Pretty solid analysis from Bleacher Report about Wilson Chandler, particularly when it comes to shooting.

On offense, he drives almost exclusively to his right when going to the rim. When he drives left he usually pulls up for a mid-range jump shot, or looks to pass. He needs to improve his left-hand dribbling to improve his driving ability.

He has good hand/arm mechanics on his jump shot. He repeats the motion and has good back spin on his shot. His shot is a little flat and he lacks range.

His inconsistency on his jump shot from range is due to his inconsistent foot work. Rather than going up with his feet under him, he often goes up with his feet unbalanced.

A shooter’s feet should be parallel when going up for a jump shot. For some reason, his left foot tends to be forward. So, he does not go up straight and often fades back on his jumper. A player can get away with this in close, but not with range. So, if he fixes his footwork on his long-range jumper, then he will be a much better shooter.

I agree with the point about footwork because, to me, often times Will is committed to shooting several seconds before he does. Particularly off the dribble. I believe that is due to the lack of a real play maker. Will can make plays at the rim, but struggles with making plays for teammates because he can get his shot at, well, will.

Can he be a 2 guard? I think it’s possible, but he has to learn how to create with both hands from both wing positions. He has to develop more of a pull up, control game where passing is more of an option.To me, on a championship level team, I’d have him as 6th or 7th man getting 20-25 minutes per and feel pretty good about my rotation.

He’s 23, one of my favorite players in a long time and always has time to come on the radio with us or time to chat at practice. He’s a good guy.

But he has to stay healthy and he really should because he’s built solidly. If I were him though I’d bring it extra hard in camp because I know Landry Fields will.

That battle will be fun to watch.

Via NY Post

“I try to think about things I can control,” Chandler said. “I’ve just been in the gym working on my game. Everything’s going pretty good. Working on my ball handling, shooting, few moves, first step.”

Chandler averaged 15.3 and 5.4 rebounds last season in 65 games but was shut down in March with a groin injury. Knicks president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D’Antoni like Chandler’s game, but if the Knicks are going to be players in a trade for Paul, Chandler likely is expendable.

My first inclination is to keep Will at all costs. He’s a very solid two-way player still with some upside. But he’s not a 2 guard. He’d be useful coming off the bench, but if you can upgrade at a position of need, then you consider dealing Chandler.

via NY Post:

“According to a person familiar with the Knicks’ thinking, the club will explore trading Wilson Chandler, possibly packaging him with the expiring contract of Eddy Curry. The Knicks would love to trade for a premier outside-shooting big man.

Chandler, who has had ankle surgery two straight offseasons, has a contract the Knicks likely will move to be enough under the 2011 salary cap for a maximum contract. The addition of versatile forward Anthony Randolph and swingman Kelenna Azubuike makes Chandler more expendable for a roster lacking size. The Knicks don’t believe Chandler can handle shooting-guard duties.

The Knicks have had internal discussions about shooting guard Rasual Butler, but they didn’t have enough room. They were looking at centers Theo Ratliff and Tony Battie in case the deal with the Russian didn’t work.”

This should not necessarily be news to many people.  Eddy Curry will not be traded on his own and Wilson Chandler has become a little bit more expendable with the team’s recent draft choices and acquisitions from Golden State.

That said, do not read this as the Knicks TRYING to deal away Chandler.  Chandler is a solid young player with a ton of room to improve.  The Knicks will not give him away for mediocrity with a long term contract.  That just will not happen.

I would imagine that if Walsh in fact deals away Curry and Chandler for anyone not named Chris Paul (not going to happen with Felton coming to town) or Carmelo Anthony, it would be for a player with one year left on his pact.  I have to believe that until Carmelo signs his three year extension, the Knicks would like to stay in contention to sign him outright next summer and not have to worry about sign and trades.

Players with expiring contracts that are of interest to me include: Tayshaun Prince, Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy.  Of those players, Murphy is the most attractive as I think he would be an excellent complement to Amare. He is 6’11, an elite rebounder (in the David Lee class), and can shoot out at the 3 point line (surprisingly well too).  He would be our starting center and would give us a starting five that would include Felton, Murphy, Amare, Gallo and probably Bill Walker.  However, I doubt that Indiana would deal Murphy for a package of Wilson Chandler and Curry.  Prince would also be a nice addition as he would bring versatility, defense, veteran savvy, and most importantly, a championship pedigree to this roster.

I have not heard rumors connected to any of those players.  They are just names that popped into my head.  If the Knicks do not acquire a sweet shooting big to play center next to Amare, I would not be shocked if Anthony Randolph is given the bulk to the minutes at center.  With his abilities and potential, Mike D’Antoni might simply let him learn on the job and let him play.  Eddy Curry is a possibility if he comes to camp in shape, but the Knicks owe him nothing.  His damage to this team and their pursuit of elite free agents has already been done. If he wants to play, he will have to earn it, something he has not done in years for this team.  Jerome Jordan is a rookie and it remains to be seen if he can adapt to the pros.  The same goes for Timofey Mosgov if he in fact signs here.

Because I love debate, and of course, accountability, here is Slam magazine’s article of the “Best 25 players under 25.”

What you need to know (stick your chest out main man “Yo Son”) Wilson Chandler ranks 23, Danilo Gallinari ranks at 30 and…wait for it…Brook Lopez is top 15.

At this point it’s fair, yet I disagree in parts. Have at it.

Oh, also, Russell Westbrook is ions ahead of OJ Mayo.

Via NY Post-

“…Chandler, who turned 23 last week, was carrying what was described as a “small amount” of marijuana when cops pulled over the 2010 Mercedes-Benz he was riding in near 94th Avenue and 213th Street in Queens at 11:30 p.m., police said.

Cops decided to search Chandler after they smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, police said. Chandler was issued a desk appearance ticket for the misdemeanor charge.

Via Denver Post

“…When Anthony came out, he talked about the gall of Gallinari, who was trash-talking with the all-star. And he also discussed the not-so-ambiguous comments Knicks president Donnie Walsh made to the New York Post, suggesting that even though the Knicks have money to spend this summer, they are looking at rebuilding over the next couple years — and Melo could be available after 2011.

“I really don’t know what’s going to happen the next year,” Anthony said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t want to play here in New York…”

As I’ve said, Melo is great leverage for this summer. Would Lebron allow for the opportunity to pass him by with the idea of having to GET THROUGH the Knicks should Carmelo make the jump? This is what the plan is about to me. They have the opportunity to give Lebron everything, should he pass the team can add pieces this season in the form of a max player and vets maybe on 1 year deals, the possibility of sign and trades, then have space to add the game changer.

At least that’s what I’ve always felt.

What does that mean for fans? Well, if Lebron stays,  I would think a team ready to make the playoffs in the bottom tier and make a push. Have another year of development with added piece, particularly defensively, around Gallinari, Toney Douglas and Wilson Chandler. The chance to add a 1st round pick this year and/or two possible quality second rounders as well.

Then be ready to become a Eastern Conference contender in 2011 if they can convince Melo, who doesn’t seem like he needs all that much convincing.

Via NY Daily News/RealGM

“…Wilson Chandler may have played his final game of the season.Chandler will not play in Wednesday’s game against Boston due to recurring pain to his left groin. Chandler has been playing with the injury for the past six weeks and has been told that it will only improve with rest.

Mike D’Antoni did not rule out shutting down Chandler for the last 15 games.

RealGM Note: If Chandler is indeed done for 09-10, his 22-year-old season compares statistically most similarly to Jeff Green and Rudy Gay (both 08-09)…”

This would be a huge disappointment, 2 years in a row that Chandler hasn’t been able to finish the season.

Kudos to RealGM for comparing the numbers, Chandler is a player who has simply gotten better year after year. He’s shooting near 48% from the floor this year.

Via NY Daily News-

“…There is a growing sentiment among opposing team executives that at the very least the Knicks will sign Atlanta‘s Joe Johnson, whose agent, Arn Tellem, orchestrated the Tracy McGrady trade to the Knicks and has been friends with Walsh for 20 years. It’s called a “wink-wink deal,” and even though it is against NBA rules, the practice does exist and is nearly impossible to police.

“I think that’s a done deal,” said one Eastern Conference GM.

If Walsh can’t land either James or Dwyane Wade but ends up with Johnson, another option is luring Toronto‘s Chris Bosh in a sign-and-trade. Sources claim the Raptors would be open to such a deal if it included David Lee…”

I’ve said that the decision on Lee is the first order of business. My guess would be that in order to get Bosh, the Knicks may have to include Wilson Chandler in the deal. Realistically, I’d want Marco Belinelli back if Chandler had to go. I wonder if Lee and Toney Douglas could bring them back Bosh. This is where the evaluation stage comes in. I wonder if Chandler could be a deal breaker, seeing that the Knicks can also use him to land a pretty solid big or PG via trade.

Lee would be a great pairing for Andrea Bargnani at the 4 and if they added Chandler that would certainly help their depth. I think that would be a great deal for the Raptors and obviously a great starting point for the Knicks.

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Via Hoopsworld:

“…The Knicks grand plan is certainly no secret.  Since the moment GM Donnie Walsh was hired, his primary objective was blatantly clear: To create and maintain as much cap space as possible in order to go shopping in the summer of 2010.

Still, although Donnie has done a stellar job paring down the Knicks payroll and shedding some of the franchise’s most expensive and debilitating contracts, the total amount of money the Knicks will have to play with is still unknown.  The salary cap is essentially determined as a fraction of total ‘Basketball Related Income,” and that BRI amount won’t be known until later this year.  New York will definitely have enough cap space to offer/sign one superstar to a max-level contract, but not the two studs some New Yorkers were hoping for.  Depending on where the cap is set – some doomsday scenarios had the cap falling all the way down to $50.4 million – the Knicks may be left only about $20 million under the cap.

Moreover, having cash and cap space is only part of the equation.  In order for Walsh to be able to entice potential free agents, he needs to be able to sell the Knicks as an organization with attractive talent already on the roster.  Regardless of which elite free agent the Knicks target, all of the top-notch players on the market are going to want a chance to win.  The most sought-after free agents aren’t going to join a team without legitimate championship aspirations.  Thus, Donnie Walsh is going to have to be able sell their core foundation as one worthy of serious consideration.

And, when discussing the future, the Knicks two most promising and prominent building blocks are their athletic wings: Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler…

…

The other two Knickerbockers that will almost certainly be on the team on Opening Night next season are the two draft picks from the 2009 draft: Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas.  Knicks fans are hoping that these two youngsters will become an integral part of the group that turns the franchise’s fortunes around.

Selected eighth overall last June, Hill was a highly touted low-post force coming out of the University of Arizona.  Jordan finished his three-year career at Arizona ranked among the school’s career leaders in points, rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage.  As a junior, he averaged career-highs of 18.3 points (on 54% shooting) and 11 rebounds per contest, which earned him all All-Pac-10 honors.

However, Hill spent most of his first few months in the NBA on Mike D’Antoni’s bench (while a few other late lottery picks – notably Brandon Jennings – burst out of the gates.)  But Hill appears to have slowly but surely worked his way into D’Antoni’s rotation.  Hill has played double-digit minutes in each of the Knicks last four games, and is averaging 6.5 points on 57% shooting over that stretch.  Hill is raw and still has to make giant strides (especially on the defensive end of the floor) before he contribute on a consistent basis, but flashes of that tantalizing skill set make occasional appearances…more.” (more…)

Via Yahoo-

“…League sources have told Yahoo! Sports that the Suns are increasing their efforts to trade forward Amare Stoudemire.

Recent discussions between the team and Stoudemire’s agent didn’t move towards an agreement on a contract extension.

The All-Star can become a free agent after the season.

“Someone will pay him the max – or very close,” one Western Conference executive said.

The sources believe that the Suns will take the best offer for Stoudemire prior to the Feb. 18 trade deadline.

The Bulls, Heat, 76ers and Nets are among several teams interested in Stoudemire, according to the report.

In addition, the Arizona Republic writes that the Cavaliers and Warriors are interested…”

All I know is that Steve Kerr better get this one right, seeing that Steve Nash decided to finish his career in the Valley of the Sun. Kerr better do better than expiring contracts and draft picks.

Interesting not to see the Knicks interested there, but I can imagine the Knicks would have to surrender David Lee along with a combination of  Gallinari, Hill and Chandler to get involved with conversations.

The Knicks can wait to see what team he is dealt to, then make a push as a Plan B should they fail to land Lebron James.

“…Someone will pay him the max – or very close,” one Western Conference executive predicted.

As it stands now, it appears unlikely that will be the Phoenix Suns…”

I am a fan of Stoudemire’s. It’s hard not to be a fan of that combination of athleticism and skill. I hear the debate of he versus David Lee. Amar’e is injury prone, yes, but he’s a better player on both ends of the floor. Is he a better value player, especially when people say he’ll get the max? I’m not sure he is.

If you build your franchise around him, you better have a great point guard and some shooters,too.

Via NY Post:

“…Ironically, my buddy Chris Sheridan of ESPN called Gallinari “a one-trick pony” earlier in the season – referring to his 3-point shot.

But The Stallion has made Sheridan look bad. The most surprising part of Gallinari’s season is his 3-point shot hasn’t even been the most impressive part of his game – despite leading the league in makes. His gritty defense and driving hard to the basket, drawing fouls, has given hope he is a potential All-Star in the future. He’s showing some Rocky toughness.

But the back issue still looms. Gallinari sits on a special pad on the bench to keep his back more comfy…”

Via Daily News

“…Chandler has become a favorite of D’Antoni because of that ability to defend multiple positions. Plus, Chandler’s ever improving offensive game has been overshadowed by Lee and Danilo Gallinari. Chandler’s 15 point-per-game average is third-best on the team and he’s shooting 46%.

“A lot of people don’t talk about him,” D’Antoni said. “But Wil has been great.”

AL BE BACK: Al Harrington (calf) is expected to return tonight after missing two games.

Jonathan Bender continues to struggle with his shot. Bender, who was out of the league for the past three years, has made just 14 of his last 40 attempts…”

And yes, as we’ve been saying for some time, it has been so very obvious that David Lee should be in Dallas in February.

So I had the chance to read Kelly Dwyer’s take on the Knicks and there are several things that jump out at me. Let me say this, I have a ton of respect for the guys at BDL. I find them very entertaining and relatively informative. But, like a ton of media who cover the league as a whole, it’s clear that Dwyer hasn’t been completely paying attention to the Knicks.

That said, Kevin from Basketball Prospectus most certainly has.

Dwyer would lead you to believe that the Knicks would move any young player on the roster if it meant ridding Jared Jeffries or Eddy Curry.

“…The problem here is that the Knicks want, oh, about none of these players back next year. They’re trying to shed space for a bit of free agency fun; and while their quartet of youngsters (Danilo Gallinari(notes), Toney Douglas(notes), Jordan Hill(notes), Wilson Chandler(notes)) will be under contract and a welcome sight on the 2010-11 roster to coach Mike D’Antoni and personnel chief Donnie Walsh, don’t think that New York wouldn’t deal any of those parts in a second if it meant being able to deal either Jared Jeffries(notes) or Eddy Curry(notes) for expiring contracts.

Everyone else? Gone…”

The first sentence is a contradiction. “About none of these players” means that they want at least one player back and that’s obviously Gallinari. He is going nowhere. Period.

And I’d venture to guess that Wilson Chandler is getting himself to untouchable status too. But I won’t go that far, considering that Chandler has $2.1 million on the books for next year. Frankly, between Jeffries and Chandler, I can imagine Donnie Walsh may be receiving phone calls about availability of both players now, based on how well each has played. Jeffries may be playing himself into a situation where he doesn’t need an asset with him in order to be moved. Now, I mentioned yesterday that Jeffries has been a huge piece to the team, defensively, and that I wouldn’t just trade him if it weren’t the right deal at this point. I mean, to take say, Adam Morrison, back or Earl Watson to unload JJ may make more sense at the trade deadline, but not now. Jeffries would help the Lakers and the Thunder as a defensive presence off the bench. Mike James is a name that has always been tossed out there, but who knows what the Wiz are thinking now. Any deal could severely hamper the Knicks playoff chances should they still be in the mix, which is why Walsh’s best bet is to wait until the deadline. (more…)

I had a few people email certain points leading to the Knicks turnaround (thanks) and had a discussion with a season ticket holder who had the chance to sit in on a Knicks “town hall” meeting last night who asked to remain nameless.

The numbers told Mike D’Antoni early on in the season that his group shot a far lower percentage in the first 10 seconds of the shot clock. In the second half, from roughly 15-5 seconds remaining on the clock, the team made a much greater percentage, hence why the team had much more offensive success.

Now, by “offensive success” I don’t mean number of points, I mean efficiency. And no one has been more efficient than David Lee.

D’Antoni has rewarded Lee by allowing him to trigger the offense some possessions, the freedom to shoot jump shots, and the ability to break people down off the bounce from the perimeter.

And give the coach credit for recognizing that numbers don’t lie, and that the system can still work in the second half of the shot clock. The team just doesn’t have fast, high percentage shooters, or at least that many players with high FG%s in the first 10 (seven) second so of the shot clock. But they are developing.

See Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari.

Secondly, I’ve had the chance to watch Jordan Hill practice a bunch this year and tweeted this yesterday. I don’t have issue one with the kid’s work ethic, although I do agree that he seems to be too content with riding the pine. But whose to say that he hasn’t been told to focus on practice and to be ready to bust out of the gate next season? Sure, Hill COULD play 10-25 minutes per night on a horrid team. This one isn’t. They’ve been playing several games above .500 for a month now and are a serious playoff contender. So stop with the “how does the 8th pick not play?” nonsense. He’ll play next year, count on it. Right now he’s behind Jeffries, Lee and three point shooting 4s on the depth chart.

For those who haven’t seen enough of him, but somehow know he’s not a player (like they did with Gallinari on draft night BOOOO!!!!!) Hill frequently shows off a silky smooth jump shot that stretches out to 18 feet.  The difference as to why Gallo played last year is that he could score thanks to unlimited range.

Hill’s athleticism has improved greatly as his strength has improved, and from what I’ve seen he is always working after practice with Herb Williams working on his back to the basket game, which is relatively non-existent.  Lee plays the bulk of the minutes at the 5 spot spelled by Jeffries, who moves over from the 4 then gets paired with Gallinari, Chandler or Harrington at the 4 spot. Bender is part of the mix 2 because he is more of a spot shooter. Hill is a 5. There just aren’t any consistent minutes for him…yet. The two plays that stand out for me were the pick and roll banger against the Lakers and the stroke he showed off the other night against the Pacers.  Yes, he likes to shoot and his shot selection in practice has been reeled in.

But to think he’s not a big part of the team’s future is crazy. I’ll take 6’11 athletic and who can shoot any day. This is not Channing Frye, he attacks the rim…and this is not Mikki Moore.

Tommy says: technical difficulties with the post to my take on the Yahoo story…hope you read my thoughts…comments rest below.

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