New York Knicks Discussion

10:18 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:18:13 GMT

Hello from ESPN.com. Discussion starts Monday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. ET.

1:53 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:53:56 GMT

Before we get started, bone up on the 2009-10 Knicks with some NYK preview content from ESPN.com:

1:54 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:54:10 GMT

We'll begin in approximately seven minutes.

1:59 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:16 GMT

Hello, everyone, and welcome to ESPN.com's 2009-10 preseason discussion series. Over the next six business day, we'll be discussing the ins and outs of all 30 teams with ESPN.com writers and TrueHoop Network bloggers.

Today, we cap off the Atlantic Division with the New York Knicks. ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan and Mike Kurylo of KnickerBlogger.net will be chatting over the next half hour (and maybe more).

Want to talk 2010? What about this season? Send in your questions now!

Let's begin ...

1:59 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:20 GMT

Good afternoon all! I've been covering the Knicks for over 5 years at KnickerBlogger.Net, and I'll be representing the Knicks from the True Hoop Network today. Here we go!

1:59 Comment From urashimaboy

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:26 GMT

how many minutes will galinari get?

1:59 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:33 GMT

@urashimaboy - D'Antoni loves to play young guys (see Wilson Chandler), so you'd know he'd love to get Gallinari out there as much as possible. But Coach D has already said that Gallo isn't in "game shape" so he may not give the youngster a lot of burn early on. I would guess Gallo will get more as the season progresses and end up somewhere in the mid-20s.

2:00 Comment From JONNY NYC

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:10 GMT

7 SEED?

2:00 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:18 GMT

Good afternoon, Knicks fans, and it is a good afternoon because y'all are one day closer to the end of this miserable decade.

A couple lowlights from Friday's night's loss in Boston: Danilo Gallinari missed his first four shot attempts, prompting Mike D'Antoni to say he's going to have to rethink his statement that gallo is the best pure shooter he has ever seen.

Eddy Curry was absent Friday, and we missed another chance to have a sighting of the key to the treasure box. Remmeber: If Donnie walsh can find a way to trade Eddy for expiring money, the Knicks can get two max guys next summer.

Right now, it looks more like they are showcasing Jared Jeffries, who was firing up 3-pointers the other night and defending nearly every position, including some time on Rondo. Aside from Curry, he is the only big-money guy on the 2010-11 payroll.

Let's get it rolling ...

2:00 Comment From John S

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:32 GMT

I think the knicks have what it takes to be a playoff team this year in the 5-8 range with solid players like robinson, lee, chandler, harrington and even gallinari if he stays healthy. my question is do yo think the knicks have what it takes to make the playoffs?

2:00 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:59 GMT

@John S, @JONNY NYC – Not in the 5-6 range. If they do make the playoffs, it’ll be as a 7^th or 8^th seed. But they’re going to have to claw their way to make it that far.

2:01 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:01:40 GMT

John S., I'll reply to your Q, too. I think they'll stay in the hunt for the 8 spot into the third week of March, ultimately finishing 10 or 11.

2:01 Comment From lebron james

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:01:54 GMT

will i be a knick in 2010

2:03 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:03:19 GMT

I'm 50-50 right now, but every time I'm around the Knicks, they project such an air of confidence that I start leaning toward 60-40. I'll say this: A lot of bigshots speak to around the league think he's leaving Cleveland.

2:04 Comment From angelo ,ny

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:04:11 GMT

why would he leave cleveland tho they have a great team

2:05 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:05:44 GMT

No argument there, Angelo, but people tend to overlook that it's more about what the Knicks will look like in 2011 than what they look like now. Remember, if they can;t move Curry and Jefffries, they'll have max room again in '11, along with a draft pick (their '10 pick is the property of the Jazz).

2:05 Comment From Shotta_Howard

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:05:52 GMT

Are the Knicks going to make any trades before the regular season ends? And, being realistic what are the chances of landing a top named free agent in 2010?

2:05 Comment From sunny d

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:05:54 GMT

will knick make any more trade

2:06 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:06:13 GMT

You'd think that Walsh would jump at the opportunity to unload Curry or Jeffries for an expiring contract. The question will remain on whether anyone will want either of those two players. As for free agency, I think having D'Antoni helps. Everyone wants to work for the "fun" boss.

2:07 Comment From Chenping

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:07:47 GMT

Can Davivd Lee actually get any better?....Is there room to get even more production?

2:07 Comment From becka

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:07:53 GMT

will david lee have another great season

2:08 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:08:12 GMT

There’s no reason to think Lee won’t be as productive. And a little help at center might keep him fresher throughout the season. As for improvement – maybe a little better D would help the team.

2:08 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:08:48 GMT

Shotta_Howard, I'll answer yours, too. As I noted in my introductory post, the guy they would most like to move is jeffries, which is why you;ll see a lot of him _ in a lot of different roles _ in the early part of the season. forget about those Larry Hughes-Steven jackson rumors. The Knicks aren't taking on long-term dollars. If they fall out of the playoff race early, I could see them moving Duhon to a contender for an expiring contract and a low first-round pick or a second-rounder. They're going to need to get Toney Douglas some major minutes over the last 2 months, and Nate can play backup 1.

2:10 Comment From istayripped

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:10:39 GMT

since no GM is dumb enough to take Curry or Jeffries, do you think we have a chance at LBJ in 2010 and then Melo in 2011?

2:12 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:12:34 GMT

They said no one would take Zach, too, and before that they said similar things about Shawn Kemp, so you never know. If Jeffries keeps knocking down 3s, which he is doing now, and learns how to dunk the ball as much as he's capable of, there could be a taker there.

2:12 Comment From donnie do nothing

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:12:36 GMT

Will the media ever stop making the Knicks the butt of all basketball jokes?

2:12 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:12:48 GMT

Of course, but the team has to turn things around first. Not too long ago the Mavericks were the laughing stock of the league.

2:13 Comment From jae hood

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:13:04 GMT

larry hughes for steven jackson..?

2:13 Comment From miller

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:13:12 GMT

i heard that the knicks were gonna be starting five players over 6'8" during the regular season but during the preseason games duhon has been in the starting five? is this ever gonna happen?

2:13 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:13:32 GMT

@jae hood – Sounds like a great deal for Golden State. Not so great for the Knicks. Jackson makes $8.5M in 2011 and his contract runs until 2013.

2:15 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:15:00 GMT

No way, Miller, unless D'Antoni benches Douglas and Duhon and plays Chandler or Jeffries at the point, and that cannot happen. They started Lee at center up in Boston the other night, and he barely makes the cut at that height.

2:15 Comment From mike

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:15:18 GMT

too early to worry about gallinari?

2:15 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:15:35 GMT

@miller - it's possible only if Gallinari can handle the PG duties. Last year D'Antoni had Wilson Chandler as the "PG" for stints when they were thin on guards (post Crawford, pre-Hughes). Big IF.

2:17 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:31 GMT

Gallinari has produced nothing but worry, so it's still too early to stop worrying about him. Look, the kid is skinny and is going to get eaten up defensively, but he can shoot the lights out and he's big, and D'Antoni really, really loves the guy. Let's give him an 82-game look before we make any broader judgements.

2:17 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:39 GMT

@mike - In a sense, no because he's only 21 years old and has his whole career. Even if he doesn't do too well this year, he can rebound the next. As long as his back doesn't act up...

2:17 Comment From Brian L

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:44 GMT

Which of the two rookies (Douglas and Hill) will see more minutes?

2:17 Comment From Rod

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:45 GMT

Do you feel that Tony Douglas will be able to see a nice amount of playing time this season?

2:17 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:53 GMT

Douglas will likely see more time than Hill because of logistics. The team is short on guards, and deep in the front court.

2:17 Comment From Cavs fan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:17:57 GMT

Can you let all these Knicks fans know that LeBron has said to several fans at a booksigning he's not leaving and his mom has come out in public saying he won't leave. K thanks

2:18 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:18:56 GMT

Passed that one along, Cavs fan.

Art Modell used to say similar things, FYI.

2:19 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:19:25 GMT

But LeBron was just here saying he was coming to New York. Unless that guy was an imposter!

2:19 Comment From Chris

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:19:26 GMT

Do u think Hill is here to replace David Lee?

2:19 Comment From chris

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:19:45 GMT

After all the LeBron talk, who else do u think could be wooed to NY?

2:20 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:20:38 GMT

Joe Johnson and Tayshaun Prince, to name two who I think the Knicks would go after without offering either the max if their Plan A fails.

2:20 Comment From Terry

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:20:53 GMT

Who leaves first? Darko or Hughes?

2:21 Comment From KrisMinkel

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:21:44 GMT

Who will be the most surprising player and who will be the most dissapointing player on the Knicks this year?

2:21 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:21:51 GMT

Most surprising could either be Toney Douglas, Danilo Gallinari, or Darko Milicic. Most disappointing is likely to be Jordan Hill or Eddy Curry. I can’t be sure, my crystal ball is still in the crystal ball repair shop.

2:22 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:22:44 GMT

I think they both stay all season, Terry. That's nearly $20 million in expiring deals. Interestingly, Darko had an airball and Hughes did basically nothing against the celtics on Friday. It was one of those "this is going to be a long, long season" reality check moments.

2:23 Comment From Jemal

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:23:06 GMT

What role do you see Wilson Chandler having on this team and will Eddy Curry ever match the potential that we all as fans see in him?

2:23 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:23:23 GMT

Chandler will have the same role - playing tough defense from the 2-4. As for Curry, isn’t that question already answered?

2:23 Comment From NBA Fan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:23:46 GMT

Hey Chris I look forward to you talks on Miami on Thursday. What do you think the chances are of the Knicks tryin to grab Dwade instead of lebron?

2:26 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:26:58 GMT

I don;t see that one, NBA Fan. I see them trying to get LeBron and Bosh, one through a sign-and-trade and the other in a straight up signing. That would be the expanded Plan A. I think Miami has sights on making a play for both those uys too, maybe Boozer instead of Bosh if he stays in Toronto, and utting both of them alongside Beasley, Wade and Chalmers. a pipe dream, maybe, cuz they'd have to accept less than the max, but the Heat think they have a puncher's shot at pulling it off.

2:27 Comment From Mike B

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:27:03 GMT

We see potential in Eddy Curry?

2:27 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:27:13 GMT

@Mike B – I didn’t say it.

2:27 Comment From Henry Steckel

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:27:53 GMT

Why would they try and settle for PRince? He is old, a nice defender, but he won't explode in Dantoni;s offense which is the main reason why people will want to sign with NY

2:28 Comment From Jemal

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:28:25 GMT

Does Nate Robinson have a long term future with this team?

2:28 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:28:32 GMT

@Jemal – As a Knick fan, I sure hope so. He’s one of the league’s best 6^th men, a good scorer, and a great rebounder for a guard.

2:29 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:29:13 GMT

I agree with you, Henry, and I saw tayshaun has another non-productive box score line last night. But D'Antoni knows him well from their Team USA time, and the Knicks _ lik a lot of folks believe ay's numbers were impacted last year by all the shenanagins going on in Detroit.

2:30 Comment From CJ

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:11 GMT

Is it possible for the Knicks to resign David Lee and Nate Robinson at their market value next season and still bring in two max level free agents

2:31 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:31:45 GMT

D'Antoni is a great coach who runs an umtempo offense. And the team does have a lot of young rootable players: Lee, Nate, Chandler, Gallo, Hill, and Douglas. I guess the question is - did you get that Ewing jersey in the 80s or 90s?

2:31 Comment From JEsqoNY

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:31:57 GMT

I've stopped following the knicks for almost 10 years...I want to get back into them, byt have not been able to...please give me a reason to dust off my old Ewing jersey...why should I watch the Knicks in 2009-2010?

2:32 Chris Sheridan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:32:11 GMT

No, CJ, that is impossible unless they move both Curry and Jeffries for expiring deals, which is unfathomable. Likeliest scenario is that Lee and Robinson get their market value in sign-and-trades for one of the max players the Knicks will target. Also, Lee has to show he can play better defense, and Nate needs to play under control. Absent those qualities, those guys aren;t worth as much as their agents believe them to be worth.

2:33 Comment From Bo

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:33:12 GMT

What's limiting Darko?

2:34 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:34:31 GMT

Well there's that part of basketball where you have to put the ball into the hoop... Honestly if he's anywhere near a TS% of 53%, he should be on the court as much as possible.

2:35 Comment From Ray(NY)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:35:03 GMT

Does Jordan Hill remind anyone of Channing Frye?? Do you see him becoming an impact player this year?? Going over the draft again, do you think there was a better pick for the Knicks at 8 and 29?

2:36 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:36:20 GMT

Somewhat, although the hope is that he's more of a Kurt Thomas. This year the Knicks are likely going to give a lot of time to Lee, Harrington, Darko, and Curry. Hill won't be an impact player this year.

2:37 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:37:00 GMT

As for the better pick, most of my site's readers had their eyes set on Lawson & Blair.

2:37 Comment From Andy

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:37:56 GMT

Why isn't Duhon given more respect? I thought he played at nearly an all-star level last year until he got tired.

2:39 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:39:16 GMT

All Star level is a bit of a reach. Duhon's problem is scoring - he's very bad when venturing into the paint. I'd put him at a notch below average.

2:39 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:39:32 GMT

Chris Sheridan has left the building, but Mike will be sticking around to answer some more of your questions. So keep firing them away.

2:40 Comment From Eric Likerstein

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:40:18 GMT

I am a friend of Bosh and I want to let Knicks fans know that he told me in confidence that no matter what he is joining the knicks next year.

2:40 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:40:54 GMT

Santa is a friend of mine, and he told me in confidence that he has a lump of coal for you.

2:41 Comment From DrTee

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:41:34 GMT

Do you think NYkers historically appreciate Patrick Ewing now, given all of the franchise's recent woes?

2:43 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:43:20 GMT

There was a time when Ewing was receiving his fair share of boos. Back then some fans were frustrated at the Knicks just missing a few titles. But I think ultimately time heals all wounds. Also I think the recent years have provided some perspective on his career.

2:44 Comment From ethan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:44:16 GMT

Do you think that Nate Robinson can actually be a cog in a winning team one day???

2:45 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:45:47 GMT

He's certainly good enough for his role, although it'd be nice if he played better defense. But if you're referring to his antics remember Dennis Rodman was a cog in 2 different championship teams...

2:46 Comment From Guest

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:46:00 GMT

If jeffries improves in the knicks system this year do you think they will keep him

2:46 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:46:44 GMT

Not if they get an offer for a player with an expiring contract.

2:47 Comment From JJG

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:47:13 GMT

Word on the blogosphere is that Coach D is actually doing Defense Drills and wants to end in the top 1/2 of the league in DFG%....do you see the knicks improving, even a couple spots, from 28th in the league in DFG%?

2:48 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:48:57 GMT

They didn't bring in a lot of new players, but the ones they did are defensively orientated (Darko, Douglas, Hill). They won't be a good defensive team, but a moderate improvement could be in the cards.

2:50 Comment From Ray

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:50:52 GMT

I think the Knicks shoot too many three pointers. If they were to shoot more from midrange and drive to the basket more, they would probably make more baskets and get to the line. Its seems like their offensive plan is pick and roll or kick out for a three.

2:54 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:54:12 GMT

I think you're simplifying D'Antoni's offense. He does use the pick & roll, but he's very good at putting people in motion as well. Also, shooting three pointers isn't such a bad strategy, considering the rate NBA players make that shot.

2:54 Comment From no.1 ny fan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:54:49 GMT

what kind of stats will wilson chandler put up this year? breakout season ?

2:56 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:56:02 GMT

Chandler needs to improve something in his game. To have a "breakout season" he'll need to up his three point percentage or get to the line more often.

2:56 Comment From Adam

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:56:28 GMT

why would NY ever plan its current team around lebron when there are so many uncertainties as to where he will end up, most likely cleveland.

2:57 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:57:57 GMT

Although LeBron is Plan A, he's not the only option. The team was in salary cap hell, with owed draft picks. There was no other way to stop the bleeding.

2:58 Comment From Fradwin

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:58:34 GMT

Mike thanks for answering Q's today. Can the Knicks get Houston to bite on a Curry and Chandler for TMac? That way the Knicks can get ready for a reduce cap in 2010 and roll the dice T Mac can get back to his old form or cut him loose after.

2:59 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:59:25 GMT

Considering Daryl Morey wrote the foreward to the 2010 Basketball Prospectus, I doubt it.

3:00 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:19 GMT

Ok thanks for your questions. I received much more than I could ever hope to answer! One more question...

3:00 Comment From Isiah Thomas

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:51 GMT

Eddy Curry will be my legacy! He will finish his career with the Knicks. Do you think he was my worst mistake?

3:02 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:02:01 GMT

But why limit to just one. There's so much to chose from: Marbury, Crawford, Zach Randolph, Ariza for Francis, Jared Jeffries, Jerome James, passing Rondo in the draft...

3:02 Mike Kurylo (KnickerBlogger.Net/True Hoop Network)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:02:17 GMT

I'm off. Have a good day!

3:04 Justin Verrier, ESPN.com

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:04:50 GMT

Thanks for joining us, everyone. Be sure to check back over the next five business days for chats on the 25 remaining teams. Tomorrow, we'll kick off the Central Division with the Bulls and TrueHoop's Henry Abbott.

3:05

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:05:03 GMT