NBA FanHouse

Donnie Walsh Denies Looking Ahead

Matt Watson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks

With the Cavaliers in town to play the Knicks, speculation about LeBron James leaving Cleveland for the Big Apple has been shifted into overdrive. But Donnie Walsh wants you to know that he cares about the Knicks' present just as much as the future.

"No matter what you say, there's a feeling that you're just looking to next summer, and that hasn't been true at all," he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I know where it's coming from, but there's very little you can do about it. I'm talking to you now and saying I'm not even thinking about that right now. I don't care if I say that to 100 people, they'll say, 'He's waiting for next year.' "

Instead of telling that to 100 people, perhaps he could merely reinforce that message to the 14 in the Knicks' locker room -- because according to some close to the team, even the players are starting to think that this season doesn't matter.

From Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:

According to one player, there is a sense among many Knicks that this season doesn't mean anything to the organization since management has made it clear that it will look to add an impact player next summer. In order to do that, most of the players with expiring contracts will not be re-signed. Harrington, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Darko Milicic and Hughes are in the last year of their respective deals

[...] A few players have said that they have been so soured by their experience in New York that if James were to solicit their advice about playing for the Knicks, they would not give him a favorable scouting report.

If Walsh is so adamant that he's not ignoring the present, then why did he leave Lee and Robinson, two up-and-coming players critical to the small amount of success the Knicks have had in recent years, dangling in the wind this summer? Both players hoped to secure long-term deals, but Walsh opted for short, one-year deals that wouldn't eat up any precious salary cap space next summer.

With Ramon Sessions available this past summer for a song, why pass on the chance to finally give Mike D'Antoni a legitimate starting point guard? Same reason; any long-term deal, even bargains that could improve the team in the short and long term, were simply not an option.

No matter what Walsh wants people to believe, he has put all of his eggs in next year's basket. That's as clear as day, but what's confusing is why Walsh wants people to believe otherwise. Since Walsh took over, fans have largely given the Knicks a free pass, ignoring today's atrocious play in belief that things will magically get better in 2010. Walsh should enjoy it while it lasts, and perhaps ask Omar Minaya what life is like when New York fans actually hold a front office accountable.

Donnie Walsh Denies Looking Ahead originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knicks Have a Stalker: Stephon Marbury

Tom Ziller — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:12:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Fans

ESPN's Chris Sheridan reports on the world's first non-uStream Stephon Marbury sighting of the NBA season. It came at Madison Square Garden, where Knicks security had to ask a paid-in-full Starbury to go to his seat. Marbury had purchased a ticket in row A (that's the second row) for Saturday night's Knicks home opener against the Sixers. The only problem was that Marbury instead tried to sit in row AA (the Spike Lee zone).

Sheridan reports that Marbury spent part of the first quarter standing and recording live video of the action (as pictured). Eventually, a Madison Square Garden security guard asked Marbury to move to his actual seat. Instead of doing so, Sheridan reports that the former self-professed World's Greatest Point Guard left the arena. Front row or bust! Hilariously, according to the New York Daily News's Mitch Lawrence, a Knicks usher mistakenly sat Marbury in the front row in the first place. Whoops.

Knicks Have a Stalker: Stephon Marbury originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Likely to Drop 50 at Madison Square Garden: LeBron James

Nate Jones — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks

With the start of the 2009-10 season looming, NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.

Madison Square Garden is the crown jewel of NBA arenas. It's the oldest building in the league, and has hosted a ton of special moments throughout its history. Many of those moments likely helped shaped the hoop dreams of many of the league's current stars.

Of course, no one had a greater influence on making MSG a special place to play than Michael Jordan (sorry, Knicks fans). Since Jordan, every NBA player has wanted to come to the Garden and put on a show.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are probably the biggest stars in the NBA today (at least according to Vitaminwater and Nike). As you know, both Kobe and LeBron have been influenced tremendously by Jordan. Accordingly, they have both tried to replicate Jordan's classic performances at the Garden.

Think about it this way: only three Knicks opponents have dropped 50 at the Garden. Those three? MJ, LeBron and Kobe (sorry Rip, your 50 in three overtimes just doesn't cut it).

Jordan did it twice, the most memorable being his "Double Nickel" game in 1995. LeBron has also dropped 50 twice at MSG, nearly missing 50 point triple doubles in both '08 and '09. And of course, Kobe etched his name into Madison Square Garden history when he set the Garden scoring record with 61 points at MSG last season.

So who will cross the 50-point plateau at MSG this season? Last season we were pretty on point with our Kobe Bryant prediction. Although Kobe loves to put on a show at the Garden, I'm going to roll with LeBron this season.

The reasons are pretty simple. LeBron is the premier player in the league right now and the Knicks have no one that can contain him. There's also that whole thing about teasing Knicks fans over the possibility of him sporting the orange and blue in 2010. Just like Kobe and MJ, LeBron understands the moment. He has already scored 50 at the Garden two seasons in a row. He'll likely continue to entice Knicks fans with the lure signing him in the July 2010 by putting together another 50-point show stopper.

Runners-up:

Gilbert Arenas: Gil hung 50 on the Mike D'Antoni coached Phoenix Suns a few years back. After missing almost two full seasons with a knee injury, torturing D'Antoni and his Knicks with a 50 spot would be the perfect "I'm back" statement for Mr. Arenas.

Kobe Bryant: See last season

Dwyane Wade: Trust me, after finishing third in the MVP vote behind Kobe and LeBron last season, Wade will be looking to show that he is the best player in the league.

Kevin Durant: Everyone is predicting that this will be a break out year for KD (you know, because averaging 25 points per game on 48% from the field and 42% from three wasn't a break out). Joining the 50-point club at the Garden would surely help the mainstream become more aware of Mr. Durant.

Amar'e Stoudemire: "Yo coach D ... Get me out of Phoenix and I'll do this for you nightly!"

Carmelo Anthony: Along with Kobe, Carmelo is the most complete offensive threat in the league. Yet he still doesn't get the level of respect shown to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 'Melo has quietly gotten better year after year, but still craves to be recognized as a superstar. Dropping 50 at MSG is one way to get back on the mainstream radar. And since 'Melo played for Syracuse in the Big East, he's already quite familiar with the importance of the Garden.

Most Likely to Drop 50 at Madison Square Garden: LeBron James originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Stern Doesn't Want LeBron in NY

Matt Watson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks, NBA Videos

Forgive me for the sensational headline -- I must admit to twisting the NBA commissioner's words just a tiny bit. But in an interview with reelsportsfan.com, David Stern revealed he's just like the millions of fans in Ohio who hope to see LeBron James re-sign with the Cavaliers.

"He hasn't won anything yet, but he may be the best player to descend to this planet," Stern said of James, later adding, "Michael [Jordan] might dispute that, but he's got a lot of canvas yet upon which to paint. And I have no doubt the picture is going to be beautiful."

When asked if Stern had any idea where James may finish his career, he replied, "None whatsoever -- although I hope it's in Cleveland." Keep reading for the video.

via New York Post

David Stern Doesn't Want LeBron in NY originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tip-Off Timer: Super 7 Comprise Game's Greatest Winners

Chris Tomasson — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Celtics, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Nuggets

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Tuesday, there are seven days remaining.

OK, so Quinn Buckner doesn't excite too many. Other than that, this is one of the best basketball lists you'll ever find.

There are just seven men who have won an NBA title, an NCAA crown and an Olympic gold medal. Other than Buckner, they are Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Jerry Lucas, K.C. Jones and Clyde Lovellette.

Other than Buckner, all are Hall of Famers. Jordan, Johnson and Russell are on just about everybody's list when it comes to an all-time NBA starting lineup.

Now, Denver forward Carmelo Anthony and Utah forward Carlos Boozer have a chance to join this super seven. Both have NCAA titles and Olympic golds, and need an NBA championship ring.

"That is history in itself just to get all three,'' Anthony said. "That would just put the nail in the coffin (on Anthony's career if he could join the list).''

Anthony was on Syracuse's 2003 NCAA championship team and on gold-winning Team USA last year in Beijing. Boozer was Anthony's Olympic teammate, and played for Duke's 2001 titlists.

"I would love to (join the list),'' Boozer said. "That's our goal (to win an NBA title). You just think about so many of the good players who already have won at every level, although Kobe (Bryant), LeBron (James) and (Kevin) Garnett never went to college.''

No, they didn't. So even though Bryant and Garnett both have NBA rings and Olympic golds, they're never going to get a college crown unless the NCAA suddenly changes its rules.

At least rules bar players now from entering the NBA directly out of high school. So superstars, if they ever want to join this elite list, might want to do like Anthony, who led the Orangemen to the title as a freshman.

"I've done my research,'' said Anthony, who knew about the magnificent seven when asked. "I hope I can put myself in that category.''

Lovellette was the first to join the list, having won with Kansas in 1952, the Olympics in 1952 and claiming NBA crowns with Minneapolis in 1954 and with Boston in 1963 and 1964.

Before the 1950s were done, Russell and Jones joined him. They were teammates on San Francisco's 1955 and 1956 NCAA winners and on the 1956 Olympic team, and both won numerous titles with the Celtics. Russell claimed 11, starting in 1957, and Jones won eight, beginning in 1959.

Lucas got his trifecta started by winning with the Ohio State in 1960 and in the 1960 Olympics. He then has a 13-year wait before finally claiming his only NBA crown with New York in 1973.

Buckner was on Indiana's 1976 titlists and on the 1976 Olympic team. He won an NBA crown with Boston in 1984 while averaging a meager 3.3 points in 11.7 minutes during the playoffs.

But there was nothing cheap about Johnson and Jordan claiming the triple crown. Johnson won with Michigan State in 1979, took home five rings with the Los Angeles Lakers between 1980-88 and got Olympic gold in 1992.

Jordan claimed his NCAA crown with North Carolina in 1982, mined gold in 1984 and 1992 and won six titles with the Chicago Bulls between 1991-98. That's nine combined NCAA, NBA and Olympic wins, but still puts him third on the list behind the 14 Russell got and the 11 gathered by Jones.

Anthony and Boozer aren't being greedy. They're just looking for a third win, one courtesy of the NBA.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Tip-Off Timer: Super 7 Comprise Game's Greatest Winners originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can the NBA Fine Maccabi's Coach?

Tom Ziller — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Euroleague, NBA Referees, NBA Videos

I don't believe David Stern has jurisdiction over the entire basketball world; it just seems like that's the case occasionally. It'd be silly to think, however, that Stern won't have words with leaders of Euroleague and the Israeli Basketball Association after Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Pini Gershon held up his team's exhibition game against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden for nearly 10 minutes by refusing to leave the court when an NBA replacement referee ejected him.

As Gershon made his point, drawing NBA security officials over to plead for his cooperation, the crowd (and Knicks) waited. Eventually, a prominent Israeli rabbi (!) convinced Gershon to leave the court so the game could resume. The New York Post suggests Knicks prez Donnie Walsh left the Garden infuriated at the behavior. I can't imagine Stern -- who bristles at any criticism of any refs the league employs -- felt differently.

But Maccabi in particular remains a huge draw as the first team of Israel. The Kings are in the planning stages to hold an exhibition in Tel Aviv next fall, with rookie Omri Casspi -- who in a few weeks will become the first Israeli to play in the NBA -- as the connection. Stern will likely do little more than politely ask future visiting teams to respect NBA officials, whether they are replacements or not.

Can the NBA Fine Maccabi's Coach? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Harrington Guarantees Knicks Will Make Playoffs This Season

Ariel Helwani — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Videos, FanHouse Exclusive

The New York Knicks haven't made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season, and few expect them to break that streak this spring. However, second-year Knicks forward Al Harrington appears confident enough to predict that the orange and blue will finally return to the postseason this year. Yes, you read that correctly.

FanHouse spoke to Harrington at the NBA Live 10 launch event on Tuesday about why this Knicks team will be surprise many of their doubters. The video interview is below.

Al Harrington Guarantees Knicks Will Make Playoffs This Season originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Danilo Gallinari: Our Time Is Now

Ariel Helwani — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Videos, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

It's safe to say that Danilo Gallinari would like to put his rookie year behind him. The Italian forward played only 28 games for the New York Knicks because of health issues and is looking forward to proving to everyone that the organization made the right choice when they drafted him sixth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.

FanHouse spoke to Gallinari at the NBA Live 10 launch event on Tuesday about his health status and dealing with playing under the bright lights of the Big Apple. The video interview is below.

FanHouse's Knicks Preview | Player to Watch: Gallinari
More FanHouse Video: David Lee

Danilo Gallinari: Our Time Is Now originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knicks on Eddy Curry: 'Not Ready'

Tom Ziller — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Injuries

Man, Eddy Curry spends his entire summer working the Stairmaster and eating like a vegan caveman and he still can't get fit enough for his Knickerbocker bosses. Curry tweaked his calf within the first days of training camp, and that (plus ongoing fitness issues) had Knicks prez Donnie Walsh telling reporters things like "When he can get out here and do it without pulling something, we'll bring him back."

Walsh is rarely this direct; you'd never see the Knicks discuss Danilo Gallinari's back injury (which plagued the 2008-09 season) in this fashion. But Curry's reported lack of effort in the gym prior to this summer hasn't earned the big fellow the right of indignation, I suppose.

In the foreseeable absence of Curry, the Knicks will roll with various levels of David Lee, Darko Milicic and rookie Jordan Hill at center.

Knicks on Eddy Curry: 'Not Ready' originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Lee Took One for the Team

Ariel Helwani — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Videos, FanHouse Exclusive

After a long summer filled with contract negotiations, David Lee can finally focus on playing basketball. Lee recently signed a new one-year contract with the New York Knicks, and while he was hoping to get a mutli-year deal from the organization, Lee told FanHouse on Tuesday that he was fine putting his long-term plans on hold for the betterment of the team.

FanHouse spoke to Lee at the NBA LIve 10 launch event in New York City about how close he was to signing with the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason and the Knicks chances of making the playoffs in the spring. Check out the video interview below.

Watson: Knicks 2009-10 Season Preview

David Lee Took One for the Team originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Player to Watch: Danilo Gallinari

Tom Ziller — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks

FanHouse previews a player to watch from each NBA team in advance of the 2009-10 season.

Recently, Mavericks analyst Wayne Winston celebrated the greatness of Danilo Gallinari in a conversation with TrueHoop's Henry Abbott. Winston noted that as a rookie The Rooster topped the league in effective field goal percentage. Actually, Gallinari finished 18th among players who saw at least as many minutes as he did, which is still impressive though obviously not unprecedented.

Gallinari's shooting was simply dead-eye with the Knicks last season. The Rooster shot a remarkable 58.3% (effective FG%) on jumpers, according to 82games.com. That is just unnaturally good. I mean, really really outstanding.

It's almost as if it could be ... too good to be true?

Was Gallo shooting over his head last season? We won't know until a good chunk into this season, and even then Gallinari's true shooting ability will be hard to figure. But we do know these things:

* Gallinari's jumper conversion rate, while shockingly good, isn't unprecedented. Ray Allen shot 56% on jumpers last season. Eddie House had an eFG% of 57.7% on jumpers. Jameer Nelson put up 58.2%. It's not common but it happens. (This is good news for Gallo fans, by the way. I'd be quicker to dismiss it were Gallinari shooting something truly ridiculous. This is, at least, within the grasp of reality.)

* Gallinari played very little, and took a fairly low amount of field goals. Here's a partial list of players who took more FGAs than Gallo last season: Renaldo Balkman, Travis Diener, Francisco Elson, DeSagana Diop, DeAndre Jordan, Brian Cardinal, Rob Kurz, Malik Rose, Juwan Howard, Brevin Knight (!). Remember Cuttino Mobley? He was traded by the Clippers to the Knicks in November, but retired due to a heart condition before suiting up once for New York. Again: he retired in November of last season. He took more shots than Gallinari last season. So, um, we are clear that Gallinari has a really small sample size to work from, yes?

* In his limited minutes on the court, Gallinari had a tremendously positive impact on the Knicks. He played a shade more than 400 minutes as a rookie. In those minutes, the Knicks outscored opponents 939-889. In all the minutes of Knicks play in which Gallinari was on the bench, the Knicks were outscored 7378-7606. To put that in more digestible terms, the Knicks with Gallinari outscored opponents by about six points per 100 possessions. Without Gallinari, the Knicks were outscored by roughly three points per 100 possessions. That's a nine-point swing. That's likely overstated -- only the Pantheon players make that huge an impact -- but, again, still impressive, even in limited minutes.

* Gallinari will have every opportunity to succeed. The Knicks future basically boils down to two players: Danilo Gallinari and Major Free Agent Acquisition To-Be-Named-Later. Guys like Wilson Chandler and Jordan Hill -- and maybe even David Lee -- will have roles on the next good Knicks team. But the timeline for that team's arrival and the heights to which that Knicks team can go rests on Gallinari's development and the acquisition talents of the Donnie Walsh front office. The Knicks seem to be aware that Gallinari is the one player who needs to stay and who needs to develop. He'll shoot as much as he wants in Mike D'Antoni's offense. Assuming he's healthy, he'll play huge minutes. He will own either the small forward or shooting guard position for this season and beyond.

Until next July 1, The Rooster is The Franchise. And that's a huge boon for him, given that he needs to prove himself and everyone else that last year was not a fluke.

Player to Watch: Danilo Gallinari originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Preview: Knicks

Matt Watson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Preseason, NBA Previews

FanHouse previews all 30 NBA teams in advance of the 2009-10 season.

The Knicks have slowly climbed their way out of salary cap hell -- but all that got them is a season in NBA purgatory.

Instead of making moves toward actual improvement, the Knicks are blatantly looking past this season to next summer when they hope to strike it rich with the famed free agent class of 2010. But while Donnie Walsh's long-term strategy may eventually pay dividends, it offers little hope in the interim that the Knicks might rise above last year's fifth-place finish in the Atlantic.

More NBA '09-'10 Previews
Kings Will Struggle Not to Be Awful
Players to Watch: Spencer Hawes | Danilo Gallinari

Consider their competition: the Celtics are a virtual lock to repeat as division champs, and the 76ers could return to the playoffs if Elton Brand returns to form; the Raptors would like to join them after fortifying their roster with a handful of free agents; and even if the Nets spin their tires in the win-loss column this year, at least they're doing it with a clearly-established young nucleus.

The Knicks, on the other hand, consist of an odd collection of expiring contracts (including Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, Darko Milicic and Chris Duhon), previous mistakes (namely Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries) and promising but flawed youngsters.

Two guys you might think are building blocks, David Lee and Nate Robinson, spent all summer dangling in the wind before signing one-year deals shortly before training camp -- potentially paving the way to leave via unrestricted free agency next year.

New York's offense, while prolific, is hardly efficient: they ranked fourth in the league in scoring but 17th in offensive efficiency. You know what might have helped? A franchise point guard.

Unfortunately, after missing out on Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry in the draft, the Knicks passed on Brandon Jennings and, despite lengthy negotiations, they decided against signing the surprisingly affordable Ramon Sessions. Instead, Duhon will continue playing far more minutes than any sane basketball fan should ever choose to watch.

To be fair, while the Knicks aren't headed for marked improvement, at least they're not getting worse -- Milicic may be a punchline, but he's a stout interior defender on a team that desperately needs defense; Danilo Gallinari remains intriguing after a wasted rookie season; Jordan Hill, the ninth-overall pick in the 2009 draft, is certainly raw but has the physical tools to someday evolve into an Amar'e-type player in Mike D'Antoni's system.

But no matter how optimistic you may be, there's no denying that this roster is constructed to bide time, not contend. All that's left is figuring out which players will be around when Walsh attempts to sign the biggest pieces of the puzzle next summer.

Last Season By the Numbers

Record: 32-50 under Mike D'Antoni. Fifth in the Atlantic Division, 14th in the Eastern Conference.

Offense: 108.1 points per 100 possesions, 17th in the NBA. 12th in shooting, 12th in turnover rate, 27th in offensive rebounding, 28th in free throw rate.

Defense: 110.8 points per 100 possessions, 23rd in the NBA. 28th in shooting defense, 17th in opponent turnover rate, 20th in defensive rebounding, 7th in opponent free throw rate.

Top Performers: Al Harrington led the team in scoring at 20.7 points per game. Fellow holdovers Nate Robinson and David Lee scored 17.2 points and 16 points per game, respectively. Lee averaged 11.7 rebounds per game. Chris Duhon averaged 7.2 assists per game. Lee (19.0), Robinson (18.9) and Harrington (16.4) were the only rotation players with above average PERs.

All statistics via Basketball-Reference.com.

Player to Watch

FanHouse's Matt Moore and Tom Ziller preview one player to watch from each team. Here's a snippet of Ziller's post on Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari.

The Knicks' future basically boils down to two players: Danilo Gallinari and Major Free Agent Acquisition To-Be-Named-Later. Guys like Wilson Chandler and Jordan Hill -- and maybe even David Lee -- will have roles on the next good Knicks team. But the timeline for that team's arrival and the heights to which that Knicks team can go rests on Gallinari's development and the acquisition talents of the Donnie Walsh front office. The Knicks seem to be aware that Gallinari is the one player who needs to stay, and who needs to develop. He'll shoot as much as he wants in Mike D'Antoni's offense. Assuming he's healthy, he'll play huge minutes. He will own either the small forward or shooting guard position for this season and beyond.

Until next July 1, The Rooster is The Franchise. And that's a huge boon for him, given that he needs to prove himself and everyone else that last year was not a fluke.

See Ziller's full post on Gallinari.

Offseason Tracker

IN: Jordan Hill (draft), Toney Douglas (draft), Darko Milicic (trade).

OUT: Quentin Richardson (trade).

FanHouse Preview: Knicks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Joe Johnson's Future Be in Atlanta?

Matt Moore — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Hawks, Knicks, Timberwolves

Since arriving in Atlanta in 2005, Joe Johnson has been the resident star of the Hawks. Josh Smith draws the oohs and aahs with the highlight reel dunks and eye-popping stat lines, but Johnson has been the only player to really approach greatness, his finest moment coming in the 2007 playoffs, which we mentioned a few days ago.

It's long been expected that Johnson would sign an extension within the last few weeks, to lock him up with the Hawks for the forseeable future, without any question of him going elsewhere in the summer of 2010.

Turns out: not so much.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports today that Johnson has elected not to sign the extension the Hawks have offered and will become a free agent next summer. In doing so, Johnson has rejected a four-year, $60 million offer from the Hawks, which is kind of a lot of dough. You could make a lot of pizzas with that. You could feed all the Ninja Turtles pizza, including Michelangelo, almost a dozen times with that much dough. And Johnson feels he can do better.

Though Johnson has an impressive set of skills, being able to play as a shooting guard running point as well as filling time at the the three in a pinch, it's hard to argue with his age (he'll be 29 when he hits the market next year), minutes, and history that he's worth a max-max-max contract. He was 13th in scoring this year, and had an abysmal playoff run, especially when compared to the year before. It's hard to see teams lining up offers the same way they will for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and others in the '10 free agent class.

Still, even if the offers are dimmed for Johnson more than he seems, electing not to sign the extension may have been the best move. If he and his agent can generate a perception that the interest is out there, he can translate that into a bigger contract from the Hawks, which is probably a pretty likely scenario. Hawks blog Peachtree Hoops outlines the possibilities for Johnson and comes to much the same conclusion, though they're hoping Johnson signs for less money.

There are other options, though, if we whip out our crystal ball.

New York is obviously focusing all its intentions on LeBron. But in order to lure him to the Big Apple, they'll need someone else to show as his sidekick. You know, the player that the Cavs have failed to provide him with since he was drafted. Signing Johnson would pretty much make it so that as long as they have a breathing point guard (which is essentially all Chris Duhon is), and anything resembling a frontcourt that can just rebound (kind of like the Cavs have now), James will not only be facing the lure of the bright lights of the city, but a solid chance to compete with a talented and flexible roster IF Johnson signs.

If you're opting for the smaller markets, there's Charlotte or Minnesota. Both teams will have at least some cap space (depending on what the Bobcats do with Raja Bell and Raymond Felton), and signing Johnson would fill their most obvious need at small guard. Minnesota presents a young talented roster that figures to be on the rise over the next few years, with a glaring hole at two-guard. Minnesota also will have the money to throw at Johnson. Cold winters may not spark the interest of Arkansas' sixth or seventh favorite son, though.

There are other options if you put your imagination to the test (Boston, Houston, and Chicago to name a few), but the most likely scenario is still Atlanta. He's built a home and identity there, and if he can't drum up the interest elsewhere, making a home there could be his only option. It's a gamble Johnson has made, and this year represents his only chance to improve his odds.

Will Joe Johnson's Future Be in Atlanta? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Lee, Nate Robinson Have a Million Reasons to Make the Playoffs

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks

The Knicks finally came to contract terms with their two marquee restricted free agents on Thursday, signing both David Lee and Nate Robinson to one-year deals.

If there are any Knicks' fans out there who are worried that Lee and Robinson may be looking to eschew team play in order to put up big personal numbers, thereby increasing their free agent value for next summer, fear not! Donnie Walsh had your back when he handed out these contracts, because they contain a million dollar bonus for each player if the Knicks manage to make it to the playoffs.

It's not that Walsh doesn't see the long-term value in these guys, it's just that his master plan to turn the franchise around hinges on having as much salary cap space available as possible to ink one of the many superstar free agents who will hit the market in the summer of 2010.

As it's been mentioned many times, a LeBron James or a Dwyane Wade isn't likely going to be interested in changing teams, for less money, to play for a non-contender. So if this current Knicks squad can overachieve and make the playoffs under Mike D'Antoni's fun-and-gun system, it might go a long way with these superstars in making New York a desirable basketball destination.

I'm not sure there's a better way to make sure that two of your best players are committed to that goal than giving them each a million bucks if they can make it happen.

Nate Robinson, predictably, is optimistic that he can help the team do exactly that.

"We're going to shock everybody this year," Robinson told Newsday.

"I think we can [make the playoffs]," he said. "The only thing about our team is we just have to play defense. We can score points. That's easy. There are nights we might be off, but we can still score. It's just stopping the other team from scoring ... We have everything else. We just have to pick up our defense and everything will be OK."

Funny, that's what they say in Phoenix, too.

If Robinson's right, though, and the Knicks can improve enough to reach the postseason -- which, in the East, only means getting to .500, or even a few games below -- the extra $2 million that the franchise would have to shell out might turn out to be quite the smart investment, once the free agent signing period begins next summer.

David Lee, Nate Robinson Have a Million Reasons to Make the Playoffs originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nate Robinson, Andre Iguodala, Brook Lopez Celebrate NBA 2K10 Release

Ariel Helwani — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Knicks, Nets, NBA Videos, FanHouse Exclusive

The start of the NBA season is right around the corner, and that means the much-anticipated release of NBA 2K10. The video game hits stores nationwide on Oct. 6.

FanHouse attended the 2K10 launch party in New York City on Thursday, and spoke to Nate Robinson about re-signing with the Knicks, Andre Iguodala about the greatest moment in NBA2K history, and Brook Lopez about his new boss. Check out the video below.

Nate Robinson, Andre Iguodala, Brook Lopez Celebrate NBA 2K10 Release originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Nate Robinson Can Veto Trades

Tom Ziller — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Transactions

Nate Robinson will remain a Knick, reports Alan Hahn of Newsday, and this is hardly a surprise. Robinson's agent Aaron Goodwin told FanHouse last week that the guard would certainly be in Knickerbocker blue next season. Hahn reports Nate will sign a one-year deal at some amount above the $3 million qualifying offer which has been on the table since July 1. Fellow restricted free agent David Lee is expected to follow with a similar deal.

One item that might get some attention in the coming days is that Robinson can veto any trade involving him this season. No-trade clauses in the NBA are extremely rare -- only Kobe Bryant has a full-blown no-trade negotiated into his contract. But Nate isn't unique, and this clause hasn't been specially negotiated into his contract. All restricted free agents who sign a one-year contract with their incumbent teams (qualifying offer or otherwise) receive the same veto power.

Raymond Felton won this veto power when he signed (or when he signs) Charlotte's $5.5 million qualifying offer. Devean George had this right when he vetoed a trade to New Jersey -- a trade, I might add, in which he was a completely ancillary part of the equation, what with Jason Kidd and Devin Harris changing teams. When Lee signs his deal with the Knicks, he will also have veto power.

If one of these players does consent to a trade, however, he will lose his Bird rights, which means his new team will not be able to exceed the salary cap to sign him to a long-term deal next summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If Robinson were to veto a trade and finish the season as a Knick, he would still become an unrestricted free agent next summer ... but the Knicks would retain Bird rights, and could go over the cap to sign him, if need be. It also leaves open the possibility of a sign-and-trade, which would not be possible if Robinson were traded and his Bird rights were to consequently disappear.

Interestingly, while the trade veto power seems like a hindrance, it actually provides for more flexibility than in years past. Before the 2005-06 season, when the current collective bargaining agreement went into effect, players on deals similar to those to be signed by Robinson and Lee could not be traded that season under any circumstances.

Why Nate Robinson Can Veto Trades originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debate in the Paint: Knicks Spent Summer on the Sideline

Tim Povtak — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks

Every Tuesday this offseason, two of our NBA experts will go at it with a Debate in the Paint. This week, the topic is which team did the least this summer to improve.

If the New York Knicks want to get their fans excited about the 2009-10 season, they better be planning some good halftime shows. Or maybe free beer at every home game. Or prizes to those who boo the loudest.

When the only additions to the roster are Darko Milicic and two rookies who will take a few years to develop, you need a creative marketing department.

It's hard to imagine a high-profile team doing less.

Steinmetz: Pacers Least Productive

Even an innovative coach like Mike D'Antoni can pull only so many rabbits out of his hat. It's tough to sell a below-average product that didn't improve, or didn't even pretend to improve. At least some of the NBA's bad teams jump up and down all summer and act like they've improved, even when they haven't.

Sitting on your hands doesn't exactly generate enthusiasm.

The New York Knicks spent the summer still preaching patience, believing that all the suffering of the past few years will be worth it when they hit the jackpot in the free agent market of 2010.

They still believe that some combination of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki, Carlos Boozer and Paul Pierce will be playing in New York the following season.

For now, they were content to return the team that won just 36 games last season, making sure they didn't give out any contracts that would cut into their salary cap space for next summer when they hope to sign two maximum salaried stars.

To the defense of Knicks management, they made an effort to get veterans like Jason Kidd, Grant Hill and Andre Miller, but their salary cap limitations made them look like a fighter with one arm tied behind his back.

They really didn't have a chance. They still are expected to re-sign restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson to one-year contracts, fortunate that no other team made them offers they wouldn't match.

They still have nice players like Al Harrington and Chris Duhon, and promising Wilson Chandler, but they also are saddled with center Eddie Curry and his $11 million contract. If Curry can rebound from an awful year, the Knicks might trade him to free up even more salary cap space for the summer.

They will have less than $30 million in salary commitments after this season, finally shedding all those wasteful contracts they signed a few years ago when they desperately tried to improve with bad players under previous management.

They will have a roster filled now with guys playing for their next contracts, which is usually a good thing. It certainly can't hurt their defense, which was woeful last season. Milicic will be trying to salvage his NBA career to avoid going back to Europe to play. Curry also will be getting a final chance to prove his worth.

For a team that normally likes to take a pro-active approach, a team with almost unlimited resources, it was different sitting on the sideline while others improved. The Knicks were content to wait, which might be good for their long-range future, but it didn't help for this season.

Debate in the Paint: Knicks Spent Summer on the Sideline originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Veteran Point Guards Still Available

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Hawks, Knicks

Need a veteran point guard? There's still plenty to choose from in free agency.

The list, though, did get shorter with the news that Mike Wilks will sign a non-guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

"I think he's got a decent shot to make the team,'' Wilks' agent, Bill Neff told FanHouse on Wednesday. "They don't have a lot of guards.''

Wilks missed all of last season due to a torn ACL. But Neff said he's now fine.

Even with Wilks off the market, teams still have plenty of choose from when it comes to veteran free-agent point guards. Neff has a pair of clients still available in Jason Hart and Troy Hudson, looking to return to the NBA after sitting out all of last season.

There's Flip Murray, a combo guard who is being looking at by Denver. True point guards available include Stephon Marbury, Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue, Bobby Jackson, Jacque Vaughn, Carlos Arroyo and Juan Dixon.

There are a pair of notable restricted free agents still available in Nate Robinson and Raymond Felton. Robinson's agent, Aaron Goodwin, has told FanHouse it's "100 percent'' his client will return to New York. And Felton's agent, Kevin Bradbury, expects his client will return to Charlotte.

"Ray has directed us to get a deal done,'' Bradbury told FanHouse. "We're still in discussions. We're hopeful. ... There's a lot of uncertainties around the league and around the world. Teams are looking at the bottom line and seeing what's going to work for them.''

With this being such a tough economy, aside from Robinson, Felton and Murray, most of the other veteran free-agent point guards might have to take non-guaranteed deals in order to get with a team before training camps open later this month. And that could make it tough to land on an opening-night roster.

The economy will force teams to carry fewer players this season. Teams usually have a third point guard, but some could look to instead have a combo guard fill that role in order to save a roster spot.

"It's been a tough summer,'' said Neff, who regularly has had veteran point guards as clients and was able to get Kevin Ollie a guaranteed deal earlier this summer with Oklahoma City.

Neff has been trying to place Hudson with a team, but that really has been tough. Hudson hasn't played since he had hip surgery in January 2008 and being waived that same month by Golden State.

"He's healthy, but it's difficult to get back in (the NBA) when you've been out,'' said Neff, who said Hudson "dazzled'' in workouts this summer with New York and one in Las Vegas watched by scouts from Detroit, Memphis, Oklahoma City and Philadelphia.

It's especially difficult in an economy that has resulted in a number of respected point guards still waiting by the phone in mid-September.

"It's a different type of year,'' Bradbury said. "Teams are going to carry less players. And there's going to be a shortness somewhere (on rosters).''

FREE AGENT UPDATES: Portland is looking to sign a big man, and might be willing to give him guaranteed money. Free agents who have worked out in Portland recently are Jarron Collins, Stromile Swift, Greg Ostertag, Juwan Howard and Paul Davis, with Collins perhaps the favorite.

Free-agent big man Calvin Booth, 33, is considering retirement after playing 10 NBA seasons. Booth has played sparingly in recent seasons.

Kurt Looby, a center who averaged 8.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last season in the NBADL with Rio Grande Valley, will attend Denver's camp on a non-guaranteed deal.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com

Veteran Point Guards Still Available originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nate Robinson's Agent Calls It '100 Percent' He Will Return to New York

Chris Tomasson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks

This much is said to be certain: Nate Robinson will play for the New York Knicks this season.

"Yes, I'm 100 percent sure of that,'' his agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Tuesday in an interview with FanHouse. "Where else is he going to go?''

Well, the 5-foot-9 guard is a restricted free agent. And, while it's highly unlikely a team would put an offer down on him at this late stage and in this economy, isn't that still a possibility?

"No,'' Goodwin said. "Nate has made it clear from the start that he only wants to play for New York. After July 1, we didn't talk to any other teams.''

That includes other countries.

"That was never a consideration,'' Goodwin said of Robinson possibly going overseas after reports surfaced over the summer he was pondering signing with the Greek team Olympiakos.

Goodwin expects Robinson to return to New York on a one-year deal, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Goodwin expects a deal will be finalized by next week.

It remains to be seen what type of salary Robinson, who last season averaged a career-high 17.2 points, might be able to get. He can return to New York for a figure equal to his one-year qualifying offer of $2.9 million, which appears to be the most likely scenario.

While Goodwin wouldn't discuss dollars, those close to situation wonder if there is any need for the Knicks to give Robinson more money, especially with the team having to pay the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax. The only reason the Knicks might want to pay more would be as a goodwill gesture.

Then again, the Knicks are carving out loads of cap room to take advantage of the star-studded class free agency class of 2010. So they might not look to retain Robinson next summer.

A source said the Robinson situation has dragged on because the Knicks established it as a priority in free agency to determine the fate of restricted free-agent forward David Lee before addressing Robinson. If there is a sign-and-trade done for Lee, pieces brought back could affect how the Knicks look at Robinson.

"Nothing is done yet, but we're talking,'' Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Tuesday in an interview with FanHouse about his client. "There are still some sign-and-trade scenarios that are being discussed or going back to the Knicks.''

Bartelstein said that, if Lee were to return to New York, it would be on a one-year deal. That would be to preserve the Knicks' cap money for next summer.

A source close to the situation said Lee has no interest in returning to the Knicks for an amount equal to his $2.7 million qualifying offer. In order to get Lee, who averaged 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds last season, into training camp on time, New York would need to offer a one-year deal worth a good bit more.

Bartelstein wouldn't talk money. However, he expressed confidence Lee would start training camp on time with the Knicks barring a sign-and-trade to another team.

A message left for Knicks president Donnie Walsh was not immediately returned.

In the meantime, Robinson is ready to return to New York for his fifth NBA season, all with the Knicks. After Robinson last February during All-Star Weekend won his second slam-dunk contest crown, Nike put up an 80-foot-high billboard in midtown Manhattan of Robinson.

"He likes the city,'' Goodwin said of why Robinson has determined he wants return to New York and not look elsewhere. "He loves the fans. The fans have embraced him. Nobody expected he would have the magnitude that he has had there.''

Robinson, one of the NBA's top sixth men last season, will look this season to pick up with the Knicks where he left off. Where he ends up next summer remains to be seen.

KURZ TO CLEVELAND: Bartelstein said his cleint, free-agent forward Rob Kurz, will attend Cleveland's training camp on a non-guaranteed contract.

"I think that's a really good fit for him,'' Bartelstein said. "I think he's got a chance to make the team.''

Kurz, who averaged 3.9 points last season as a rookie with Golden State, will sign for the NBA minimum in his classification of $736,420.

Nate Robinson's Agent Calls It '100 Percent' He Will Return to New York originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LeBron James Appears on the Daily Show, Gets Recruited by Jon Stewart

Will Brinson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks, NBA Last Night, NBA Media Watch, NBA Videos

Jon Stewart returned from hiatus for the first Daily Show in three weeks, and he came back with a pretty large bang. Not only did he thrash Joe Wilson and Glenn Beck (par for the course), but he also welcomed on this fella named LeBron James.

James, as you may know, is fairly decent at basketball. Stewart, in case you didn't know, is a huge Knicks fan. What would amount to "recruiting violations" in college ensues. Watch the video after the jump.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

LeBron James

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Healthcare Protests

LeBron James Appears on the Daily Show, Gets Recruited by Jon Stewart originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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