Rudy wasnt worth our assests

via cbssports

Of all the additions the Knicks made this offseason -- two-thirds of the roster is new -- they will enter training camp with a gaping hole at one critical position: shooting guard.

Actually, that spot was expected to go to Kelenna Azubuike, the rugged, athletic Raja Bell-type who was acquired in the David Lee trade with the Golden State Warriors. But Azubuike is not fully recovered from a patella tendon tear that caused him to miss almost all of last season, and he was not expected to be ready when camp opens.

With that in mind, the Knicks have been closely monitoring the situation involving Rudy Fernandez, who has asked the Portland Trail Blazers to trade him. Fernandez, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, would love to play in New York. But the Blazers early this summer rejected the Knicks' offer of two second-round picks, and the sides haven't spoken since.

There was a report that Knicks president Donnie Walsh turned down a potential three-way deal that would have sent Anthony Randolph to the Pacers for a first-round pick, which would have been flipped to Portland for Fernandez. A source told Newsday that the Pacers inquired about Randolph and Walsh declined. Fernandez was not any part of the conversation.

There is still a chance the Knicks could re-engage with the Blazers about Fernandez, but Walsh has made it clear he's not interested in giving up any of his young assets to get him. That includes Wilson Chandler, who is most likely to start at the vacant two spot.

Chandler is 6-8 and versatile enough to be able to play anywhere on the wing, but it isn't the best scenario. While Chandler can certainly defend some of the big, strong guards in the NBA, his perimeter shooting is historically inconsistent and his decision-making with the ball is subpar.

The Knicks could give Roger Mason a look there as well and possibly even go to 6-10 Danilo Gallinari, who late last season showed he could defend on the perimeter in small doses.

The team won't rush Azubuike back because the injury is in such a delicate area. Once he is at full health, he should fit perfectly because of his ability to shoot from the perimeter, fill the lanes on the break and, most important, defend.

But are the Knicks willing to wait? With a player like Fernandez available, as long as it's the right price, the team might be willing to make the move.