Knicks vs Heat Recap 2/26/11

This was hands down the best win of the season. The Knicks beat the Heatles at there home, full strength, and at low scoring affair. Whoa did I really just write that? This game had the intensity of playoff feel all over it. Shots were contested, physical play, buzzer beaters, and everything you could want in a playoff game.

One question for everyone: Does anyone miss Raymond Felton?

Chauncey Billups=Derek Harper 2.0

History has a weird way of repeating itself, remember 16 years ago when the Knicks were serious championship contenders? Well if you don't it was the 93-94 season and MJ semi-retired and the Knicks were undoubtedly the number 1 team in the East. The floor generals name back then was a guy named Glen Rivers, most know him now as the coach of the beasts from Bean-town(Celtics). So anyway Doc gets hurts late in the season that sits him down for the remaining games and the Knicks were in a Point Guard situation.

Carmelo Anthony: The New King of NY

The Empire Strikes Back! Nets Get Deron Williams!

via ESPN.com

The Nets will send Derrick Favors and Devin Harris to Utah for the All-Star point guard.
The deal, scheduled for completion later Wednesday after a trade call with the league office, would also involve the Golden State Warriors and bring multiple draft picks to Utah.
Just Tuesday night, the Dallas Mavericks were talking to the Nets about re-acquiring Harris, according to sources. The Mavericks had shown interest in the point guard in January and told the Nets the sides should talk again if New Jersey didn't ship him out in a Carmelo Anthony trade.
Sources said Dallas turned down a New Jersey proposal of Harris for Caron Butler, Mavs rookie Dominique Jones and a first-round pick.


"Maybe arguing was the last straw, so there I am, guilty of that," Williams said at the time. "But I think anybody who believes I could force coach Sloan to resign is crazy. He's stronger than that and personally if I said that to him, he'd probably go tell me to go do something."

Read More HERE

Melo is rocking #7

So he's not taking Bernard King's number 30, or Earl Monroe's and Dick Mcgwire number 15. 

Carmelo has chosen to walk in the footsteps of the great Kelenna Azubuike with the number 7!

Azubuike will switch to 17 for the remainder of the season. Yes people we do have a guy named  Kelenna Azubuike on the roster, he's just never suited up for a game. Maybe that will change soon, but for now just know he is a 3.5 Mil salary reduction this off-season.

Marc Berman from the NYPost.com confirmed the news HERE

Hello Melo!

Time Warner TV Anchor Tryouts

This was a cool set-up over at the All Star Jam Session, Time Warner giving fans an opportunity to run a real studio try-out. Believe me people this a lot harder than it looks, so please don't laugh to much...

Melo Drama Coming To An End?

The Carmelo Anthony trade saga is nearly over.

Indications are that a trade is imminent with the New York Knicks, with only minor details to be worked out before an agreement is reached, a league source said.
Anthony was not at the Nuggets' practice tonight, as they resumed workouts following the All-Star break.
Names that have been mentioned in a possible Anthony trade include the Nuggets' Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter.
Billups left the Nuggets practice facility Monday night after declining to speak to the media.

The Knicks, it has been rumored, could give up Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Eddy Curry.

Read more: HERE
 

Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

Melo's Quotes During the ASG Weekend

The MeloDrama hit LA over the weekend like a massive earthquake, everyone from freeway hobos to the A-List celebs felt the effects. There were so many thoughts and options out here but I felt the best quotes came from the horse's mouth.

Here's my favorite quotes/sound-bytes from the man himself:

"I said I hoped to have a word by today, one way or another," Anthony said Sunday after the All-Star Game. "I've been up early dealing with this and all the festivities, but the night is still young on this side (of the country)."

"I haven't talked to anybody today from the Denver Nuggets organization," Anthony said, "so as of right now, I'm still a Nugget."


"I can't say that I'm mad at Denver for asking for everything and the kitchen sink," said Anthony to RealGM. "I can't be mad at that."

"The deadline is Thursday, obviously something has to happen whether I stay in Denver or they trade me."

Dolan and Prokhorov to Meet With Melo in LA

The battle of the billonaires is on, Dolan vs. Prokhorov.

According the NYDailyNews.com the two owners are set to meet with Carmelo Anthony during All Star Weekend. The meetings are supposedly set up by Anthony's representatives, two individual meetings are set but the times are undisclosed.

Dolan, Prokhorov and Anthony will all be in Los Angeles Friday, the first official day of All-Star Weekend. Dolan is attending the technology summit and will also be in attendance with Prokhorov for the Board of Governors meetings in downtown L.A. The clandestine meetings with Anthony will likely take place either Friday or Saturday

Read More HERE 

Nuggets Want Too Much For Melo

via NYPost.com

The Post has learned the Nuggets made a whopping demand one week ago that is more exorbitant than recent reports. According to a league source debriefed on Carmelo Anthony negotiations, Denver asked for Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Landry Fields, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov and a first-round pick (obtained via Anthony Randolph) for Anthony and point guard Chauncey Billups.
Yes, it looks like the Nuggets demanded everything but James Dolan's Radio City Music Hall.

"They want everything," the league source said of Denver. "The Knicks didn't even have to sit down and talk about that offer. It's not even logistically possible. They'd have two miserable stars with nothing around them."

Read more: HERE

Is Isiah Secretly Running The Knicks?

Via NYPost.com

 "Everyone agrees they need to keep improving to get to a championship level,'' Thomas said on Miami radio tonight with Sid Rosenberg. "I don' think anyone's saying this is it. I do think the organization wants to improve to get better and get to the next to level. But for me to speculate on this Carmelo situation, I just don't think it would be proper to insert myself in such a public way knowing what I know.''

"You ask me to be as honest as I can and I will be brutally honest with you,'' Thomas said. " I don't think anyone will say where they will be five years from now. But whereever I am in five years, I will be physically and emotionally prepared for whatever challenge is presented to me.''

Thomas was asked point-blank if he's advising Dolan, specifically on Melo. "The conversations I have with any of my friends are always private and confidential,'' Thomas said. "The conversations I have with friends and people that I know, those are private conversations.''

Listen to the entire interview with Sid Rosenberg:

Nice Knicks/NYC Shirts

Just wanted to take a break from the Melo Drama and post some cool Knicks/NYC BBall shirts for the spring/ summer or LA for All-Star Weekend.

UNDERCRWN Above The Rim Tourney Tee

UNDERCRWN NYC Champs Tee

 

 Check out the rest after the JUMP

Knicks Turned Down Melo Deal

According to Donnie Walsh Denver asking for too much:

The Nuggets offered Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the Knicks for Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry and at least one first-round pick.

Denver's interest in Felton isn't that surprising. He played under George Karl's long-time friend, Larry Brown, at Charlotte for two seasons and is eight years younger than Billups. However, Billups' $14 million salary for the 2011-12 season is a team option. If the team doesn't exercise that option, Billups receives a buyout worth approximately $4 million.

Would you take this trade if you were the KnicksGM?

Read more: HERE

Melo Very Aware of His Play During The Melo Drama

Melo is very aware of his play as of late.

"I think it takes a strong-willed person, a strong-minded person, to deal with the stuff that I deal with and still go out there and go to work every day and perform on a nightly basis,'' the Denver forward said about trade rumors that have swirled all season as the Feb. 24 trade deadline approaches. "I take my hat off to myself for dealing with all this stuff that's going on and still be able to go out there and play at the high level that I can play at. I really don't think an average person can walk in my shoes. I don't think that.''

"I just feel healthy,'' said Anthony, who dubbed this the hottest offensive stretch of his eight-year NBA career. "That's the No. 1 thing. My legs feel good. My body feels good and I'm starting to make shots. ... That fast that I did was really helpful and the timing that I did it, starting beginning Jan. 9 and ending Jan. 30.

"During that time, I felt sluggish. I wasn't eating that much. I wasn't getting the right foods in my system. And then after that I really started feeling real good about myself. My health started feeling good. My legs started feeling better. I guess they say you got to lose some things to gain some things.''
Anthony said he didn't follow the full rules of the Daniel Fast, which would have required a four-day stretch in which he didn't eat at all. But he found it tough enough.

"I didn't eat no meats, no bread, no sweets for 21 days, no soda,'' he said. "I almost killed myself. But now I guess I've paid the cost for it. I feel great ... I don't drink soda no more. After that, I still don't eat meat that much. No breads. I feel good, tough ... (During the fast), I was drinking Naked Juices, a lot of protein shakes, salads, fruits. That was it, man. A lot of veggies.''


I guess you cant really blame him for congratulating himself, he been on fire. Averaging 32 ppg and shooting 60% from the field since Feb1.


Quotes via Fanhouse.com

Earl Barron Could Be Knick Once Again

The NYPost.com is reporting that Donnie Walsh is looking to retain Earl's services again, after the February 24th trade deadline there will be a roster spot available. Either the Knicks will have made the deal for Melo which would include Eddy Curry and possibly more or they would release Curry outright.

If your not to familiar with this guys play here some footage:

Knicks Weekend Wrap-Up 2/13

So what did we learn about the Knicks this weekend?

• The Lakers are still a better team than the Knicks.
• Mike D'Antoni wants fans to stop chanting "We Want Melo"
• Raymond Felton confirmed that the team is affected by the Melo Rumors.
•  Mozgov is a starter again(for now).
• Amare rocks Nike Air Max with a suit and gets away with it.
• If the Knicks can make 16 threes they can win a game against a subpar team without Amare.
• And Shawne Williams turns 25, Happy B-Day!

Check Highlights from the games after the Jump

Landry Fields Works At Modells?

Check out Landry Fields going undercover as a Modell's worker. This guy has a great sense of humor.

Side Note:  I used to work at that exact Modells in Greenburgh NY many many moons ago...

Should the fans stop chanting Melo?

So Coach D'Antoni is asking the fans not chant "We Want Melo" huh, should we listen?

Knicks fans are the most opinionated NBA fans, and for the price of these games and the city's general expectations chanting a superstars name is not out of the realm. The Knicks were down by 15 plus to Dallas and the camera moved to Justin Bieber and he was even booed. Anybody can get it, and if this effort continues the next chant may very well be "Fire D'Antoni".

Lets talk about it:

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Knicks Still Have CP3 On The Radar

The Dream Team of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire is still in the Knicks plans.

Via Ian O'Connor/ESPN

"Go back to the wedding toast," the source said. "Nothing's really changed since that night," the source said. "The feeling is that Carmelo will be here this year, and Paul will be here in 2012."

One source said Donnie Walsh wasn't unsettled by news that the Lakers have entered Anthony trade talks, believing it is largely a ploy to raise New York's offer.

The 2012 free agent class, which includes Paul, Dwight Howard and Deron Williams remains a big priority.
"Yes it is," he said. "It would be one element that's in your thoughts."

Read more: HERE

Amare Has Another Tech Rescinded

Last Sunday's matinee with the Sixers Amare received another technical foul bringing his total to 14. Amare reached out to the league to appeal the questionable foul handed out from the very strict Bob Delany. Fortunately for STAT the league saw it his way and rescinded that technical bringing his total back down to 13. This was the second time Amare had a tech pulled back, on December 30th STAT blocked Quentin Richardson shot into the crowd and showed what the ref thought was too much emotion.


via NyPost.com

Last night at Knicks Bowl 12, a Garden of Dreams event at Chelsea Piers, Stoudemire -- speaking before the verdict had come down -- said he had "played a little phone tag" with NBA VP Stu Jackson and was planning on trying to connect with him last night. 
Stoudemire said the technicals aren't about to change the way he plays.

"I'm going to still play with emotion, to be honest," he said. "That's the way I always play. I practice that way. I play that way. . . . It brings the best out of me. I play better that way. I just have to make sure I keep a certain conscious effort to not try to get technical fouls."

Read more: HERE

Stephen A Smith Returns to New York: Knicks Edition

Stephen A Smith is Back! Talking all Knicks now.

Check it out: HERE

Sources: Lakers, Nuggets talk Melo

Is Mitch Kupchak running up the price or is he really willing to part with Bynum?

Warkentien: The New Consigliere In The Knicks Family

The Knicks have hired Mark Warkentien as the new Consigliere in the Knicks Family: job one, get Carmelo.

  Warkentien recently conducted a phone interview with Ian O'Conner and talked about his role in the organization and team plans.

via ESPN.com


People around the New York Knicks say Jim Dolan, not Donnie Walsh, was the man who added Mark Warkentien to a front office as packed as Penn Station at rush hour, and over the phone Monday the team's newest executive preferred to keep that issue up in the air, a bit like a jump ball.

"I have no idea, other than I dealt with Donnie," Warkentien said. "I wouldn't know how much he had to deal with Jim or not on it. That's a conversation above my pay grade."

"You get to work for a guy you always wanted to work with in Donnie Walsh, and then it's Madison Square Garden," Warkentien said. "I'm 57, and is there anyone in our age group who doesn't want to be a part of the Garden? It's the mecca, and it's New York. It's like, 'Wow.'"

"I can't talk about anything related to our roster," Warkentien said over the phone. "That's a conversation for Donnie."

"Donnie and I have been talking about working together in New York for a long time," he said before scouting Monday night's Missouri-Kansas game for the Knicks. "It's not like this was a new conversation. Donnie flew me into New York right around Labor Day, I spent two days there, we talked at great length about it, and it's been gathering momentum since then. Thank goodness it got done.

"If Donnie's the godfather, and he is, I'm a mere consigliere. But I think Donnie and I have real synergy. I have my finger on the pulse of the west big time, and his roots are all eastern."

Read the entire article HERE

Knicks May Throw More Names In Melo Deal

via NYPost.com



Rookie guard Andy Rautins and Kelenna Azubuike's expiring contract have been discussed as parts of the Carmelo Anthony three-team package, The Post has learned.
The Knicks have to add more pieces to the reported three-team trade proposal for Anthony to make it work from a talent and financial perspective for the Nuggets, according to NBA sources.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh, who almost never admits he is engaged in serious talks, yesterday acknowledged discussions about Anthony were at least taking shape.

"I don't think we have anything going, but we're getting a feeling for possibilities," Walsh said before the Knicks beat the Sixers, 117-103. "We have a better feeling for what's going to happen."
In Donniespeak, that means things have progressed, with the trade deadline still a very long 19 days away.

"If you get something that will help your team, then you get excited," Walsh said. "It hasn't come to the point I'm excited."

"I don't feel good or bad," Walsh added. "These things take two to tango. But we're out there looking and seeing if we can do something. Some of it is not real big -- trying to fill in the blanks within our own team."

Read more: HERE

Sources: Knicks Melo Deal in Works!

The projected deal in place is:

 New York would send Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry to Minnesota and the Timberwolves would send Corey Brewer and a first-round pick to Denver. Denver would also receive Wilson Chandler from New York.

Someone in the Nuggets organization may be KnicksGM reader, we(and every other Knicks site) have been pushing for this deal to get done for some time now.

If this occurs Donnie Walsh must be granted GM of the Year at the trade deadline. This man really knows what he is doing, patience is truly a virtue.

Stay Tuned for more info...

Listen Mr.Ujiiri,Denver Can Be The Next Cleveland Cavs

It's been a slow week or two in the Carmelo Anthony trade talks, which is unusual as the clock is ticking down pretty quickly to the trade deadline, which is now less than three weeks away. Why the slowdown?
The most obvious explanation: Anthony only wants to be traded to the Knicks and the Knicks are smart enough to wait until this offseason rather than trading for him.

The ball is squarely in Denver's court.
sources says the Knicks don’t feel pressed to present a substantial trade offer to the Nuggets.
Their choices: re-assess what New York has to offer and accept the discount, pray that the New Jersey Nets execute an about-face and re-enter trade talks, sell Melo for pennies on the dollar to a contender that doesn't require an extension to pull a trade, or hold onto him and watch him walk away for nothing in free agency this summer.
All things considered: putting something together with the Knicks still seems like the best, most realistic option.

If the Knicks have to breakdown and include Danilo Gallinari with Landry Fields it would be a big loss, but it’s necessary.

G.M. Donnie Walsh needs to get creative with this. Unload Eddy Curry's expiring deal for an above average big man or a tough defender that Denver could really use right away.

Via:cbssports.com

Walsh Not Fazed By Contract Situation

Most Knicks faithfuls have been scratching there heads wondering why hasn't Donnie Walsh received a extension yet. Its seems like Donnie is the only person wo's not worried about it, yet.

“I’m embarrassed by all this,” Walsh told reporters in Greenburgh, N.Y., adding, “It’s the last thing in the world that I want.”

Walsh's contract expires June 30th but most would have assumed by now some sort of assurance from James Dolan already considering the team has done a complete 180 degree turn-around. The Knicks have an option for another season with Donnie, but that must be picked up by April 30th.

“There is a date. We’re not close to it,” he said in a telephone interview, referring to the April 30 deadline.

“One thing I know about Dolan is he’s honest,” Walsh added. “I don’t think he’d be going through all this rigmarole if he wanted to get rid of me.” 

Qoutes via NYTimes.com

Read More HERE

FELTON ALL STAR FLAME-OUT?

After the 113,97,loss to the Mavericks,Raymond Felton made a weak closing argument in his final chance to audition for a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team.Felton finished with 11 points on 4 of 14 shooting and dished out nine assists without turning the ball over. Felton’s inconsistent play in the last month may ultimately cost him a spot on the team. He entered play Wednesday night averaging 17.2 points per game. He’s struggled since Jan. 1, scoring 17 or fewer points in ten of the Knicks 16 games. He’s made fewer than 40% of his shots in 11 of those 16 games.

Here are some numbers behind the inconsistent play

PRO:He's scoring 17.2 ppg, second to only Derrick Rose's 24.4.

CON:He is turning the ball over an average of 3.32 times per game, the fourth-highest total in the East.

PRO:His 1.85 steals are second to Boston's Rajon Rondo (2.39).

CON:His assist-to-turnover ratio is 2.67, tied for sixth among point guards in the conference.

PRO:He ranks third in the conference in assists per game (8.9) behind Rondo and John Wall.

CON:His 3-point field goal percentage is a paltry 33.2 percent, the third lowest among the 16 point guards in the conference who qualify. His 4.9 3-pointers attempted are tied for the second-highest total in the conference, behind combo guard Gilbert Arenas.

PRO:Felton is pulling down 3.7 rebounds per game, the third-highest total.

CON:His scoring average has dropped a full point in the past 14 games and shooting percentage has dropped nearly .27% in the same stretch.

PRO:He's the leader with 20 double-doubles and 38.7 minutes per game.

Felton posted six straight games with at least 10 assists in mid- to late December, the third-longest streak in Knicks history.

He also tied a franchise record with 14 assists and no turnovers in a Jan. 11 win over Portland.

Even though Ray has exceeded all our expectations in New York,many are predicting that four Celtics (Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen) will get an invite to the game (Feb. 20 in Los Angeles).Joe Johnson has also made a strong case to be included as a guard, heating up this month just as Felton has cooled off a bit.Tune into TNT tonight when the reserves are announced,and no matter the outcome Raymond Felton is a star on the biggest stage,brightest lights and for the richest franchise.

WHAT’S NEXT: Even after Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks, the Knicks currently sit comfortably in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a three-game lead over seventh-place Philadelphia. But with a home-and-home coming up against the Sixers.KNICKSGM will be making the road trip when the Knicks travel to Philly on Friday night and host the 22-26 Sixers on Sunday afternoon.


SOURCES:ESPNnewyork.com
VIA:ESPN.GO.COM

Mozgov Not in Starting Role Just Yet

So a forty minutes 23 point, 14 rebound game does not earn you a starting spot in the next game huh. After yesterday's practice Coach D'Antoni was non-committal about Timofey's future playing minutes. "He'll play some," D'Antoni said. "We'll just see how the rotation goes. I don't know yet. But somehow he's got to be able to play."

The Knicks play host to the Mavericks tonight, who are currently 3rd in the West and riding a five game winning streak.  Coach knows the team will have to have a near perfect game to beat a team with the Mavs pedigree. Most likely Turiaf will get the start and Coach will work Mozzy in there depending on match-ups and foul situations. "We'll figure it out," D'Antoni said about where the 7-1 center fits in his rotation. "It might be game-to-game. It might be match-ups. As we go forward, we'll see how guys play together and we'll make an assessment."

Knicks fans cant expect another career type of night from Mozzy but good quality minutes from a legit 7 footer is always a plus. Hopefully this is the case because the Mavs also have some legit 7 footers themselves, Dirk, Chandler, and Haywood. Should be hard fought game on both ends, but watch for the hidden story that is line-up changes, most importantly the ones that contain Mozgov.

Quotes via NYDailyNews.com

Isiah-era Knicks That The Don Had To Fix: Where are they now?

All the talk in the city yesterday was about the hiring of former vice president of Nuggets basketball operations Mark Warkentien as Knick consultant,possible heir to the "Don",they are several other potential predecessors out there to take over for the real KnicksGM,69 year old Donnie Walsh.The question the streets wanna know is will the "famously unpredictable," James L. Dolan retain his 2012 option by the deadline of april 30th reported by the New York Times. I say instead of grooming his replacement while he is arguably the GM of the year,besides the former Knicks coach that fled after 94,how about we make him feel appreciated for the great work he has done like landing STAT and lock him up for as long as he wants to be the KnicksGM.

Internally, there are fears that Dolan will attempt to bring Isiah Thomas back to run the team, the Times reports.

Here is a rundown and update of the players the last KnicksGM brought into NYC.

THE BALLERS they tried

Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies Had a brief and forgettable stopover with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now producing the usual gaudy numbers for Memphis: 20 points and a career-best 13.2 rebounds a game. Has not made the playoffs or been part of a winning team, though the Grizzlies have a shot at the eighth seed in the West. Salary in 2008: $13.3 million. Current salary: $17.3 million. How he left: Traded (with Mardy Collins) to Clippers, for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas, on Nov. 21, 2008.

Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks Won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season, simultaneously proving that Crawford was a) one of the better players Isiah Thomas acquired and b) was miscast by Thomas as a starting guard and No. 1 scoring option. Remains a key reserve for playoff-bound Hawks, but scoring and shooting percentages have dipped, to 15.9 points and 43 percent. Salary in 2008: $7.9 million. Current salary: $10.1 million. How he left: Traded to Warriors, for Al Harrington, on Nov. 21, 2008.

David Lee, Golden State Warriors Named an All-Star in final Knicks season, albeit as an injury replacement. Was the best member of a bad Knicks team, averaging 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds. Now a solid member of a poor Warriors team, averaging 16 points and 9.7 rebounds. Salary in 2008: $990,000. Current salary: $10.8 million. How he left: In sign-and-trade deal with Warriors, for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike, on July 8, 2010.

Nate Robinson, Boston Celtics Other than Crawford, the only Isiah-era Knick to play a major role for a playoff team. Helped fuel Celtics’ Game 4 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010 N.B.A. finals. Now averaging 7.7 points and shooting .412 as the Celtics’ sixth man. Salary in 2008: $1.3 million. Current salary: $4.2 million. How he left: Traded (with Marcus Landry) to Boston, for Eddie House, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens, on Feb. 18, 2010.

Wilson Chandler, Knicks Thomas’s best parting gift — a talented, low-maintenance, high-scoring forward who always plays hard and improves every year. Averaging a career-best 17.4 points. Current salary: $2.1 million. Future: A free agent this summer, could be used in trade for Carmelo Anthony or let go to make room for Anthony.

ON THERE LAST LEGS hanging by a thread

Quentin Richardson, Orlando Magic Opened season as a key rotation player, became superfluous when Magic acquired Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson. Played 57 minutes in January. Salary in 2008: $8.1 million. Current salary: $2.3 million. How he left: Traded to Memphis, for Darko Milicic, on June 26, 2008.

Jared Jeffries, Houston Rockets Found niche as versatile defender in his final years with Knicks. Niche in Houston is between 13th and 14th seats on the bench. Has made 17 appearances this season, averaging 7.8 minutes. (Side note: Thomas, upon signing Jeffries, said he would “balance the plane ride.”) Salary in 2008: $5.6 million. Current salary: $6.9 million. How he left: Traded to Houston (with Jordan Hill) in three-team deal that brought Tracy McGrady to Knicks, on Feb. 18, 2010.

Renaldo Balkman, Denver Nuggets The hustle. The hair. The Rodman-like nose for the ball. There was little to enjoy about these Knicks, but Balkman’s frantic energy was something. He is more static now: He has played 44 minutes this season. (Side note: Balkman was drafted one spot ahead of Rajon Rondo in 2006.) Salary in 2008: $1.3 million. Current salary: $1.7 million. How he left: Traded to Denver for Taurean Green, Bobby Jones and a second-round pick, on July 28, 2008. (Jones and Green were later waived.)

Eddy Curry, Knicks Symbol of an era of overpaid underachievers. Peaked in 2006-7 (19.5 points a game), regressing ever since. Unable to stay healthy or in shape jeopardizing career. Has appeared in 10 games since start of the 2008-9 season. Salary in 2008: $8.9 million. Current salary: $11.3 million. Future: If Knicks cannot trade his expiring contract by Feb. 24, they will probably waive him.

WASHED UP,NOT IN THE ASSOCIATION steph should be ashamed of himself

Stephon Marbury Benched by Coach Mike D’Antoni. Refused a buyout. Took a buyout. Joined the Celtics. Played sparingly. Declined to re-sign with Celtics. Wanted better offer. Found no other offers. Went on YouTube. Ate Vaseline. Now playing in China. Salary in 2008: $19 million. How he left: Waived Feb. 24,2009.

Jerome James Often injured, always jovial, rarely in shape. Spent a lot of time on what came to be known as the Jerome James Memorial Stationary Bike. Presumed retired. Salary in 2008: $5.8 million. How he left: Traded (with Tim Thomas, Anthony Roberson) to Chicago for Larry Hughes on Feb. 19, 2009.

Malik Rose Consummate nice guy, veteran of two Spurs championship teams, tried best to infuse professionalism in a chaotic environment. Now a broadcaster for the Spurs. Salary in 2008: $7.1 million. How he left: Traded to Oklahoma City for Chris Wilcox on Feb. 19, 2009.

Mardy Collins Steady, selfless guard. Not particularly good at anything. Out of league after failing to make Washington Wizards last fall. (Side note: Paul Millsap was still on the board when Collins was drafted in 2006.) Salary in 2008: $967,000. How he left: Traded (with Zach Randolph) to Clippers on Nov. 21, 2008.

Fred Jones Won 2004 slam-dunk contest. Won 23 games in only season with the Knicks. Spent 2008-9 with Clippers. Has not been seen since. Salary in 2008: $3.3 million. How he left: Was not re-signed after 2007-8 season.

Randolph Morris When Knicks signed him straight out of college — via little-known loophole — Thomas said Randolph was like an extra first-round pick. Like an extra Mardy Collins. Salary in 2008: $810,000. How he left: Was not re-signed after 2007-8 season.

SOURCES:New York Times
VIA:offthedribble.blogs

Amar'e Won't Be The Only NYK Star In L.A. All Star Weekend

Landry Fields will be joined on the rookie team by Clippers forward Blake Griffin,the Wizards John Wall,Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe, Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, New Jersey Nets forward Derrick Favors,Minnesota Timberwolves guard Wesley Johnson, Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe, and San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal.

They face the NBA’s Sophomore class of Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans, San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday, Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, and Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews.

RUMOR UPDATE Amar'e will be on the rookie's bench,while Carmelo will be on the sideline of the sophomore's. Interesting

VIA bleacherreport.com

Stephen A.Smith Talks Melodrama

Its been a long while since we last heard Stephen A.Smith ON ESPN radio in NYC 2008 to be exact.Well he's back and doing what he does best talking smack about the NBA.According to Smith the Knicks brass are reluctant on parting ways with two out of the three youngsters Gallo,Fields and Chandler,especially Landry Fields.He responds to that like only he can,he also says he thinks Knicks are contending with the super teams like Orlando and Miami this year with the acquisition of Melo.

skip to the 18 minute mark for the goods
LISTEN HERE VIA ESPN

A Closer Look At Carmelo Anthony

  Traffic was heavy and slow moving but I finally made it to the Prudential Center about mid way through the first qaurter. Now this was far from my first live Nets game but I was surprised to see how empty seats there were considering the Melo Drama lead up story. My sole reason for attending this game wasnt just to catch a juicy rumor about Melo's feeling on this saga but was also to do some close-up scouting for my Knicks.

Now I'm sure on television we can all see what a great scorer he is but I was looking for some other Superstar qualities, you know those other attributes, like leadership, confidence building, and defense. Unfortunately there was not much of that at all, now sure he can create great space for himself and great opportunities to score but I didn't witness great leadership.

Despite the lack of vocal leadership and defensive effort I would still encourage the Knicks to trade for him today. Now there's so many different variations of trade possibilities that are out there so its hard to single out a specific scenario but if the Don(Donnie Walsh) can assemble a fair trade for all parties involved the deal must be done. Carmelo's faults do not out weigh his values, his scoring abilities are elite, pull up jumpers, post moves, first step drives,are all a part of his offensive onslaught. Some doubters assume that a Melo and STAT tandem wouldn't translate well on the court, I'm not one of those doubters. Carmelo's ability to create his own shot in pressure situations brings a much needed element to the Knicks already good chemistry.


The countdown to the trade deadline is now at 23 days, the Melo drama continues...

Check out highlights from the game HERE


Check out more pics from last nights game after the jump