Zach attacks the Big Apple
I love New York! Yes, I said it. I love to shop and watch Broadway shows like every tourist. But the best thing is playing in Madison Square Garden, which is Zach Randolph’s new home.
Let’s break down the trade, which I think was a good move both for Knicks and Blazers.
First, Isiah finally got Stevie Franchise’s dollars off the books. Now Steve can go to Portland… Although the way owner Paul Allen is spending money, they might buy out Francis’ contract. Portland has a lot of young talent and they keep stressing they’re looking for quality people. I’m not saying Francis is a bad person, but he has had his run-ins with coaches and teammates over the years. Plus they have tons of guards.
Second, Zack Randolph is a stud! He averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds last year and is great at scoring in bunches against anybody. Remember he did this is the Western Conference. Now the baggage and off-court issues that Randolph brings are always going to be an issue. He is New York, the town that never sleeps. If he can get in trouble in Portland, watch out NYC. He’s about to paint the town Red, White, Blue, Green, Purple and any other color you name. I’m not saying he can’t change. But it’s New York City.
The other issue is… Can he coexist with Eddy Curry? I think he can. Randolph can play facing the basket and will be a handful for any power forward in the East to handle. The Knicks now have the best low-post threats in the East. No question. Name a better couple. Magic’s Howard/Milicic? Pistons’ Webber/Wallace? Heat’s Shaq/Haslem? Cavs’ Big Z/Gooden? Sorry, I don’t think so.
Lastly, the throw-in players are not bad players at all. Channing Frye will be a great player to play with Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge. He is a tall 4 who can spread the court with his jump shot out to three-point range. For the Knicks, acquiring Fred Jones, an athletic 2 guard will help Isiah be more athletic in the backcourt.
So both teams got something from the deal. The Knicks just hope the city doesn’t get Zach Randolph.
Randy Said,
June 30, 2007 @ 10:19 pm
I agree! If you’re going to take a risk, why not for someone who puts up 20 &10? Plus, it will be very difficult to double team Curry with Zach lurking on the weak side.
talal Said,
June 30, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
“knicks got the best low post scoring threat”
cmon u forgettin about bosh, bargnani and howard, millicic will be much better
Krynn Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:06 am
I agree with everything said in this article. Been waiting for New York to get into form ‘coz it’s really embarrassing that they got the highest payroll and still dwell in the bottom. Hope Z-Bo really makes good on the team and not end up like Kemp when he was traded to the Cavs. It would really cool watching the Knicks battle with the Bulls in the east if Z-Bo really develops chemistry with Curry. This is a really a win situation for th Knicks having got rid of Francis’s contract!!! Though i am not a fan of Francis, I think they should let him play in Portland though. Like give em’ a shot for this season to see whether he could grow into a veteran who would guide Portland’s young core. I thinks Portland is still too raw and a veteran guard would really be a good thing for them if Francis matures into a veteran leader….
Frank Davis Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:22 am
Hey, Dee,
I’m a Knick fan and I like the trade, but I’m concerned. Randolph is going to improve the Knicks’ post play and rebounding, but neither Randolph or Curry is known for interior defense and they both need the ball (there are too many players on the Knicks who need the ball). We’re going to need someone to block shots, defend the post and do dirty work. Now, that we have Randolph, part of me thinks the Knicks should trade Curry for a center who complements Randolph and is known for dirty work. What do you think?
Peace,
FBD
THETREV Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 12:32 am
Greetings to all those wearing your thinking caps, and hell to the Haters, that’s as good a trade as you’ll see for a team that has no good players, a team that many people said was lucky to win 22 games,and a Gm/coach who should be fired. Show me a team who was in such a dismal state, being able to elevate, where other teams has to operate on the down low due to shame. Back-Stabbers that’s what they are.
magicmadman Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 5:27 am
you said it …. watch out for Orlando Magic’s BIG MEN… They will CRUSH Curry n Zach… the only one’s they’ll be threatening is eachother. I agree the Knicks are a better team because of this, but relax on this particular HYPE —- them two being the best in the East —- wait til they face the Magic (with the sick duo in the paint), then talk about who’s best….
and Oh yeah, Zach is a grown man, get off his case - NY is the best city for him.
Steve-o Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 7:22 am
I agree with Franky….problem for shore!!!
MJ Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 7:24 am
So what about David Lee? Where does he fit in this situation? Does he play the 3? Does he just backup both Curry and Randolph? He went from an All Star season to a full backup. We will see what happens.
yodurk Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 8:35 am
Not a bad trade for the Knicks, but I’d be hard pressed to call it a good one either. The Knicks badly need 2 things:
a) Defense
b) Team players (i.e. guys who share the ball and aren’t selfish)
Randolph is the furthest thing from these needs that you can get! He’s widely known as one of the worst defenders in the league. He does grab rebounds, but doesn’t put in the effort to contest shots (his blocks are disgustingly bad for a guy his size) or to play help defense. He also can be very turnover prone and makes bad decisions; often he’ll be a black hole on offense, and others he’ll just make a bad pass or get stripped.
Between Randolph and Eddy Curry, the Knicks will lead the league in turnovers, and have possibly the worst defensive combo in the league at PF and C. If Isiah knows what he’s doing, he’ll start David Lee who’s a great hustle player and will play some defense and make good decisions. Randolph and Curry COULD be scary offensively, but will they actually learn how to pass the ball and make the right decision? I’m not so sure…
John Mosto Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:00 am
I disagree with your analysis here (even though you were my favorite player growing up as a Celtics fan in the greater Boston area). Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry make up the worst defensive 4-5 in the league. As overall players, I will even give the edge to Randolph because his rebounding numbers are strikingly better. However, Isiah has only amplified the problem people call him out for of not having enough team oriented guys because Zach Randolph has a lot of other, crucial holes in his game.
As teammates, their impact will be neutralized by whatever they produce at one end by all the extraordinary deficiencies they have at the other. Think about it. Neither of them play defense. Neither of them are shot blockers. Neither of them play aggressively. Neither of them play well unless the ball is in their hands. That’ll be a problem for Isiah and company. With Marbury, Crawford, Curry, and Randolph on the same team, there will be some unhappy people with the lack of touches they will be getting.
This just solidifies my already firmly held belief that Isiah doesn’t know how to build a team. The key to being an exceptional GM, which some people surprisingly view Isiah to be one, is building a nucleus of players that not only have talent (which I do not question when I look at Isiah’s moves) but have a knowledge of the game that is applied correctly in the team concept that is stressed at both ends. As I mentioned earlier, even though the Randolph-Curry tandem will create some matchup problems for the other team, out of respect for their scoring flair, Isiah has only deepened his problem; you win games through execution, not through building talent and expecting the talent alone to take a backseat for the best of the team and play within the scope of their roles. The Knicks needed a Camby/Wallace who can specifically do this. I would have given accolades had he come through with what Isiah himself has acknowledged as an area of need (the fact that Curry doesn’t have an aggressive, defensive minded PF alongside him). The Randolph project, in my opinion, will be an out and out failure unless Curry is traded for a tougher overall player.
quiteclever1 Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:09 am
I agree with you Dee; these knuckleheads and Magic fans on tthe blog need to take off their hater caps and recognize the bright future of the Knicks with this acquisition. The Knicks clearly now have the best LOW post scoring tandem in the East. Notice the emphasis on LOW post. Bosh faces the basket from the elbows and Bargani stands on the perimeter shooting 3s. Dwight Howard game has a lot of potential but the dash between Lebron and Carmelo will always be known as one of the biggest drafts gaffes in history.
Zeke has returned the Knicks to respectability just listen to the amount of star players listing NY as a potential destination. Prior to Zeke NO ONE wanted to play here. We have a young scoring duo, a tremendous scorer at the two and the best young bench in the league.
Can you say playoffs?
Gerry O Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:32 am
Defense is never a concern of Phoenix Suns but its a team to beat in the West. Lets give Randolph a try, no matter what they say his much better than Frye. Besides, the Francis contract in all certainty is more than a risk in the team his contract was a loss.
sam Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 9:52 am
Magicman do you watch Magic games? Curry destroys the magic even without Zach!
Here are what Magic players said about Curry last season after a game.
He really can’t be stopped one-on-one,” Darko Milicic (Star Ledger)
“He’s one of the few guys in this league where you have to change what you do to deal with him. He’s just so strong and has such good moves that you can’t play him straight up and be successful too much.” - Pat Garrity (Associated Press).
Howard said. Regarding Curry, he said: “He’s a load. He played a great game. He’s a lot better than he has been last year.”
Quote:
Midway through the fourth quarter Eddy Curry, the Knicks’ massive center, put his head down and bulled his way to the basket, colliding with Orlando’s huge Dwight Howard and drawing a foul in the process.
On the Knicks bench Kelvin Cato, Howard’s former teammate, yelled out to Howard, “I told you, he’s too big,” and Howard responded, “I know, I know.”
Martys words Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 10:32 am
I hate the Knicks. They have a horrible team with horrible players and an even worse coach. They will never win a championship with Marbury. Ok now that that is said there are a couple of things they could do. I feel they should trade either curry or Randolph in an attempt for a sigh and trade with either the Bobcats for Gerald Wallace or the Sonics for Rashard Lewis. Either way the Knicks wont win a championship but with Randolph they wont come close.
Monstar Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:20 am
I’ve been a knicks fan since the Mark Jackson era and Isiah will never got the credit he deserves. thats ok because he has proven every one wrong since he has been a knick. the knicks are faster stronger and younger and I see some more trades coming to finish the this team off. 2 RZ and Curry powder will be strong. don’t worry I mean marbury changed his game to this offence and look how he played he became NY agian like when he arrived. Give the knicks a chance and in 2 years the knicks will be in the championship because all of there player are 2 years away from there prime.
Dee Brown keep writing this is what a true knick fan needs to see.
UNO
Rubes Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:24 am
OK guys,
Im going to close the books on this “was this a good trade argument” once and for all.
Lets take the worst case scenario basketball-wise. Zach doesnt fit in with the offense at all. He fails to mesh and team chemistry suffers. We still got the better end of this deal because we got a tradable asset that many teams WILL be interested in acquiring for the duration of his contract.
Francis, if you’ll recall, seemed like an impossibility to be moved. By trade value ALONE, we win put on this deal. Zach Randolph will always be a useful player in the NBA and teams WILL want him.
Chris Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
When we talk about what a good move is for the Knicks we need to understand what needs this team has and what players are available to fulfill these needs. The Knicks need defense and they needed a PF. Now they have a more than solid PF in Randolph but Randolph is weak on D. Does that mean the Knicks shouldn’t have picked up Randolph? You’ve got to admit Curry and Randolph in the post makes for at least the second best low post duo in the east. As far as defense we’ve got Richardson, Lee and Marbury, all good defenders. I wouldn’t count out Randolph as a defender. He wasn’t motivated in Portland and one thing Thomas is good at is motivating his players. Just as in business a happy employee is a productive employee. I believe the same applies in sports. We already know Randolph can rebound so he’s not a bad defender if he’s pulling down boards, something that Curry is weak on. Any way you look at it this team just got a heck of allot better.
Rashidi Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
“Name a better couple.”
Than Zach and Curry? A couple that will be lucky to total 100 blocks over the entire year? Gee, that’s a tough one.
Horford/Pachulia
Jefferson/Perkins
Okafor/Brezec
Tyrus Thomas/Ben Wallace (assuming they’re not keeping Brown or Nocioni)
Gooden/Ilgauskas
McDyess/Sheed
O’Neal/Foster or Murphy/O’Neal
Shaq/Haslem
Villanueva/Bogut
Williams/Krstic
Smith or Hunter/Dalembert
Bargnani/Bosh
Jamison/Haywood
Zach/Curry are easily the worst defensive of the bunch. On paper they are the best offensively, but in reality their numbers are going to take a huge hit because there is only one ball on the court, neither is any good at passing it, and the team isn’t going to win anymore games because their defense is even more atrocious than it was before.
Maybe Zach and Curry would work if they were playing with Nash, Bell, and Marion, but they’re not, they’re playing with Marbury, Crawford, and Q-Rich, three more players who take too many shots, make bad passes, and play little defense.
On the bright side, Curry might average fewer than 3 turnovers per game now.
Jay Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
KNICKS!!! Here is one of the one worst nba teams in the past 6 years. They have done nothing since the 99 finals and continue to stink up their rep. But recently, they have made some moves that can make them a powerhouse in the east. They made the controversial move to bring in Eddy Curry but gave up alot to get him. They did good by giving up another bloated contract in Steve Francis, we all knew that him and Marbury would not work in the backcourt. Now as for getting Randolph, Dickau, and Jones from Portland, I believe this was a great deal for the Knicks. They now have the best post in the east with Curry and Randolph, which easily qualifies them for playoff contention in the horrible Atlantic devision. They still have one more move to go, I believe this last move would be to trade for a star small forward like Rashard Lewis. Some guys that they need to get off the roster are Malik Rose, Jerome James, Mardy Collins, Dan Dickau, and Demetris Nichols(if he proves to be a bust). Other than that, it seems that we have a new contender in the league
Brian C Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Couple of comments….1st of all Bargnani’s got a post game like I got a million dollars. Chris Bosh on other hand is a gifted NBA star. Also yea they’re not gonna be good on D, but who do Curry and Randolph have to guard when everyone on other team is in foul trouble trying to stop them one on one?
Ken Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
What are you crazy Dee? You work for the Magic and you say Curry/Randolph is better than Howard/Milicic. They ought to fire you. You have got to be crazy.
Mohammed Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
maybe itd be a smart idea to package curry and some other players for kobe?
Mohammed Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
a package of curry, crawford and whoever else…kobe in new york would be legendary
Rashidi Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
LOL everyone in foul trouble trying to stop Curry/Randolph. Whenever Randolph has the ball it means Curry doesn’t and vice versa. How is that going to lead to anymore fouls than usual? Curry draws fouls on 23% of his shots (not including his league leading number of charges), but Zach only gets fouled 13% of the time which is low for a big man especially one with the “post skills” of Randolph.
EDDY CURRY
4.6 fouls per 48
7.5 opp. fouls per 48 (Net +2.9)
5 turnovers per 48
2.7 opp tos per 48 (Net -2.3)
1.1 assists per 48
2.3 opp ap48 (Net -1.2)
9.8 rebounds per 48
12.5 rp48 (Net -2.7)
0.7 blocks per 48
2.2 opp bp48 (Net -1.5)
ZACH RANDOLPH
3.9 fouls per 48
5.9 opp. fouls per 48 (Net +2.0)
4.3 turnovers per 48
2.1 opp tos per 48 (Net -2.2)
2.9 assists per 48
2.6 opp ap48 (Net +0.3)
13.6 rebounds per 48
9.6 rp48 (Net +4.0)
0.3 blocks per 48
1.1 opp bp48 (Net -0.8)
COMBINED
+4.9 fouls p48
-4.5 turnovers p48
-0.9 ap48
+1.3 rp48
-2.3 bp48
Of course, Zach and Curry’s best assets are their scoring.
Zach: 25.6 FGA per48
Curry: 17.2 FGA per48
You think either is going to maintain that pace playing with
Crawford: 18.7
Marbury: 16.4
Q-Rich: 15.6
Nate Robinson: 18.5
Zach is coming from a team with
Roy: 17.2 (missed a lot of the year)
Aldridge: 15.6 (missed a lot of the year)
Webster: 13.4
Jack: 12.8
Udoka: 11.6
Magloire: 11.1
Przybilla: 5.4
Zach was taking all the shots because nobody else could. His numbers will take a huge hit in NY, he ain’t gonna score 20 points per game unless someone else takes a backseat, and the most likely candidate is Curry since he needs to be set up. Which is going to take away whatever “advantage” they have up front as the only thing Curry is actually good at is scoring, he is a liability in every other department.
jon Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
haha ya right zack and curry will never dominate against the magic or pistons. zack can jump only like 3 inches that guy has no defense. ok now what city did go to? new york city that never sleeps ya. watch the season wont start yet and he will get in trouble couple times. bad trade for the knicks.
im a blazers fan.
good job paul allen your team is heading the right direction. the 3 in the middle. aldridge oden and frye yes give them 2 years and they will be in the western finals. paul allen do anything with francis but make him leave the team. that guy is an allstar but doesnt want to play ball. i hate players like francis
TONY CLIP Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
true words fa real…curry has like…NO HANDS…gotta be set up…but he’ll get his buckets…marburys more likey to take backseat i think…his job will prolly be to set up everyone jjust pass…
PLUS… out in protland…Zach was by himself basically…him comin here…new york gotta slow down the tempo…cause they know damn well zach or eddy will run…nate robinson is noooooooooo factor….
q-rich…just stand in the corner and wait for that dime…crawford …yeahhhhhh ….neither way…new york will play way better than last year
Matt Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
All those numbers don’t mean anything, they were both doubled and tripled teamed last year. this time around teams can’t afford that against the knicks. Guys will have to defend one on one and there will be a lot more fouling going on reguardless of who has the ball on the knicks. This however understandabily all depends on if these guys can even coexist. Not saying they can’t but it’ll have to be wait and see. And Lastly what in the heck is this obession with Darko Milicic? The guy’s a huge bust and doesn’t do much of anything. Only a deranged orlando fan could see any greatness in him (no offensive if someone is). Dwight Howard is a stud, he’s better then Eddy curry at everything, cept maybe eddy’s a little bit more creative scorer and Howard just uses his athleticism more to score. Darko wishes he could be half the player Randolph is. 7-1 athletic Darko seems to be a good kid and still nobodies knocking down his door waiting to sign him. If i was an opposing team heck I’d choose to guard Howard and Milibust anyday as opposed to 2 huge butts flattening me in the post all night long.
RocketsFan Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
What is being overlooked is that New York is now officially out of the running for LeBron in two years. Zach’s contract is longer than Francis’ If this doesn’t work they will regret the lack of cap room in 2009.
knoop Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:15 pm
Definitely not the perfect trade fr. Knicks perspective, but would they be better not making the trade and keeping Francis and Frye? It’s hard to say yes. Personally, I would not try to get O’Neal from Indy wither in return for Curry and Robinson/Collins or Randolph and Robinson/Collins. Either way that would give Knicks more balance, defensively and offensively. And Indy would get back a big man of quality and a decent backcourt player. The salaries also balance out.
knoop Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:16 pm
oops, meant to say “personally, I would NOW try to get O’Neal from Indy…
jack inslee Said,
July 1, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
hey rashidi, double check that nate stat
magicmadman Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 1:54 am
yea i watch the games and no doubt Curry has his advantages, but overall he’s too slow and Howard is too athletic for him and can handle his own in the paint …. get a grip … Darko can block shots better then the both Zach and Curry together…. are you kidding… Howard jumps out of the arena and can slam with the best (most dunks in the NBA last season)… OH and Patrick Ewing will help him with his post up game…. I’m looking forward to the matchups next season, hope you can watch the games sammy, instead of reading the papers on their so-called “quotes”
and no one is hating on you Dee or the Knicks, even though it’s all high hopes and dreams about the best LOW COUPLE? in the East…. I like the fact talent from the west is finally being spread to the east.
Hey quitclever…. Howard has potential?? He’s an allstar in case you haven’t noticed.
GoMagic -
Darius Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 6:04 am
Oh boy, what a mess down there in New York. It seems to be a place where everyone dumps its bad contracts. New York is again clearly on the losing side here.
Firstly, they get Randolph’s contract which has 4 years and 71 million on the books while Francis’ contract has 2 years left and ‘only’ 32 million. Secondly, Randolph and Curry do not complement each other as low post players since both are offense-oriented with suspect defensive presence. Thirdly, Randolph’s knees are questionable too.
The only way this deal would have worked for New York is if they got a player with leadership skils and tremendous attitude which clearly is not.
Unfortunately, Knicks must have the worst ownership and management team in the NBA (Atlanta at least does not commit to foolish contracts).
Oh, by the way, I don’t think Francis wil ever play a single game in Portland.
space Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
i am a fan of the knicks moves. isiah got rid of some major questions and replaced them with energy and proven production. meshing will be a problem, but half the league would want those two players on their rosters. in a big man depleted east randolph is going to be in th ‘08 allstar game if he can keep things together. concerns popped up monthly about frye and francis would never get a fair shake in nyc. so good dealing.
the pair are not defensive monsters, but they will be ‘reverse-effective’, meaning other teams will be working so hard to counter the knicks new frontcourt offense that they will not have the same energy to return to take advantage. they won’t need to block 200 shots if they opposing pf & center are winded in the 4th quarter. the knicks with some luck could work their way into a conference finals. they have a very talented roster. they need luck, and good gelling and fantastic coaching.
space Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
not so great move for portland. they could have waited a year before dealing randolph. he has a ton of low moves and would’ve been a great low post teacher both offensively and defensively for oden if only for one year.
Starburyfan Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Yeah, we do have the best front court in the east, if not the league. Who said it? I said it. David Lee at 3, Zach Randolph at 4 and Curry at 5 is better than Orlando, Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, or Cleveland.
There is so much hatred and biased opinion out there about Isiah’s moves, you people already hate and disagree with what was done before they’ve even played a single game together on the floor. Having two post players is not the same problem as having two shoot first point guards, because post players are fed the ball, while the guards have to bring up the ball.
I watched all 82 games the knicks played last year. Curry was dominant, period. He was dominant against Dwight Howard, against whoever toronto thinks they have to counter him, it didn’t matter. Only Yao and Okafor showed up Curry, in terms of matchups, otherwise it was no contest.
And Randolph is as dominant in the West, going up against Duncan and KG and more than holding his own. Randolph can pass out (this aspect should make him option 1, with Curry option 2), can face up and put the ball on the floor, i doubt the magic fans and toronto fans have even payed attention to Randolph’s game, him being in the small media market he was in prior to his arrival in New York.
Yes, there have always been defensive issues with Isiah’s teams, but he’s got 18 guys currently, only 15 allowed under league rules, so I look for Isiah to try to get one more defensive player before the offseason comes to an end.
I can’t wait for the summer league, to see if Balkman has worked on his jump shot, or to see what Isiah saw in Wilson Chandler or Demetris Nichols. Isiah is the greatest drafter in the eastern conference. Nichols was probably the best shooter in the draft (see draftexpress.com), so I bet Isiah will actually end up signing that second round pick because the knicks need shooters to compliment their future all-star forwards in Lee, Randolph and Curry.
Don’t believe the hype people, Spree came to NY and stayed in control for the most part, Rasheed left Portland, behaved better and won a title, don’t be surprised if Randolph can come to New York and clean up his act–off the court only, of course, I wouldn’t want him to be any less nasty on the court than he currently is.
Starburyfan Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
by the way, Dwight Howard should have started the all star game last season, Eddy Curry should have been voted by the coaches and media as a sub, and fat shaq should have been left off the team entirely, since he had played just 4 games going into the all-star game.
Just like the nba’s draft system, the nba’s all star voting system is severely flawed. you’ve got idiots all over the world voting players to start for what they did 4 years ago. just look at all the years grant hill got in as a starter despite only playing 20 inconsequential games per season. idiots.
and please don’t count darko as already part of your front line until he is resigned. that would be assuming no one else in the league is interested in acquiring his services, and none of us here are naive enough to believe that.
Starburyfan Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
P.S. how’s Fran Vasquez doing these days, anyway?
Starburyfan Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
“They made the controversial move to bring in Eddy Curry but gave up alot to get him”
I think we are on the same side here but giving up Mike Sweetney, Ty Thomas and Jokim Noah (yes another offensive non-factor post player for the bulls) for Eddy Curry and Renaldo Balkman is a pretty good trade for the knicks. Turns out Scotty Skiles and John “shirt-tale/headband nazi” Paxon could not improve their post scoring with the draft and have put all their eggs in one basket, dreaming they can land KG or Jermaine O’neal with some of their key players like Deng or Gordon. Yeah, that will work out great for them. Hint: KG and O’neal don’t want to leave one situation for another similar situation. Chicago’s off to a bad start this summer.
Brother Minister Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
Charles Barkley said a couple of seasons ago that in EVERY trade Isiah has to get the best player involved. He never dumps salary or gets role players (ie supporting cast) and this is just another example of his bad trades. Francis contract is up in two years while randolph is up in what 4. Curry and Randolph will end up being Marbury/Francis part II.
Starburyfan Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
well if charles barkley said it, it must be true.
and barkley must have said it because your first sentence doesn’t really make grammatical sense.
Hunter Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
As a guard, I would be more than happy to give up all my shots to bring the ball down the floor.. pick a side… and get two points each time down, with more than 50% shooting (which they both will without the double/triple teams) and then at the end of the year battle in the Finals.
Im not a huge NY fan, but if Isaah keeps Nate Anderson off of the floor, they will be in the Finals next season… No team in the East has strong enough defence or offence to make NY’s lack of defence even matter.
LOL Said,
July 2, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Tyrus Thomas and Ben Wallace are low post threats?
Wallace might be the worst offensive player in basketball, and Thomas isn’t the dominant force inside that Curry is.
How many times did Curry dominate Howard last season?
Doubling up on Eddy Curry is the [b]only[/b] way to contain him if you don’t have an elite defensive player on him, and now if you do that, Zach Randolph can take any shot inside 15 feet, or kick it out to Quentin Richardson or Stephon Marbury.
Silva Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 10:03 am
This trade make sense for the following manner:
- Zach and Curry are definitely great scorers in the low post
- When winning, you will be suprised how even the weakest person plays defense
- do not forget how earlier on Stephon Marbury did not play defense during the pre-Isiah days (now he plays defense with the best of them)
- David Lee will continue to flourish in the six man role (don’t know why you guys are trying to push him into a starting role when he is clearly comfortable with coming off the bench and doing his job)
- Last and most importantly, Minnesota has not traded Kevin Garnett yet, what if Isiah trades Zach/Curry for Kevin Garnett? Couldn’t David Lee become a full time starter along side Kevin Garnett?
- Minnesota and Kevin McHale will definitely do this trade, wouldn’t you?
Javi Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
Knicks are winning the east vs the heat like the old days rivalry back in action, bout fuckin time.
No Missing Zack Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
good luck NY with Zack, I bet he is in a bar with stripers by July 4th.
This guy is a bad influence on younger players and has his possee named “Hoop Family” which rides ATV’s with strippers on back and shoots guns at 3AM in the morning….
Isiah was taken again……you can have his 20/10 stats….Last year with him, Blazers under .500, without him (when he was injured, over .500)……20/10 stats don’t mean everything when the guy shoots too much….
Blazers in NBA finals within 3 years….Oden, Roy, Alridge all ALL-Stars….The Blazers are back baby!
Ram Said,
July 3, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
I agree on when you said “The Knicks now have the best low-post threats in the East”, but yet i also agreed to when people said that the Knicks have one of best front court in the East in the Marbury-Francis duo last season, and we all know how that turned out. Honestly, I don’t know what to think about this years team because I haven’t yet seen these two together. I think the knicks need to chill on the trading and let the duo gell together because it seems every off-season the knicks are tempted to trade and rebuild.
Dave K. Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 1:49 am
Haha! That is insane. ZBO with CURRY!!!! best frontcourt?!?!!! Hahahahaahahah!!!! Thank you for the Curry trade NY, he was a horrible contract mistake and Paxson came in and rectified all of Krause’s mistakes. I hoped and prayed for 4 seasons that Curry would “get it”. He never did. Since day one he has been a very, very talented scorer. But he is the softest center in the league. He actually hurts his defense by screening his own players because he can’t keep up. And the reason I said didn’t “get it” is because he is lazy and immature, and will never change or improve his game. At least Tyson Chandler worked his tail off so he was a fantastic defender, rebounder, and shot-blocker, but couldn’t shoot, dribble, or pass for a lick. All those comparisons you make and say NY is better, that is just funny. Dwight Howard by himself is better than ZBO and Curry put together LOL!!!!
Krynn Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 7:38 am
McHale would not trade Garnett for the NY’s new scoring banger boys. Maybe McHale would consider that if Starbury was also in the mix then add some cap fillers for the Timberwolves. But that’s almost like.. why not name MIN Knicks and NY Timberwolves like they traded away completely theier teams identity. This ain’t NBA Live where you can just trade to get the players you want buy just balancing stats…
Zack Said,
July 13, 2007 @ 4:15 am
Zach will be mentally fine in NYC and won’t be tempted anymore than he was in Portland.
Everybody is in everybody else’s business in Portland. It’s a po-dunk town with nothing to do but fixate on your local sports heroes. That’s why he had “character problems.”
Have you ever heard the quote, “The only place I can be alone is in New York.” It’s true. He’s going to get more privacy in New York, not less.
And if you don’t think there’s trouble in P-town, you’ve got another thing coming. Every granny is growing pot in her upstairs attic and all the young girls are easy. I’m not kidding, it’s the easiest place on earth to get laid. I think there’s a statistic. Take a vacation there, you’ll see.
Portland has gone character. Woo hoo! I just hope they have a big enough supply of starch for all the collared shirts everybody will be wearing around from now on. I personally don’t care about nice people. I think they’re boring. Portland is now abundantly nice and boring.
Finally, I’ve seen interviews with Randolph on NBATV and he’s a really decent person. I think what scared people was actually his on the court behavior. It wasn’t becoming of a person in a predominantly white city. Not decorous or something rather.
Bottom line: Sweet deal Zeke!
BigJaz Said,
August 3, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
The knicks definetly have a lot of gelling to do, but I see the potential there to win the Atlantic division. I wouldnt be so fast to call them a powerhouse, because sometimes things look better on paper. It all depends on how things PAN out. We have a lot of good young talent on the team, however I love Isiah as a GM, but his coaching skills are questionable. This team will only go as far as IT’s coaching skills will take them. Isiah is a great talent evaluator and a great motivator. I just hope that he has the skills to mesh all these guys together. He does okay, but can he match X’s and O’s with the likes of Popovich in a series? I know thats getting way ahead of ourselves but it’s just a thought.I will be happy if we can just kick the Nets ass this season and win the Atlantic. By the way I dont think Boston will be a threat for another season or two. Also I think that Doc Rivers is the worst coach in the NBA. Its a shame the way he hekd Gerald green back. That kids gonna be a star in Minnasota If he gets 30 mins a game. Heard it here first sports fans, PEACE.