-Asked this the other day but who says no to Melo for Bosh's contract and the Heat's pick?
-Andrew Lynch of Fox Sports has a dumb 6 step plan to fixing the Knicks
Fire Phil
Snipe Ujiri (who he claims Dolan has wanted to hire before, which actually was a rare positive thing from Dolan), or Sam Hinkie
Keep Hornacek
Sign Chris Paul and keep Melo
Chris Paul is a first ballot HOFer but just silly. I'd LOVE to dump Phil for Ujiri but that's not happening, at least not this year.
-Berman claims the only reason Jackson hired Hornacek over Rambis was because the younger Hornacek would likely relate to players better... Hornacek is about to be 54, Rambis is 59. This story seems highly, highly unlikely.
-Berman The 18-year-old point guard Frank Ntilikina, who played in the French League for LNB Pro A and is a projected lottery pick, was videotaped working out in the Carmelo Anthony-owned gym in midtown Manhattan. The Knicks scouted the 6-5 prospect in France. Ntilikina should be around if the Knicks pick around sixth or seventh. Draft workouts can begin in late April.
Can't necessarily fault Ainge for staying pat if the offers weren't there, but man, how would Jimmy Butler look in green right now?
Stevens is a hell of a coach for getting that team the 1 seed, they play hard and that gets them a long way in the regular season but you saw yesterday whem thomas is notnin they struggle to score
VO and Frenchie could make a studly defensive back court. VO projected at triangle PG could free us up to use the pick on a SF without fearing that we have no guards.
My concern about Oladipo is that he doesnt seem to be getting any better. Shooting has gotten more efficient, but that's probably because of the attention Westbrook demands.
Can't necessarily fault Ainge for staying pat if the offers weren't there, but man, how would Jimmy Butler look in green right now?
I heard one Boston fan say it best. He was worried that if the bulls started winning games the narrative would shift to that they should've made a trade to win. But he states that the goal isn't to beat Chicago, it is to beat Cleveland. I think Boston is very, very far away from beating Cleveland. I don't think Jimmy butler on his own would accomplish that.
Similarly, Riley isn't dumb enough to think he's a Carmelo Anthony away from beating cleveland. Miami should be trading Whiteside and dragic, not picks.
Westbrook will be 30 the season after next, and with his game, he has a short window. Really, I could see him shopped next year -- Thunder cant afford to lose him for nothing too (the owner probably wont allow it for $$ reasons). If they're going to retain him, they're going to have to pursue another name player to take the scoring burden off of him. And they cant put together a package for prime stars like Butler.
Similarly, Riley isn't dumb enough to think he's a Carmelo Anthony away from beating cleveland. Miami should be trading Whiteside and dragic, not picks.
I dunno Arison posted a picture of himself posing with Waiters/Johnson "Miami Heat future looks very bright" implying he's likely going to ante up for the 30 year old Johnson. Seems like they will add to their core vs. "rebuild". Would it really be nuts to see a Melo/Whiteside/Dragic/Johnson/Waiters/Tyler Johnson/Winslow core give a Cavs/Boston team some trouble?
I would trade him straight up for the 14th pick and take someone like OG.
I would trade him straight up for the 14th pick and take someone like OG.
Good question but if we are "exploring" other teams that might make sense you would think Miami, the weather, the city, how "close" they could potentially be from being a good team... I would guess Melo would be open to it.
Melo aside, I could see them dumping VO or Kanter this offseason just for financial flexibility. They're already at $111 million and $110 million for the next two seasons -- i.e. capped out. That's losing Taj, Collison, and Roberson this offseason. That owner traded Harden to avoid the tax -- he's gonna pay a tax for those role players? No, and Russ will probably be pissed about losing that depth. Tax will kick in at ~$121 million next year.
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I don't know what move he's made recently indicates he would trade one of his top 3 players for someone 10 years older and not much better.
Similarly, Riley isn't dumb enough to think he's a Carmelo Anthony away from beating cleveland. Miami should be trading Whiteside and dragic, not picks.
I dunno Arison posted a picture of himself posing with Waiters/Johnson "Miami Heat future looks very bright" implying he's likely going to ante up for the 30 year old Johnson. Seems like they will add to their core vs. "rebuild". Would it really be nuts to see a Melo/Whiteside/Dragic/Johnson/Waiters/Tyler Johnson/Winslow core give a Cavs/Boston team some trouble?
My point still stands I don't think Riley (not arison) is dumb enough to execute trading a lottery pick for melo. I mean just the way all of us talk about Melo, if he had 2-3 more years on his deal it would seem we would have to GIVE a first rounder to get him off the team. I'd imagine Riley is pretty pissed that his team missed the playoffs and was slotted #3 in the draft 2 months ago. Is there any worse situation? It seems like the best thing to come out of this is that Miami is loaded with starters/role players that could help playoff teams.
I suspect the Knicks lurk in the weeds hoping a team that can't land Butler or PG13 settles for the inferior option in Melo.
That's a good point. Perhaps Butler wasn't going anywhere all along. Looks like a good move now that they are playing well.
The Vertical reported some players were “fuming’’ at Jackson’s triangle plans that perhaps will include another triangle camp similar to last offseason.
“They’re a mess,’’ one agent told The Post.
According to a source, Porzingis is fed up at how strangely the organization is run. Such dysfunction may include Jackson tweeting a derogatory remark about Anthony, his mentor. Porzingis has said repeatedly he doesn’t want Anthony traded. Another source said Porzingis doesn’t see how the team can be better without him and Anthony “takes the pressure off.’’
Jackson acknowledged the player unrest Friday, saying the changing pick-and-roll defensive strategies “became a push and pull between the coaches and players.’’ And in assessing Jeff Hornacek, Jackson said “a disconnect at times with this team, and rebelliousness created some of the discord during the year.’’
Link - ( New Window )
Something like Portis, Valentine, fillers.
Melo aside, I could see them dumping VO or Kanter this offseason just for financial flexibility. They're already at $111 million and $110 million for the next two seasons -- i.e. capped out. That's losing Taj, Collison, and Roberson this offseason. That owner traded Harden to avoid the tax -- he's gonna pay a tax for those role players? No, and Russ will probably be pissed about losing that depth. Tax will kick in at ~$121 million next year.
That's why I think trading Russ is realistic. Do you really think deep down that swapping Dipo for Melo makes OKC tangibly better? I wouldn't take that team to beat Utah still, let alone Houston, let alone GS/CLE.
I think kanter is the more likely one to be moved because if we are talking about how OKC matches up against contenders, it's hard seeing him get more than 10-12 minutes a game in a playoff series against one, if that.
Would any Knicks fan really get pissy about Kanter, Grant and Abrines for Melo? Kanter has 2 years tops left, he's an expiring if he opts out.
Abrines and Grant get you 2-sub 25 pieces. You could get a nice young core of Frenchy/Fox, Abrines, Grant, KP, Willy, kanter. Let kanter walk when his contract ends. Grants a stud defender and his 3 point shot has improved. Abrines is a sharpshooter with good size for a 2. I'd signup.
I would. The implications of landing that pick go far beyond just winning now. You get one of those PGs and suddenly you can trade thomas before giving him that 5 year $200M deal entering his 30s. Bradley (IMO bostons best player right now) will be looking at a similar deal and smart won't be cheap at all. Seems like the much better path compared to doubling down on this current roster and getting maxed out financially in the long run.
They would. So why not chase him when he becomes a FA rather than trading a lottery pick in a deep draft for an expiring 33 year old?
He's going to very good (offensively anyways). His comparison on draft net was greg Monroe but he looks much more like a wing player with good post skills on offense. He can handle a bit and shoot from range.
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agreed, however, Butler is 27, an all star defender and scorer. Just not many guys in the league like him that play at an extremely high level on both ends. I'm shocked the Celtics didn't offer their pick this year, especially since they also have the Nets 2018 pick.
I would. The implications of landing that pick go far beyond just winning now. You get one of those PGs and suddenly you can trade thomas before giving him that 5 year $200M deal entering his 30s. Bradley (IMO bostons best player right now) will be looking at a similar deal and smart won't be cheap at all. Seems like the much better path compared to doubling down on this current roster and getting maxed out financially in the long run.
Good point, I just think that as much as every team likes to say "we want to win a championship" most of the time it's just not realistic, and the Celtics should really just try and get as far as they can, with the current players they have, at the same time staying young and exciting. Grabbing Butler would have made them a legit contender for the finals.
Not getting him insured that they keep their picks, but who knows if the picks pan out? You have a sure thing in Butler or even George who was also in talks.
Again I can't fault Ainge for staying pat, but players like Butler and PG don't just grow on trees, and who knows if the guy they take in the draft this year pans out.
As for Melo to Miami, I think it makes a lot of sense for both teams. Winslow has fallen a little out of favor in Miami but is a good young player for the Knicks to try to develop.
Jackson has butchered this entire Melo situation. Fans and the media may hate on Carmelo, but he is one of the most well liked and respected players around the league. And on the Knicks. Even if Phil wanted to trade him, he should have been working with him instead of taking shots at him and pissing him off.
There's also the Gordon Hayward aspect. If all Hayward costs is money you can get a player who is not quite Butler, but just one tier below and keep the pick. Seems like a healthy balance between ensuring a bright future and fielding a competitive team.
Trade Melo Get a player (Jordan Clarkson) and most importantly get salary cap relief
Hit a home run in this draft. Phil needs a talent like KP. I'm not opposed
To drafting Dean Collins from Gonzaga
Get Rambus the fuck out of here
Trade Lee and Oquinn for draft picks and more salary relief
Hope that Noah takes medical retirement and Knicks buy him out
Plenty of money for summer of 2018 FAs
Yes they should trade Kanter before Oladipo. But I dont know that many in the league would be excited about getting Kanter. There isnt much you can do to hide his defensive movement issues. It's the Okafor issue -- talented offensive big with zero defensive game is unplayable, especially if he isnt an elite rebounder.
I'm going to need a 6 step plan to get out of depression if that happens.
That's the role he played exclusively when the Knicks were a 2 seed. But they went away from it and never came back. No fucking clue why.
Yes they should trade Kanter before Oladipo. But I dont know that many in the league would be excited about getting Kanter. There isnt much you can do to hide his defensive movement issues. It's the Okafor issue -- talented offensive big with zero defensive game is unplayable, especially if he isnt an elite rebounder.
It's not about just getting better. HOW much better would they get? They're capped out, not sure how much of a destination they are outside landing veteran min types. For some reason I don't think they remain a top 6 defensive team swapping oladipo for Melo. They're still a first round exit in my eyes.
Not many would get excited about kanter but I'd still do that deal in a heartbeat from a Knicks perspective. Kanter doesn't hurt anymore long term flexibility than keeping Melo would.
That's the role he played exclusively when the Knicks were a 2 seed. But they went away from it and never came back. No fucking clue why.
I've read that Melo really doesnt like playing the 4 defensively.
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Melo over Oladipo. I think Melo's efficiency explodes playing with someone like Westbrook. I also think OKC becomes a quasi-desination for a 3rd player. Whether that is Wade or Blake or someone else I dont know. But I could start convincing myself that they have a path to a title team before Westbrook breaks down. I dont see that path with the current roster.
Yes they should trade Kanter before Oladipo. But I dont know that many in the league would be excited about getting Kanter. There isnt much you can do to hide his defensive movement issues. It's the Okafor issue -- talented offensive big with zero defensive game is unplayable, especially if he isnt an elite rebounder.
It's not about just getting better. HOW much better would they get? They're capped out, not sure how much of a destination they are outside landing veteran min types. For some reason I don't think they remain a top 6 defensive team swapping oladipo for Melo. They're still a first round exit in my eyes.
Not many would get excited about kanter but I'd still do that deal in a heartbeat from a Knicks perspective. Kanter doesn't hurt anymore long term flexibility than keeping Melo would.
I think they would be a lot better. The need a 2nd guy who can make his own buckets. I think Melo's game gets a lot better as the #2 player, and with Adams out there. Is it a title team? Probably needs another star. But in the era of GSW having 2 top 5 players and 4 top 25 players, I think it is hard to have a title or bust mentality.
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best position has always been as a stretch 4.
That's the role he played exclusively when the Knicks were a 2 seed. But they went away from it and never came back. No fucking clue why.
I've read that Melo really doesnt like playing the 4 defensively.
Melo doesn't like defense period. I bet he doesn't like chasing around SFs either.