Memphis coach Lionel Hollins doesn't know why his team has struggled so much at home and experienced nothing but success in its recent road games.
Looking for their longest road winning streak in five seasons, the Grizzlies on Saturday night face the New York Knicks, who beat them handily in last season's two matchups.
Memphis (29-29) is searching for its first playoff berth since 2005-06 and fourth in franchise history. Losing 10 of 14, though, has dropped the Grizzlies into 11th place in the Western Conference, 3 1/2 games behind Portland for the eighth and final postseason berth.
Many of those defeats, including Friday's 93-89 loss to Charlotte, have come during a season-high six-game home losing streak, but they've thrived on the road over the week and a half with wins over Toronto and league doormats New Jersey and Washington.
"We haven't won at home since we beat (Los Angeles Lakers) before the All-Star break, yet we've come out and won on the road," Hollins said. "I can't explain it."
The Grizzlies haven't won four straight away from home since Jan. 1-19, 2005, and would seem to get a favorable matchup with the Knicks, who needed overtime to snap an eight-game slide Friday and have dropped five in a row at home.
New York is also 5-17 since Jan. 8, but thumped Memphis by a combined 49 points in last season's meetings, including a 108-88 victory at Madison Square Garden.
David Lee led the Knicks (20-37) with 19 points and 14 rebounds in that win, and has averaged 23.7 points and 12.1 rebounds in 10 February games.
Lee, named to his first All-Star team earlier this month, is averaging a career-best 20.4 points and 11.6 rebounds this season.
He scored the go-ahead basket with 1.6 seconds left in the extra session of a 118-116 victory over the Wizards. Lee finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds, and Al Harrington led the way with 37 points.
"It seems like it was about 123 days (since the previous win)," Lee told the team's official Web site. "We had some chances tonight to put the game away and didn't do it. ... But tonight everybody hung together."
It also marked the Knicks' first win since the NBA's trading deadline Feb. 18. Among their flurry of moves was the acquisition of Tracy McGrady, who has averaged 17.5 points in four games with New York.
McGrady will try to help the Knicks to consecutive wins for the first time since a three-game run Jan. 1-7. He's averaged 23.1 points in 27 career games against Memphis but hasn't faced them since Feb. 4, 2009 while with Houston.
Zach Randolph leads Memphis this season with 20.4 points and a career-best 11.7 rebounds per game. After joining New York in June 2007, he played 11 games with the Knicks last season before being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers.
While with the Clippers, he averaged 27.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in two wins over New York.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Knicks vs Grizzlies Preview
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lebron and NY: Why it Works
This article was by Jamie Irvine from BleacherReport.com on King James and his possible Knicks future. Pretty interesting, if you consider how much flexibility the Knicks have and what they could possibly build around LeBron.
Salary cap expert extraordinaire Larry Coon wrote a piece in the New York Times regarding LeBron James and who could be his eventual suitors for his services.
In specifics, Coon talks about the likelihood King James ends up in New York, and if it is a better fit for him over his hometown and current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coon does a good job of outlining the hypothetical situations for both Cleveland and NYC destinations, along with others in part II , especially from the salary standpoint, but I believe he falls short on his assessment with James and the Knicks.
Coon states,
But does a superstar really need to be in a major market? James, Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade seem to be doing just fine in Cleveland, Orlando, and Miami, respectively.
Can you imagine James getting more media attention if he’s in New York or Los Angeles? Me neither. If you’re a star, you need to be in a big market. If you’re a superstar, they come to you.
I agree with his statement to a certain extent. Yes, James, Howard and Wade are doing fine, but put them in a major market and their marketing will explode.
Let’s think about it for a second. Right now, LeBron is playing for a team in Cleveland that has a population of roughly 480,000 and a metro population of 2.2 million.
Now, NYC has an estimated population of approximately 8 million and a greater metropolitan population of over 22 million.
Basically every single person in Cleveland is a die hard King James fan, and right now in New York, there are mostly casual fans.
But, if LeBron comes to the Knicks, you now have die hard New York fans that has the potential to be equivalent of 22 million people, or 10 times the greater metro population of Cleveland, and not to mention all of the New York transplants all over the country and world.
That is a huge factor for Nike and other businesses looking to sponsor James, and that is one of the main reasons why the Knicks, even though they haven’t made the playoffs since 2000-01 season, still make money every year.
When discussing the potential for the New York Knicks roster with James, Coon fails to mention the impact of quality veterans willing to play for New York and James for the minimum money, in return for a chance at a title.
Key veteran acquistions on the cheap have always been an integral part of NBA championship teams, and I think the same could occur with the Knicks. One star veteran may be Tracy McGrady who recently said he is willing to take less money to stay with the Knicks .
Along with signing veterans at the minimum, Donnie Walsh and the Knicks have Eddy Curry’s expiring contract of over $11M. As we saw at the trade deadline, and see now with majority of NBA trades, an expiring contract is the golden ticket to making moves.
The Knicks can move his contract prior (or during) to the 2010-11 season for pieces to fit around James.
Having said all that, are the Knicks still the best suitor for LeBron? I am not sure. Coon definitely provides, from what I have seen, the best analytical assessment on who could potential be King James’s suitor and a great read for any NBA fan.
Donnie Walsh vs Daryl Morey-Hilarious Animated Video
Knicks-Upcoming Weekend
I'm more curious to see how McGrady plays and if he will play in both games than I am of dissecting what the Knicks may need to do to win these games. Let's face it, the 8 game losing streak and the revamping of the roster has really tanked the season and ended any pipe dreams of making the playoffs. In mid January, the top 8 teams really started to separate themselves from what was a 7-11 seed logjam.
Recently, it was reported that McGrady 'came back down to earth' with his expectations, implying that he once thought he would return to an all star level this season with the Knicks. These are the types of unfair things that media does to water down situation and put a player in a negative and pessimistic light. McGrady took this Knicks 'job' with a thankful heart and a positive yet realistic outlook on what could come. He said all the right things regarding Lee and his possible Knick future and to me, it was a breath of fresh air in what was seemingly a disaster site in the Knicks locker room.
I like Tmac, and I remember him very well when he was healthy. It's clear what a dominant perimeter player does for an offense, we saw it on the very first possession of the game vs OKC. The Knicks future has a lot of potential but at the same time it is extremely unclear. It will be a tough remainder of the season for the fans and the players; the schedule is not friendly and the Knicks just don't have a lot of talent. Hey fans, if we've made it through the Marbury era, a few more weeks should be cake.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
D'Antoni Takes Final 'Shot' at Nate
While Nate has only positive things to say,
"I landed in Boston, this is definitely a plus,'' Robinson said. "I'm happy. There's a big smile on my face.'' "A guy like myself sitting for a whole month, I believe Doc and the Celtics were saying, well if he's sitting, we could use him,'' Robinson said. "So they made the trade happen. I thank God he put me through that whole month of sitting and watching the game. It made me stronger and really believe you can't take the game for granted.'' It's tough losing every night, go in there and get the same questions asked every night on what's wrong,'' Robinson said. "Here, they are accustomed to winning. You have to be strong enough to change your mindset, knowing we are here to win every single night.'' "It's tough losing every night, go in there and get the same questions asked every night on what's wrong,'' Robinson said. "Here, they are accustomed to winning. You have to be strong enough to change your mindset, knowing we are here to win every single night.''
After an 8th straight loss, D'Antoni wasn't as optimistic as Nate was,
When asked if he worried Robinson would unleash his fury on the Knicks, D'Antoni cracked, "I really thought more about [Kevin] Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, [Rajon] Rondo, [Kendrick] Perkins. Then Nate. But he'll be supercharged."
Nate and Eddie Cheered in Boston; Knicks Lose Again
The difference between New York fans and Boston fans was made evident last night. Late in the 1st quarter, during commercial break when Eddie House entered the game the crowd at TD Bank "Garden" as they like to call it out there, gave Eddie house a warm welcome accompanied with a video montage of Eddie House memories. Eddie saluted the crowd, blew kisses and waved. I wonder if New Yorkers would ever be able to swallow a pill and cheer for a player wearing Boston across their chest, no matter what sport it is. The hatred between the two cities in no secret, and while the Celtics and the Knicks are currently on different sides of the equator as far as overall success there is no love lost. While the Knicks still draw crowds both at home and on the road, it's obvious that their fan base doesn't have as much pride in the team as they have in years passed.
Frankly, I was impressed with the way the Celtics fans received both Eddie House and Nate Robinson. Robinson got a standing ovation when he entered the game also.
Neither player played particularly well, in a game that seemingly was right up both of their alleys; zero defensive effort and hot shooting from everywhere. Eventually, the Celtics got the stops they needed and the Knicks did not.
Boxscore
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What's Next for Chris Duhon?
What would you suggest? Clearly the guy is not an NBA talent. He plays in what is probably the most inflated system known to man as far as statistics are concerned, yet he still can't seem to put together a decent game.
Is it his conditioning? Is it a drinking problem? Is it off the court activities? Is he just another overrated Duke player who's days are behind him?All of these could be answered yes, if you ask me. What's definitely clear cut and dry is that the guy is not a good player. Let's just take a look at his stats for the month of February:
27 minutes per game, 27% field goals, 6% three point shooting, three points and four assists per gameYou probably just said to yourself, "wow, Duhon sucks!" I can't say i disagree. Who was that guy who was setting up Lee time after time for the first 25-30 games of last season?
This season has been a series of slumps for Duhon and all of his statistics have suffered a decline. In fear of over-working him like he did last year, D'Antoni has decreased his minutes from 36 to 32 per game. His field goal percentage is -8% from last year and his free throw percentage is down an astonishing -14% from last yr as well.
I'm not really sure what to say about it, other than I am glad he is out of the rotation. Sergio, despite having only one assist last night should get the nod again tonight vs the Celtics. When a team shoots 37% from the field for the entire game, your point guard is bound for a low assist total.
Nate Robinson Calls Boston a 'Sigh of Relief'
I'm sure we all knew he wasn't going to stop with a simple tweet. Well, we were all correct and Nate has made it a bit more interesting. I wouldn't call this a blast of the New York Knicks but it certainly is a bit more of an animated attempt to rev himself up.
....via NyPost.com
Nate Robinson says he's a winner and he'll use his trade to the Celtics to prove it.
Robinson said spending four years with the Knicks "takes a toll on you," and he is "at the highest level" of competition in Boston.
“I’ve been a winner all my life and four years of losing takes a toll on you,’’ Robinson told the Boston Globe. "You’ve got to find a way to strengthen your mind when you go through something like that. You have to wait and be patient. I have been patient, and let’s see what this brings us.’’
Robinson was in and out of Mike D'Antoni's doghouse in one-plus seasons under the Knicks coach, benched for a 14-game stretch before getting some playing time prior to being traded Thursday.
The 5-foot-8 guard said he does not expect the same treatment from Celtics coach Doc Rivers, starting with tonight's game against his old team.
“One thing I respect about Doc, when we played the Celtics, the one thing he would do is show respect and say he loves my game, he loves how I play,’’ Robinson said. “He told me I was going to be a good player one day. Now that I am here, it shows how much he really did respect my game and how much he liked me as a player. It’s a blessing to be here and [have] an opportunity.’’
Robinson averaged 12.5 points and 2.8 assists while playing in 312 games over four-plus seasons with the Knicks, and was a three-time Slam Dunk champion.
The Knicks, however, were 130-252 over that time.
“It’s just a sigh of relief to be on a team that just wants to win, win, win,” Robinson told the Boston Herald.
Robinson was traded for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker. He is expected to back up Rajon Rondo with the Celtics.
“I’m going to be the energy and do anything and everything coach asks,’’ Robinson said. “Bringing the scoring, the hustle, all the little things I have to do on the court, dive for the balls. Boston does that already. Just to add to that is a bonus for them and myself. Just to be focused and learn the ins and outs of being a champion.
“As a basketball player, you raise your game to the level of competition, and right now I am at the highest. This is going to bring out the best in me, playing in Boston and going against the guys who are going to try to knock us down.’’
Tmac Probable tonight vs Celtics**
This post will update with any news on McGrady's status.....
Hollinger Power Rankings; Knicks Ranked 28th
Losers of seven straight and nine of their last ten, the Knicks dropped two slots to 28th on the Hollinger scale. With their next three games being against Boston, a improved Wizard team and the playoff bound Memphis Grizzles, it doesn't look like they will be climbing the ranking ladder anytime soon.
Nate Tweets-Keeps it Simple
Knicks Fall to Bucks-Size an Issue
“Knicks can’t play out the string without making one more move. Gotta give Dwayne Jones a call from the D-League and get some size in here.”- Alan HahnI totally agree with andrew on this. The Knicks are consistantly abused by opposing centers who possess any sort of back to the basket skills. Bogut really exposed them last night, but Bogut is a borderline all star. It's unfair to really judge Lee on this due to the fact that he is playing out of position. Bottom line, Knicks need help down low on both sides of the ball.Dwayne Jones is the kind of player the Knicks need in the front court. The 6′11″ 250 pounder is averaging 16.8 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Austion Toros in the NBDL (over 32 games). He was college teammates with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West at St. Josephs. In his Junior season he was Atlantic10 Defensive Player of the Year leading the conference in rebounds (11.6) and blocks (3.0).
The Knicks are 25th in the league in rebounds per game (40.76) and blocks per game (4.20). Their differential of opponents rebounds is second worse in the league (4.78). They have also had a lot of trouble boxing the opposing team out, allowing 73 offensive rebounds the past five games. Also, when opponents score 100+ points against New York is 5-29.
The Knicks need to defend the paint better and play with more toughness. Bucks center Andrew Bogut was abusing David Lee last night (24 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocked shots).
“On my calendar I didn’t want to prove to David Lee that I belonged on the All-Star team and he didn’t,” Bogut said. “That’s not the case.”
“Perhaps, but Bogut’s dominating night proves that the Knicks can’t win big with an undersized center and that Lee belongs at power forward.”- Daily News
Monday, February 22, 2010
For those of you who have constantly heard that playing at the Garden is like being on stage but have never really experienced what that means exactly; I have some pics I'd like to show you that really capture what it's like to be down there on the floor. These pictures were taken by Nathaniel S. Butler for ESPN. When you're playing on the floor, the 2nd and 3rd tiers are really just black. All of the lighting at Madison Square Garden is focused on the court as a Broadway show lighting aims at a stage, hence the comparison.
Tmac Feelin' Good
After scoring 26 points in his Knicks' debut, Tracy McGrady says he woke up the next morning feeling better than he thought he would. On Saturday, Tmac gave the Knicks a new look. The Knicks, have never had the type of player that Mcgrady is in their history. A prolific scoring perimeter player that can play three positions and run an offense. In fact, many teams in this league have never had such a player because they don't come around very often. It is true that McGrady isn't what he once was but from watching just his first set of real minutes in almost 18 months, you can tell how high of a basketball IQ he has.
Now without going overboard on the Tmac bandwagon, I must point out a couple things; first of all it was evident as well as expected that McGrady tired-out down the stretch and was unable to play more than half the five minute overtime. He also had two free throws with 1:05 left and the Knicks up six that would have iced the game away, instead he missed both and the Thunder tied the game and sent it into overtime.
What do I expect? You might ask...
Nothing, I was completely blown away by the performance he put on in every way. His decision making was sharp, his shot selection and accuracy was impeccable too. Unfortunately it was too good to be true and the Knicks walked away with their 35th loss of the year and 6th straight overall. The Knicks are 1-9 in their last ten games, but Mcgrady makes it a better 1-9 than it might have been. The road to July 1st will be a more pleasant ride this way.
Tonight the Knicks play the Bucks at the Garden followed by a back to back game in Boston. McGrady says he expects to play in both games despite his long layoff.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Knicks Starting Line Up vs Thunder
G-Tracy McGrady
F-Danilo Gallinari
F-Wilson Chandler
C-David Lee
McGrady and New Knicks Ready to Go
McGrady Would Take Less if Knick Plan Pans Out
Yahoo sports had more statements from Tmac:
(AP)—Tracy McGrady(notes) is going to get a chance to show he is still a top NBA player.And he wants to stick around if the New York Knicks bring in some bigger stars this summer, even if it means taking less money.
McGrady joined the Knicks on Friday after being acquired in a three-team trade a day earlier. He said he is nearly 100 percent after microfracture knee surgery, vowing that, “This is not the same Tracy from last season, when I was hobbling on one leg.”
The seven-time All-Star knows he could just be a short-term rental before the Knicks pursue players such as LeBron James(notes) or Dwyane Wade(notes) this summer, but said he would take a considerable pay cut from this season’s $22.5 million salary to stay in New York if the Knicks got those types of players.
“I’ve made a lot of money over my career and I could retire right now and I could be fine financially. My kids can be fine when they get older. Money is not an issue for me,” McGrady said.
“So if these guys were to bring in a LeBron, a D-Wade, along with a Chris Bosh(notes) or a (Amare) Stoudemire, I’d be a damn fool to not want to stay here. So I’m just telling you right now that I will definitely embrace the opportunity to be here. Money is not an issue.”
McGrady said the Knicks were his preference once Houston decided to try to trade him, adding he would have sought a buyout if he were sent elsewhere. He finally got his wish Thursday in a three-team deal that included Sacramento, saying he was disappointed this season by a lack of communication from Rockets management.
“I didn’t know. I really didn’t know,” McGrady said. “And that’s just the unfortunate situation, that I just like for management to be upfront and honest with me. That’s all I ask, honesty. And if we can’t sit and have a conversation eye to eye and be honest with me, then all the respect and trust goes out the window.”
Though he has played only six games this season after the knee operation a year ago this month, McGrady will be featured by a Knicks team that has only faint playoff hopes. That could start as early as Saturday, when McGrady and fellow newcomer Sergio Rodriguez(notes) could debut against Oklahoma City.
And it’ll be in Mike D’Antoni’s old offense. The Knicks traded away big men Jared Jeffries(notes) and Jordan Hill(notes) in the deal for McGrady, so they’re going to be undersized and have to try to run teams out of the building the way D’Antoni’s Suns did.
“We’re going back, speed it up again,” D’Antoni said. “We’re going to have to spread the floor and we’re going to have to score.”
McGrady once seemed an ideal player for that style, averaging 21.9 points and winning a pair of scoring titles in 13 seasons. But the 30-year-old swingman has played just 41 games the last two seasons, and D’Antoni said they’re anxious to see his health.
“Stay tuned,” McGrady said. “Only thing I can do is just go out there and play my game and be me.”
D’Antoni had Stoudemire in Phoenix, so he’s had experience coaching players coming back from microfracture surgery.
“There were no restrictions on Amare and there were days you’d go, ‘I don’t know if he’s quite back’ and there were days you’d go, ‘Oh man, he’s back,”’ D’Antoni said. “So a little up and down, a little roller-coaster.”
The Knicks can accept that, because everything they’ve done has positioned the team for the summer, not this season. Their moves Thursday left them with nearly enough money to offer maximum salary contracts to two top players.
McGrady realizes he’s lost his place in that category and now would be happy just to join them when basketball turns around in New York.
“Last couple of years I’ve been injured, so I recognize that,” he said. “And I realize that you’ve got one of the best players in our league that’s going to be a free agent. You’ve got a couple of them. LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Stoudemire, I recognize that. Those guys are on top right now. I’m just a guy that was injured. No sweat, I’ll just come out here, do what I’ve got to do for two months, and then I can put my name back in there.
“Now don’t get me wrong, if I come back and I’m healthy and I’m playing well, we’re obviously going to do some negotiating. But what I’m saying is if a LeBron comes here or a D-Wade comes here and you’re matching them with, pairing them up with Stoudemire or Chris Bosh, I know I’m not going to get the big bucks, but save a little for me.”
Nate Robinson Hospitalized
Exclusive Tracy McGrady Interview
Mark Berman (not NYPost's) from Houstons Fox 26 interviewed Tmac minutes before he boarded a plane to NYC.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tracy McGrady Career Stats
Career Season Averages |  |
| Year | Team | G | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | OFF | DEF | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TO | PF | PPG |
| 97-98 | TOR | 64 | 17 | 18.4 | 0.450 | 0.341 | 0.712 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 4.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.03 | 1.34 | 7.0 |
| 98-99 | TOR | 49 | 2 | 22.6 | 0.436 | 0.229 | 0.726 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 5.7 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.63 | 1.92 | 9.3 |
| 99-00 | TOR | 79 | 34 | 31.2 | 0.451 | 0.277 | 0.707 | 2.4 | 4.0 | 6.3 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 2.03 | 2.54 | 15.4 |
| 00-01 | ORL | 77 | 77 | 40.2 | 0.457 | 0.355 | 0.733 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 7.5 | 4.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.57 | 2.08 | 26.8 |
| 01-02 | ORL | 76 | 76 | 38.3 | 0.451 | 0.364 | 0.748 | 2.0 | 5.9 | 7.8 | 5.3 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 2.49 | 1.83 | 25.6 |
| 02-03 | ORL | 75 | 74 | 39.3 | 0.457 | 0.386 | 0.793 | 1.6 | 4.9 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 2.60 | 2.08 | 32.1 |
| 03-04 | ORL | 67 | 67 | 40.0 | 0.417 | 0.339 | 0.796 | 1.4 | 4.6 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.67 | 1.93 | 28.0 |
| 04-05 | HOU | 78 | 78 | 40.8 | 0.431 | 0.326 | 0.774 | 0.9 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 5.7 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 2.58 | 2.14 | 25.7 |
| 05-06 | HOU | 47 | 47 | 37.1 | 0.406 | 0.312 | 0.747 | 1.0 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 4.8 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 2.55 | 1.87 | 24.4 |
| 06-07 | HOU | 71 | 71 | 35.8 | 0.431 | 0.331 | 0.707 | 0.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 3.00 | 1.92 | 24.6 |
| 07-08 | HOU | 66 | 62 | 37.0 | 0.419 | 0.292 | 0.684 | 0.6 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 2.42 | 1.38 | 21.6 |
| 08-09 | HOU | 35 | 35 | 33.7 | 0.388 | 0.376 | 0.801 | 0.6 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.97 | 1.09 | 15.6 |
| 09-10 | HOU | 6 | 0 | 7.7 | 0.368 | 0.500 | 0.667 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.17 | 0.33 | 3.2 |
| Career | -- | 790 | 640 | 34.8 | 0.436 | 0.339 | 0.749 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 6.1 | 4.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 2.32 | 1.88 | 21.9 |
| All-Star | -- | 7 | 6 | 21.0 | 0.500 | 0.351 | 0.619 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 2.00 | 0.86 | 17.1 |
T-Mac Expected to Practice and Address Media Today
All players involved in the trade must pass their physicals before anyone can fully join action with their current teams.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Knicks: Acquisitions and Loses
Knicks Acquire:
J.R. Giddens
Eddie House
Tracy McGrady
Sergio Rodriguez
Bill Walker
Knicks Subtractions:
Jordan Hill
Larry Hughes
Jared Jefferies
Marcus Landry
Nate Robinson
This being accurate as of 4:16PM on Feb. 18th, 2010, Al Harrington is still up in the air, but nothing has been mentioned about a trade regarding him.
Tracy McGrady-Road to Recovery
Knicks Get McGrady and Sergio
The Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks have agreed to terms that will expand the Houston-Sacramento deal into a three-way trade that lands Tracy McGrady with the Knicks, according to NBA front-office sources.
The Knicks will acquire McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez from Sacramento, sources said.
The Rockets get Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries from New York and will have the right to swap first-round picks with New York in 2011 as well as take on New York's 2012 first-round pick.
Sacramento obtains Houston's Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey and New York's Larry Hughes.
Trading Deadline Updates**
11:00AM-HOUSTON (AP)—Published reports say the Houston Rockets have traded Tracy McGrady(notes) and his massive expiring contract to the Sacramento Kings for guards Kevin Martin(notes) and Sergio Rodriguez(notes), center Hilton Armstrong(notes) and forward Kenny Thomas(notes).
The Kings also reportedly will get forward Carl Landry(notes), Houston’s most productive bench player this season, and seldom-used forward Joey Dorsey(notes).
The deal was first reported by KRIV-TV and the Houston Chronicle early Thursday morning. ESPN.com reported that the New York Knicks will work with the Kings and Rockets on Thursday morning to acquire McGrady in a three-team swap.
The seven-time All-Star is making an NBA-high $23 million this season, the last year of his contract.
10:01Am-Eddie House speaks on possibly being headed to the Knicks, Doc Rivers speaks of the possible trade as well. The Knicks are expected to announce this trade as official any minute now.9:55AM-via NYPOST.com----If the Knicks are going to trade for Tracy McGrady, they'll have to make a deal with the Kings instead.
Multiple reports say the Rockets have dealt McGrady to the Kings instead of directly to the Knicks.
The Sacramento Bee reports "It is unclear whether he will make it to Sacramento or perhaps be moved again to New York."
BACK PAGE: MCGRADY HELPS PLAYOFF CHANCES
Yahoo! Sports says "McGrady’s agent, Arn Tellem, had worked diligently with the Rockets to broker a trade for T-Mac to the Knicks, and sources say he’s now determined to get him out of Sacramento."
The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. today.
The Rockets sent McGrady, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey to the Kings for guard Kevin Martin, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Chronicle says the Rockets also will receive forward Kenny Thomas, center Hilton Armstrong and point guard Sergio Rodriguez.
The changing landscape of the McGrady Sweepstakes never ends, as Rockets GM Daryl Morey has sought bargaining leverage throughout the process.
Morey wanted to make a proposed deal with the Knicks, but the teams were engaged in rough negotiations yesterday. Knicks president Donnie Walsh demanded protection on the first-round picks involved in the original mega-deal. Both sides claimed that could be a deal-breaker.
Walsh acknowledged the McGrady impasse when asked if he's confident he will have more salary-cap space by today's deadline, which would allow the team to pursue free agent LeBron James and others this offseason.
"It's no different until I do a deal that would do that -- a fair deal," Walsh said.
In the original package, the Knicks would have given up rookie Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries' contract, Larry Hughes, a 2012 first-rounder and Houston's option to exchange 2011 first-round picks. Walsh asked for having the first-round picks protected through the six spot.
NBA.com reports in a deal with the Kings, "The Knicks' package would include elements of the same package they offered Houston."
Jeffries played just six minutes last night after supposedly reinjuring his knee. The Knicks did not want to risk it.
Trading Hill and Jeffries would have saved the Knicks $9.4 million in 2010 salary-cap room.
McGrady could be bought out by the Kings, with Yahoo! saying "A source close to him says he would like to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers."
The Knicks also are shopping Al Harrington to Chicago with their eye on the Bulls' Tyrus Thomas.
Nate Tweets His Goodbye
11:45- Nate- “This is a sad day for me as well but I have tears of joy I accomplished something no one has done, 3X slam dunk champion! Thanks to my fans…Love yall for the support over the years, since my rookie year my fans have made it EZ 4 me to LOVE NYC the best place on earth word aapp…”
Van Gundy: If Healthy, Tmac Will Help Knicks
Jeff Van Gundy believes Tracy McGrady would work out just fine with the Knicks, if he’s traded here.
The former Knicks and Rockets coach cited McGrady’s passing ability and basketball intelligence — but added one big proviso: McGrady’s health.
“If he’s healthy, which I think everything is based on his health ... he’ll play well anywhere in the NBA, any city,” Van Gundy, now an ESPN analyst, told The Post yesterday.
McGrady, coming back from microfracture knee surgery, has played just six games this season after playing only 35 last year.
“That surgery is obviously a very significant surgery, and he hasn’t played significant minutes in a long time,” said Van Gundy, who coached McGrady for three years in Houston.
So to expect him when he does come there to be really good right away, I think would be a stretch, because he hasn’t played a lot of basketball.”If McGrady is healthy, Van Gundy said, Garden fans would appreciate his game.
“He is most thought of as a prolific scorer, but I think his greatest attribute is he’s one of the best passing wing players to have ever played the game,” the former coach said.
“He’s a great pick-and-roll player, and he’s going to get guys really good shots.”
Van Gundy also called McGrady “a great defender” who has “an incredibly high basketball IQ.”
“Father Time started to chip away at some of that athleticism,” Van Gundy said.
“But he’s still a good athlete who’s incredibly unselfish and really understands how to play basketball. So I think that would endear him to the New York fans.
“But a lot of it depends on if they are able to acquire his services, which is still a big if, whether he is there for a short term or long term. You can’t fall in love with a guy in 30 games.”
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Trade Updates ** (Draft picks involved)
Via Marc Stein Twitter:
“Sources say Knicks remain interested in both T-Mac trade AND dealing Al Harrington to Chicago for Tyrus Thomas and Jerome James”
“Just filed to ESPN.com: Multiple sources express confidence in T-Mac-to-Knicks deal before deadline despite lack of consensus on draft picks”
Via Adrian Wojnarowski Twitter:
“As the Knicks work to secure T-Mac, NY GM Donnie Walsh still talking with Bulls on a Tyrus Thomas-Al Harrington package, sources say.
6:30pm- The Knicks made a trade sending Darko Milicic to the Timberwolves in exchange for Brian Cardinal..Knicks will likely cut Cardinal to clear cap space....4:38pm-3:38PM-From theknicksblog.com“…The Knicks and Rockets spoke this morning about a potential Tracy McGrady trade. Sources familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com that while the Knicks told the Rockets that they remain interested in acquiring McGrady in a deal for Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries, they are still unwilling to meet all of the Rockets’ demands — cap relief, Jordan Hill, the swapping of 2011 first-round picks and the Knicks’ 2012 first-round pick.
“We’d like McGrady and the cap relief,” one Knicks source said. “But the Rockets are asking for too much. We’re willing to pay a premium to make a deal. But the price right now is still too high.”
According to the source, the Rockets are still looking for other partners. The Bulls have been mentioned as a possibility, however, sources believe that their offer is less attractive than the Knicks’ — even if the Knicks don’t give the Rockets everything they’re asking for…”
3:13PM-“…The Knicks and Rockets spoke this morning about a potential Tracy McGrady trade. Sources familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com that while the Knicks told the Rockets that they remain interested in acquiring McGrady in a deal for Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries, they are still unwilling to meet all of the Rockets’ demands — cap relief, Jordan Hill, the swapping of 2011 first-round picks and the Knicks’ 2012 first-round pick.
“We’d like McGrady and the cap relief,” one Knicks source said. “But the Rockets are asking for too much. We’re willing to pay a premium to make a deal. But the price right now is still too high.”
According to the source, the Rockets are still looking for other partners. The Bulls have been mentioned as a possibility, however, sources believe that their offer is less attractive than the Knicks’ — even if the Knicks don’t give the Rockets everything they’re asking for…”
Via Larry Coon:
“NY can take in $2,625,223 for Nate due to BYC, House makes $2,862,000. So NY needs to send out more. [...] Conversely, BOS can accept up to $3,677,750 for House, and Nate would be $4 million incoming. BOS needs to send out more too.”
this would seem to put a wrench in a House / 2nd round exchange…
******
From Hahn again:
“Nate trade not “official” but done – and @WojYahooNBA says may not finalize until tomorrow – but sounds like it is House/2nd Rnd pick.”
2:41PM-Just got word in that Nate is a goner, headed to Boston for what seems to be Eddie House. This deal reportedly is done and in motion.
12:17PM-A source close to the Knicks says Walsh WILL NOT trade Jordan Hill. Not sure what that does to the deal, but that can't be good news.
The Daily News is reporting a source saying that Donnie Walsh,
“is not giving up on Jordan,” saying the source, “He told me he’s not trading him.”
“It’s less likely than it was on Monday,” said a person familiar with the negotiations. “But you never know.”
TheKnicksBlog.com
More on Knicks Rumors
Nate Robinson Trade Rumor
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Nate Robinson has been linked to the Boston Celtics for a few weeks now. Robinson signed a one-year contract this past summer with the Knicks. Boston has has three players who have expiring contracts: Eddie House ($2.8 million), Brian Scalabrine ($3.4 million) and Tony Allen ($2.5 million). House played under Knicks Head Coach Mike D’Antoni with the Suns.
Robinson is a “base-year compensation” player which means the Celtics may have to send multiple players and a draft pick to complete the deal. The Knicks may have to deal a future first-round pick for Tracy McGrady so adding a pick would help. Robinson, recently won his third dunk contest over All-Star weekend.
Nate has had an inconsistent year with New York after averaging a career high 17.2 points last season. If he is dealt to Boston he would provide a spark off the bench. However, Robinson has the right to approve or disapprove any trade.
Ken Berger on the FAN (WFAN 660AM) @ 12:25
If your at work and do not have a radio, you can stream it here: WFAN Sports Radio 660
Knicks Trade Rumors
Al Harrington, who voiced his disgust about the recent playing time strategies expressed by D'Antoni is also in the middle of several rumors. With Milwaukee creeping in with interest at the last minute as well. The biggest rumor involving Harrington would be the Tracy McGrady deal. Chicago is also a possibility possibly landing us Tyrus Thomas in return. Tyrus would be a restricted free agent so whomever he winds up with will have the opportunity to resign him first. Harrington has also stated that he prefers Chicago, rather than Houston, so if Houston agrees to accept Larry Hughes instead, Harrington may just get his wish.
“It looks like it’s either Chicago or Houston in the next 24 hours,” the source told The Post.
In smaller news, it has been reported that the Knicks are also pursuing reserve pg Sergio Rodriguez along with New Jersey and Memphis.
“…Elsewhere on the trade front, there is the possibility that reserve point guard Sergio RodrÃguez could find himself wearing a different jersey soon. Sources said Memphis, New York and New Jersey have all inquired about the little-used fourth-year player, who is in the final season of his contract."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
All Star Introduction With Class (1998)
Marcus Camby Traded to Blazers
Monday, February 15, 2010
T-Mac to NY Deal May Include Jefferies
There seems to be a new trend going on since last year. Now the Knicks are continuing to make trades that actually....HELP the team future. A new wrinkle has recently been added to the Tracy McGrady to NY sweepstakes. It appears that the Jared Jefferies and his contract have entered the mix as possibilities continue to swarm at a high pace. Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears from Yahoo! sports reported this just under 2 hours ago:
The New York Knicks are getting closer to reaching the Houston Rockets’ demands for Tracy McGrady(notes) and his $23 million expiring contract, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Knicks and Rockets have designed the framework of a deal that would unload New York’s Jared Jeffries(notes), Jordan Hill(notes) and either Al Harrington(notes) or Larry Hughes(notes) for McGrady, Joey Dorsey(notes) and Brian Cook(notes).
As talks stood on Monday, the price of dumping the burdensome contract of Jeffries – who is owed $6.9 million next season – comes with the Knicks and Rockets exchanging 2011 first-round picks and the Knicks’ 2012 first-round choice going to Houston. New York also might include a 2010 second-round pick.
The Utah Jazz own the Knicks’ first-round pick in 2010.
The discussion on potential draft picks changing hands remains fluid.
The completion of the deal isn’t imminent, but sources involved in the discussions are increasingly confident that after months of back and forth, which intensified over All-Star weekend, an agreement is within reach. TNT’s David Aldridge first reported that talks between the teams had picked up.
One of the hang-ups in the deal, sources said, could be the Knicks’ inclusion of either Harrington or Hughes. There are slight variations of the trade that would change depending on which of the two veteran Knicks’ expiring contracts are included. With Harrington over Hughes in the deal, the Rockets wouldn’t need to include Cook.
For the Knicks, the trade would accomplish two important things: First, it would get Jeffries’ salary cleared out, something general manager Donnie Walsh has tried to do since taking the job. This would give the Knicks even more flexibility to be a major player in this summer’s free-agent market. Also, the Knicks want to take a good look at McGrady and let him play as much of a role as he can handle the rest of the season. They may consider re-signing him for next season, based on his performance.
Rockets GM Daryl Morey would get Hill, the untested eighth pick in the 2009 draft, and first-round picks that could prove valuable. This will get the Rockets a significant measure of value for McGrady, who they exiled in December. McGrady, sources said, is excited about the possibility of joining the Knicks.
For now, rumors are just rumors but this one seems to be really getting close. Expect McGrady to be a Knick by the middle of this week. After all, that what someone in his camp said verbatim.
ESPN Grades All Star Performances for the East
A-He made a late push for MVP honors and got all of Kevin Garnett's leftover minutes. He has been a double-double machine all season, so it should come as no surprise that he had one in Dallas, tallying 23 points (including the game-winning freebies) and 10 rebounds.C-"The Big Ticket" played just more than 12 minutes, scoring four points. His biggest contributions came when he was playing the role of cheerleader in the made-for-TV fourth quarter.B+Regardless whether you think he deserved to be in the All-Star Game or not, he showed he belonged with the big boys, getting up and down the floor for eight points (4-for-5 shooting) and four boards.A-He had one of the game's signature moments, flushing home an alley-oop pass from LeBron James. The defensive player of the year led all players with three blocks and had 17 points (7-for-10 shooting).A-The only thing preventing him from earning higher marks was his inconsistent jumper, but then again, when you can get to the cup the way he does, who cares if you fire up the occasional air ball? The league's best player added his share of highlights that will be shown repeatedly.BHe filled in well for crowd favorite Allen Iverson, knocking down half of his eight shots on his way to being one of four East players to reach double digits in points (10).C-The last-minute replacement, who shouldn't have had to wait as long as he did to be invited to the show, somehow turned the ball over a team-high three times in just 12 minutes.BI don't agree with his claim of being one of the best shooters in NBA history, but his hot hand from distance continued. The newly crowned 3-point king went 2-for-3 on triples.BDespite playing only 19 minutes, he had enough time to give out five assists and spark chat room debates over who is better, him or Derrick Rose.B+At East practice Saturday, while the rest of his teammates were launching half-court crowd-pleasing shots, he was busy working on his midrange game. His dedication to his craft is one of the reasons I was happy he was able to overcome his hip injury to score eight points, give out four dimes and make three thefts.A+I started calling him the MVP favorite in the first quarter when it was obvious he was trying to get his teammates involved. He still found plenty of time to call his own number, putting on a dazzling all-around display that included 28 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals.DI'm having a hard time erasing the memories of his halfway unacceptable performance at the dunk contest, and his 1-for-3 effort on the big stage didn't exactly help.
Maurice Brooks also graded the Sophomore team which featured Danilo Gallinari:
As you can see the Knicks didn't do so well in his eyes. Although he did give Nate Robinson a B+ in the Slam Dunk Contest, saying that he wasn't as good as he was in previous years but definitely deserved the title this year.
DI was expecting more from a guy that can flat-out light it up. He had the first five points for the sophs and was barely heard from again. I hope he's got more up his sleeve for the 3-Point Contest on Saturday.
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