Curry, which we figured all along.

“… The Wolves did turn down that Knicks’ offer of No. 8 and Wilson Chandler for the No. 5, which Donnie Walsh would have used to take Rubio and not Stephen Curry…”

• Mitch Lawrence is reporting the Rockets made an offer for Rubio.

“…Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reported that the Wolves turned down a deal with the Houston Rockets that would have resulted in Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier headed to Minnesota for Ricky Rubio…”

Highlights of new Knicks Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas

Interesting report  filed byKen Berger a little while ago:

“…So a predictable scenario was playing out, one that eerily followed Rubio’s comments Wednesday about needing to be taken in a “top spot” to make the approximately $4 million buyout with his European team, JKV Joventut, palatable. Not inclined to view Minnesota — and the $5.7 million rookie-scale guarantee over the first two years — as a “top spot,” Rubio apparently would rather go home for a year or two than play for the T-Wolves.

“Now I know where I’m going to go, so I have to talk with the team, what exactly they want about me, and if necessary, I’m going to pay the buyout,” Rubio said.

That’s fine with David Kahn, Minnesota’s new GM, who had the stones to pick Rubio even though he knew it would be problematic. He knew it would be problematic because Rubio was represented by Dan Fegan, who tried to scare the bejesus out of the Milwaukee Bucks when they dared to select Yi Jianlian in 2007. That didn’t end well, depending on your perspective. Yi was dealt to the Nets in a package for Richard Jefferson, who was given away to San Antonio this week for expiring contracts.

But I digress. Back to Esteban, whose quotes only get better, according to the expert translation service I employed for much less than the $24 “Knicks draft caps” they were selling at the Garden. (No Frederic Weis jerseys, though.)

“It is probable that we will remain in Europe one or two years,” Rubio’s father said. “Everything is open, although the most probable is to continue in Europe for some time. We have to talk with the people in Minnesota … and we will see what will happen. Because at this hour, we could be in Minnesota or we could be somewhere else.”

That was the handiwork of Fegan, who was trying to broker a deal sending Rubio to the Knicks. No such luck. Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was plenty happy with Jordan Hill at No. 8. Kahn, according to a rival executive, believed that Rubio was by far the best point guard in this draft. He likes Rubio so much, in fact, that he’s apparently willing to wait out his return to Europe rather than trade him.
“He might be right,” another rival exec said…”

My guy always told me that Rubio was target one and as much as I’d like to think that Walsh can work this out, I’m not all that confident. It’s why the Wolves took Flynn and it’s why they didn’t allow the Knicks 28 (and take UNC’s Wayne Ellington? How’s that for adding insult to injury?) That being the case, then why would the Wolves  allow the Knicks Rubio?

Allowing Rubio to head back to Europe is straight idiotic. They gave up their backcourt to pick 2 point guards and then let one walk? Maybe they are waiting for the best offer. But you’d have to believe that if a deal were to get done, it would have been done by now. That said there can always be a third team involved, so all hope is not lost.

Okay, my phones and emails are off the wall and haven’t stopped. Here’s what we’re hearing:

• Sounds like possible destinations for David Lee could be Portland or Memphis, yes Memphis. We told you Portland had interest around the deadline, then heard recently they are focusing on Turkoglu, but a source tells me that if the Knicks don’t get close to what his agent deems as max value, expect a sign and trade to either. Chicago could have been a possibility, but there are way too many moving parts. Chicago doesn’t want to give up what the Knicks would want, and remember Ben Gordon is unrestricted.

• The Knicks aren’t the only team in the area who have serious interest in Gerald Henderson. Kudos to Isola for digging to hear that Henderson is a possibility in NY, which I’ve heard two other people mention, and one who I really trust. You guys have heard Rubio and Jrue out of me…but you know I would have drafted Henderson in March.

• The Nets have high interest in the Duke product and right now they rank him and Terence Williams about even. You can throw Tyler Hansbrough into the discussion as well. They will take Demar DeRozan if he falls but not before Jordan Hill if he falls. They are not targeting Brandon Jennings (neither are the Knicks despite reports), DeJuan Blair or James Johnson.

• Speaking of Johnson, Golden State is all over him. Obviously, 7 is too early for the Wake product, but they are trying every means necessary to try and obtain another pick to get him. They think he’s a steal.

Also, Via Chris Broussard (12:45am)

“…The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to sources.

The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to sources.

Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer.

The trade gives the Cavs a player they’ve coveted since February. With center Zydrunas Ilgauskas starting to break down, adding Shaq to the roster gives them a dominant force in the middle. The Cavs were obviously unhappy with their ability to defend Dwight Howard in the playoffs and bringing Shaq into the fold should help.

I’m also told that Chris Kaman and Tyson Chandler are being shopped and could have new homes tomorrow…”

Could we add another Chandler? Can’t wait for tomorrow…

With reports that darko may REALLY be coming to the Knicks this time, (and let’s face it, it’s for Q then you make it happen) and the fact that the Clippers apparently will be shopping some bigs, the Knicks may be bolstering their front line.

We said it at the Draft Lottery that Marcus Camby could be the option, and when you consider what the Clip Show gave up to get him, it makes sense that Walsh can get him on the cheap.

We know he was the target last year during the Z-Bo talks but was told he was unavailable, but now that he could be on the market expect Donnie to pounce.

If they add Darko, which we’ll see, and Camby, where does that leave David Lee?

Update: 1050 ESPN is reporting that it is a done deal for 3 million dollars…although they are claiming that Wilson Chandler is untouchable as we look towards maybe other deals. The Kings pick at 4 is still in play I believe…

1050 ESPN Radio’s “professional pest” Andrew Marchand is reporting the Knicks are in the midst of trying to land the 28th pick in this year’s draft from the Wolves.

Interesting take, yet I’m hearing that it’s going to take more than the 3 million to land the other Wolves pick, which stands at 18. Walsh was adamant the other day in saying, “I’d love to have a pick, but people aren’t running around giving them away” and also added, “you might be able to get a really good player 20 to 30.”

The Knicks need to be aggressive and it would seem that with cash considerations the 18th pick could also be in play. Walsh would love that, but it seems the 28th could be the more available option.

But I’m hearing don’t count out 18 just yet.

Draftexpress.com has Chase Budinger  at 28 and our boy  Rodrigue Beaubois at 30.  The team could also do well to snag our other boy Danny Green as well.

Also, check out 1050 on Friday as BT will have coach Mike D’Antoni.

Frank Isola is reporting that the should Brandon Jennings and Gerald Henderson be on the board at 8, the Knicks prefer the Duke guard, who has been having tremendous workouts.

“…The Knicks own the eighth pick in Thursday’s draft and are trying to move into the top four in order to take Rubio, the highly touted point guard from Spain. Rubio, Curry and Evans are all projected to go in the top seven.

When it comes time for the Knicks to make their pick, point guards Brandon Jennings Jrue Holiday should both be available, but people familiar with the club’s thinking claim that Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni prefer Henderson, a 6-5 shooting guard from and son of the former player – and former Knick – of the same name.

The thinking among the Knicks’ brain trust is that Henderson, unlike Jennings and Holiday, has the ability to step in and make an immediate contribution. Henderson, who averaged 16.5 points last season as a junior, is regarded a strong character individual with a high basketball IQ. In a majority of mock drafts, Henderson is projected to be picked either 11th or 12th…”

Well, you know we love Henderson who has the NBA frame and athleticism to help immediately, but I can imagine the unmerciless booing should they take him. He’s a good, solid fit moving forward.

I know it’s hard to trade Wilson Chandler. Real hard. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me if Knick management were torn right down the middle. TKB reached out to Wilson, who appeared on our radio show the other day, but his phone was turned off.

I’ve loved Will since day one and see him as a physically gifted player who plays on both ends. He can shoot and slash and is unselfish as well. All the things that can make him a perennial 15 ppg scorer along with solid rebounding,  assist and steal numbers. He’s a 25-30 minute player on a highly- competitive team.

That said, Chandler’s wavering confidence has been an issue, as has his shot selection, and his handle will never allow him to be a 2 guard in this system. As we know forcing a player out of position can rack the brain. Just ask Danny Murphy.

At the 3 he’s is a beast, and he can guard 4s so that’s where you see him sometimes. That’s an asset.  But with Al Harrington on the roster and Danilo Gallinari primed to show all those NY haters just what he has, where does that leave Chandler? Sure, Harrington is a free agent, but we know who the Knicks are saving a roster spot for. Again, Wilson is a piece to a real good team so you hold onto him because of that reason.

Wilson is a restricted free agent in 2011, and I’ve said he could be a piece to add to any possible Eddy Curry deal.

But to give up Larry Hughes and Chandler and get back two good contracts and “audition players” who can compete in Brendan Haywood and Mike James, without giving up the 8th pick well, that’s a real hard deal to pass up on.

The Knicks will have the pick of the litter between the guys whom they love and may just get 2 out of 3 of them. You’re looking at a scenario (pick two) of Stephen Curry, Ricky Rubio, Tyreke Evans, Jordan Hill, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday and a host of others if things shake out right.

That, along with James and Haywood, is a better talent situation than Chandler and Hughes. It just is. Plus, if Hill is one of the picks, then it makes David Lee easier to deal for other talent (Ben Gordon?)

But there still isn’t any clarity, which is why once Walsh sees what happens in picks 2-4 he’ll have the sense of who’s there and if Will is worth giving up on. We won’t know that until Thursday.

Speaking of Walsh, I loved his press conference yesterday and the more it’s been digested the more I enjoy the man in action. Obviously, he wants the perception to be that Rubio is on the same level as some of the prospects because he wants those around the league to believe that he’s not that interested. Why would he push on Rubio now when teams ahead of him are still fielding phone calls. He’ll get aggressive, again, if Rubio is in range on Draft Night.

So in the end, if you can get a guy in James, who I love as a rugged, veteran backcourt option, and add Haywood who needs to prove he’s healthy but can at the very least protect the hoop and score along the box, along with another young piece, it may be just too tough to pass on.

But, you’d have to figure if Walsh doesn’t like how the early part shakes out, he’ll stay patient for yet another day.

I am not a gambler, but I know a big risk when I see one. With rumors swirling around that the Knicks might be willing to offer Wilson Chandler for the Wizards’ #5 overall selection, I figured that I would chime in before anything comes to a head. The Knicks have to acquire young talent. It is fair to say that. But in dealing away Wilson Chandler, Donnie Walsh would be dealing away a young player for the sake of bringing in just one other young player. It is not surprising to see the Wizards be so willing to move out of the fifth spot. After all, this draft is not necessarily the cream of the crop when it comes to drafts. The Wizards want to win now, and to do so, they need productive players that can contribute immediately. With the Cavs coming off a Cinderella season, the Magic potentially losing Hedo Turkoglu, and the Celtics getting older, the Wizards see an opening in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks were the 4^th best team in the East. Get my drift?

Wilson Chandler, love him, hate him, or fall in between, is a productive player. Forget about the nonsense that he would not be a good player in a more traditional system. Chandler has game. He showed it under Isaiah two years ago. Last year, he was near the top of the sophomore class. As an inconsistent 21 year old, Chandler was essentially a 15 ppg and 5 rpg SF that was arguably the team’s best defender. Playing the 2, 3, or 4, Chandler was also arguably the most versatile player on the team. Right now, Chandler is a starter on a mediocre team, and perhaps the 6^th man on a championship caliber team. He is that good now, and he has the potential to be a very, VERY special player. If he was in this year’s draft (he is younger than many of the 1^st round prospects), Wilson would be a lock for the lottery, and perhaps a lock for the top 10.

So why the rumors about trading him for a player that has never played one second in the NBA? Plenty of great college players have floundered in the NBA, while many decent college players have emerged as studs in the pros. Why again are we thinking about dealing him for an unknown? The answer is simple. To be a champion, Donne Walsh might think that he has to gamble a little bit. In all likelihood, Walsh will not mess around with his 2010 plan. So that leaves him with the ability to make good draft picks and acquire underrated talent with the MLE. Walsh might be tempted to gamble away one of his most valuable chips in order to reap a bigger bounty. While Chandler has all-star potential, Walsh might want to find a kid that has all-pro potential. The Knicks need star power. Aside from the Pistons a few years ago who has multiple all-star type players, most championship teams have a mega-star. Look at this year’s Final Four. The Lakers have Kobe. The Nuggets have Melo. The Magic have Howard. The Cavs have the King. Wilson Chandler will not be one of those players. No matter how effective he has been and how much potential he has shown in his first two years as a pro. Tyreke Evans, Steph Curry, and Ricky Rubio all have that potential as pros. They all have the potential to put the Knicks on the map again. They all have the potential to be a league icon. They might not be. In fact, the odds are heavily against all three being all-pro players. Very heavily. But that would be the hope if Donnie Walsh was to trade one of only beacons of light leading the Knicks through their darkened tunnel. In trading Wilson, Donnie would hope to throw dynamite into that tunnel and to blow it out of existence.

So does Donnie go all in and gamble away Wilson Chandler for the right to draft a college player (or Rubio)? That is an extremely tough call. If Walsh could ensure a crack at Rubio, then I would probably do that. Otherwise, I would have to think long and hard about it.

History has shown that it is easier to find a player like Wilson Chandler than it is to find an elite PG. If the Knicks deal away Chandler, they will still have Al Harrington and Danilo Gallinari to man the position. If Harrington is in the long term plans, then this trade makes more sense to me. Also, come next summer, we all know that Donnie will target LeBron James, who just so happens to play the same position as Wilson Chandler. Again, that is a major gamble. Also, one of my favorites, Ron Artest is a free agent and might be lured to the idea of playing for his favorite team, even if it means playing for the MLE. There are potential replacements for Wilson Chandler.

Solution: I am not opposed to dealing away Chandler. Not in the least. I love how hard he plays, but he is inconsistent. But is dealing him for the 5^th pick getting equal value? Would including him in a deal for, perhaps, Amare Stoudemire make more sense? The Wizards rejected the idea of trading Caron Butler for Amare, and if Butler is the ceiling for Amare’s trade value, then the Knicks might be able to work something out for the star PF. The best bet for the Knicks would be to try and find a way to buy a pick before Thursday. If they can somehow acquire a mid-first round pick, they can use that to sweeten the Larry Hughes for Thomas, #5, and James pot. That is easier said than done, but that scenario could work. Or would adding Duhon / Jeffries to the mix better our offer? I am not sure. This rumor has the potential to get very interesting. But if Chandler can be moved for a bona fide star, then I am not sure that the #5 pick is worth Chandler.

Dealing Wilson Chandler for a draft pick has major boom or bust potential.
Walsh has been around this league and this game to understand that it does not matter where a player gets drafted in the draft. It matters if that player can actually play.If the 5th overall pick can play better than Wilson, then go for it. If not, then do not. It is as simple as that. I’ll trust Donnie on this one.

With the rumors with Washington on full speed, the Post’s Peter Vecsey adds some fuel to the fire in saying that the Knicks are angling for 5 so they can trade up to 2 to snag Ricky Rubio.

“…Some of the immoderately mesmerized queued up include the Timberwolves, Kings and Knicks, who are angling to acquire No. 5 from Washington for Larry Hughes (but must take the expiring contracts of Mike James and Etan Thomas) and parlay the pick with No. 8 for No. 2.

Disregarding the 6-foot-3 Spaniard’s contract tribulations for the moment, Rubio doesn’t take a possession off competitively, has improved his 3-point shot whenhe’s able to set his feet, a la Jason Kidd, and sees the court like a nun saw a crowded classroom, minus the mistakes.

At the same time, Rubio’s flaws scare numerous talent scouts more than just a little bit.

“Ricky has a big upside,” a Western Conference coach concedes. “Nevertheless, he’s very light, like Steve Nash only without the offense. He has no mid-range game, never gets to the free throw line and is a defensive liability due to his lack of strength and size.

“Ricky makes sense for a team loaded with great outside shooters, because he can make plays,” the coach continued. “He would’ve been a perfect fit for the Suns under Mike D’Antoni, and he could play for him with the Knicks because they don’t worry about playing defense…”

Now I have two problems with this assessment.

First, I’m still trying to understand why on earth the Wiz would give up the 5th pick for Larry Hughes. I know Gil runs the show in a lot of ways down there, but Big Ern is smarter than that. I’m sure 5 is in play, but it would take bringing back contracts and giving up Chandler, which we hear the Knicks are not completely sold on yet.

Secondly, I’m not sure the team trades two picks to 2 if they give up Chandler. Walsh was adamant yesterday in saying that if you bring in a rookie you have to make sure their are play makers around them, and if the Knicks deal Hughes and/or Chandler, then they have to get two picks back to fill roster spots as they head into free agency. In other words, if they move too many existing players, who will Rubio, or any other guard make plays for? That would expose them and possible hamper their development.

Either way you can smell the wood burning in Washington and we love all the momentum that has surrounded Rubio since we went out on a limb last week.

Just finished the radio show with Rice Balls and came upon this nugget from Hahn.

“…The best opportunity may come with the Wizards’ pick at No. 5, though it would come at a very steep price. Multiple sources confirmed that the Knicks have discussed a potential blockbuster trade between the teams that would land the fifth overall pick and allow the Knicks to keep their spot at No. 8. The deal likely would have to include one of the team’s most valuable assets, swingman Wilson Chandler, which would be a difficult decision.

This scenario also might include Larry Hughes going back to Washington in exchange for guard Mike James, a Long Island product, and a big man such as Etan Thomas or Brendan Haywood. All of the players involved have expiring contracts.

The bold move by the Knicks, however, would not be to target Thabeet or even Spanish guard Ricky Rubio. It appears more likely that Davidson’s Stephen Curry or Memphis’ Tyreke Evans are the more coveted prospects.

The Knicks then could use their own pick at No. 8 to land Arizona power forward Jordan Hill, if he still is on the board. If not, there is Duke’s Gerald Henderson or USC’s DeMar DeRozan to consider as potential replacements for Chandler…”

Interesting. And Rubio could very well be there at 5, after what you heard from the blonde haired guy who’s always at Laker games for ESPN.

Haywood makes sense, (not Thomas if they are targeting Hill) as does Mike James and if the Knicks could bring both of them in AND pick 5 and 8 that would be the serious play I was expecting from Walsh. Guess it would be too much to include Jared Jefferies.

Let’s see. We’ll do some digging too, time to head down the Beltway to my old stomping grounds. See you Thursday!

Donnie Walsh admitted that he has never seen Ricky Rubio in person but has seen him plenty of times on tape and of course in the Olympics where Mike D’Antoni got to see him up close. He knows what type of player he is and he trusts his scouts in Spain.

Walsh also admitted there are Plans B,C, D and E to go along with plan A because you always have to be prepared. Where staying put at 8 is as part of those plans is anyone’s guess.

Walsh talked about plenty of prospects in depth, and was sure to try and distinguish them so I’ll pass it to my boy Zags, who has listed Walsh’s thoughts on each prospect including Holiday.

“…ON RICKY RUBIO: “I think there are other players that are on his level. He’s got experience. He’s got a great game. He’s got a flair. Like most of the players in the draft, he’s got some things he does better than others, and he’s got some things that he doesn’t do well. He’s 6-feet-4, 6-feet-5, that’s a big guard.”

ON STEPHEN CURRY: “You have to have a system for all these players. To me a guy like Curry’s smart enough to figure it out and learn how to play in the NBA defensively.”

ON JONNY FLYNN: “He is a really great athlete. If you catch him on the right day at a workout, I can see where teams that want a certain type of point guard, they would go for him.”

ON TYREKE EVANS: “He’s powerful. He’s got a great handle. If he gets an opening, he’s very strong so he gets there [to the rim]. There’s a couple who get there on quickness, he gets there on strength. And he can pass, too. If you help off on him, he’ll get it to the open guy. I think he can play both [guard positions], but I think he’ll be a point guard eventually in the NBA. And you can post him, too, so that’s even better. I think he’s weigh 215…His shooting form isn’t that bad. He shot it well when he was here. He shot it very well.”

ON JRUE HOLIDAY: “He is a good player and he’s a good defensive guy.”

ON BRANDON JENNINGS: “They [he and Rubio] aren’t here [in the U.S.] so you don’t hear a lot about them. In Rubio’s case he didn’t work out so he’s not in the news as much as some other players…”

So as we draw closer, expect Walsh to gauge the trade market and pounce if Rubio does slip past the first 4. I asked him about Flynn specifically because there are rumors that the Kings were high on the Syracuse product. I think Flynn could be had later, which may allow for the Kings to move down offering up Kenny Thomas’ contract in exchange for Cuttino Mobley’s relatively valuable deal.

You’d think the Kings would want the Knicks to take back the remainder of Andres Nocioni‘s $21 million that extends to 2011. Not sure Walsh would deviate from the 2010 plan even if he were able to offer Jefferies in exchange for Nocioni in addition to the Thomas and Mobley swap.  And there in lies the problem with the Kings. Shipping out Thomas and gaining back Mobley’s deal is a financially desperate move, and it maybe just too much of a risk for a little return should Flynn somehow not be there at 8. The Kings would love to dump Nocioni, but would Walsh be willing to take his 6 million average on?

And Hahn did a nice job digging the Wizards interest, to which Walsh in a way concurred in saying that teams have called about his players. Sure, you’d expect him to say that, but he seemed sincere that there have been inquiries. How serious they have been, we’re not sure.

I get the idea of fans not wanting to get their hopes up, but let’s be real. There are moves that can be made, Mr. Walsh just has to be cautious that they don’t impact 2010 and that they ensure he gets the player he wants. I really feel being in the 4 or 5 position would accomplish both.

We shall see.

Just finished yapping with Donnie Walsh as he addressed the media at the team’s practice facility in Greenburgh and there were some important points of note.

First and foremost, Walsh is looking for a prospect  who can “play at fast tempo, and a guy who can defend.”

Smokescreen or not Walsh didn’t seem overly optimistic about the prospects of moving up Thursday, but felt that he may not need to seeing that two intriguing prospects,  Ricky Rubio and Hasheem Thabeet, could find their way to the Knicks at 8. Walsh was clear in saying the Knicks have not worked out Rubio, refuting a report today. (Our apologies to Marc Berman who said they were trying to interview Rubio, not work him out). Walsh told reporters that he had not seen Rubio in person, but is confident that he knows him as a player.

“…I’m not confident they (Thabeet or Rubio) be in the top 4, Walsh said. “It’s possible (one or both slides to 8). I’m not saying it’s going to happen but your hearing all this stuff and reading all this stuff. It could happen.”

But if it doesn’t happen there is the opportunity to trade up, which Walsh said was a long shot based on the history of the NBA Draft. He pointed out the actual number of trades and used that number as the chances of it happening.

There haven’t been that many.

When I pushed him on if he thought, as most media outlets do (including this one), that Rubio was the top point guard in the draft Walsh was coy in saying:

“…I don’t know, you have to ask the guy who has two,” referring to Memphis GM Chris Wallace, but then added later, “I think there are players on his level.”

He also noted that Rubio will be good as who he has around him, which may be an overriding factor in not wanting to move up, especially if they have to give up an asset to do it.

So as we inch closer to Thursday, Walsh will be exhibiting his classic patience because he does sense the players will slip, or teams may be desperate to trade and he won’t know that until the phone rings Thursday. He admitted that there has been some interested in his players but that he probably values them more that the other teams do.

Walsh would not commit to taking a guard, but did talk a lot about Jrue Holiday’s ability to defend and to play at a fast pace, which is the biggest thing he’s looking for, not necessarily one who can score. We’ve been talking about Holiday’s two-way ability since January when he wasn’t on anyone’s radar, and it appears that Walsh loves the kid out of UCLA. He even went as far as to say that his first workout, he’s here today, was very good, and that he shouldn’t have been dejected.

He talked glowingly about Tyreke Evans and, of course, Stephen Curry, saying that Curry is smart enough to figure a way to become a good NBA defender.Walsh feels both are definitely point guards, with Evans’ advantage being that he can also post up.

But perhaps the most interesting nugget was the idea that Walsh felt that Jonny Flynn being taken at 4 was not a reach. Walsh feels that Flynn’s athleticism makes him a very attractive prospect, and can see him being taken by the Kings with the fourth position. That posturing is obviously smart on Walsh’s part because if Flynn jumps up then a player he really likes may fall in his lap and 8 without having to give anything up.

So as we draw closer, I now believe that Walsh will keep an eye on the guys dropping and is not ready to commit just yet, meaning he’ll head into the draft ready to make adjustments on the fly based on what happens before hand.

********************************************

Let’s put it this way, I’m not buying this talk that the Blazers are hunting for Rubio, based on the fact that it completely opposes what I’ve been hearing out of Portland. The Blazers want a vet quarterback, and wouldn’t bring in Rubio to compete with him. Period. All signs still point to Andre Miller or Jason Kidd, but the aforementioned Hinrich wouldn’t shock me either.

Via Berman:

“…The Knicks have not given up hope on Ricky Rubio and are still trying to interview the 18-year-old Spanish point guard phenom this week before Thursday’s NBA Draft, according to a source. Rubio will be in New York for the draft but hasn’t worked out for teams.

Rubio visited Sacramento, but did not work out.

Rumors are circulating that Rubio could fall because of the complexity of his $6 million buyout and the Kings are no lock to take him at No. 4. Rubio has sued his Spanish club and a court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. A Spanish source said he would not be surprised if Rubio starts the preseason in Spain.

If the Kings pass, Rubio, some people in the league predict, could fall as low as eight to the Knicks, who are trying to trade up for Stephen Curry or the Spaniard.

I’ve told you all along that I feel Rubio is the target and that they both seem to be on a collision course. I still think the Knicks will move up as Rubio won’t last till 8 based on a report from the Sac Bee that Rubio’s buyout has been reduced.

“…The thought of drafting Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio may have become less risky to NBA teams.

The $6.6 million buyout of Rubio’s contract with his current team, DKV Joventut, was reduced on Sunday, according to a source close to the guard.

The source claims that the agreement was reduced to an amount where Rubio “knows he’ll be able to make the payments.”

If the rumors are true, it clears a major obstacle for teams in position to draft Rubio on Thursday night. It’s possible that he’d be able to join whatever team drafts him by the time summer league play starts if the buyout has in fact been reduced…”