The latest in a series of tough decisions
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- October
- 23
Waiting to sign David Lee and Nate Robinson to contract extensions really makes a lot of sense. It’s a move that could end up costing the Knicks more in the long run, but Donnie Walsh needs to see where this might be going before he starts throwing money at the problem.
And it’s nice to see there’s a place for Allan Houston in the front office. This could be a very good experience for anybody who aspires to run a basketball team in the future. Remember, he’s got a strong relationship with James Dolan, so when a position of power comes open somewhere down the road, Houston will appear on the list of candidates.
Here’s where it gets tricky, Walsh already explained his belief that buying out bad contracts is not good business. The patient team president was talking about Stephon Marbury when he offered that up. Walsh might want to make an exception, though, and pay off Jerome James so the Knicks can keep Patrick Ewing Jr. on the roster.
It makes sense to develop young talent, even if they might only become limited role players.
James is owed $12.8 million over the next two seasons. There are cheaper alternatives. Malik Rose has one year left at $7.6 million. It wouldn’t take more than relative pocket change to get Mardy Collins or Anthony Roberson off the roster. The problem is, all three of those players might actually contribute a minute or five along the way.
Do you have the solution?
Who stays? Who goes? You have the floor.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 at 12:16 pm by Mike Dougherty.
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if Jerome James gets a roster spot over PEJ then I will hunt James Dolan down at his next horrible blues concert
DW exercised Collin’s option for next year, a clear indication he is staying.
Roberson was merely a flier from a stellar SL performance, none of which has been matched in Summer League. He is clearly the last off the bench for the guards, I would buy out his contract or try and move him for a 2nd round draft pick (unlikely).
I’d buy out the final year and $19mil on Penny Hardaway’s contract…wait, I mean Shandon Anderson…I mean Jalen Rose…wait…what I meant to say was Maurice Taylor. When does the madness stop?
Ideally? You trade Roberson for a 2nd round pick.
If not, buy him out.
What I would want most? Pay Jerome James to never be seen again
Who is this Jerome James you speak of? Is he a basketball player of some kind? The name sounds kinda familiar.
If the goal is getting under the cap in two years, just cut the last two years of Jerome James right now. If you can move Roberson for a 2nd, great. But clearly, they like Junior and he has upside. JJames is upside down, and may never play again anyway. I think they’re still trying to convince him to retire so they can pay him off via insurance.
1) do to big snacks and collins what the buccaneers did to keyshawn
2) once jeffries and gallinari come back, make malik an assistant coach
Mike-
Any chance that the Knicks could sign Houston in midseason if they clear up a roster spot? It’s not like he’s going to sign with another team.
Cut Roberson or that Jerome James guy
They should cut Roberson AND Jerome James and try and sign Nick Fazekas who was just cut by Denver.
It depends on what Lee and Robinson want. Both of them are role players.
Let’s be real here, Lee’s a high energy effort player. The Knicks would still suck with him gone.
Same with Nate.
If they want more than 4-5 million per year, let them walk. Or trade them now.
That guy with the capital D is not me.
I think Jerome James is going to have his best season in D’Antoni’s up tempo offense.
No, but really. DW has said he is averse to buyouts, so I expect Lil Patty to get cut. I hope not. I hope big Fats decides to retire but players rarely opt for the lesser amount of money. So, Patito will go, but it won’t be a huge loss. We have seen who will play and it’s neither of these guys so it doesn’t much matter.
I do think that you put yourself in a bad position not signing Robinson and Lee. These guys are good players. They can be important role players on a good team. Lee is a prolific rebounder if nothing else (and there is much more). Robinson has been our best guard in camp. If we let them become restricted free agents we most likely end up signing them for someone elses price and letting another team screw our salary structure. Get it done Donnie. Big litmus test, Pal.
I agree with the man with the capital D though. We don’t need to give them Kenyon Martin type contracts.
Sorry “litte d”. First time poster here. I’ll change my tag.
It seems every year is the same with Nate. He’s always the best guard in camp or in the summer league. I’m tired of falling for it. Let him play this year out and see how he plays in Mike’s system.
Lee is great rebounder and is one of those rare players who don’t need touches to be effective. I would like for him to stay a Knick, but, if he wants 8-10 million per, I think it would be wise for the Knicks to let him go.
If only Curry and Crawford both decide to opt out this year…