The Knicks are not headed in any particular direction, which is arguably the worst position for franchise to be in, and New York president Phil Jackson is a significant reason for that, Chris Herring of ESPN.com argues in a panel of fellow ESPN scribes (Insider subscription required). Carmelo Anthony is also partly to blame because his large contract, which includes a no-trade clause is hamstringing the team, is holding the franchise hostage, Bradford Doolittle opines. The panel suggested, however, that Anthony still has something left and in the right situation he could be a positive part of the Knicks. There are differing opinions on whether or not the Knicks should be in win-now mode or start tanking, with the latter being difficult to do, considering it would mean shedding players with contracts teams would have to take on creatively.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Joakim Noah hasn’t lived up to his $72MM contract and it’s possible that the Knicks will take him out of the starting line-up once Kristaps Porzingis is healthy enough to return to action, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Noah is averaging 5.6 points per game this season.
- Jared Sullinger made his season debut for the Raptors on Wednesday and although the team lost, he felt like he exceed his own expectations, as Doug Smith of the Toronto Star relays. “I was able to keep up with the game,” Sullinger said. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to keep up, especially how hard and how fast the Sixers play, but I was able to keep up with the game.”
- Jae Crowder is more valuable to the Celtics than Anthony could ever be, Logan Mullen of WEEI.com contends. Mullen argues that Anthony doesn’t provide the intensity that Crowder brings on a nightly basis. The scribe admits that the Celtics need one more star player, but cautions that Anthony isn’t the right fit.
Chris Crouse contributed to this post
Crowder and the #1
For Anthony
“If only in my dreams…”
You’re delusional if your really think Melo is worth that
Crowder, pick, Amir for salary, and Smart might get a conversation going though.
Psh don’t even trade Amir for Melo straight up. Melo’s a bum.
Crowder and a #1 for Anthony would b a bad trade just like the arrival says no way would I do that if I was trader danny
In all likelihood, Danny will continue to sit on his hands until Draft night anyway. No superstars available right now.
Carmelo for a younger All Star.. Zaza
On D Sully surely didn’t keep up. Not even close. The Raps lost because of some odd decisions. Running Sully too long and going with Vanvleet taking away from Joseph and Lowrys minutes. I get it the Sixers suck. But both got too much time last night.
Phil Jackson is terrible I don’t know why he’s still employed.
My guess is because he’s kept the draft picks. That and Porzingis are about the only things separating him from Isiah Thomas right now.
Melo is not a winner. He will never be a Celtic.
Forget Boston. Ainge is a piece collector, not a deal maker. The Allen/Garnett thing was an aberration (McHale won’t be a GM again any time soon). If Ainge were a deal maker, he’d have traded a couple of these Net picks while their value was highest (before the draft order is determined, and what’s available there is known). How many 1st round picks has Ainge made since drafting A.Bradley? How many of those 10+ guys could be traded now for a future pick in the same slot? Zero. It will be even harder going forward as you can’t develop 8-10 young players at once with few minutes available.
I agree that Trader Danny’s draft picks have not panned out as well as players obtained in trades. IT4 and Crowder came via trades. Jaylen Brown has potential .