HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The legend of Kevin Durant continues to grow.
Last night, the lanky scorer won the game for his upstart Oklahoma City Thunder with a fade-away three pointer against the New York Knicks. Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts on Durant’s heroics in the comment box.
--Oly Sandor.
"What I've learned is, you don't go on TV and do The Decision." Williams said the other night in Newark, after the Jazz lost to the Nets. "So I won't be doing 'The Decision."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Add Deron Williams to the list of NBA superstars who have learned from LeBron James’ free agent follies.
There will be no soap opera, world tour, or sequel to The Decision. Williams is a top table-setter, and where he decides to spend the next portion of his career will be dramatic enough. ( For the record: Williams can become a free agent in July of 2012.)
Just a hunch: he won't stay with the Utah Jazz.
Williams is as competitive as Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant. He hates losing and the Jazz, while usually competitive, never have the pieces to win a championship.
Unfortunately, the small market Jazz will always the lack the resources to add premier talent, especially when compared to larger markets like the New York Knicks or L.A. Lakers.
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement may level the playing field for small market clubs like Utah, but then there’s Salt Lake City. Superstars typically prefer bigger, sexier locations to maximize endorsements.
This will be too much for the Jazz to overcome. So it's how, not if, Williams leaves.
--Oly Sandor.
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ESPN Radio reported Friday that the Nuggets rejected an offer for Carmelo Anthony from the Knicks that included Chandler, Fields , Eddy Curry and a first- round pick.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Complicated is the only way to describe the Carmelo Anthony saga.
Two days after the New Jersey Nets announced they were pulling out of the Anthony sweepstakes, the Denver Nuggets reportedly turned down the New York Knicks' offer of Wilson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Landry Fields, and a first round draft pick.
The Knicks’ offer does contain an expiring contract (Curry), two nice young players (Chandler and Fields), and a first-round pick; however, the Nuggets reportedly want multiple first round draft picks and a blue-chip prospect for Anthony.
If true, the Nuggets miscalculated. The Nets easily had the best offer: 'Team Russia' was willing to part with Troy Murphy’s expiring pact, multiple first round draft picks, blue-chip talent Derrick Favors, and combo guard Devin Harris.
Instead of being greedy and holding out for more from the Nets, perhaps the Nuggets should have made a deal. Now the Nets are out. And now the Anthony saga has become, you guessed it, complicated.
--Oly Sandor.
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Carmelo Anthony isn't sure how things will end in Denver, but says he learned from LeBron James how not to leave a team. "I would never go about it the way LeBron did it," Anthony told Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Ian Thomsen.
Without specifying either the Knicks or Nets, Carmelo Anthony said on Friday that his "ultimate" dream would be to play in New York. "That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony said. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: New York, New York.
After months of keeping quiet and letting the internet news-cycle run wild, Carmelo Anthony finally stated his dream was to return home to New York and play for the Knicks.
Fair enough. New York is familiar. The Knicks are pretty good. Madison Square Gardens is legendary. And the city also happens to be the media capital of the world.
Now the parties involved –the Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Anthony, and possibly a third team like the Memphis Grizzlies- need to make this happen.
No more talking. No more hints. No more anonymous sources. Lock yourselves in a room and agree on a deal.
Of course, the New Jersey Nets and all other suitors must back off. After all, Anthony is a free agent, meaning he can pick where he wants to play at season’s end.
So the Nets could trade for him and have him walk at season’s end to sign with the cross-town Knicks.
Hopefully, this scenario scares off the Nets. And hopefully, a resolution to this Melo’ drama is coming.
--Oly Sandor.
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The Knicks have reportedly reached out to the Grizzlies to see if they would be willing to include O.J. Mayo in a three-team deal for Carmelo Anthony.
"Right now, in New York we have a solid team," Stoudemire said. "We don't really need much. We're playing well. We feel like the team we have can be very successful if we keep improving individually and as a team on the defensive end."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Suddenly, Amar’e Stoudemire is singing a different tune.
When the Standing Tall and Talented Post signed with the New York Knicks, he promised he’d recruit two or three of his superstar buddies –like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and possibly Tony Parker.
Well, Paul isn’t leaving New Orleans in the near term, unless the Hornets franchise leaves New Orleans. Parker has re-signed with the rejuvenated San Antonio Spurs.
Knick-nation can probably cross Anthony off the list, too, which doesn’t bother Stoudemire. Not one bit.
Winning has changed things. After years of dysfunction, disgust, and dreadful basketball, New York is relevant. There’s chemistry. And Stoudemire doesn’t want to blow things up for Anthony.
Anthony, as a volume shooter, has to get his. His demand for touches and shots would surely impact Stoudemire and his supporting cast of Wilson Chandler, Ray Felton, Danillo Gallineri, and the promising Landry Fields.
And that impact could be good or bad. So Stoudemire seems comfortable with the status-quo. Hopefully, that appeases New York and Knick-nation.
--Oly Sandor.
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Marcus Camby wants to remain in Portland, but if the team does trade him he would prefer to be dealt to a contending team. A source says that the veteran will contemplate retirement if moved to a rebuilding club. The Knicks, however, are one team that Camby would approve.
Hoops Vibe’s Very Quick Call: Marcus Camby may be willing to leave his current home of Portland, but only if he gets to go to a former home.
Camby, a veteran five-man, is always in demand because of his rebounding and defense; however, the Blazers’ recent stumbles have changed his circumstances.
Brandon Roy is having serious knee troubles; Greg Oden is out indefinitely; and the Blazers, a team that was supposed to contend, are struggling mightily in the Western Conference.
So Camby, who was heralded as a mentor for these young Blazers, may approve a trade to the right contender –like the New York Knicks.
Sure, the Knicks are competitive. And sure, playing meaningful basketball in a world class city is always preferable to battling for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
For Camby, the real appeal of New York may be that it’s familiar. Camby spent four years with the Knicks and is comfortable with both the city and organization.
Since he’s nearing the end of his career, Camby is leery of getting traded. The right trade would be fine; the wrong trade would result in early retirement.
--Oly Sandor.
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Patrick Ewing has confirmed that he had conversations with Michael Jordan about replacing Larry Brown as Charlotte's head coach. He did not say if he was offered the job.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounds good. A pair of former rivals joining forces to turnaround a morbid franchise.
Would it have worked? We’ll never know.
Patrick Ewing, an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic and retired Hall of Fame pivot for the New York Knick, has told reporters he talked with Michael Jordan about the head coaching job with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Jordan, a Hall of Fame two-guard with the Chicago Bulls who often beat Ewing’s Knicks in the playoffs, now owns the Bobcats and fired Coach Larry Brown last week. He then hired Paul Silas to replace Brown on the sideline.
There are two points on Ewing’s comments. First, he deserves a head coaching job. This, however, wasn’t a fit.
Ewing needs a young team he can teach, groom, and mentor -like Scott Brooks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He needs a team where his players will learn from him and vice-versa.
Gerald Wallace aside, the Bobcats are a mess. They’re compromised of mediocre, overpaid veterans and D.J. Augustine, who may develop into a decent table-setter.
If Brown, the teacher of all teachers, couldn’t reach them then Ewing would’ve struggled on the sideline, too.
Second, there are just 30 head coaching jobs in the NBA. Getting one isn’t easy, and potential candidates –like Ewing- have to keep their names in the press.
This may be a case of Ewing seeking publicity. Remember, Stan Van Gundy, the head coach for the Magic, has publicly criticized other organizations for not interviewing or even considering Ewing.
So Jordan and Ewing won’t be joining forces in Charlotte. It wasn’t meant to be. And it’s probably best for all involved.
After all, a Knick and Bull couldn’t possibly become allies, right?
--Oly Sandor.
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After two months on the job, Felton is ready to turn his two-year contract into 12. "I think now, I've found my home. I've found it. I'd love to spend the rest of my career in New York,'' Felton told FanHouse Wednesday after a light workout. "When this contract ends, hopefully we'll work out another one.''
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: New York Knick fans can forget Steve Nash or another starting point guard coming to Madison Square Garden.
Ray Felton is the guy. For how long, though?
Felton, despite playing like an All-Star and becoming a legit pick-and-roll threat with superstar Amar’e Stoudemire, is only signed through 2012.
In theory, Felton could leave the Knicks in sixteen months. In reality, player and team will probably ink a long-term extension, especially if Felton and the Knicks continue performing at such a high level.
--Oly Sandor.
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The Heat may have preferred Stoudemire's talent because the team made several attempts to trade for him at last February's deadline, according to sources. As it turned out, Bosh, James and Wade all took less money to fit under the cap, and Stoudemire did better financially, getting the maximum $100 million contract from the Knicks.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Bosh or Amar’e Stoudemire?
In theory, the Miami Heat could have signed either Bosh or Stoudemire last summer. After all, both were free agents. And both had serious interest in calling South Beach home.
In reality, the Heat had no choice. They had to sign Bosh –if they wanted to keep superstar Dwayne Wade, and also lure LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade has a personal and business relationship with Bosh. The two have been friends for years; they share agent Henry Thomas.
Now Wade and Stoudemire may be friendly, but aren’t close like Wade and Bosh, who were essentially a package deal last summer.
If the Heat signed Stoudemire, they lose Wade, and the next free agent domino, James, re-signs with Cleveland or, perhaps, heads to the bright lights of New York City.
Fans can debate if Bosh or Stoudemire would’ve been the best fit for Miami. And Stoudemire’s fine play for the New York Knicks adds fuel to the fire.
The Heat’s front office, however, knew signing Stoudemire would have killed their chances of building a super team with Wade and James.
For the Heat, there was no debate. It was Bosh or broke.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Think Nate Robinson was excited when Paul Pierce hit the game-winning shot against his former team, the New York Knicks?
First, the Boston combo guard tried recreating his days as a prep football star in Washington by tackling Pierce.
Then he tried recreating his ‘Shrek and Donkey’ moment from last year’s NBA Finals with Glen Davis by leaping onto Pierce.
Both attempts failed. Badly. The second ended with Robinson falling on his face and eating the floor at Madison Square Garden.
Click the video below and get at us with thoughts on Robinson’s antics.
--Oly Sandor.
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The Nets are close to acquiring multiple first round picks that will be used in a potential trade for Carmelo Anthony, two people familiar with the situation told CBSSports.com.
New Jersey has agreed in principle to a three-team trade where the Nets receive a first round pick in 2012 from the Rockets that will be lottery protected according to the Houston Chronicle and an additional first round pick from the Lakers in 2011. Houston would acquire Terrence Williams, while Joe Smith would be sent to the Lakers and Sasha Vujacic would go to the Nets.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s the calm before the storm.
The New Jersey Nets now have two additional first round draft picks to help them pry Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.
This gives the soon to be Brooklyn squad an advantage over the New York Knicks in terms of what they can offer the Nuggets in a trade.
The Nets can include multiple first round draft picks, blue-chip prospect Derrick Favors, and the expiring contract of Troy Murphy in any deal for Anthony.
The Knicks are a different story. They lack first round draft picks, top young talent, and attractive contracts.
The complication is Anthony’s pending free agency. He’s set to become a free agent in July. The Nets could acquire the forward, only to have him leave a few months later and sign with the team of his choosing.
Anthony, of course, has let it be known he prefers the Knicks to the Nets. And the Nets would never recover if they traded for Anthony and lost him to their cross-town rivals.
So Mikhail Prokhorov better get Anthony’s signature on an extension before mortgaging the franchise for the forward in a trade.
--Oly Sandor.
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In a separate matter, Memphis Grizzles guard O.J. Mayo could be on the move soon, and a source close to his family thinks he could end up with the Knicks. “They’re gonna move him next week and I think he’s gonna end up in New York,” the source said.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s too great a risk for these New York Knicks.
Sure, Coach Mike D’Antoni’s squad could use an additional piece; however, O.J. Mayo needs touches, shots, and minutes to be effective.
Mayo’s score-first approach would impact chemistry. For instance, Amar’e Stoudemire and Ray Felton, the Knicks’ newfound pick-and-roll duo, would have to adjust. And Mayo would take minutes from promising rookie Landry Fields and youngster Wilson Chandler.
So the Knicks should proceed with caution. After all, the club has won eight straight and Madison Square Gardens is in the midst of a basketball renaissance.
Instead of considering tinkering, the Knicks may be better of just enjoying their success.
-Oly Sandor.
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Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is pushing to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Nuggets, according to a league source. The Knicks and Nets have spent a lot of time on the phone with the Nuggets and popular belief is that Anthony wants to play in New York.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Michael Jordan could do anything on-the-court. Years later, Jordan the owner and executive does not possess the same skill off-the-court.GOSSIP GIRL actress MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG has sparked rumors of a new romance with New York Knicks basketball star DANILO GALLINARI.
The 25 year old, who was previously linked to bad boy rocker John Mayer, has been spotted out in the Big Apple with 22-year-old Gallinari in recent weeks, and even cheered on the sportsman at a recent Knicks game.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Call me a skeptic but this sounds familiar.
European basketball star plying his craft in the NBA meets up-and-coming actress. They date. They become an item.
Hopefully, New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg have a better fate than the San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker and Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.
Hopefully, Gallinari is smart enough to avoid a cell phone text scandal with a teammate’s wife. Time to be honest: I don't really care.
However, if you care about the Gallinari-Trachtenberg pairing then get at us in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Despite reports that Carmelo Anthony doesn't want to play in Newark, the Nets haven't been told that and they continue to pursue the forward, according to multiple sources.
The Magic are still open to making trades, reports Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel.
Schmitz writes that the Magic still like both Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony -- they are partial to Paul -- and they'll trade anyone but Dwight Howard for either All-Star.
HoopsVibe News: One step back. Two steps forward.
Translation: the Orlando Magic is prepared for short-term struggles if it leads to long-term success, especially if that long-term success includes Carmelo Anthony or Chris Paul.
Magic GM Otis Smith realizes his current squad lacks the horses to beat the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, or even the revamped San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series.
He needs another superstar. Dwight Howard aside, Smith will move anybody on his roster for Anthony or Paul.
Trades mean transition. Players need to adjust. Coaches must alter game plans. Roles must be redefined. And chemistry must develop.
Smith would accept these temporary stumbles because Howard with Anthony or Paul would supposedly give the Magic a better chance at a championship than the status quo.
Of course, there are complications. Anthony seems destined to suit up for the New York Knicks, while Paul appears to have reconciled with the New Orleans Hornets.
However, give the Magic credit. It’s championship or broke for Smith and Howard.
Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s a new aerial assaulter in The City of Angeles.
He isn’t Shannon Brown. And he doesn’t sport the purple-and-gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Instead, he suits up for the city’s other team: the Clippers. He was the first overall pick of the 2009 draft. On November 20th, he committed acts against the New York Knicks which are illegal in 32 states, 18 republics, and 11 semi-autonomous territories.
Of course, we’re talking about Blake Griffin. Watch the highlight package below and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Toughness has not been a Knicks trait in years. Yesterday, the Knicks, after breaking their six-game losing streak in Sacramento, were feeling feisty at practice as a skirmish broke out between Bill Walker and Shawne Williams.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They still care. They’re still engaged. And they still have pride.
This is the only way to interpret reports New York Knicks Billy Walker and Shawne Williams got into a practice donnybrook.
After all, the Knicks are struggling. They should be better than 5-8, especially after signing star post Amar’e Stoudemire and steady point guard Ray Felton this summer.
However, things have not gone according to plan. And two supporting pieces, Walker and Williams, had to be separated during a scrimmage. Emotions were surely running high. Tempers were short.
Hopefully, this is a turning point. Remember, the Portland Trail Blazers went on a tear in December 2007 after a practice turned into Fight Club, with mild mannered Steve Blake smashing chairs.
In fact, the Knicks have won two straight. If they eventually get this mess sorted, Walker and Williams’ tussle may be the moment things started improving.
--Oly Sandor.
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If disenchanted Carmelo Anthony is still with the Denver Nuggets at trade time in February, look for the Timberwolves to make a serious run at him.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Delusional, crazy, and silly.
This is the only way to describe a reporter’s assertion that the Minnesota Timberwolves will, or should, chase Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony won’t ink an extension with Denver because they lack a co-superstar, play in a small market, and are thousands of miles from his home out east.
Consider the state of the Timberwolves: despite having young pieces, they lack a bonafide co-superstar; ‘The Frozen Tundra of Sota’ is the league’s version of Siberia; and Minnesota is far, far away from Anthony’s base of New York.
Of course, the Timberwolves can make a ‘run’ for the forward. They can even acquire him. However, they have zero chance at getting Anthony’s signature on a long-term extension.
So why bother? Think of the optics.
Suppose the Wolves pull off the impossible and land Anthony. They’d have to give the Nuggets young players, expiring contracts, and draft picks.
Come July 1st, Anthony walks as a free agent. In fact, he sprints away from Executive David Kahn and the Timberwolves.
The forward will take less money to sign with the New York Knicks. Perhaps he’ll do the same for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, especially if it means ditching Minnesota.
The Timberwolves would then have nothing to show for this sad saga –nothing except the shame of losing a superstar. Their have-not status would again be clear for all to see.
Like I said, it’s delusional, crazy, and silly. Here’s hoping the Timberwolves invest their time in more worthwhile pursuits.
--Oly Sandor.
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Still, the Knicks are going to do their due diligence, just in case the Suns are actually interested in moving the face of their franchise. The Knicks "will make an inquiry," one team source said regarding Nash's possible availability.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It doesn’t matter how much those involved deny it. This rumor isn’t going anywhere.
Not now. Not until there's closure.
The struggling New York Knicks allegedly contacted the Phoenix Suns about the availability of point guard Steve Nash.
The Knicks interest in Nash is nothing new. Neither is Nash’s interest in the Knicks.
Former teammate Amar’e Stoudemire and Coach Mike D’Antoni are there; the Knicks spend money, the Suns don’t; Nash already spends his summers in the trendy SoHo district; and living fulltime in The Big Apple would allow him to pursue his post hoops career of film production.
This isn’t exactly breaking news. However, there’s a recent development: Nash and his wife are getting divorced.
Perhaps he’ll now seek a change of scenery –like a trade to The Big Apple. Of course, he may want to stay in Phoenix to be near his twin daughters and newborn baby.
There's only one thing we know: the speculation surrounding Nash and New York will continue.
--Oly Sandor.
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Carmelo Anthony has confirmed a New York Post report that Hornets point guard Chris Paul made a champagne toast at the Denver forward's wedding in July that called for himself, Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire to team up with the Knicks.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Remember the context before crucifying Chris Paul.
Paul was at the wedding of friend and fellow superstar Carmelo Anthony. Paul may have had a ‘pop’ or two. Paul was probably emotional. And Paul’s status with the New Orleans Hornets was up in the air.
So he made a toast about joining forces with Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire in New York.
Paul’s toast is not the issue. Anthony’s loose lips are.
After a pair of tough seasons, Paul has led his Hornets to a league-best 7-0 record. He has bought into rookie Coach Monty Williams’ defensive system and doesn’t need a friend creating distractions.
When asked about the toast, Anthony should’ve bit his tongue. Or, he should have told reporters to talk to Paul. By confirming the toast, Anthony threw Paul, his friend, under the bus.
Perhaps Paul should keep this in mind when deciding whether to team up with Anthony in New York.
--Oly Sandor.
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Acclaimed director and longtime Knicks fan Spike Lee is certain that Carmelo Anthony will play for his team in the near future.
"I have just one sentence for you," Lee told The New York Post on Saturday night. "Carmelo Anthony will be with the Knicks if God is willing and the creek don't rise."
Link
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Spike Lee’s comments made it official.
Every man, woman, child, dog, cat, goldfish and gerbil has now weighed in on the Carmelo Anthony to New York rumors.
In fact, in case you missed it:
1) The Pope cut short his weekly address to followers at the Vatican because he was upset the Knicks were willing to sacrifice Wilson Chandler to get ‘Melo. The Pope apparently likes Chandler’s upside.
2) Nelson Mandela, the dedicated humanitarian, stopped his latest charitable endeavours in South Africa to examine if Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire can co-exist with the Knicks.
3) Democrats and Republicans halted their campaigns for Tuesday’s Mid-Term Elections. Even with a floundering tattered economy and war in Afghanistan, both political parties felt it pertinent to spend several days discussing the national emergency known as the Anthony trade rumors.
Expect a congressional hearing –and soon.
Jokes and hyperbole aside, this is getting ridiculous. Despite his comments, Anthony won’t re-sign with Denver. One way or another, he’ll end up in New York.
The Nuggets, Knicks, and Anthony’s people should lock themselves in a room and make it happen. Enough is enough.
--Oly Sandor.
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Amar'e Stoudemire left the Suns as a free agent and decided to join the Knicks for fame, fortune and a better chance to win an NBA title. New York doesn't have the core needed to contend now but even after signing Stoudemire to a $100 million contract, they have the future cap space to make a splash.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This sounds good.
Amar'e Stoudemire is telling anyone who'll listen he left Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns to win a championship with the New York Knicks.
His logic is, of course, flawed.
While Nash and the Suns won't be hosting a June victory parade, the Knicks aren't closer to shutting down Manhattan for a championship celebration, either.
Don't forget the Knicks play in the highly competitive Eastern Conference, too. There's the Holy Trinity in Miami; the Gang Green of the Boston Celtics; and the always tough Orlando Magic.
Bottom line: Stoudemire signed with the Knicks because they offered the most money. In fact, the Knicks $100 million contract trumped other teams’ offers by $20 million.
The Big Apple is perfect for the 'modest' Stoudemire – a player who dubbed himself Standing Tall and Talented – to ply his trade.
After all, New York's spotlight and stage is bigger than any other. And there's no Nash to steal headlines or credit.
So STAT can say his decision to leave Phoenix was about winning. Money and market size played a role, too.
--Oly Sandor.
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Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni is touting forward Amar'e Stoudemire as an MVP candidate this season. "I'm hoping he's the MVP this year," D'Antoni said. "That's kind of what he should shoot for and I'm sure what he's trying to be."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’d think the New York Knicks would have learned –hope is not a strategy.
The classic franchise spent three years wooing LeBron James. They cleared cap space. They promised him the world. And they hoped The King would be their saviour.
Well, James took his ‘talents to South Beach’, which left the Knicks giving Amar’e Stoudemire a 5-year, $100 million contract.
Now Coach Mike D’Antoni has to hope Stoudemire can be his saviour.
While Stoudemire has moments of greatness, he’s not an MVP. His offensive game is limited; he treats defense like a contagious disease; and he doesn’t make those around him better.
The Knicks will be better, though. Ray Felton is an upgrade at point guard. Danilo Gallinari should continue developing. And Stoudemire is a legit’ All-Star at the four-spot.
Most importantly, D’Antoni’s crew can finally play to win, not bide their time and hope for the best from The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010.
Playing to win, not hoping, is the only way the Knicks succeed.
-Oly Sandor.
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Carmelo Anthony said he expects to remain in Denver for the start of the season and would consider re-signing with the Nuggets.
"Yeah. That's keeping my options open," Anthony said when asked if re-signing with the Nuggets is still a possibility. "Yeah (it is an option). When that time comes, we'll discuss that."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: One moment, he’s staying. One moment, he’s going.
Carmelo Anthony’s pending free agency has as many twists and turns as some dude who spent seven seasons in Cleveland –before ‘taking his talent’ to South Beach last summer. (Note I said ‘almost’).
Anthony is covering himself with these comments. He’ll re-sign with the Denver Nuggets, if a trade east doesn’t materialize or if his free agent rights change in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
For now, Anthony must play in Denver. Things would get awfully unpleasant if the Nuggets had zero chance at re-signing him.
However, the end goal hasn’t changed. Anthony wants to be in New York, with the Knicks or Nets.
Hopefully, a trade happens and soon. Then we can get on with our lives.
Oly Sandor.
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For two weeks, the Knicks have been working on a deal that would include Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and a first-round draft pick acquired from a third team. New York is also now more willing to part with Danilo Gallinari.
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He could be sacrificed.
The New York Knicks may have to part with Danilo Gallinari to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.
Sure, the sharpshooter is a talent. His range spreads the floor. His mid-range game is developing. And each year his confidence grows.
This, however, is not enough to pass on a superstar.
Gallinari and Anthony play the same position: the three-spot. The Italian would become redundant on any squad with ‘Melo.
After all, Gallinari can’t switch positions. He’s too slow for off-guard; the Knicks gave Amar’e Stoudemire a cool $100 million to play power forward.
They could go small, though. The Knicks could give Stoudemire time at center, shift Anthony to power forward, and keep Gallinari at quick forward.
Unfortunately, moving Stoudemire to center – a position he never enjoyed while with the Phoenix Suns – would take minutes from promising rookie Timofey Mozgov.
In this situation, the simplest option makes the most sense. And Knick-nation must be willing to sacrifice Gallinari for Anthony.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Oh, how The Franchise has fallen.
Steve Francis, a three-time NBA All-Star, is now out the league and catching flack from the law for sipping a little something, something at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Perhaps this is Karma. After all, Francis was a Prima Donna in Vancouver, Houston, and Orlando. His time in New York and Memphis was laughable.
Hopefully, Francis gets it together. He’s only 33. And has the resources to do anything he wants.
--Oly Sandor.
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Carmelo Anthony denied that he has requested a trade and said he plans to keep his options open until the end of the season. "I'm leaving my options open. At the end of the season, I'll sit down with my team; I'll sit down with the Nuggets," Anthony said. "I've never said I wanted to be traded," he said. "I never once said anything about trade talk. There's been a lot of speculation going on."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Ah, the old innocent routine.
Nobody believes Carmelo Anthony's denials that he had any part in off-season trade talks. For months, speculation has surrounded the superstar on where the Denver Nuggets might deal him.
Today, he reported to the Nuggets’ training camp. And today, he played the-hear-no-evil, see-no-evil-card with the media.
What else could Anthony do?
The Nuggets spent all weekend trying to deal him to the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, or Philadelphia 76ers. They failed.
So Anthony came to camp, where reporters peppered him with questions. They wanted to know his plans for the future. And he gave them nothing, except some song-and-dance about deciding at the end of the season.
It wasn’t believable. For now, it was enough.
--Oly Sandor.
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"We’ll see if he signs a reasonable extension and if he’s 100 percent happy that it’s where he wants to go," Bryant told Yahoo! Sports on Saturday. "If not, don’t make a move just to get out of the situation. ... Make sure it’s a move that you’re very happy in and you’re comfortable with."
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Black Mamba has spoken.
Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s greatest player and resident OG, recently advised Carmelo Anthony on his situation with the Denver Nuggets.
Bryant's opinion makes sense: too often, players hastily swap one bad situation for another. Instead of weighing their options, they force trades, and aren't better off.
Wherever Anthony lands, it must be right. He has to win. Big time.
While this situation isn’t The Decision Part Deux, it has cast the superstar forward in an unsavoury light. Many fans are sick of the hourly updates, constant speculation, and comments from Mrs. Anthony.
So Bryant’s point is a good one: whether Anthony ends up with the New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets, he has to be sure.
If he’s unsure, why bother?
Anthony would soon find himself in the same predicament a few years from now. He’d be losing, He'd be miserable. And he'd be searching for an exit strategy.
Perhaps Anthony is spending the weekend reflecting on Bryant’s words. And perhaps this explains his reservations about joining the Nets.
--Oly Sandor.
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The Knicks haven't seen or heard from Eddy Curry in more than three months. The Knicks were told Curry would arrive just after Labor Day and he didn't show up, which has been a familiar trend again over the past few weeks.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Believe it or not, Eddy Curry is a key part of the New York Knicks’ rebuilding efforts.
Okay, allow me to rephrase: Eddy Curry’s contract is a key part of the New York Knicks’ rebuilding efforts.
At season’s end, Curry’s $12 million per annum deal comes off the books. The Knicks can keep Curry and reap the financial windfall or include him in a package for a top talent like, say, Carmelo Anthony.
Before any scenario unfolds, they must find him. As mentioned, the Knicks lost touch with Curry, which isn’t good.
After all, Curry has had off-court issues: a murder occurred in his extended family; he had a public spat with a former employee; and he reportedly owed some unscrupulous characters money.
With such a troubling personal life, it’s hardly surprising Curry’s basketball career has fizzled.
Hopefully, he’s safe. Hopefully, nothing has happened.
--Oly Sandor.
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"I still live there," she said. "There’s so much speculation out there. We did (the) George Lopez (Show) two days ago, and Melo made it clear: He’s still a Denver Nugget. So no matter what you might hear or speculate, he is a Denver Nugget. He’s been committed to that team and that city for seven years now. You’ve got to cut him a little bit of slack. He hasn’t made a move yet.
"As of now, the plans are to report back to Denver for training camp. So let’s just see how this plays out."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: La La Vasquez is right. Her husband’s situation with the Denver Nuggets has become comical.
For months, the press, fans, players, and GMs have speculated on where Carmelo Anthony will get traded. It’s a hot topic because the star forward can opt-out of his contract next July and become an unrestricted free agent.
The speculation is endless. One day, Anthony is getting dealt to the New York Knicks. The next day, the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and/or New Jersey Nets are the frontrunners.
The Knicks and Nets do have two distinct advantages over the competition.
Vasquez, a former MTV host, hails from Brooklyn. Although unlikely to admit it, she’d prefer her husband ends up in the greater New York area, so she can continue her entertainment career and be near family.
This may be what pushes Anthony aways from Denver.
--O. Sandor.
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Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports reports that Carmelo Anthony would still like to depart Denver before the season begins.A source with knowledge of Anthony's plans told Yahoo! Sports that his preferred destinations are Chicago and New York. The Bulls' offer would need to include Luol Deng who could be packaged along with James Johnson and Taj Gibson. Chicago also has draft picks to offer the Nuggets.The Knicks' offer would center around Danilo Gallinari and Eddy Curry.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No trade will happen before the season if the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks continue lowballing the Denver Nuggets.
After all, Carmelo Anthony is The Man in The Mile High City. He’s a star who commands the national spotlight. So the Nuggets can’t accept the Bulls or Knicks’ paltry offer.
Neither is sufficient; both are laughable.
The Nuggets want a combination of expiring contracts, draft picks, and blue-chip talent for Anthony. The Knicks would have to up the ante by including Anthony Randolph, while the Bulls’ offer falls well short.
Of course, there’s no motivation to offer fair value.
The Nuggets will likely have to deal Anthony. He can opt-out of his contract at season’s end, become an unrestricted free agent, and sign with the team of his choosing.
The Nuggets would get nothing in return, which means they may eventually have to cut a deal.
The key word is eventually. Right now, they have time. With what the Bulls and Knicks are offering, Anthony will wait for his trade.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Signing with the New York Knicks would have been a good business decision.
New York is the media capital of the world, so calling Madison Square Garden home would have allowed LeBron James to maximize his brand.
Each day, he could’ve spent a few hours on basketball. After practice or games, he could’ve jumped in his limo, rubbed shoulders with Fortune 500 CEOS, and furthered his business empire.
However, signing with the Miami Heat was a good basketball decision.
The Heat could, and did, attract three superstars because they had the cap space to offer three max contracts. The Knicks could only attract two superstars because they only had the cap space to offer two max contracts.
And that’s why James picked Miami over the New York. He wanted to play with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Not Bosh or Wade in New York.
More specifically: he wanted to win multiple championships with Bosh and Wade in Miami. Not contend for multiple championships with Bosh or Wade in New York.
Whatever your thoughts on how James left the Cleveland Cavaliers, you can’t fault him for signing with Miami and ignoring New York.
--Oly Sandor.
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According to Yahoo! Sports, the Nuggets look ready to part ways with Carmelo Anthony who has made it clear he wants out of Denver. Anthony's camp has advised the Nuggets to deal the superstar forward since he plans to leave as a free agent next summer.
The relationship has become contentious, with Anthony's representatives making heavy-handed demands and Stan Kroenke responding in kind. "It’s almost a given they’re going to move him," said a team executive who has talked with both the Nuggets and Anthony’s agents.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Carmelo Anthony saga has hit the Denver Nuggets at an inopportune time.
George Karl, the coach, is battling cancer, so his future is uncertain. Masai Ujiri, the GM, is brand spanking new. The Kroenke family, the owners, are shuffling who oversees the various holdings in their empire, which includes the basketball team.
The Nuggets are in flux. Anthony - or any superstar - wouldn't sign a multi-year extension under such dire circumstances
The only thing harder than re-signing Anthony: getting equal value in a trade.
Consider Ujiri's predicament. He’s new. He has no leverage since Anthony can bolt as a free agent in July. Opposing GMs will likely lowball the former Raptors’ executive. And it’s never easy to get fair compensation when moving a superstar.
Help will also be limited. Karl is trying to get healthy, while the Kroenke clan are preoccupied with buying the NFL’s St. Louis Rams.
At least, the Nuggets have decided to trade Anthony. However, the hard part, the actual deal, is just starting.
--Oly Sandor.
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Anthony has hesitated to sign a three-year, $65 million extension and expressed intrigue with opting out of his contract next summer to become a free agent. Despite significant speculation the
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For Carmelo Anthony, it's not all about
Recent reports indicate Anthony is lobbying for a trade to the Houston Rockets, which would leave the Knicks in the cold.
This is a surprise, but not a shock.
The Knicks lack the parts to trade for Anthony, so team and player would have to link up in July when the superstar hits free agency.
This may be too great a risk for Anthony, especially with a three-year, $65 million offer on the table from the Denver Nuggets. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer, and a new CBA would likely reduce the salary Anthony could earn as a free agent.
The star is trying to protect his earning power by engineering a sign-and-trade. And it explains why Anthony is considering taking the Nuggets' money and heading south to the Rockets.
The Rockets possess the assets to trade for Anthony and can still provide a solid supporting cast. He'd also remain in the Western Conference, away from the Boston Celtics' veterans, the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, and the Miami Heat's Three Kings.
Bottom line: Anthony isn't sleeping on
--Oly Sandor.
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Us being in New York is a possibility," LaLa said. "It depends on Melo's career and where it takes him. There's a lot of talk about the Knicks, I mean, there's a lot of teams out there, he's a great player and I think collectively we just need to think about what makes sense for our family. But I would never say that being in New York is not an option. I'd be lying to you if I said that."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Their interest in the New York Knicks is understandable.
LaLa Vasquez and Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony have ties to the east coast. Both were born in Brooklyn. She was raised in New York; he spent his formative years in Baltimore and won an NCAA championship at Syracuse University.
So we get it. They’re connected to The Big Apple.
Then there’s the culture de jour of the NBA. Today, most superstars want to play in sexy markets for big revenue teams who’ll spend to win. In fact, they believe this is their divine right.
Translation: New York, the Knicks, and Madison Square Gardens appeal to Vasquez and Anthony.
But ‘Melo has a contract. For 2011. With Denver. And he doesn’t become a free agent for ten months, and then, and only then, will he get to pick his next home. All the chatter is premature.
Of course, a trade could happen. Key word: could. The Nuggets – not Anthony or Vasquez – will make this decision.
Until the organization that has supported and paid him so handsomely makes this call, Anthony and Vasquez should tone things down.
Anthony needs to release a statement saying he won’t discuss the future because he’s focusing on the upcoming season, while Vasquez needs to avoid the press.
Not only will the league’s power couple look professional, it will provide a much needed cooling off period for the Nuggets and Knicks to, perhaps, swing a trade.
After all, such a trade is complicated. The Nuggets would be cutting ties with their franchise face. The Knicks would have time to find an appropriate mix of assets to offer.
Bottom line: the publicity, the 24-hour Carmelo Anthony news cycle, the gossip, the rumors aren’t in anyone’s interest.
In fact, it’s only making a migration to the NYC more complicated for Vasquez and Anthony.
--Oly Sandor.
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Although the Knicks credited Isiah Thomas with helping the team land Amar'e Stoudemire this summer, Stoudemire himself told the media that he never even spoke to Thomas before making his decision to sign in New York.
"No. I didn't talk to him once," said Stoudemire. "I never talked with him once." Asked if he's ever met Thomas, Stoudemire said, "A while ago, I think.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This is exhibit 4,489 that the New York Knicks are dysfunctional.
For weeks, owner James Dolan has publicly credited Isiah Thomas - his disgraced former coach and executive - with helping the Knicks to sign free agent Amar'e Stoudemire.
Dolan then rehired Thomas as an outside consultant because of his supposed success with Stoudemire.
It didn't matter that Thomas once ran the organization into the ground. It didn't matter that Thomas was sued for sexual harassment. And it didn't matter that Thomas' consulting gig would pose a conflict of interest with his day job as coach of Florida International University.
According to Dolan, Thomas could relate to stars like Stoudemire. So he was back.
Now we discover Thomas had no role in the Stoudemire signing. Zero. Zilch. None. In fact, the All-Star four-man can't even confirm if or when he talked to Thomas.
Either Stoudemire has a sudden case of amnesia or Dolan is a liar. My money is on the latter.
Why would the Knicks' madman go to such lengths to bring Thomas back? And why would he credit Thomas for a signing he had no part in?
The answer: Dolan wants Thomas to replace Donnie Walsh as head suit.
Eventually, Walsh's health will force him to retire. Dolan and Thomas are still close, and this relationship could result in Isiah returning to the city and franchise he once terrorized.
Dolan wanted Thomas in the loop, so he could quickly transition from consultant to executive whenever Walsh calls it quits.
And if that hiring ever happens, it will be even more evidence that the Knicks are dysfunctional.
--Oly Sandor.
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I mentioned this in my report yesterday on the feud/pending divorce between Rudy Fernandez and the Portland Trail Blazers, but it belongs in the lead paragraph for this site: The Knicks are among the teams trying to acquire the Spanish shooting guard, and they have offered Wilson Chandler.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For many reasons, Wilson Chandler isn't enough.
The on-going and never-ending Rudy Fernandez trade saga has backed the Portland Trail Blazers and their rookie GM Richie Cho into a corner.
So the New York Knicks offer of Chandler, an athletic swing, won't get a deal done and bring the Spaniard to The Big Apple.
The Blazers are peeved at Fernandez's constant whining to the international press. And Cho, who was just hired as head suit, can't accept anything but equal value in a trade.
Put yourself in Cho's situation. This is your first test as GM. Why cave to Fernandez's demands, take back less than equal value, and bear the brunt of a fan backlash? Instead, why not make a strong first impression with 'Rip City' and try for a home run?
Chandler's mixed record doesn't help. On-court, his athleticism is obvious. Off-court, is a different story: in May, he was arrested for possession of pot during a traffic stop in Queens, New York.
Of course, Portland is weary of acquiring such players because they endured years of 'Jail Blazer' antics and arrests.
Bottom line: the Knicks must up the ante if they want Fernandez's three-point shooting and energy in Madison Square Gardens next season.
--Oly Sandor.
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If the Rockets or Nets can present an offer that is agreeable to the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony is open to being traded to, and signing a long-term extension with, one of these two clubs. The story was reported by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, citing multiple league sources familiar with the situation.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Carmelo Anthony wanted to stay with the Denver Nuggets, he would've taken their three-year, $65 million contract offer.
This thing would've been signed, sealed, and delivered long ago. There's no deal and the speculation is hitting fever pitch.
After all, reports indicate Anthony has zero intention of re-upping with Denver. Instead, he wants to opt-out of his contract next July, hit free agency, and pick his new home.
So the Nuggets have two options. First, they can ignore the headlines, hope the seemingly inevitable doesn't occur, and pray that Anthony re-signs.
This is unlikely, and will result in Anthony's pending free agency becoming such a distraction the season will be compromised. Then he'll leave.
Second, they can accept the inevitable and trade him for a new cast of players to surround star point guard Chauncey Billups. The list of suitors for Anthony reportedly includes the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.
The Nuggets should be able to find a deal to their liking. In fact, it seems they don't have much choice.
--Oly Sandor.
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