Pierce to Knicks: Dump Marbury... And Keep Him Far from Boston

Shortly after throwing up gang signs in the playoffs, Paul Pierce decided scratch his head with his Championship ring hand and try and solve the Knicks' problems regarding Marbury.

"He makes the biggest contract and he's one of the oldest players on the team," Pierce said yesterday while signing collectibles at Steiner Sports offices in New Rochelle. "That doesn't really fit into a rebuilding plan, just to be honest.

"I'd try to trade him or buy him out at this point," added Pierce, who still believes Marbury can be a starting point guard in the NBA. "I just think he needs a fresh start somewhere else. Marbury needs to be on a veteran team where he fits into what they're trying to do a little bit more."

"Everywhere he's gone, they put him in the position to be the main guy," Pierce said. "I really don't look at Steph as the main guy.... There's all kinds of pressure that comes along with being the main guy. But he's definitely a great piece to have."

These quotes were in response to Marbury expressing interest, if waived by the Knicks in playing for the Celtics based on his ties with Kevin Garnett. Although he didn't mention any specific teams he clearly did mention that there were 29 other teams that he feels would be very interested in him.

"I love New York, I want to play in New York," Marbury said. "But I understand the direction they would be going in if that was to happen."

"I'm supposedly old. But there are 29 other teams. I love New York. I want to finish my career here. I feel I have a lot more to give. But I guess I have to prove that because I haven't been on the court much. You guys are saying I can't play anymore. It's kind of fun. It's a challenge."

Marbury has been training very hard this summer, trying to top his 24 games played last season, by running the mountain of Runyon Canyon in Hollywood Hills, CA.

"It's a system my game is built for," Marbury said. "To have the opportunity to play in the system is definitely gratifying."

So what happened in your first go around with D'Antoni's system? Steph finished off by saying;

"It doesn't matter as long as I'm playing basketball," Marbury said. "That's the most important thing. As long as I get the opportunity to get on the dance floor and play, it doesn't matter if I'm playing here or there. It's a business. If they choose to go that way, I'll understand. I won't take it personally."

Being rejected by a peer has to be a shot in the gut for Marbury. Pierce flat out made it clear that Marbury was a cancer. Who knows if it got through Marbury's Tattooed head. What's next with this guy?

Note to Knick Fans: Gallinari is Good, Others Agree Too

To all you fans who booed Danilo Gallinari as the 6Th pick in the 2008 NBA draft; 8TH is not bad. If you remove Greg Oden who was a 2007 draft pick, Gallinari would be 7Th, which is right around where we selected him. He'll need time to grow, and I'm sure there will be times when he seems over matched, but give him time, he is the perfect first example of this organization beginning to rebuild itself to a level of respectability. Gallinari and this ball club will both take more than just one season in order to convince us that they are out of the mud. A fan who takes these facts into account is doing them self a huge favor coming into this season.

2008-09 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50
RK	Player		TM	Age	POS	G	MIN	FG%	3FG%	FT%	STL	BLK	AST	REB	PTS	PER
1		Michael Beasley	MIA	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: He's already a master of the "Boozer Bump" (the little nudge ... more
2		Greg Oden	POR	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: This is based on his playing on two healthy legs, naturally. ... more
3		Kevin Love	MIN	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Not just a brilliant outlet passer; he also makes quick and ... more
4		Marc Gasol	MEM	23	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Skilled, experienced and full of confidence. Don't discount the effect of ... more
5		Rudy Fernandez	POR	23	G	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: I love players who have been productive in the best leagues ... more
6		Derrick Rose	CHI	19	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Wish I could have seen him more -- and healthier -- ... more
7		O.J. Mayo	MEM	20	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: I don't see a lot of upside with him, but I ... more
8		Danilo Gallinari	NYK	19	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Energy and skill are a great NBA combination, and Gallinari has ... more
9		Brook Lopez	NJN	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Showed some immaturity in Utah that I didn't see in Orlando; ... more
10		Russell Westbrook	OKC	19	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Turns out he's a better offensive player than he showed at ... more

Hudson River Rivalry loses a Center

New Jersey Nets free agent Nenad Krstic signed a two year deal worth $3 million euros per year with Triumph Moscow early Tuesday morning, Krstic's agent, Marc Cornstein, said.

The salary is the equivalent of around $9 million per year in the United States once you factor in the exchange rate and the fact that European clubs pay all the players' taxes.

Cornstein worked until midnight Eastern time trying to find an NBA team willing to pay Krstic at least a mid-level contract to keep him in the NBA. But as the midnight deadline passed, Krstic became the sixth NBA player to recently bolt the league for Europe.

"At the end of the day, Triumph offered him the most love," Cornstein told ESPN.com. "This was too good of a deal to pass up for him."

Krstic joins Josh Childress, Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino and Primoz Brezec as NBA players who opted to play for more money overseas this year. Three of the six are Cornstein clients.

Krstic was having a near All-Star season in 2007 when he injured his ACL. His comeback last season was slow and at the end of the day teams opted against offering him the contract Cornstein was seeking, a two year deal (with a player option for the third year) starting at around $5 million per season.

The interest from a relatively unknown team in Russia, Triumph, will certainly raise even more eyebrows. It's one thing when Euroleague powerhouses like Olympiacos sign Childress. But when non-Euroleague teams like Triumph start being able to outbid NBA teams ... has the pendulum swung entirely the other way?

"I think you almost have NBA teams being overly cautious at this point," one Eastern Conference GM told Insider. "With so many teams so close to the luxury tax, teams are unwilling to take risks. Krstic was a risk. A small one, but a risk. We are certainly seeing the effects of the collective bargaining agreement this year. But these things are cyclical. If lots of team had cap room, Childress, Krstic and others would be playing in the NBA."

ESPN.com

This seems to be a new trend. Can't really blame him, because no NBA team was going to pay him $9M per year. I'd flee the swamps of New Jersey for that paycheck also. Also this gives us a better chance of taking 3 out of 4 again from the Nets. Krstic is the second Net this offseason to head overseas, Bostjan Nachbar was the first. Could VC be the third Net to flee?

David Lee Should be Knick For Life

David Lee recieved the same type of greeting that Danillo Gallinari got on draft night; heavy boos. Under Larry Brown, in his limited minutes, he quickly turned those boos into the loudest cheers that any Knick has heard since Sprewell. Continuously filling up the box score with double-digit rebounding numbers, making huge hustle plays and diving for loose-balls, Lee earned the love and respect from the Garden faithful. Lee is supportive of the rookie (Gallinari) as he said so during the New York Liberty game which was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"With the acquisition of Danilo Gallinari, he's a good character guy, and Chris Duhon coming in, I can see that there's a lot more positive feelings around the facility," he said

Lee understands the nature of the business that we call, the NBA, but has also made clear that New York is where he wants to stay. In fact he even went as far as saying that the last 3 horrid years have made him want to stay even more.

"Playing in New York, after you've been here, anything else is a step down," he added. "I've been through so much in three years, I'd love to be here when it turns around."

All of New York feels the same way, David. Only trouble is, Lee is our only valuable commodity. The only player in which, talent, production, attitude, and salary add up to a likable equation. So in order to rebuild, it's likely Lee will have to go.

On a lighter note, Lee paid over $17K to send 1,000 people to the WNBA Liberty vs Fever game at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was the first outdoor women's professional basketball game ever.

David Lee #42

Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG 05-06 NYK 67 14 16.9 0.596 0.000 0.577 1.6 2.9 4.5 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.76 1.90 5.1 06-07 NYK 58 12 29.8 0.600 0.000 0.815 3.4 7.0 10.4 1.8 0.8 0.4 1.59 2.70 10.7 07-08 NYK 81 29 29.1 0.552 0.000 0.819 3.0 6.0 8.9 1.2 0.7 0.4 1.20 2.60 10.8 Career -- 206 55 25.3 0.575 0.000 0.762 2.7 5.3 7.9 1.2 0.6 0.3 1.17 2.40 8.9

Garden Renovation Plan (Old vs New)

New hallways look sick compared to the old ones. I would suggest more bathrooms as well. Sometimes you have to walk a mile to find one.

Knicks Trade Balkman

The KnicksNew York Knicks have acquired a 2010 second-round draft choice, guard Taurean Green and guard/forward Bobby Jones from Denver for forward Renaldo BalkmanRenaldo Balkman and cash considerations.

The draft pick will be the more favorable selection between the Nuggets and Clippers, resulting from a previous trade.

Balkman, 6-8, 208 pounds, averaged 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 65 games for last season. Originally drafted by the Knicks after his junior season at the University of South Carolina in the first round (20th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, the Staten Island native finishes his career in blue and orange having played in 133 games, averaging 4.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 15.2 minutes over two seasons.

Green, 6-0, 177 pounds, averaged 1.6 points and 4.4 minutes in 17 games last season for Portland and Denver. Originally drafted by the Trail Blazers after his junior season at the University of Florida in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft, Green was acquired by the Nuggets on Feb. 21 in exchange for guard Von Wafer.

Jones, 6-7, 215 pounds, averaged 3.8 points and 11.3 minutes in 47 games last season for San Antonio, Miami, Houston, Memphis and Denver. Originally drafted by Minnesota out of the University of Washington in the second round (37th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Jones was traded to Philadelphia and appeared in 44 games for the 76ers last season.

The Denver Post reports the Nuggets will receive $575,000 in cash.

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/07/knicks_trade_ba.html#more

It had to have been, his lack of a perimeter game as well as quick decision making that got Balkman sent to denver for which will turn out to be virtually nothing. Again, I have no quams with dealing Balkman, I just thought we could get better for him, as I mentioned before perhaps some front court help. As a fan I am begining to trust the Knicks' front office again, so we'll see what and if anything else happens.

Knicks Salary Map Through 2012

Player 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 Stephon Marbury $21,937,500 $0 $0 $0 Zach Randolph $14,666,666 $16,000,000 $17,333,333 $0 Eddy Curry $9,723,983 $10,500,423 $11,276,863 $0 Quentin Richardson $8,825,750 $9,352,500 $0 $0 Jamal Crawford $8,640,000 $9,360,000 $10,080,000 $0 Malik Rose $7,647,500 $0 $0 $0 Jerome James $6,200,000 $6,600,000 $0 $0 Jared Jeffries $6,049,400 $6,466,600 $6,883,400 $0 Nate Robinson $2,020,178 $2,911,077 $0 $0 David Lee $1,788,033 $2,682,049 $0 $0 Renaldo Balkman $1,320,960 $2,036,920 $2,918,906 $0 Wilson Chandler $1,173,480 $1,255,440 $2,130,481 $3,099,850 Mardy Collins $997,800 $1,801,029 $2,701,543 $0 Anthony Roberson $797,581 $855,189 $0 $0 TOTALS: $91,788,431 $58,279,523 $45,573,596 $0 HOOPSHYPE.COM As you can see, Marbury's money comes off the books after this upcoming season. That is a good thing, Knick fans. We should keep him until then, as opposed to fooling ourselves into thinking that whoever we get in a trade for him, will help us become a winning team. It's been our way of thinking for about 5 seasons now and all it has brought us is booing and fans making creative signs that get them ejected from the Garden. Change will take time with this team, real fans should stick around, I know I will. p.s. Jerome James makes me sick.

Knicks Should Only Deal If It Means Roster Improvements

"Ken Berger of Newsday has been told that the Nuggets and Knicks are close to a deal that would send Balkman to Denver.

A trade that would send 2006 first-round pick Renaldo Balkman to Denver for point guard Taurean Green and small forward Bobby Jones, an NBA front-office source told Newsday last night.
The deal would mark the end of Balkman's mostly confusing tenure with the Knicks, who selected him with the 20th pick two years ago when Isiah Thomas said Phoenix would've swiped him if he hadn't. That scenario appears even more dubious now that the former coach of the Suns, Mike D'Antoni, is ready to ship Balkman out for little more than roster fodder. It would get the Knicks back to the 15-player roster limit and save them Balkman's $1.32 million against the salary cap. Green, 23, appeared in only 17 games last season with Portland and Denver but is a ball-moving point guard who could add more competition at the position in training camp if the Knicks can create a roster spot by shedding another body.

The Knicks are overloaded at small forward with the addition of first-round pick Danilo Gallinari, and Balkman also became expendable because he lacks the savvy and quick decision-making required by D'Antoni's system. But are looking to shave a lot more salary. They are known to be looking to move Randolph's contract, and are involved in other trade discussions with several teams."

I hope the Knicks shop for a better deal before they send Balkman to Denver for two guys they would most likely release. The Knicks need a back-up Center, who can off-set Eddy Curry's defensive deficiencies. Taurean Green was a GOOD COLLEGE point guard but hasn't proven to have any impact on the pro level. With Nate, Jamal, Duhon, Roberson and possibly even Stephon, he clearly has no place on the roster. Nor does SF journeyman, Bobby Jones who played for six different clubs last season.

NYC's Hot Summer Air Gets to Marbury....Yet Again

With no pictures to confirm it, apparently Stephon Marbury has had his promotional campaign logo tattooed on the side of his head. "I like tattoos," he told Marc Berman last week in Vegas. Oh do ya Steph?! He followed up by saying, "The logo means a lot to a lot of people." Anybody have any suggestions on what to do with Marbury and his $22M? Walsh is shopping him around as we speak but implied to the media that talks have cooled off since the Vegas Summer League. I say let him rot on our bench all season and i know a roster full of guys that would be just as happy to see that happen.

Just in case you never got to see Marbury make a fool out of himself last summer, take a look. I like to call this one "WE GOT HELP NOW!!" Oh and don't miss the part where he mentions the 'youth-IER' player that we just picked up. Haha, great laughs on this one.

Throwback Thoughts Takes us Back to Game 3 1999 NBA Finals

I'll never forget the eruption from the crowd as soon as he says 'from Massachusetts' Prior to game 3, Chris Dudley had been started at center. 19,763 +1 (Camby himself) were waiting for him to get the nod. When it came, it was unforgettable.

NBA's Finest Maybe Back in Gotham for 2012 ASG

This news just made my day. Since I only became a season ticket holder. In 1999, I missed my 1998 opportunity to see the all star game live at Madison Square Garden. According to Howard Beck of The New York Times, the game has a very good chance at coming back to Broadway. The Garden has to apply to league officials to earn hosting rights however for the 2011-2012 season they will certainly be front runners after a $500M renovation is completed. A new sunlit entryway on the seventh avenue side, more luxury boxes that are closer to the court (rich get richer) expanded room in the concourses for concessions and better sight lines all through the arena. Even commissioner Stern had confirmed the NYC is a strong contender to host the game in 2012, he stated on wednesday, "I would say it's a very live possibility." There is really only one aspect working against this whole idea and that is that the NBA has fallen in love with hosting the game in cities with warm climates. I say, when it comes to New York City, forget that! Bring the game here in 2012, and furthermore, leave it here. Grant Hill said it best in 98' when he said the game should be played here every year. Now, for any of you Knick fans or New yorkers for that matter who are as excited about this as I am, our next task is getting one of our own into the actually game! Or will we have to wait another 30 years for another renovation for that to happen?

Aaaand The Eddy Curry Project Gets Worse.....

So, apparently, he has gained more weight this off season, blaming a surgical procedure on his knee as the reason he ballooned to what has been said to be over 300lbs. I guess Peter Vecsey was on to something last year, when he reported that many of Curry's friends stated that Eddy would much rather be in his basement playing video games than in the gym working on his game. Sad, Sad fact. This news was first reported by Marc Berman, who claimed Eddy Curry waited until the Summer League in Vegas concluded before showing his face out there. With the added wait gain, Curry opted to remain recluse and steer away from the media that was patrolling Vegas for the last week or so during Summer League. As of now Curry is back in his hometown of Chicago, trying to burn the calories with training guru Tim Grover. Let's hope he doesn't see his Mother for that Home Cooking. Even a slightly motivated Curry would be better than what we've seen over his Knick career. Good luck Eddy.

Wilson Chandler Could Be SF of The Future

After avgs of 16.2ppg and 7.8 rebounds, it is evident that the final piece of the Isiah era may benefit the Knicks in the near future. With the Small Forward position being seemingly 'cursed' since Sprewell vacated the role, Chandler seems to be a perfect fit. Improving his jump shot will be crucial, but his jumping ability and great NBA body (6'8 220lbs) are a perfect shell for an NBA SF. Last year to the dismay of many fans, Chandler's excellent play helped the team finish decently strong in April with road victories over Detroit and Orlando both of which were 2008 playoff teams. Summer league was short (5 games) but hopefully Chandler's confidence will build and he'll be a key asset to the team.

Here are some of the numbers to look at, regarding Chandler. March 17th is when he started to play regular minutes.

Date Opponent Result MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF REB AST STL BLK TO PF PTS Apr 14 vs. BOS L 93 - 99 22 2 - 9 2 - 2 0 - 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 6 Apr 11 vs. ATL L 104 - 116 32 8 - 15 0 - 1 2 - 4 3 5 8 1 1 1 2 3 18 Apr 09 vs. CHA W 109 - 107 24 4 - 7 0 - 1 4 - 5 1 5 6 1 1 0 0 3 12 Apr 08 @ DET W 98 - 94 34 8 - 9 2 - 2 1 - 1 1 8 9 1 0 3 4 3 19 Apr 06 vs. ORL W 100 - 90 44 7 - 16 1 - 4 8 - 10 2 6 8 1 0 0 0 3 23 Apr 04 @ NOH L 110 - 118 1 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Apr 02 @ MEM L 114 - 130 30 2 - 9 0 - 2 2 - 3 2 7 9 3 0 0 1 5 6 Apr 01 @ MIL L 115 - 119 39 5 - 9 0 - 0 2 - 2 1 3 4 5 2 1 3 5 12 Date Opponent Result MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF REB AST STL BLK TO PF PTS Mar 30 @ ATL L 109 - 114 31 4 - 7 0 - 2 0 - 0 0 5 5 2 0 2 0 5 8 Mar 28 @ TOR L 95 - 103 17 2 - 6 0 - 0 0 - 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 4 Mar 26 vs. MIA W 103 - 96 31 4 - 9 0 - 1 2 - 5 2 8 10 2 0 0 1 6 10 Mar 24 vs. NJN L 91 - 106 21 6 - 10 1 - 3 0 - 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 13 Mar 22 @ MIN L 93 - 114 23 6 - 9 0 - 1 0 - 0 2 1 3 0 1 0 1 2 12 Mar 21 vs. MEM L 106 - 120 35 7 - 14 1 - 3 2 - 2 2 5 7 3 1 0 1 4 17 Mar 17 @ IND L 98 - 110 33 6 - 15 1 - 2 2 - 2 4 4 8 0 2 1 1 2 15

As well as those gamelogs, check out his Stats per 48 minutes-http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/splits?statsId=4301&avg=48

Richardardson Sheds lbs. To Reunite With D'Antoni

Finally 'feeling' back to 100% after having back surgery, Q said he is excited for the upcoming season. Having shed at least 10lbs from his bulky frame to accommodate D'Antoni's style of play in which Richardson averaged career highs in several categories, he seems ready to finally break out as a Knick. Up to this point, Q's career as a Knick has been pathetic. At times he even looks as if he belongs in the Big East Conference. To his credit, Q often tried to take a leadership role with this team a few times last year. Although his efforts fell short, it was good to see someone step up and at least try. He angered the Celtics in the preaseason after the two teams played playoff like game at Madison Square Garden, calling them 'paper-champs' and boldly stating that the C's(66-16) were no better than the Knicks (23-59). Well, the joke is on you, Q! Time to step up, play a full season (or at least 65 games) and play ball. Let's see if those career high numbers were because he's a perfect fit in D'Antoni's system or if it's because playing with Steve Nash is almost as easy as hating Stephon Marbury.

Speaking of those career high numbers, they came in the 2004-2005 season with the Suns, here is a look:

Year	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
00-01	LAC	76	28	17.9	0.442	0.331	0.627	1.4	2.0	3.4	0.8	0.6	0.1	0.84	1.30	8.1
01-02	LAC	81	0	26.6	0.432	0.381	0.765	1.4	2.7	4.1	1.6	1.0	0.3	1.26	1.80	13.3
02-03	LAC	59	13	23.2	0.372	0.308	0.685	1.7	3.1	4.8	0.9	0.6	0.2	1.08	1.60	9.4
03-04	LAC	65	64	36.0	0.398	0.352	0.740	2.2	4.1	6.4	2.1	1.0	0.3	2.17	2.00	17.2
04-05	PHO	79	78	35.9	0.389	0.358	0.739	1.2	4.9	6.1	2.0	1.2	0.3	1.29	2.50	14.9
05-06	NYK	55	43	26.2	0.355	0.340	0.670	1.2	3.0	4.2	1.6	0.7	0.1	1.02	2.40	8.2
06-07	NYK	49	47	33.1	0.418	0.376	0.692	1.3	5.9	7.2	2.2	0.7	0.1	1.43	2.70	13.0
07-08	NYK	65	65	28.3	0.359	0.322	0.682	0.9	4.0	4.8	1.8	0.7	0.2	1.06	2.40	8.1
Career	--	529	338	28.3	0.398	0.352	0.708	1.4	3.6	5.0	1.6	0.8	0.2	1.26	2.00	11.6