New York Knicks

Will Tom Izzo scare LeBron James from Cleveland?

Thursday, June 10, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

Tom Izzo is apparently closer to saying yes to the Cleveland Cavaliers than previously thought, a source told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Thursday.

That source discussed Izzo's future with a close confidant of Izzo, who is coaching in the NBA. The source told Katz that Izzo, who talked to his team earlier this week about his interest in the Cavaliers, is leaning toward taking the job if it is offered.

"Three weeks ago that wasn't the case, but it has changed,'' said the source.

Izzo is meeting with Cleveland to discuss the team's coaching vacancy on Thursday.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Right now, Tom Izzo is wrong for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Izzo is a great college coach. In time, he may defy the NCAA-to-pro curse and develop into a great NBA coach. With LeBron James' pending free agency, now isn't appropriate for the Cavaliers to gamble on a sideline boss who has never coached an NBA game.

Imagine James' position on July 1st when he hits free agency. Think of his choices on the bench: the New York Knicks have former Coach of the Year and Team USA assistant Mike D'Antoni; the New Jersey Nets just landed former Coach of the Year Avery Johnson; the Miami Heat - if need be - will bring Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley out of the executive suite; the Chicago Bulls recently hired defensive guru Tom Thibodeau; and the L.A. Clippers will even let James pick his coach and GM.

With these options available, why would James re-sign with Cleveland and a green Izzo? These two aren't buddies like James and University of Kentucky coach John Calipari. And Izzo, while talented, isn't Duke's Mike Krzyzkewski.

King James wants to win now. A rookie NBA coach, even one with Izzo's resume at Michigan State, may be just enough for him to leave the Cavaliers and sign elsewhere.

Will Izzo scare away LeBron? 

Report: Kardashian and Odom expecting a baby

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

HoopsVibe's Quick Call: There's an oil spill causing immense damage off the Gulf Coast. The world economy is at risk because several European nations spent like Isiah Thomas when he was GM of the New York Knicks. And the Prime Minister of Japan just resigned.

Now for the news that matters: Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom, the two semi-celebs with cheeks like your kid brother's hamster, are reportedly having a baby.

Got thoughts on what Khloe and Lamar should call their love-child?

Why we love a Celtics-Lakers Final: was Paul Pierce faking or hurt in the game one of 2008 Finals?

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

HoopsVibe's Quick Call: Like you, HoopsVibe News loves having the Celtics and Lakers in the NBA Finals because of the controversy. 

For instance, in 2008, you'll remember these two met, clashed, and fought for championship glory. The mighty green-and-white of Boston prevailed, in part, because of Paul Pierce's heroics in game one.

The All-Star injured his knee, but - in a moment that reminded many of Willis Reed emerging from the Madison Square Garden tunnel to lead the New York Knicks to victory on a sprained ankle - returned to lead the Celtics' comeback.

Was it really heroic?

Of course, there were doubters, especially amongst Laker-nation. They felt Pierce exaggerated the injury. They felt he wanted to set the stage for his dramatic return.

Perhaps.

Others, however, believed Pierce displayed tenacity and guts by playing through the pain. And Boston fans see it as the defining moment of his proud career.

The Truth, pun intended, may be somewhere in the middle.

Was Pierce's return in 2008 acting or heroics? Was he faking or hurt? Watch the clips below and get at us in the comment box below with thoughts.  

(The case for Pierce faking!) 

(The case for Pierce having a legit injury!)

Eddy Curry needs Suzy Orman

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

HoopsVibe's Call:  A $575, 000 loan at 85% interest? $30,000 a month in household expenses? $1,000 a month for cable?

With expenses like this, Eddy Curry, the New York Knicks' much maligned post, needs a financial mentor/intervention. Perhaps, late-night informercial guru Suzy Orman is available.

While it's commendable to care for family and friends after making it 'big', Curry's spending is straight out of control.

Curry - who barely played in 2009-10 and is under contract for just one more year at $10 million - must immediately change his spending patterns or he'll soon join former shoulder-shimmy star Antoine Walker, the nation of Greece, and producer Jermaine Dupri in bankruptcy.

And there's nothing worse than Uncle Sam and creditors sniffing around for your Bentleys, Rolls Royces, and mansions in the Hamptons.

Click the link courtesy of Ball Don't Lie and get the full scoop on Curry's financial woes.

The 'Twitter' break-up: Chris Bosh and Toronto Raptors discussing sign-and-trades

Friday, May 21, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

"Chris Bosh's agent has told the Toronto Raptors that he's narrowed his list of preferred teams to five, two sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford at the NBA draft camp.

The list of five teams -- Toronto plus the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks, sources said -- were given to Toronto management in case the Raptors want to construct a sign-and-trade deal (assuming he doesn't re-sign with Toronto)."
 
 
HoopsVibe's Call: Chris Bosh will not come back to the Toronto Raptors. And the NBA's sole international team shouldn't want him to come back.
 
Bosh claims to be about winning and this summer is his chance, his sole opportunity to partner with LeBron James or Dwyane Wade and win a championship. After all, The Big Three, Bosh, James, and Wade, have already admitted they'll hatch out a plan over a sitdown dinner before the July 1st deadline.
 
How can Toronto compete? Frankly, Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, and Hedo Turkoglu can't.
 
Perhaps, the Raptors would prefer to cut ties with Bosh.
 
Fair or not, the team never had much success with the lefthanded post as the franchise piece. And Toronto management must have been disappointed when Bosh recently tweeted fans asking their opinion on whether to re-sign with the Raptors or leave the only pro team he's ever played for.
 
While this wasn't exactly Gilbert Arenas flipping a coin to decide between signing with the Los Angeles Clippers or Washington Wizards in 2003, it does show a lack of professionalism. 
 
For years, Toronto has been paying Bosh max' money to lead. But max' money players don't embarrass themselves and their team by discussing their future on twitter like a second rate reality television star.
 
Toronto and Bosh should agree to part ways and focus on a sign-and-trade. This would be best for all involved, especially if it doesn't involve twitter. 

Got thoughts on Bosh's future? Get at us in the comment box below.

Tony Parker Eyeing New York Knicks?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
With Donnie Walsh in the market for a point guard, there are reports that San Antonio would consider trading Tony Parker, who lost his starting job to Hill and has told close friends he and his actress wife, Eva Longoria, would love to relocate to New York.

"Pop loves George and I could see a scenario where he would trade Tony," said a Spurs source, referring to San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. "Tony will be looking for a max deal and New York may pay him."

Parker, who turns 28 this week, is under contract through next season and there are several factors that could prevent a trade from  happening. With the Knicks having traded away their first-round picks for the next two years, they don't have many assets to trade unless they are willing to part with Danilo Gallinari or Wilson Chandler, the latter of whom is recovering from offseason ankle surgery for the second time in two years. Of course, if the Knicks are willing to take on Spurs forward Richard Jefferson's salary, they would increase their chances of acquiring Parker.
 

Knicks Laugh When Asked if D'Antoni Practices Defense

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
When you talk to Suns officials they mostly have good things to say about D'Antoni. The biggest knocks I heard when I covered the Suns-Blazers series is that D'Antoni is stubborn and that he doesn't emphasize defense. We've all seen that firsthand.

Mike denies all charges even though when you ask some Knick players if they ever practice defense they'll laugh and say "are you kidding me."

This should be a powerful lesson for the Knicks and their head coach. The Suns have proven they can win without D'Antoni but D'Antoni has yet to prove he can win without the Suns. He'll get players this summer. Maybe even LeBron James will come. But it's not just about upgrading the roster. It's about D'Antoni admitting that the one fatal flaw to his system is that his teams don't defend and doing something about it.

With the money the Knicks have there is no reason why they can't hire a defensive coach. Heck, the Knicks are one of the few teams that don’t employ an advance scout. How has that worked out for them? 

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Benching Costs Nate Robinson $1 Million

Thursday, May 06, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Boston Celtics guard Nate Robinson was benched for two games near the end of the regular season, and it cost him $1 million, while saving the team twice that amount.

A clause in Robinson's contract calls for him to make a $1 million bonus if he both played in at least 58 games and made the playoffs this season. Robinson's Celtics are in the postseason but he played in 56 games. As a result, the Celtics saved the $1 million they would have paid Robinson -- equivalent to a quarter of his reported annual salary -- and an additional $1 million they would have owed in luxury tax to the NBA (most of which would have been distributed to teams with payrolls below the luxury tax threshold).

[...]
 
The Knicks traded Robinson to the Celtics at the deadline. He played his first game for Boston on Feb. 23. To reach 58 games played, he would have had to play in every remaining game. His playing time was sporadic, but with 10 days left, he remained on track, having played in 20 straight games. Robinson has averaged 15 minutes a game with the Celtics.
 
He missed an entire game, and a big payday, when the Celtics beat the Cavaliers on April 4. The Celtics played their starters long minutes and were also working Michael Finley -- a veteran bench scorer, like Robinson -- into the rotation. Robinson dressed but did not see action.

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Brad Miller: I'm Not Going to New York

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Already, stories have speculated the Rockets and Knicks will show interest.

"I'm not going to New York," Miller said flatly.

The 12-year veteran said a two-year deal with a third year player option would be ideal. The Bulls would re-sign Miller at the right price.

"This is definitely one of the teams on my small list that I'm very interested in," Miller said. "But I'm in a good situation and realistic about my worth. I'm not worried about having to chase money. I can go to the situation that's best for me.

"I've had security for a long time. I'm assuming there will be interest but you never know." 

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Danilo Gallinari: I Want LeBron James to Be a Knick

Saturday, April 24, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
While discussing his reasons for wanting to take a break from basketball this summer, Gallinari said the two words Donnie Walsh will never use until July 1st: LeBron James

Gallinari, in an interview reported by La Stampa, had this to say about his season, the Italian national team, his desire to finish his career in Italy and, of course, LBJ.

"The vote for my season is 8 (out of 10)" said Gallinari. "I have played 81 games and I have again the pleasure to play after a season with big problems at my back and the surgery. We had too many ups and downs and without maintaining continuity is difficult to reach high goals.

"I have talked with Italian Federation President Dino Meneghin but not with the coach Simone Pianigiani. I would like to play but there are some factors to consider: my body and to be ready for the next season with Knicks. I really hope LeBron James (the best player in the League according to Gallinari) will be a Knick. But, however, it is going to be an important season for us" who finished talking about the future of his career. "My project is to finish the career in Italy with Milano".
 

Eddy Curry to Knicks: Don't Buy Me out; Waive Me

Sunday, April 18, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Embattled Eddy Curry told The Post he hopes the Knicks waive him if he is not in their plans for next season.

The Knicks' star-crossed center, who has played 10 games in two seasons, said he would not take less money to go away.

"I'm not taking a buyout, so that's not happening," Curry told The Post. "Definitely not. They can try to trade me if they wanted to. I hope it doesn't come to that.

"But I would just hope that if it came down to it, especially going into a contract year, that if [coach Mike D'Antoni] knows this wasn't the right place for me, they would make the right decision. Other than that, I'll do everything I can to be ready."

The Knicks will look for a starting center in the free-agent market. In addition to Marcus Camby, they may court Brad Miller, who played for Knicks team president Donnie Walsh in Indiana.

In perhaps his last act as a Knick, Curry forgot his passport on their season-ending trip to Toronto earlier this week, according to sources. Curry would like to forget his past two seasons.

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Report: Hornets Interested in David Lee

Friday, April 16, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
According to a source, the Hornets are in love with David Lee, a free agent who is not the Knicks' first priority.

"This is the first time we've been under the cap in 15 years," said Walsh. "I'm going to take that as good and see what we can make out of it. All I can do is work as hard as I can work to make that come true. You got to be crazy to say there is no doubt in my mind [we'll be better]. Yeah, there's always doubt on everything."

Indeed, a probable scenario for the big five free agents has James staying in Cleveland, Stoudemire joining Dwyane Wade in Miami and Bosh heading to Chicago or Dallas.

Walsh, however, thinks the stars may have the ego to conquer New York.

"I hope we're talking to people who want to build something up," Walsh said. "And want to be a part of a start of something in a big city. I can't imagine what it would be like to build this into a winner. There would be no other place like this -- none."
 

Tracy McGrady: I Might Retire

Thursday, April 15, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Tracy McGrady is at a career crossroads, and he knows it.

The New York Knicks' swingman remains optimistic that an extensive training program this summer can help him regain the form that made him an NBA All-Star. But if his game doesn't return, he'll retire, he said Wednesday.

"If it don't happen this summer, I'll ride off into the sunset," McGrady told reporters before sitting out the Knicks' season finale, a 131-113 loss at Toronto.

"If I could go through another offseason of working my [butt] off, and I don't feel I'm getting any better, I can't see myself coming back playing the way I'm playing right now. I just don't see it happening," he said. 

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New York Knicks May Slightly Alter Uniforms

Monday, April 12, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

According to a source, the Knicks have had internal discussions about making some minor changes to the uniform for the 2010-11 season.

It doesn’t sound like anything major is being planned, just a subtle tweak and update. The NBA would have to approve and Adidas, the league’s apparel outfitter, would also have to know with enough advanced warning.

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Tracy McGrady: I'm Not a Sixth Man

Sunday, April 11, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
"Sixth man? I don't see myself being a sixth man," McGrady said when someone broached that role before the Knicks were hammered, 118-103, by his former team, the Orlando Magic, Friday night at Amway Arena.

"I mean, I haven't fallen off that --- much," he said. "I've been hurt the last two years. But I ain't fallen off that much."

As he continues to work his way back from microfracture knee surgery, McGrady's struggles during his brief time with the Knicks might give teams second thoughts about signing him. But he says he won't visit a team this summer that has interest and audition to show how far he's come - and still has to go. "I don't think I have to do that," he said.

McGrady, who turns 31 in May, says he's interested in playing four or five more years. Since he has never gotten out of the first round of the playoffs, he knows his time is running out for getting a ring. So he's not interested in playing for teams that have no chance of winning.

"I'm interested to go to a team where I can win," he said. 

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D'Antoni: There's No Room Here for T-Mac Next Year

Saturday, April 03, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Though the final decision belongs to Knicks team president Donnie Walsh, coach Mike D'Antoni feels it would be prudent to move on without Tracy McGrady next season, according to team sources.

D'Antoni has seen McGrady labor for 21 games, averaging 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

And last night McGrady, who said he experienced swelling in his left knee for the first time this season, was shut down by the medical staff at halftime after looking miserable -- 1-for-4, three points -- in the Knicks' 128-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena.

[...]

The team source said D'Antoni feels McGrady has too far to go in his comeback to be counted on next season as an important piece of a rotation the coach expects to be massively improved.
 

 

Danilo Gallinari Takes Blame for Loss

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Gallinari is just 21 years old and a virtual rookie. He is not the Knicks’ leading scorer or their franchise player or an established star, although they have hopes for all of those things.

Still, he felt the responsibility was his on this night. He said so in pointed and sometimes profane terms, showing a full grasp of English slang as he cursed his mistakes.

“If I play 42 minutes and I go 1 for 6 from 3, I definitely have to think about this game,” Gallinari said tensely. “I’m on the court and I’m a big part of the offense. So if I shoot the ball bad like that in these type of games – tie games, at the end of the game, you look at the shots – definitely got to blame myself.”

With that, he exhaled and groaned.

“I cannot be like that,” he said. 

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Carlos Boozer Praises Mike D'Antoni

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Surely, Boozer, who played for D'Antoni at the Olympics, is on the Knick list.

"I love D'Antoni, he's the dope," Boozer said. "Spending time with him in the Olympics, his offensive mindset is unbelievable. He's got the best plays I've ever been around -- on a whim. It's like rappers when they come out on the top of the dome with quotes. He's got plays in the back of his head with plays for that moment."

D'Antoni said he was reluctant to talk about Boozer because of tampering, saying only, "Anyone on the US Olympic team is one of the top 20 players in the game. He's definitely up there."

Even though Boozer got snubbed from the All-Star Game, the chances of the former Duke NCAA champion re-signing with the Jazz is stronger than when the season started. Utah is a Western Conference force again, with a 48-26 record, in fourth place, ready to make the playoffs for the 24th time in 27 years. That is an astounding stretch considering the Knicks, after being mathematically eliminated Sunday night, having missed postseason eight of the last nine years.
 

LeBron Is Keeping an Eye on Danilo Gallinari

Thursday, March 25, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Gallinari, who was limited to just 28 games as a rookie due to a back injury that eventually required surgery, has been inconsistent this season. Three weeks ago, Mike D'Antoni criticized Gallinari for his lackluster play, but recently he's been one of the Knicks' most consistent players.

Gallinari's development is crucial for several reasons. He's one of the few Knicks under contract for next season, and his presence could either hurt or help the team recruit a significant free agent this summer. In November, when the Cavs made their one and only visit to the Garden this season, a LeBron James confidant pointed at Gallinari and said "LeBron wants to see how this kid does this year."

After the game, LeBron approached Gallinari to offer encouragement and advised him to make sure he stretches his back before every game. Jordan was never that chummy with Kukoc.
 

[vid] Knicks Cheerleader Fail

Monday, March 22, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News

D'Antoni to Hill: I Don't Play Bad Rookies

Monday, March 22, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
The war of words between Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni and Jordan Hill is on.

D'Antoni got his hackles up before yesterday's Rockets showdown when The Post asked him about ex-Knick Hill's recent remarks. Hill said he couldn't strut his stuff in New York because D'Antoni isn't fond of playing rookies.

"Where does that come from?" D'Antoni said. "Seriously. It's something that cracks me up. I don't play rookies? I don't like to play bad rookies."

Ouch.
 

 

Could Joe Johnson Lure LeBron to Knicks?

Friday, March 19, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
ESPN NBA analyst Ric Bucher quoted a league source yesterday when he said that LeBron James might be more interested in coming to the Knicks if they have Hawks' shooting guard Joe Johnson.

"If it's LeBron James they want," Bucher said, "a league source says the Hawks' shooting guard is a very good place to start."
 

Granger: If I Were LeBron, I'd Go to New York

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Written by HoopsVibe News
Granger was then asked who he would pick for MVP.

"I’d have to go with LeBron," said Granger. "Without him, they (the Cavs) probably wouldn’t win that many games. But with him, they are pretty much unstoppable. I think he’s one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA.

Granger was then asked if he expects LeBron to re-sign with Cleveland or sign with New York.

"If I was LeBron, I’d go to New York," said Granger.

"New York is the media mecca as far as endorsements and being able to expand your personnel net worth. The exposure you can get there isn’t only nationally but globally. New York does all that for you."