Knicks looking to trade David Lee?
As per Alan Hahn of Newsday
"Lee, known for his hustle and rebounding, has been a major piece in several trade discussions Walsh has had over the past few days that involve acquiring another pick in the draft to go with the Knicks' selection at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies have considered taking Lee in a package that would include the Knicks' receiving the Grizzlies' pick at No. 5.Other teams, including the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers have expressed interest in Lee."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spknix265741955jun26,0,7803540.story
Knicks to trade up or down? Memphis Deal Dead?
As per Marc Berman of the post
"The Knicks have talked to Portland about trading down, swapping No. 6 with 13, possibly gaining point guard Jarrett Jack. But a league source said Walsh has very little interest in trading down, only up. "
"Last night a league source said that Charlotte was closing in on a deal with Memphis that would give the Bobcats the fifth pick, with their eye on Westbrook or Kevin Love. "
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06262008/sports/knicks/deal_donnie_in_117300.htm
Knicks unlikely to trade with Minnesota?
As per Frank Isola of the News
"The Knicks are trying to move up, but a source close to negotiations said it is unlikely that Walsh will make a trade with Minnesota. If Mayo and Gordon are gone, the Knicks can either go for a point guard (Westbrook or Bayless) or take Gallinari, who is considered the top international player in the draft. "
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/06/25/2008-06-25_italian_small_forward_danilo_gallinari_c.html
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Andy katz Knicks Nuggets
Memphis trade still alive.... Gordon, Dino or Westbrook at 6?
As per Andy Katz of ESPN
" The Memphis-New York trade isn't dead yet. Memphis is still considering all options. But if the deal were to get done, then the Grizzlies would essentially be trading Love for New York's David Lee. Who do you think is more ready to contribute next season? Lee is an experienced pro. But it may become a question of who is better. If the Griz believe Lee is better, they may go with him. But that might not be a consensus within the league.
• New York is still very high on Eric Gordon, and an internal debate will go on about Gordon, Danilo Gallinari and Westbrook. "
As per Andy Katz of ESPN
" The Memphis-New York trade isn't dead yet. Memphis is still considering all options. But if the deal were to get done, then the Grizzlies would essentially be trading Love for New York's David Lee. Who do you think is more ready to contribute next season? Lee is an experienced pro. But it may become a question of who is better. If the Griz believe Lee is better, they may go with him. But that might not be a consensus within the league.
• New York is still very high on Eric Gordon, and an internal debate will go on about Gordon, Danilo Gallinari and Westbrook. "
D'Antoni Knows what he wants...and its Mayo
As per Marc Berman of the post
"Donnie Walsh made an interesting remark about Mike D'Antoni yesterday in his draft update. He said it's been a pleasure working with D'Antoni during this draft process, that he really knows what he wants.
And he definitely wants O.J. Mayo, which is why the KnicksNew York Knicks are trying to move up in a swap with either No. 3 Minnesota or No. 5 Memphis. Mayo isn't the most athletic player in the draft but he's a great shotmaker and the Knicks deem him a point guard, not a shooting guard. Mayo played shooting guard at USC out of necessity, PG in high school. The Knicks still feel there's a chance he can drop to 6 if Minnesota and Memphis are set on big men (Brook Lopez, Kevin Love)."
He also notes that Jerryd Bayless has fallen off of the Knicks' radar.
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/06/can_the_knicks.html#more
"Donnie Walsh made an interesting remark about Mike D'Antoni yesterday in his draft update. He said it's been a pleasure working with D'Antoni during this draft process, that he really knows what he wants.
And he definitely wants O.J. Mayo, which is why the KnicksNew York Knicks are trying to move up in a swap with either No. 3 Minnesota or No. 5 Memphis. Mayo isn't the most athletic player in the draft but he's a great shotmaker and the Knicks deem him a point guard, not a shooting guard. Mayo played shooting guard at USC out of necessity, PG in high school. The Knicks still feel there's a chance he can drop to 6 if Minnesota and Memphis are set on big men (Brook Lopez, Kevin Love)."
He also notes that Jerryd Bayless has fallen off of the Knicks' radar.
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/06/can_the_knicks.html#more
Today's Knicks News
Knicks Looking to trade for Mayo? As per Marc Berman of the Post
"Knick president Donnie Walsh is exploring ways of swapping picks with Memphis at No. 5 or Minnesota at No. 3, according to a league source, with their goal of drafting Mayo."
"Walsh appears worried one of the PGs he likes won't be there at No. 6. Sources indicate the Knicks no longer are interested in Arizona combo guard Jerryd Bayless. But they still pine for UCLA PG Russell Westbrook, an athletic, explosive penetrator who's a solid defender, and Indians sharpshooting combo guard Eric Gordon. "
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06252008/sports/knicks/walsh_eyes_mayo_swap_117129.htm
Walsh to trade for Mayo? If Love is gone, Knicks get the #5? As per Alan Hahn of Newsday
"Walsh has involved himself in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves (third overall) and Memphis Grizzlies (fifth) that involve the Knicks moving up in the draft, which would ensure the opportunity to land Mayo."
"The Grizzlies are believed to be locked into getting UCLA forward Kevin Love or landing a veteran power forward to play with newly signed center Marc Gasol. So if Love isn't available at No. 5, a person with knowledge of the situation said they would then trade the pick to the Knicks in a package that includes David Lee going to Memphis."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spknix255740941jun25,0,4264588.story
"Knick president Donnie Walsh is exploring ways of swapping picks with Memphis at No. 5 or Minnesota at No. 3, according to a league source, with their goal of drafting Mayo."
"Walsh appears worried one of the PGs he likes won't be there at No. 6. Sources indicate the Knicks no longer are interested in Arizona combo guard Jerryd Bayless. But they still pine for UCLA PG Russell Westbrook, an athletic, explosive penetrator who's a solid defender, and Indians sharpshooting combo guard Eric Gordon. "
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06252008/sports/knicks/walsh_eyes_mayo_swap_117129.htm
Walsh to trade for Mayo? If Love is gone, Knicks get the #5? As per Alan Hahn of Newsday
"Walsh has involved himself in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves (third overall) and Memphis Grizzlies (fifth) that involve the Knicks moving up in the draft, which would ensure the opportunity to land Mayo."
"The Grizzlies are believed to be locked into getting UCLA forward Kevin Love or landing a veteran power forward to play with newly signed center Marc Gasol. So if Love isn't available at No. 5, a person with knowledge of the situation said they would then trade the pick to the Knicks in a package that includes David Lee going to Memphis."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spknix255740941jun25,0,4264588.story
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
More on the Memphis Trade
As per Ken Berger of Newsday
"As Alan Hahn has reported, there’s legitimate traction to Memphis’ desire to trade the No. 5 pick to the Knicks for David Lee. The Memphis situation revolves around Marc Gasol’s decision to return to the United States and play for the Grizzlies, who hold his rights after he was dealt by the Lakers in the trade that sent his brother, Pau, to Los Angeles in February. Memphis can’t begin negotiating with Gasol until July 1, but they appear to be operating under the assumption that he will serve as this year’s lottery pick. Gasol’s return to the States gives Memphis the flexibility to use the fifth pick to bring in an experienced veteran who complements Gasol – which is where Lee enters the equation.
The Knicks would then have the fifth and sixth picks and would be leaning toward taking Italian forward Danilo Gallinari and UCLA guard Russell Westbrook. Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni would love to find a way to get O.J. Mayo, but would need some dominoes to fall their way to have any chance. "
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nba/blog/
Berger is extremely reliable and is usually right on.... still, Donnie Walsh is known to play his cards very close to the vest, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
"As Alan Hahn has reported, there’s legitimate traction to Memphis’ desire to trade the No. 5 pick to the Knicks for David Lee. The Memphis situation revolves around Marc Gasol’s decision to return to the United States and play for the Grizzlies, who hold his rights after he was dealt by the Lakers in the trade that sent his brother, Pau, to Los Angeles in February. Memphis can’t begin negotiating with Gasol until July 1, but they appear to be operating under the assumption that he will serve as this year’s lottery pick. Gasol’s return to the States gives Memphis the flexibility to use the fifth pick to bring in an experienced veteran who complements Gasol – which is where Lee enters the equation.
The Knicks would then have the fifth and sixth picks and would be leaning toward taking Italian forward Danilo Gallinari and UCLA guard Russell Westbrook. Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni would love to find a way to get O.J. Mayo, but would need some dominoes to fall their way to have any chance. "
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nba/blog/
Berger is extremely reliable and is usually right on.... still, Donnie Walsh is known to play his cards very close to the vest, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
Donnie Says nothing is imminent
As per Alan Hahn of Newsday
“We have no deals right now. You know, there’s so many discussions. I’m not going to confirm or deny specific ones, because then I’d be talking about ten different discussions that took place today that somehow get out and people talk about. That’s the fun of the draft and I understand that.”
That is a quote from Donnie Walsh. But let's be honest, even if there was a trade on the table (with Memphis for example), there is a zero percent chance that Donnie would say so.
Hahn writes that if Kevin Love goes to the T-wolves, a trade with Memphis is a possibility, but if the Grizz pick Love, then they will not be trading the pick...
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
“We have no deals right now. You know, there’s so many discussions. I’m not going to confirm or deny specific ones, because then I’d be talking about ten different discussions that took place today that somehow get out and people talk about. That’s the fun of the draft and I understand that.”
That is a quote from Donnie Walsh. But let's be honest, even if there was a trade on the table (with Memphis for example), there is a zero percent chance that Donnie would say so.
Hahn writes that if Kevin Love goes to the T-wolves, a trade with Memphis is a possibility, but if the Grizz pick Love, then they will not be trading the pick...
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
Some rumors from Alan Hahn
"The Knicks are also apparently involved in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 3 pick, which would suggest they're trying hard to get in position to draft O.J. Mayo, a player Mike D'Antoni and Donnie Walsh absolutely love.
I've also heard today that Danilo Gallinari has slipped down their board a little, but he is still on it. The guy who has leaped ahead of everyone is Russell Westbrook, whose stock is very strong at No. 6. But if the Knicks somehow get two top-10 picks, they have more options. Joe Alexander might be another option.
Though it would be doubtful that they would draft two guards, if they did, word is that Nate Robinson would be shopped and perhaps packaged with Zach Randolph."
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
I've also heard today that Danilo Gallinari has slipped down their board a little, but he is still on it. The guy who has leaped ahead of everyone is Russell Westbrook, whose stock is very strong at No. 6. But if the Knicks somehow get two top-10 picks, they have more options. Joe Alexander might be another option.
Though it would be doubtful that they would draft two guards, if they did, word is that Nate Robinson would be shopped and perhaps packaged with Zach Randolph."
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
Whispers are getting louder
Chad Ford mentions the #5 pick trade again...and says its likely that the pick is traded.
"I know Chris Wallace tried to say on Monday that he wasn't under pressure from ownership to cut cap cost. If that's the case, why is he trying to give away the No. 5 to anyone who'll take Brian Cardinal in a deal?
I do think they'll move the pick. Either they get the No. 2 for Conley, Miller and the No. 5 or they deal with the Knicks for David Lee and Malik Rose's expiring contract."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624
even if they dont make THIS trade, my bet is on the Knicks making a splash on Thursday night...
"I know Chris Wallace tried to say on Monday that he wasn't under pressure from ownership to cut cap cost. If that's the case, why is he trying to give away the No. 5 to anyone who'll take Brian Cardinal in a deal?
I do think they'll move the pick. Either they get the No. 2 for Conley, Miller and the No. 5 or they deal with the Knicks for David Lee and Malik Rose's expiring contract."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624
even if they dont make THIS trade, my bet is on the Knicks making a splash on Thursday night...
Knicks to pick up #5 pick rumor has legs
Andy Katz confirms the rumor of the Knicks looking to pick up the #5 pick from memphis.
"Here are some quick hitters two days before the NBA draft from a number of NBA sources:
• A potential deal with Memphis and New York apparently has some legs. The Knicks, who have the No. 6 pick, would get the Grizzlies' No. 5 pick, David Lee and other considerations to Memphis. New York would then select UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Italy's Danilo Gallinari with its No. 5 and No. 6 picks. If Memphis selects UCLA's Kevin Love, that is a strong indicator that the Grizzlies are keeping the pick."
The Entire Article
"Here are some quick hitters two days before the NBA draft from a number of NBA sources:
• A potential deal with Memphis and New York apparently has some legs. The Knicks, who have the No. 6 pick, would get the Grizzlies' No. 5 pick, David Lee and other considerations to Memphis. New York would then select UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Italy's Danilo Gallinari with its No. 5 and No. 6 picks. If Memphis selects UCLA's Kevin Love, that is a strong indicator that the Grizzlies are keeping the pick.
• Detroit and Boston are sitting with "catcher's mitts" at Nos. 29 and 30, respectively, to see who falls to them. But the Celtics are willing to move No. 30 since they're not desperate to add another roster body, especially with 2007 second-round pick Gabe Pruitt on the books for next season.
• Love's likely destinations are one of four places: Minnesota (3), Memphis (5), Charlotte (9) and New Jersey (10).
• If Gallinari isn't taken by New York or New Jersey, then there is a real chance he slides out of the lottery.
• Portland and Washington talked about moving their picks, but the deal is dead between them.
• Washington's No. 18 is available to be had.
• The swap with Miami (2) and Seattle (4) doesn't make sense for a lot of other executives in the league. It makes sense for Seattle to get Michael Beasley and give up Chris Wilcox, but it doesn't make sense for the Heat. The problem for the Heat is that if they move drop a spot or two to get O.J. Mayo, he could easily be gone at No. 3 to Minnesota. The consensus from a number of teams is that Miami will stay where it is in the draft despite exploring a number of options. Making trades next week is another matter.
• Nevada coach Mark Fox said he's getting a ton of calls from teams late in the first round for JaVale McGee, who was once projected to be picked in the late lottery.
• Mayo said Monday night that his interview with the Timberwolves went very well in Chicago on Saturday. He said that the T-Wolves wanted the conversation to keep going. He has also interviewed with Memphis and Seattle.
"Right now, I'm happy to play for any team," Mayo said.
• If the Knicks and Grizzlies work out a trade in the Nos. 5 and 6 spots, then the top nine could go like this:
1. Chicago -- Derrick Rose2. Miami -- Michael Beasley3. Minnesota -- O.J. Mayo4. Seattle -- Brook Lopez5. Russell Westbrook -- Memphis (for NYK)6. New York -- Danilo Gallinari7. LA Clippers -- Eric Gordon (or Jerryd Bayless or D.J. Augustin)8. Milwaukee -- Joe Alexander9. Charlotte -- Kevin Love
• The safest pick in the lottery might just be Alexander to the Bucks.
• The hot names on the trade block, but might not be moved by Thursday night, continue to be Toronto's T.J. Ford and Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal. Milwaukee denies Michael Redd is being moved.
• Arizona signee Brandon Jennings didn't go to Tucson on Monday as originally expected for the start of summer school classes.
Too much media interest, and his SAT score coming on Thursday -- which he has yet to receive a qualifying score -- prompted Arizona to wait until the weekend for Jennings to be on campus. If Jennings isn't eligible, he said he may pursue a contract with a European team."
I would love the Knicks to pick up these two picks....but not to draft these two players...but with Donnie Walsh, it could all be a smokescreen, we shall see....
"Here are some quick hitters two days before the NBA draft from a number of NBA sources:
• A potential deal with Memphis and New York apparently has some legs. The Knicks, who have the No. 6 pick, would get the Grizzlies' No. 5 pick, David Lee and other considerations to Memphis. New York would then select UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Italy's Danilo Gallinari with its No. 5 and No. 6 picks. If Memphis selects UCLA's Kevin Love, that is a strong indicator that the Grizzlies are keeping the pick."
The Entire Article
"Here are some quick hitters two days before the NBA draft from a number of NBA sources:
• A potential deal with Memphis and New York apparently has some legs. The Knicks, who have the No. 6 pick, would get the Grizzlies' No. 5 pick, David Lee and other considerations to Memphis. New York would then select UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Italy's Danilo Gallinari with its No. 5 and No. 6 picks. If Memphis selects UCLA's Kevin Love, that is a strong indicator that the Grizzlies are keeping the pick.
• Detroit and Boston are sitting with "catcher's mitts" at Nos. 29 and 30, respectively, to see who falls to them. But the Celtics are willing to move No. 30 since they're not desperate to add another roster body, especially with 2007 second-round pick Gabe Pruitt on the books for next season.
• Love's likely destinations are one of four places: Minnesota (3), Memphis (5), Charlotte (9) and New Jersey (10).
• If Gallinari isn't taken by New York or New Jersey, then there is a real chance he slides out of the lottery.
• Portland and Washington talked about moving their picks, but the deal is dead between them.
• Washington's No. 18 is available to be had.
• The swap with Miami (2) and Seattle (4) doesn't make sense for a lot of other executives in the league. It makes sense for Seattle to get Michael Beasley and give up Chris Wilcox, but it doesn't make sense for the Heat. The problem for the Heat is that if they move drop a spot or two to get O.J. Mayo, he could easily be gone at No. 3 to Minnesota. The consensus from a number of teams is that Miami will stay where it is in the draft despite exploring a number of options. Making trades next week is another matter.
• Nevada coach Mark Fox said he's getting a ton of calls from teams late in the first round for JaVale McGee, who was once projected to be picked in the late lottery.
• Mayo said Monday night that his interview with the Timberwolves went very well in Chicago on Saturday. He said that the T-Wolves wanted the conversation to keep going. He has also interviewed with Memphis and Seattle.
"Right now, I'm happy to play for any team," Mayo said.
• If the Knicks and Grizzlies work out a trade in the Nos. 5 and 6 spots, then the top nine could go like this:
1. Chicago -- Derrick Rose2. Miami -- Michael Beasley3. Minnesota -- O.J. Mayo4. Seattle -- Brook Lopez5. Russell Westbrook -- Memphis (for NYK)6. New York -- Danilo Gallinari7. LA Clippers -- Eric Gordon (or Jerryd Bayless or D.J. Augustin)8. Milwaukee -- Joe Alexander9. Charlotte -- Kevin Love
• The safest pick in the lottery might just be Alexander to the Bucks.
• The hot names on the trade block, but might not be moved by Thursday night, continue to be Toronto's T.J. Ford and Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal. Milwaukee denies Michael Redd is being moved.
• Arizona signee Brandon Jennings didn't go to Tucson on Monday as originally expected for the start of summer school classes.
Too much media interest, and his SAT score coming on Thursday -- which he has yet to receive a qualifying score -- prompted Arizona to wait until the weekend for Jennings to be on campus. If Jennings isn't eligible, he said he may pursue a contract with a European team."
I would love the Knicks to pick up these two picks....but not to draft these two players...but with Donnie Walsh, it could all be a smokescreen, we shall see....
Todays Knick News
Knicks going international?
As per Draft Express
"Ante Tomic conducted a workout in New York City on Saturday in front of 10 interested teams alongside Peja Samardziski, Damjan Rudez and Vladimir Golubovic. Two General Managers—New York’s Donnie Walsh and Boston’s Danny Ainge, were present, as were team representatives such as Scott Layden (Utah Jazz), Tim Connelley (Washington Wizards), Kenny Williamson (Charlotte Bobcats) and George Felton (San Antonio Spurs). Tomic reportedly had just a “so-so” workout, while it was Damjan Rudez actually that may have been the most impressive. Tomic likely gets drafted somewhere in the top 10-15 spots of the second round, and is rumored to be a strong candidate for Euroleague outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv. He currently has a contract with KK Zagreb that lasts until 2011, and has no NBA escape clause to work with.
-Nathan Jawai will also be conducting a group workout on Tuesday, this time in New York City. The workout will be conducted by the Detroit Pistons, and will be attended by the Knicks, Nets, Grizzlies, Wizards and possibly others. 10 players will be there, including Jonathan Wallace and Novica Velickovic."
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Word-on-the-Street-Rounding-Up-2940/
Westbrook or Gordon at 6? Bayless off Knicks Radar?
As per Marc Berman of the Post
"The Knicks are feeling UCLA 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard Russell Westbrook could be both an engine and stopper. The athletic, rugged guard has seen his stock explode since pre-draft workouts began earlier this month.
With Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless starting to fall off the Knicks' radar, the Knicks are hoping O.J. Mayo falls to six. But that is unlikely. As such, Westbrook has emerged as a strong candidate for the Knicks, if he's even still there.
Eric Gordon, more a shooting guard, is also a consideration, especially if Westbrook isn't there, and his handlers are trying to steer him to New York. Forward Danilo Gallinari, the 19-year-old Italian Stallion, is still being linked to the Knicks in some circles but may be too much of a reach and project at six."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06242008/sports/knicks/westbrook_may_be_engine_that_could_116887.htm
Knicks to pick Augustin?
As per Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News
"So why does it feel like the Knicks will make Augustin their first-round pick in two days?
It's just a hunch, and maybe that feeling will go away by Thursday."
"With Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni wanting to be competitive right away, Augustin - who averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists as a sophomore - might make for the best choice. And that's why a couple of teams drafting in the Knicks' vicinity see him coming to New York, even if a few think it's a bit of a reach"
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/06/23/2008-06-23_knicks_are_looking_at_selecting_texas_dj.html?page=0
Knicks looking to move up for Mayo?
As per Frank Isola of the Daily News
"The Minnesota Timberwolves own the pick and the club is open to trading it. The Knicks, who select sixth, are looking to move up and are intrigued by Mayo, who like coach Mike D'Antonio hails from West Virginia."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/06/23/2008-06-23_donnie_walsh_dreams_of_the_knicks_gettin-1.html
As per Draft Express
"Ante Tomic conducted a workout in New York City on Saturday in front of 10 interested teams alongside Peja Samardziski, Damjan Rudez and Vladimir Golubovic. Two General Managers—New York’s Donnie Walsh and Boston’s Danny Ainge, were present, as were team representatives such as Scott Layden (Utah Jazz), Tim Connelley (Washington Wizards), Kenny Williamson (Charlotte Bobcats) and George Felton (San Antonio Spurs). Tomic reportedly had just a “so-so” workout, while it was Damjan Rudez actually that may have been the most impressive. Tomic likely gets drafted somewhere in the top 10-15 spots of the second round, and is rumored to be a strong candidate for Euroleague outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv. He currently has a contract with KK Zagreb that lasts until 2011, and has no NBA escape clause to work with.
-Nathan Jawai will also be conducting a group workout on Tuesday, this time in New York City. The workout will be conducted by the Detroit Pistons, and will be attended by the Knicks, Nets, Grizzlies, Wizards and possibly others. 10 players will be there, including Jonathan Wallace and Novica Velickovic."
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Word-on-the-Street-Rounding-Up-2940/
Westbrook or Gordon at 6? Bayless off Knicks Radar?
As per Marc Berman of the Post
"The Knicks are feeling UCLA 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard Russell Westbrook could be both an engine and stopper. The athletic, rugged guard has seen his stock explode since pre-draft workouts began earlier this month.
With Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless starting to fall off the Knicks' radar, the Knicks are hoping O.J. Mayo falls to six. But that is unlikely. As such, Westbrook has emerged as a strong candidate for the Knicks, if he's even still there.
Eric Gordon, more a shooting guard, is also a consideration, especially if Westbrook isn't there, and his handlers are trying to steer him to New York. Forward Danilo Gallinari, the 19-year-old Italian Stallion, is still being linked to the Knicks in some circles but may be too much of a reach and project at six."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06242008/sports/knicks/westbrook_may_be_engine_that_could_116887.htm
Knicks to pick Augustin?
As per Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News
"So why does it feel like the Knicks will make Augustin their first-round pick in two days?
It's just a hunch, and maybe that feeling will go away by Thursday."
"With Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni wanting to be competitive right away, Augustin - who averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists as a sophomore - might make for the best choice. And that's why a couple of teams drafting in the Knicks' vicinity see him coming to New York, even if a few think it's a bit of a reach"
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/06/23/2008-06-23_knicks_are_looking_at_selecting_texas_dj.html?page=0
Knicks looking to move up for Mayo?
As per Frank Isola of the Daily News
"The Minnesota Timberwolves own the pick and the club is open to trading it. The Knicks, who select sixth, are looking to move up and are intrigued by Mayo, who like coach Mike D'Antonio hails from West Virginia."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/06/23/2008-06-23_donnie_walsh_dreams_of_the_knicks_gettin-1.html
Monday, June 23, 2008
Today's Knicks News - Walsh looking for picks?
Knicks looking for extra lottery picks? As per Chad Ford of ESPN.com
"Even stronger are rumors that the Grizzlies are talking to a number of teams, including the Knicks, Blazers and Suns, about deals that would send the No. 5 pick to whomever is willing to take Brian Cardinal's awful contract (2 years, $13 million left). The latest buzz has the Knicks talking to Memphis about a deal that would send David Lee and the expiring contract of Malik Rose to Memphis for No. 5 and Cardinal."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080623
New Knicks GM? As per Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News
"If Knicks president Donnie Walsh can't bring in Denver's Mark Warkentien to be his right-hand man, he's looking at Tony Ronzone, Detroit's director of basketball operations, to fill the post."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/06/21/2008-06-21_wont_be_a_summer_sequel_because_kobe_bry.html?page=1
"Isiah Would have bought out Marbury as Per Marc Berman of the NY Post
"Why would I want to lose $250,000?" Marbury said. "The fans thought I just left the Knicks because Mardy was going to start over me. I was sent home for other reasons, not because I wasn't going to start. He wanted to go in a different direction. (Thomas) felt I wasn't going to get the job done."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06232008/sports/knicks/marbury_speaks_116753.htm
Second workout for two players as per Alan Hahn of Newsday
"According to our man Al Iannazzone of the Bergen Record, a strong Knicks contingent (Grunwald, Brendan Suhr, Mike D'Antoni, Dan D'Antoni and Phil Weber) was present at the Nets facility on Friday for a joint workout that included six players. Two of those players have already had workouts with the Knicks.
One is Mike Taylor, the Iowa State guard who played in the D-League this past season. He worked out for the Knicks on Thursday.
The other . . .
Joe Alexander, from West Virginia."
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
"Even stronger are rumors that the Grizzlies are talking to a number of teams, including the Knicks, Blazers and Suns, about deals that would send the No. 5 pick to whomever is willing to take Brian Cardinal's awful contract (2 years, $13 million left). The latest buzz has the Knicks talking to Memphis about a deal that would send David Lee and the expiring contract of Malik Rose to Memphis for No. 5 and Cardinal."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080623
New Knicks GM? As per Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News
"If Knicks president Donnie Walsh can't bring in Denver's Mark Warkentien to be his right-hand man, he's looking at Tony Ronzone, Detroit's director of basketball operations, to fill the post."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/06/21/2008-06-21_wont_be_a_summer_sequel_because_kobe_bry.html?page=1
"Isiah Would have bought out Marbury as Per Marc Berman of the NY Post
"Why would I want to lose $250,000?" Marbury said. "The fans thought I just left the Knicks because Mardy was going to start over me. I was sent home for other reasons, not because I wasn't going to start. He wanted to go in a different direction. (Thomas) felt I wasn't going to get the job done."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06232008/sports/knicks/marbury_speaks_116753.htm
Second workout for two players as per Alan Hahn of Newsday
"According to our man Al Iannazzone of the Bergen Record, a strong Knicks contingent (Grunwald, Brendan Suhr, Mike D'Antoni, Dan D'Antoni and Phil Weber) was present at the Nets facility on Friday for a joint workout that included six players. Two of those players have already had workouts with the Knicks.
One is Mike Taylor, the Iowa State guard who played in the D-League this past season. He worked out for the Knicks on Thursday.
The other . . .
Joe Alexander, from West Virginia."
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Draft
Next week the knicks will face the most important decision of the brand new Mike D'Antoni era when the NBA Draft rolls around on Thursday evening. What direction The Knicks will go in with their #6 overall pick is a mystery. The Knicks do have several options and could go in multiple directions with the pick. They could trade the pick in an attempt to unload a undesirable contract or acquire an established player, they could trade the pick for multiple picks or they could stand pat and pick the best player that remains on the board.
My feeling is that unless Walsh finds a trade that is impossible to turn down, the Knicks will stand pat - now, who they draft is a different story altogether.
Assuming that The Knicks remain in the # 6 spot, they will be hoping for Jerryd Bayless to fall to them, and they would be thrilled if OJ Mayo fell as well. Chances are that neither of those guys will fall to The Knicks and they will choose from DJ Augustin, Danilo Gallinari, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Randolph, Brook Lopez, and maybe Even Joe Alexander. Who knows what will happen? Should be fun.
My feeling is that unless Walsh finds a trade that is impossible to turn down, the Knicks will stand pat - now, who they draft is a different story altogether.
Assuming that The Knicks remain in the # 6 spot, they will be hoping for Jerryd Bayless to fall to them, and they would be thrilled if OJ Mayo fell as well. Chances are that neither of those guys will fall to The Knicks and they will choose from DJ Augustin, Danilo Gallinari, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Randolph, Brook Lopez, and maybe Even Joe Alexander. Who knows what will happen? Should be fun.
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