Killing time
The rumors are cluttering message boards all over the internet, which is all part of the fun, I suppose. Donnie Walsh and the cast of thousands who are weighing in on the draft assembled this morning at the MSG Training Center, and most of them are prowling for information.
Isiah Thomas is not on the premises, according to a Knicks spokesman.
Don’t give up on yet on the possibility of moving up to snag O.J. Mayo because the best offers probably won’t be exchanged for a couple of hours. I don’t see any benefit to partnering with Portland to move down unless there’s an opportunity to pave the way for a marquee name in 2010.
There’s a reason why so many teams are ready and willing to dump first-round picks outside the lottery.
I’m starting to wonder if Joe Alexander is worthy of the No. 6 pick because it doesn’t sound like Walsh has any intention of signing David Lee to a contract extension down the road. The sound of silence is usually a hint. Since we haven’t been hearing much about Alexander, maybe he’s the guy.
Or maybe not.
They’re going to keep us guessing all day long and into the night. I can’t wait to see how Knicks fans react to whatever goes down at the WaMu Theater.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
If the Knicks get O.J. Mayo, it will be with a teade with Minny for the 6th, David Lee, maybe Malik Rose for Mayo along with a bad contract like Marko Jaric.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I agree – we need to work with Minny to get that 3rd pick.
With the #6th pick – they can draft Lopez to partner upfront with Jefferson and with Lee they can have him back up Jefferson at the 4 and play spot duty at the 3.
Malik will offer them instant financial flexibility in the amount of $8mil.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Two rumors I’ve heard:
—The Knicks are high on Kevin Love for the sixth pick. This is a departure from a lot of the pre-draft speculation. Perhaps their thinking is that he’ll replace David Lee, who is their most valuable (non-expiring contract) trading chip right now
—Zach Randolph being dumped either to Memphis, Detroit, or New Jersey? I know that they would like nothing more than to move him, but who would want this bag of bones at any price?
Personally, if they can’t get Mayo, I’d like to see them trade out of this pick entirely. At 6 they might not even get a legit starter, and this pick will have a two-year contract guaranteed. Why not trade the pick entirely and get the heck out of the first round? Build cap space and flexibility. This roster is full of project players already.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
If the Knicks draft Lopez or Love, they have lost me as a fan forever.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Based on New Jersey trading Jefferson today, I doubt they’ll be taking on contracts. They are looking to get under the cap and sign LeBron in 2010.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
What about this deal: We send ZBo, Balkman, and the #6 to NJ for Marcus Williams, Sean Williams, and #10. The Nets sopposedly coveted Balkman last offseason, ZBo gives them much needed low post offense, and they get a higher pick. We get our future point guard, a shot blocker, and #10 (possibly Gallinari?).
June 26th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Jimmy Z
By dealing RJ, the Nets signaled they are cutting salary to be ready for the summer of 2010, so no go on that deal. Now if you offer them Marbury, it might be a different story.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I’d love to see the Knicks acquire Marcus Williams. I think he’s a good PG. Don’t have any sense though of how he’d fit into the D’Antoni system. I’d prefer him over Augustin or Westbrook, for certain.