NFT: NY Knicks-Not on Durants list of initial teams to meet...

the more I want Whiteside. He's still a very young player(in terms of experience), he's a defensive minded player who rebounds and doesn't require the ball in the paint. He will clean up on Rose's drives to the hoop. Plus, the Knicks need only 1 big to play in the post when they get into their set and Lopez usually took that position away from KP, but Whiteside isn't that guy. He can play on the backside and just clean up on the glass.

He's going to get the max, but I think he's worth it. He averaged 14 and 12 and 4 blocks per game. I think he's a perfect big next to KP and with a slasher like Rose.

We have a tendancy to overeact to these reports when many times they are misinformation or do not accurately paint the whole picture.

What we do know:

Its been confirmed he is working out with Melo right now and that they are very very close.It also sounds like hes doing all his interviewing out of New York. I have seen multiple reports he wanted the Knicks to improve their backcourt to consider them. With that said, I would be amazed if we dont get a legit in depth meeting and strong consideration.

He just saw Lebron leave Miami and bring a championship to a city he loves. If he thinks he can win one here (Melo,KP,Rose and Durant if healthy is a 4 some up there with any in the NBA) we have a shot at this.

Obviously adding him to SA or GS (or staying in OKC) would make those teams pretty unstoppable too but one can not discount NY as a very favorable situation at this point as well.

It could come down to what the additional peices will be around the big 4. Some of the biggest weakness would be a defensive stopper at the 5 (Noah but will he sign for less to fit both?) and getting a guy that can play some legit SG minutes (preferably a strong defender)

position due to the roster, playing in the East and finally having competent leadership in the front office, but.......I'm not sure people on the outside feel the same way. Draft night we heard many people laugh at the notion that the Knicks can offer anything that would entice Durant. The Knicks are a 30 win team to these guys. Yes they added Rose, but is that enough to change the perception?

I thought the Knicks would get a meeting based solely on his relationship with Melo. I guess time will tell.

I'm under no illusions about signing Durant, but we know that Phil operates in secret much of the time.

In comment 13008687 Keith said:

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the more I want Whiteside. He's still a very young player(in terms of experience), he's a defensive minded player who rebounds and doesn't require the ball in the paint. He will clean up on Rose's drives to the hoop. Plus, the Knicks need only 1 big to play in the post when they get into their set and Lopez usually took that position away from KP, but Whiteside isn't that guy. He can play on the backside and just clean up on the glass. He's going to get the max, but I think he's worth it. He averaged 14 and 12 and 4 blocks per game. I think he's a perfect big next to KP and with a slasher like Rose.

He's a gamble but I agree I think he is worth taking a chance on if they lose out on KD which is very likely. Whiteside is young and could still get better. He would solidify the center position for years and allow Porzingis to remain at PF.

It's the "Knicks Way" to get bashed in the media and I fully understand why. Phil gets bashed, but it's proven to be all BS. None of these writers are clued into what he is thinking or doing. Over time, they will back off.

In the past, these guys would get bashed by the writers and then the writers were proven to be correct because everyone has been incompetent. It's different now.

And are very short term judgemental.

Rose granted has dealt with a few injuries but second half of last season he was 'serious ballin' and still only 80% by his own admission.

Guys in the league who have played against him still think extremely highly of his game. Believe it or not, Derrick if healthy could be the best player on the team next year.

Rose is a ball dominant PG who slashes and creates space for guys that can shoot. Bigs that crash the boards will clean up with Rose slashing so much. KP who has already proven to be a beast at crashing and following up on misses paired with Whiteside who is long and similarly explosive would be fantastic. Whiteside and KP would provide a ton of length in the paint, but with KP's range and hopefully improved ability to play with his back to the basket, I think it would fit like a glove.

A starting 4 that consists of Rose, Melo, KD & KP is very good though. The Knicks have all their picks from this point forward & a ton of cap space next year. You also have to sell KP's progression. He was a guy who wasn't supposed to make an impact for 3 years. Yet came in & played well on the offensive & defensive end. He should only get better with experience & added strength.

Also if he comes to NY & wins he's a God here. An even bigger basketball legend. I don't know how much that matters to him. To me personally that's a challenge I'd want to take on. Him winning 1 here is equivalent to winning 3 with GS, Miami, OKC.

Believe it or not, Derrick if healthy could be the best player on the team next year.

He's a former MVP that has carried his team to a ton of regular season success on his back. He's got the most talent on the team, that's for sure.

Hes a very special player, but he doesn't really fit. There is only 1 bball and he and Melo would play very similar roles.

Whiteside makes a ton sense. I still think that number 2 position will be crucial. You definitely need a defensive presence in the back court but having another guy that can hit the three ball would be great. I am so sick of having a back court of guys that cannot defend. It puts too much stress on your front court. Having Whiteside and Porzingis would give us great rim protection and help defense and Melo is no slouch himself but it always comes down to guard play in today's NBA.

Is a dream scenario that isn't going to happen.

The Knicks need to get good solid all around players & hope KP takes that next step.

IF they were to sign a center(specifically Whiteside), I'd hope their next goal is a wing defender. Doesn't need to be a superstar, but a wing defender that can hit an open 3. Is prime Bruce Bowen available?

New Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said he's talked to Carmelo Anthony about "running the court a little bit more" next season to get opportunities in transition. "He does it at times," Hornacek said Thursday. The coach added that he's seen instances where Anthony "would've gotten a 3-point shot off but (he was) so far back in the trail position that (he wasn't) ready when the kick-out came. He knows that if he can get the ball up the court a little bit quicker, we can push the ball up to him, attack a little bit quicker. So I think he knows that's part of that. Other than that, the guy's a great player. So we want him to continue what he's been doing." Hornacek also said Anthony wanted to strengthen his legs this offseason, after his first full season following knee surgery.

In comment 13008717 Keith said:

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Believe it or not, Derrick if healthy could be the best player on the team next year. He's a former MVP that has carried his team to a ton of regular season success on his back. He's got the most talent on the team, that's for sure.

Lol I just dont think alot of folks have wrapped their head around that yet! 27 years old , middle of his prime and flashed big time in the second half last year his old dominant self.

Even if we dont get Durant, a fully healthy trio of Rose,KP and Melo with some smart Phil spending to round out the roster should be quite formidible next year with finally hopefully a legit coach in Hornacek.

I saw him on Lip Sync Battle and the big guy can still move. Lol.

so people view Rose as a broken down has been. That's not necessarily reality though. He's battled injuries, but he's still young and immensely talented. He's going to be healthy next year, bank on it. He's motivated by money(most people are) and he's in a contract year.

In comment 13008721 Keith said:

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Hes a very special player, but he doesn't really fit. There is only 1 bball and he and Melo would play very similar roles.

Dont Klay and Curry play somewhat similiar roles? The right offensive system is the key here. It can be done quite successfully.

The knicks but he is doing meetings in new york, he is close to Melo and rose, the knicks will get a meeting

And trust me I don't believe for a second he would come to the Knicks. So he's taking all of these meetings in NYC and yet he's not meeting with the Knicks? I can't think of one player douchy enough to crap on the Knicks like that let alone Durant who seems like decent guy.

Who can drive.

He handles the rock. They both have similar strengths(shooting ability, quick release, always open), but def not similar roles. Not to mention, they are the only 2 guys that need the ball in their hands. The other guys are role players that get touches off of that.

With the Knicks, Rose is going to handle the ball and he's going to get his. He's going to create space for Melo off of that.

In comment 13008742 Keith said:

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He handles the rock. They both have similar strengths(shooting ability, quick release, always open), but def not similar roles. Not to mention, they are the only 2 guys that need the ball in their hands. The other guys are role players that get touches off of that. With the Knicks, Rose is going to handle the ball and he's going to get his. He's going to create space for Melo off of that.

PG main role is to create the best play within the offensive system. Proper spacing and movement with guys who play outside can usually work. Its when you have too many guys with post up games when it becomes a problem. Melo,KD and Kristaps all have strong outside and pretty good mid range games. In the right system with proper spacing amd motion that trio would be deadly.

Or a passer when motion gets one of the other better shooters a wide open look.

They could only dream about last year, sure Melo will still isola and post up but the shots he will get off of Rose's dribble drive are going to be like Olympic Melo

If rose is healthy it is actually a really good fit

First off, great players will figure out ways to be great. All those guys would manage to fit, I'm just saying it's not the greatest fit in terms of style and abilities. Both Melo and KD would have to swallow their pride a ton to make it work.

Regarding Rose...I agree that he's a great fit. He slashes and breaks down the defense all game. If he has a lane, he will take it to the rim and KP will be there to clean up. If the defense collapses, Melo will get the ball with a ton of space.

In comment 13008749 nygiants16 said:

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They could only dream about last year, sure Melo will still isola and post up but the shots he will get off of Rose's dribble drive are going to be like Olympic Melo If rose is healthy it is actually a really good fit

Yeah Olympic Melo might be a good comp. What are your thoughts on ball sharing if KD were to also come?

My guess is more liberal rotations and Melo playing closer to 30 minutes rather than 40. Also better spacing and Rose mainly driving or passing, and shooting more judiciously when wide open.

In on the top FAs?

which will open up a ton of easy looks for those that run with Rose. In our half court, we are going to post up KP a lot, IMO. I'm really hoping this is where he makes his progress the most. I hope he's been working on his back to the basket game because last year he looked like......well, a rookie. He very clearly has ability there, but needs to get stronger and needs to learn how to be more aggressive. Having a PG that gets him the ball in good spots will certainly help because this is where we lacked the most last year, IMO.

Rose will be slashing plenty and then kicking it out to KP or Melo or whoever is at SG.

In comment 13008772 robbieballs2003 said:

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In on the top FAs?

Organizational stability, the best coach in the game and tons of success.

You get to play with a legendary coach and legendary player. 15 plus years of success and a system that works. Not to mention the pressure isn't as much there as it would be elsewhere because of the talent distribution

But I really hope that one day the Knicks get it right to shut up all these media cunts that love to bash them

In comment 13008779 Tuckrule said:

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You get to play with a legendary coach and legendary player. 15 plus years of success and a system that works. Not to mention the pressure isn't as much there as it would be elsewhere because of the talent distribution

I am talking about financially. I get if that players take discounts to go there but it continually happens. At some point they cannot be in on these top guys.

Melo and Rose stay healthy and Phil uses our cap wisely, next years team should be anywhere from a hard fought first round exit to a team that can legitimately battle to come out of the East.

Marshall Plumlee has agreed to a guaranteed deal with the Knicks.

The undrafted senior out of Duke is the younger brother of Mason and Miles. He averaged 8.3 points, 8.6 boards and 1.6 blocks during his senior season, but it's hard to imagine him making an immediate impact if he makes the final roster in New York.

In comment 13008790 robbieballs2003 said:

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In comment 13008779 Tuckrule said: Quote: You get to play with a legendary coach and legendary player. 15 plus years of success and a system that works. Not to mention the pressure isn't as much there as it would be elsewhere because of the talent distribution I am talking about financially. I get if that players take discounts to go there but it continually happens. At some point they cannot be in on these top guys.

well, ginobili, Parker, and Duncan have all been on very team friendly contracts. Ginobili just opted out, so he'll probably be back on an even more team friendly deal to finish his career. As the old heads retire they'll continue to have cap space considering how the cap is escalating.

talent around their superstars is because their superstars weren't solely motivated by making every possible penny that they could.

Or more realistically, come here at all? The Knicks situation is infinitely worse then any of the ones you names him taking meetings for. No shot KD ties his legacy to Rose and Melos knees and a 21 year old big man.

He should probably tie his legacy to Dwayne Wades young knees and Chris Bosh's incredible health.

In comment 13008799 Sgrcts said:

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Or more realistically, come here at all? The Knicks situation is infinitely worse then any of the ones you names him taking meetings for. No shot KD ties his legacy to Rose and Melos knees and a 21 year old big man.

Because hope.

Looks bad if he goes & joins the unanimous MVP, Draymond & Klay. The same thing if he goes to the Spurs to join the best PF ever, Kawhi, Aldridge, Parker & Ginobli.

Just look at LeBron getting killed while in Miami. Then joining a losing franchise & being a hero.

Basically the same thing with Durant. If he joins GS or SA he couldn't do it himself. If he joins the Knicks & wins a title he is a legend.

In comment 13008802 Keith said:

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He should probably tie his legacy to Dwayne Wades young knees and Chris Bosh's incredible health.

Or at least a franchise which has shown the ability to be well run year after year. Wades knees are bad but he's shown himself to still be a productive player. Let me know when Rose does that. Bosh, if he can't play anymore, won't be on their cap next year. And Miami and Riley have proven time and again they are a FA destination, which the Knicks have never proven and the jury is still out on Phil for sure. So yea, not really comparable.

In comment 13008742 Keith said:

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He handles the rock. They both have similar strengths(shooting ability, quick release, always open), but def not similar roles. Not to mention, they are the only 2 guys that need the ball in their hands. The other guys are role players that get touches off of that. With the Knicks, Rose is going to handle the ball and he's going to get his. He's going to create space for Melo off of that.

That's not how GS plays at all. They have 3 primary ball handlers - Curry, Klay and Green. Since Kerr has come on, Curry plays significantly more off the ball.

They play a much more system-based approach and at speed. Klay has a bit less playmaking responsibility, but for the most part, everyone on the squad is cutting and making passes. There's no singular player whose primary responsibility is distribution.

In comment 13008807 Big Rick in FL said:

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Looks bad if he goes & joins the unanimous MVP, Draymond & Klay. The same thing if he goes to the Spurs to join the best PF ever, Kawhi, Aldridge, Parker & Ginobli. Just look at LeBron getting killed while in Miami. Then joining a losing franchise & being a hero. Basically the same thing with Durant. If he joins GS or SA he couldn't do it himself. If he joins the Knicks & wins a title he is a legend.

Lebron was still one of the 2-3 most popular athletes in the world in Miami. In 15 years when KD is retired no one will discuss what his FA decisions were but they will discuss how many rings he has.

Nobody was going to look back on LeBron's career 10 years from now and think he isn't a top 5 all time player because needed a team around him to win a championship. This legacy talk is purely for sports talk show purposes.


When he retires, it'll be with at least 3 championships to his name. Nobody's going to itemize them.

In comment 13008809 Sgrcts said:

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In comment 13008802 Keith said: Quote: He should probably tie his legacy to Dwayne Wades young knees and Chris Bosh's incredible health. Or at least a franchise which has shown the ability to be well run year after year. Wades knees are bad but he's shown himself to still be a productive player. Let me know when Rose does that. Bosh, if he can't play anymore, won't be on their cap next year. And Miami and Riley have proven time and again they are a FA destination, which the Knicks have never proven and the jury is still out on Phil for sure. So yea, not really comparable.

So Melo just isn't factored in at all? He's fairly productive. The Heat can lose Bosh and then spend wisely, but the Knicks can't spend their $40M?

Cmon. I understand the negativity, but just be fair.

I'm not even entertaining the thought of landing Durant. Why not shift the attention to Whiteside? People are complaining about losing Lopez's defense, Whiteside throws his own block party night in and night out. A 4/5 of KP and Whiteside is a nightmare for teams that like to finish at the rim.

At SG find a good value 3 and D player. The bottom line is that Rose/Melo will do plenty of scoring and KP is a great 3rd option. Find guys that do the intangibles and can knockdown open shots.

KD to the Celts makes the most sense; Cs a good team to begin with & it's the weaker of the two conferences.

KD signing with SA or GS would suck from a competitive standpoint.

other than when the big 3 conspired to play together with Wade?