Clippers: Want Zach Randolph

New York Knicks forward Zach Randolph  is on the Los Angeles Clippers’ wish list, and their initial offer for Randolph was turned down.

BOTTOM LINE: The Knicks would be more than happy to deal him and get his salary off of the books, but the Clippers only offered a second round pick. The Knicks would be wise to deal him for whatever they can get.

NBA Off-Season: Five Storylines to Follow

 Stephon Marbury would be better suited playing for another team  next season.
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI] 
 

 BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

1. Teams Preparing for 2010

COMMENT: Many teams are already working diligently to get under the salary cap in anticipation of 2010, which is when LeBron James will be an unrestricted free agent, which the Cavaliers will have to work very hard to avoid. Rumor has it that LeBron will not resign with the Cavaliers, and his top two choices may be the Knicks and Nets. He loves the idea of playing in the big apple in the world’s most famous arena, but New Jersey is not too far out. Although it is very early, I would say the Nets are the favorites due to the close relationship between James and Nets shareholder Jay-Z.

 

2. Will Kobe Demand a Trade?

COMMENT: Last summer, Kobe expressed a desire to be traded and nothing came of it. Instead of being a cry baby about it, Kobe showcased himself to the best of his abilities, and he was awarded with the MVP honor for his efforts. He wouldn’t say he was satisfied, because his Lakers fell short in the NBA Finals to the Celtics. Kobe is said to be sick and tired of running the show by himself, and would prefer to be somewhere else, but my money is on him remaining a Laker through next season.

3. Will the Celtics Repeat?

COMMENT: There has been a lot of talk about whether or not the Celtics will be able to repeat next season. They are looking to add more depth to their bench, and have been in talks with Corey Maggette. They had only one pick in the draft and didn’t make much of it. I think the Spurs would be my early favorite to win it all due to their experience and sound fundamentals. They just have to make sure that they do not shut down on offense like they did in against the Lakers. Other teams that will surely be in contention are the Hornets, Suns, Cavaliers, and Magic.

4. How do the Knicks Fix Their Problems?

COMMENT: The Knicks were nothing short of a disaster last season, and they decided to change direction. The first act of duty was to get rid of Isiah Thomas. Then, the Knicks replaced Thomas with former Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni. They drafted Danilo Gallinari with the sixth overall pick, although that was much chagrin to the New York fans. The latest move was the Knicks’ signing of free agent point guard Chris Duhon. That may signify the end of the line for Stephon Marbury, which would be the best course of action for both parties. Other Knicks that need to go are Jerome James, Eddy Curry and/or Zach Randolph. The Knicks need to have a better attitude in the locker room. The process will take a couple of years.

5.  Who Will Win Rookie of the Year?

COMMENT: I think the man who will be pronounced 2008/09 rookie of the year this season will be Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat. Beasley has a huge upside for the Heat, and also may have the opportunity to post big fantasy numbers. He should go as a fourth or fifth round pick in most fantasy drafts. Other guys who have a shot at Rookie of the Year are Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo and Danilo Gallinari. Who knows? Maybe someone no one is thinking of will become the NBA’s new phenom. It could happen.

KNICKS: Duhon Era Begins

Free Agent point guard Chris Duhon has inked a deal to become a member of the New York Knicks, and that could mean the end of Stephon Marbury as a Knicks player, according to Newsday.

BOTTOM LINE: The Knicks are far from contenders, but they needed to rid themselves of the Marbury distraction. Duhon is a good defensive player and has nice passing skills, but his ability to score leaves much to be desired.

KNICKS: Targeting Chris Duhon

Free Agent point guard Chris Duhon is being coveted by the Knicks, the New York Daily News reports.

BOTTOM LINE: Any signing would most likely be followed by the release of Stephon Marbury from the final year of his contract.

PACERS: Trade or Cut Tinsley

Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley will be bought out if Larry Bird cannot find a taker for him, according to the New York Daily News.

BOTTOM LINE: T.J. Ford is the new man in Indiana, thanks to the Jermaine O’Neal trade. Rumors have linked Tinsley to the Knicks, but we will wait and see.

Heat Souring on Beasley?

The biggest buzz at the NBA draft this morning is about the Miami Heat. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Chicago will select hometown boy Derrick Rose with the number one pick in tonight’s NBA Draft.  The Heat hosted two “secret” workouts, and have started to apparently sour on the idea of drafting Beasley with the No. 2 overall pick. Why? I have no idea.

The Heat had private workouts with O.J. Mayo and Jerryd Bayless. Mayo has been coveted by the Timberwolves and Knicks, and would be the likely pick to run the point if Miami passes on Beasley. I think that the people in Florida will have plenty to be angry about if the Heat passes on Beasley.  Beasley has a serious chance at developing into an elite player at the professional level. His great speed and rebounding ability make him an asset to any NBA team. 26.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game make him one of the best on the board. While Mayo will be solid at running the point, the smart pick would be to either take Beasley, or deal the pick, because the Heat have more than one serious need.

Tonight’s draft is going to be special. How are the Knicks going to screw it up this year? Donnie Walsh has hinted that he likes O.J. Mayo, but odds have him not being available when the Knicks spot arrives. Rumors had the Knicks talking to Memphis about a deal that included the #5 overall pick coming to New York and David Lee heading the other way. Tonight should be a night to remember, and I do not recommend missing it.

-MICHAEL GANCI
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