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Knicks Status Going Forward
First and perhaps most importantly, it's all but guaranteed that there will be a lockout in the off-season because the NBA wants to instill some significant changes to the CBA (stricter salary cap, perhaps alter existing contracts, perhaps a franchise tag, etc.) and the NBAPA will likely fight a losing battle. There's a good chance such a lockout would not be settled until the fall or later which means, the first time since the last time the Knicks made the finals, good chance games will be missed.
Right now, we don't know how the cap or existing contracts will be altered, or if they will at all.
MANAGEMENT
The man who singlehandedly saved pro ball in New York seemingly has one foot out the door depending on who you read/listen to. Donnie Walsh's contract expires on June 30, fuckhead Dolan must act by Saturday to pick up the option on the final year of his deal.
As it stands now, Dolan is "leaning" on keeping Walsh…BUT….our messiah is reportedly not 100% on staying. Theoretically, while his option gets picked up, he could step away at any point during the long ass off-season, or perhaps he will step down once the season begins. For the sake of the franchise, you have to hope he wants to see this thing through no matter any disagreements he has had with Dolan.
Mike D'Antoni.
You fucking guy.
Despite requests for the opposite, he's not going anywhere. On the bright side, he is entering the final year of his 4-year contract so who knows whether Dolan will give him an extension or hold off and let him hang for whatever turns out to be the 2011-12 season. I know many believe, and I agree, that D'Antoni's style simply does not work in the post-season when you can't just outscore everybody to win four seven-game series. Plus, his end of game management is fucking awful.
I believe the only way D'Antoni is not re-upped at some point over the next year is if this team totally tanks. With GINORMOUS ticket prices now, there's no way Dolan would be satisfied with a non-playoff team. However, is there really any way a team with Amar'e and Melo from the start doesn't make the playoffs?
:obama:
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Knicks Who Appear Safe to Stay
1. :bowrofl: SF Carmelo Anthony -- Will earn $18.5 million next season, obviously a franchise player. Hopefully, an entire off-season/training camp with the team will get rid of any concerns about guys not use to playing with each other.
2.
PF Amar'e Stoudemire -- Will earn $18.2 million next season and I guess all things considered, he had about as good a debut season in NY as anyone could expect. He remained relatively healthy and he single handedly shocked life back into the Garden. Hopefully that health continues…
3. :fad: G Toney Douglas -- He is owed $1.1 million and has another year under team control until the whole qualifying offer stuff comes into play. His role next year will be interesting to follow because it depends on Chauncey Billups. Either Douglas will be used as a back-up combo-guard or he could have a shot at the starting line-up (hopefully, the former).
4. :pepsi: SG Landry Fields -- Hopefully an off-season can rejuvenate the rookie. He exceeded every single person's expectations since being taken in last year's 2nd round. He figures to return to the starting line-up next year and let's hope there won't be any sophomore jinx. He'll receive $788k next season.
5. :ionno: G Andy Rautins -- Fields' good buddy saw next to zero playing time as a rookie (he was taken ahead of Fields by a pick or two) and was seen more often in a nice suit on the bench. He's also owed $788k next year and whether he can earn playing time remains to be seen. If nothing else, he's had a year to practice in D'Antonio's system.
6.:nana: C Ronny Turiaf -- The final year of his current contract is next year and it's a player option for $4.3 million, so it's safe to say he'll stick around. Hopefully, he can get healthy in the off-season (knee) and return as a back-up center. You like the guy's hustle and energy, but he's simply not a starting center in the NBA.
7.:shot: F Renaldo Balkman -- His second stint with NY may prove to be as long, if not longer than his first. He has two more years on his contract at $1.67 million per so I doubt he's going anywhere unless they use him in a trade (but who would take the contract?). He received little playing time down the stretch and I would imagine that unless they lack COMPLETE depth, that will continue next year.
Knicks Who Will Likely Remain, But Could Leave
8. :shakehands: PG Chauncey Billups -- Probably the biggest question heading into the off-season (after the status of Donnie Walsh…what a joke that fuck Dolan can be) is the status of Billups. He will enter the final year of his contract which is a TEAM OPTION for $14.2 million. Quotes from Walsh have been very positive on Billups and it's unlikely they can find a better PG on the open market, so logic says they'll exercise the option. Frankly, the only way I see them choosing not to is if they find out his knee is seriously fucked up. They have to exercise or decline the option by THIS Friday so I imagine we'll find out earlier this week.
9. :asskicking: G Bill Walker -- He may return depending on if the team exercises his $916k team option. I would expect them to do so since it's a small price to pay for a bench guy who knows the system. While his offensive game is always a work in progress, he is active on defense and that should be reason enough to bring him back. With Fields' lackluster play down the stretch, Walker has emerged as one of the first options off the bench for D'Antoni.
10.
F Shawne Williams -- Talk about a surprise. I think the story goes that it was Stoudemire's agent who recommended they check out Williams earlier in the season, they did, and he's been a more than effective role player. He'll be a free agent but he has said he'd like to stay….I doubt the Knicks can offer him a big deal and if another team is willing to do so, I wouldn't be shocked to see him take the contract. I hope they keep him though because while his offensive game is limited to perimeter shooting, he's a good defensive hand.
11.:ionno: F Derrick Brown - They picked him up after the deadline when they shuffled the last few roster spots, off waivers from Charlotte. He's received little playing time, but rightfully so as he's a work in progress. He only earned $287k this past season and will be a free agent so if they like his work ethic, I could see them trying to bring him back.
Your Guess, As Good As Mine Where They End Up
12. :roflpuke: G Roger Mason - What a year for him, he came to NY expecting a decent amount of playing time and rarely played for more than half the year. He survived the February shake-up and eventually got some P.T. down the stretch and in the playoffs. As a free agent, I doubt he returns unless he really likes the group of teammates and coaches.
13. PG Anthony Carter - I like him as a back-up PG because he's a professional and doesn't make too many mistakes. He'll be a free agent so whether he chooses to stay in NY or go elsewhere remains to be seen. I assume the team will offer him a deal to try and bring him back as a safety valve off the bench, if necessary.
14. :scared: F/C Shelden Williams - Acquired in the Melo deal, he received some playing time down the stretch but none in the playoffs. He's a decent bench player but I don't see what his role would be on the team going forward, especially since Amar'e plays so many minutes. If Williams is re-signed and getting playing time at center next year,
.
15. :shot: C Jared Jeffries - After getting out of Houston, he signed a minimum deal to return to NY. The coaching staff likes him as he offers size up front and he's a defensive minded player. I could see him returning since they like him and what are the odds they find two centers to bring aboard? I'd welcome him back ONLY if he's a guy off the bench in certain spots, behind Turiaf and whoever they can get to start on the depth chart.
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I know they reached buyouts or they just plain cut them but no doubt, the contracts for Azubuike and Brewer come off the books (a total $6.5 million).
So counting the deals for Melo/Amar'e/Chauncey/Balkman/Douglas/Walker/Rautins/Fields….they have $45.4 million on the books.
Shopping List:
1. A True Starting Caliber Center
2. A Pure Shooter (to add to the mix)…preferably at guard or a G/F combo
3. Depth for the Bench
4. A back-up PG (assuming they keep Billups...otherwise, a starting PG)
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ASSETS, MOVING FORWARD
Draft Picks
1. They possess the 17th pick in the first round of the upcoming draft, no second round pick (LA owns it from the Toney Douglas trade)
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Future wise
2012 -- Houston owns Knicks 1st Round Pick (top 5 protected), Phoenix owns Knicks 2nd Round Pick (top 55 protected…if top 55, Phoenix gets nothing)
2013 -- Knicks own their 1st Round Pick unless they are a top 5 pick in 2012, Knicks own their 2nd Round Pick
2014 -- (Assuming Knicks Send 2012 Pick to HOU), Denver owns Knicks 1st Round Pick, Knicks own Sacramento's 2nd Round Pick (top 55 protected, if top 55, NY gets nothing)
2015 -- (Assuming Knicks have satisfied deals with HOU and DEN), Knicks own their 1st Round Pick, Knicks own their 2nd Round Pick (unless Knicks finish in top 5 in 2012, 13, 14 and 15 lol)
The Knicks possess the draft rights to C Jerome Jordan (right now playing in Serbia)….which they acquired from Milwaukee some time ago
First and perhaps most importantly, it's all but guaranteed that there will be a lockout in the off-season because the NBA wants to instill some significant changes to the CBA (stricter salary cap, perhaps alter existing contracts, perhaps a franchise tag, etc.) and the NBAPA will likely fight a losing battle. There's a good chance such a lockout would not be settled until the fall or later which means, the first time since the last time the Knicks made the finals, good chance games will be missed.
Right now, we don't know how the cap or existing contracts will be altered, or if they will at all.
MANAGEMENT
The man who singlehandedly saved pro ball in New York seemingly has one foot out the door depending on who you read/listen to. Donnie Walsh's contract expires on June 30, fuckhead Dolan must act by Saturday to pick up the option on the final year of his deal.
As it stands now, Dolan is "leaning" on keeping Walsh…BUT….our messiah is reportedly not 100% on staying. Theoretically, while his option gets picked up, he could step away at any point during the long ass off-season, or perhaps he will step down once the season begins. For the sake of the franchise, you have to hope he wants to see this thing through no matter any disagreements he has had with Dolan.
Mike D'Antoni.
You fucking guy.
Despite requests for the opposite, he's not going anywhere. On the bright side, he is entering the final year of his 4-year contract so who knows whether Dolan will give him an extension or hold off and let him hang for whatever turns out to be the 2011-12 season. I know many believe, and I agree, that D'Antoni's style simply does not work in the post-season when you can't just outscore everybody to win four seven-game series. Plus, his end of game management is fucking awful.
I believe the only way D'Antoni is not re-upped at some point over the next year is if this team totally tanks. With GINORMOUS ticket prices now, there's no way Dolan would be satisfied with a non-playoff team. However, is there really any way a team with Amar'e and Melo from the start doesn't make the playoffs?
:obama:
-----
Knicks Who Appear Safe to Stay
1. :bowrofl: SF Carmelo Anthony -- Will earn $18.5 million next season, obviously a franchise player. Hopefully, an entire off-season/training camp with the team will get rid of any concerns about guys not use to playing with each other.
2.
PF Amar'e Stoudemire -- Will earn $18.2 million next season and I guess all things considered, he had about as good a debut season in NY as anyone could expect. He remained relatively healthy and he single handedly shocked life back into the Garden. Hopefully that health continues…3. :fad: G Toney Douglas -- He is owed $1.1 million and has another year under team control until the whole qualifying offer stuff comes into play. His role next year will be interesting to follow because it depends on Chauncey Billups. Either Douglas will be used as a back-up combo-guard or he could have a shot at the starting line-up (hopefully, the former).
4. :pepsi: SG Landry Fields -- Hopefully an off-season can rejuvenate the rookie. He exceeded every single person's expectations since being taken in last year's 2nd round. He figures to return to the starting line-up next year and let's hope there won't be any sophomore jinx. He'll receive $788k next season.
5. :ionno: G Andy Rautins -- Fields' good buddy saw next to zero playing time as a rookie (he was taken ahead of Fields by a pick or two) and was seen more often in a nice suit on the bench. He's also owed $788k next year and whether he can earn playing time remains to be seen. If nothing else, he's had a year to practice in D'Antonio's system.
6.:nana: C Ronny Turiaf -- The final year of his current contract is next year and it's a player option for $4.3 million, so it's safe to say he'll stick around. Hopefully, he can get healthy in the off-season (knee) and return as a back-up center. You like the guy's hustle and energy, but he's simply not a starting center in the NBA.
7.:shot: F Renaldo Balkman -- His second stint with NY may prove to be as long, if not longer than his first. He has two more years on his contract at $1.67 million per so I doubt he's going anywhere unless they use him in a trade (but who would take the contract?). He received little playing time down the stretch and I would imagine that unless they lack COMPLETE depth, that will continue next year.
Knicks Who Will Likely Remain, But Could Leave
8. :shakehands: PG Chauncey Billups -- Probably the biggest question heading into the off-season (after the status of Donnie Walsh…what a joke that fuck Dolan can be) is the status of Billups. He will enter the final year of his contract which is a TEAM OPTION for $14.2 million. Quotes from Walsh have been very positive on Billups and it's unlikely they can find a better PG on the open market, so logic says they'll exercise the option. Frankly, the only way I see them choosing not to is if they find out his knee is seriously fucked up. They have to exercise or decline the option by THIS Friday so I imagine we'll find out earlier this week.
9. :asskicking: G Bill Walker -- He may return depending on if the team exercises his $916k team option. I would expect them to do so since it's a small price to pay for a bench guy who knows the system. While his offensive game is always a work in progress, he is active on defense and that should be reason enough to bring him back. With Fields' lackluster play down the stretch, Walker has emerged as one of the first options off the bench for D'Antoni.
10.
F Shawne Williams -- Talk about a surprise. I think the story goes that it was Stoudemire's agent who recommended they check out Williams earlier in the season, they did, and he's been a more than effective role player. He'll be a free agent but he has said he'd like to stay….I doubt the Knicks can offer him a big deal and if another team is willing to do so, I wouldn't be shocked to see him take the contract. I hope they keep him though because while his offensive game is limited to perimeter shooting, he's a good defensive hand. 11.:ionno: F Derrick Brown - They picked him up after the deadline when they shuffled the last few roster spots, off waivers from Charlotte. He's received little playing time, but rightfully so as he's a work in progress. He only earned $287k this past season and will be a free agent so if they like his work ethic, I could see them trying to bring him back.
Your Guess, As Good As Mine Where They End Up
12. :roflpuke: G Roger Mason - What a year for him, he came to NY expecting a decent amount of playing time and rarely played for more than half the year. He survived the February shake-up and eventually got some P.T. down the stretch and in the playoffs. As a free agent, I doubt he returns unless he really likes the group of teammates and coaches.
13.
PG Anthony Carter - I like him as a back-up PG because he's a professional and doesn't make too many mistakes. He'll be a free agent so whether he chooses to stay in NY or go elsewhere remains to be seen. I assume the team will offer him a deal to try and bring him back as a safety valve off the bench, if necessary.14. :scared: F/C Shelden Williams - Acquired in the Melo deal, he received some playing time down the stretch but none in the playoffs. He's a decent bench player but I don't see what his role would be on the team going forward, especially since Amar'e plays so many minutes. If Williams is re-signed and getting playing time at center next year,
. 15. :shot: C Jared Jeffries - After getting out of Houston, he signed a minimum deal to return to NY. The coaching staff likes him as he offers size up front and he's a defensive minded player. I could see him returning since they like him and what are the odds they find two centers to bring aboard? I'd welcome him back ONLY if he's a guy off the bench in certain spots, behind Turiaf and whoever they can get to start on the depth chart.
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I know they reached buyouts or they just plain cut them but no doubt, the contracts for Azubuike and Brewer come off the books (a total $6.5 million).
So counting the deals for Melo/Amar'e/Chauncey/Balkman/Douglas/Walker/Rautins/Fields….they have $45.4 million on the books.
Shopping List:
1. A True Starting Caliber Center
2. A Pure Shooter (to add to the mix)…preferably at guard or a G/F combo
3. Depth for the Bench
4. A back-up PG (assuming they keep Billups...otherwise, a starting PG)
------------
ASSETS, MOVING FORWARD
Draft Picks
1. They possess the 17th pick in the first round of the upcoming draft, no second round pick (LA owns it from the Toney Douglas trade)
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Future wise
2012 -- Houston owns Knicks 1st Round Pick (top 5 protected), Phoenix owns Knicks 2nd Round Pick (top 55 protected…if top 55, Phoenix gets nothing)
2013 -- Knicks own their 1st Round Pick unless they are a top 5 pick in 2012, Knicks own their 2nd Round Pick
2014 -- (Assuming Knicks Send 2012 Pick to HOU), Denver owns Knicks 1st Round Pick, Knicks own Sacramento's 2nd Round Pick (top 55 protected, if top 55, NY gets nothing)
2015 -- (Assuming Knicks have satisfied deals with HOU and DEN), Knicks own their 1st Round Pick, Knicks own their 2nd Round Pick (unless Knicks finish in top 5 in 2012, 13, 14 and 15 lol)
The Knicks possess the draft rights to C Jerome Jordan (right now playing in Serbia)….which they acquired from Milwaukee some time ago
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