Knicks assistant general manager Allan Houston feels that New York is on the right track, relays Bob Herzog of Newsday. Although he would not comment on whether Carmelo Anthony would be playing for the Knicks next season, Houston was effusive in his praise of his new bosses, president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry.
“Steve and Scott have been intentional in their language about what we want to be,” said Houston. “It starts with identifying what you want to be and then going out and doing it. When I was here playing, it was very exciting and we had an identity. It’s about establishing that identity again. From what I’ve seen, the players are buying into it. I think it’s the first time in a long time that’s been the case.”
Houston also spoke enthusiastically about Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks’ notable free agent signing this offseason: “I’m excited for him. People tend to forget he was 20 years old coming into this environment [as a rookie]. Everybody has to grow. Everybody has to mature. He’s developed all the way around and he’s prepared himself for this. That’s the mindset I took. You want to be valuable to your family, your community, your franchise.”
Here are other relevant details regarding the Knicks:
- Anthony is headed for an awkward preseason, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. The star small forward has told the Knicks that he is only willing to waive his no-trade clause for a deal with the Rockets, but the two sides have not been close on a trade. Berman writes that there is a chance that Melo will be forced to attend training camp, which will begin September 25. If Anthony holds out, it will cost him money. If he attends training camp, expect a great deal of awkwardness.
- Bobby Marks of ESPN reports that both Knicks free agent signees Jamel Artis and Xavier Rathan-Mayes have an Exhibit 10 in their contract. This means that each player would receive a $50K bonus if he is waived and would pend 60 days with the Knicks G-League team. Unlike the protection for Nigel Hayes, the Exhibit 10 bonus doesn’t impact the Knicks cap.
- In another story penned by Marc Berman, the writer explains how the Knicks ensured that the undrafted Artis would not get away after his impressive Summer League performance. After a forgettable first game, Artis averaged 10.1 points, while shooting over 50% in his last four contests. “I feel great about making the team,’’ Artis said. “It’s just my competitiveness. I feel I bring a lot to the game and am better than a lot of people, but I want to keep being humble. I feel I’m better than some guys that got drafted.’’
Melo is starting to get annoying, he’s not even top 15 anymore and this dude gets importance as if he is was Shaq in the late 90’s. Why tf did Phil give that marshmellow a no trade clause?
“Why tf did Phil…” is one of the most common sentence starters out there these days.
He still averaged over 22 points/game last season.
Now that Cleveland has a pick that means something, I wonder if the Knicks push Melo aggressively to Cleveland for the pick and some bad contracts to provide Cleveland with some flexibility cap wise and depth. Doubt it would happen (Melo would have to approve), but it’s better than the alternative for him. – remaining a Knick. Stranger things have happened, like today.
You are out of your mind if you think Cleveland is trading Marvin Bagley or Michael Porter Jr for a 33 year old Melo.
You may be right, but winning now in order to keep Lebron, stacking up on depth and dumping bad contracts for a pick that may or may not fall in the top three pick would do it, who knows. Toss in Hernangomez and a number one down the road to sweeten the deal…
I’m sure the Celts looked at the Eastern Conference and figured the Nets may just win enough games to fall out of the top three picks. That pick falling in the top three isn’t a sure thing.
LeBron is not staying in Cleveland. Just accept it.
You’ve made up your mind. Nevermind Lebron.
I’m both a Knicks fan and Melo fan, but no way he’s worth a top 5 pick now, even if it means trying to win now for the Cavs.
P
Melo is worth a first in the late teens and either a couple of decent expiring deals or a bad deal with a decent young player.
Y’all are crazy