Losing Reggie Bullock in free agency last summer is yet another what-if for the Knicks, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Bullock received a three-year deal worth a little over $30MM from Dallas.
New York’s front office chose to utilize the team’s extensive cap space by signing veterans Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. The Knicks also re-signed Derrick Rose, Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to pricey deals.
Bullock was close with Julius Randle, and Bondy wonders if Bullock’s presence might have helped uplift Randle during his struggles this season. Coach Tom Thibodeau says Bullock’s skill set is valuable to any team in the league.
“Reggie’s gonna help any team,” Thibodeau said. “That’s who he is. He’s got a skill in shooting; he spaces the floor for your best players. He’s a great defender, and he’s got length. He’s a long wing. Wherever he’s been, he’s always helped the team. He’s a team-first guy, so he’s a good player. He’s been a good player for a long time in this league.”
It’s been reported multiple times that Thibodeau urged the front office to retain Bullock, but he denies being upset that the veteran wing wasn’t re-signed.
“I love Reggie. He’s a good player. When a guy earns the right to free agency, he has to do what he thinks is best for him and his family,” Thibodeau said, per Bondy. “I got great respect for him, so I wasn’t disappointed. I know that’s part of the business. For a guy who conducts himself the way he does, you’re always happy when they get good situations.
“So, I think he was a big part of what happened last year and a byproduct of when something good happens like that, everyone’s value goes up, so that’s the case. And then you have to decide what’s best for your organization. He’s gotta decide what’s best for him and his family. And hopefully, you can find something, but it doesn’t always work out that way. It’s part of the league.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Celtics coach Ime Udoka said Jaylen Brown has no more limitations relating to his sprained right ankle, but Aaron Nesmith will be out “a while” longer as he deals with his own ankle sprain, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic (Twitter link). The second-year swingman is listed as day-to-day.
- Fred VanVleet‘s shooting is much needed for the Raptors, but his value extends beyond that, Eric Koreen of the Athletic writes. “(VanVleet) makes it easier,” Scottie Barnes said. “It opens up a lot more space. He’s a general out there on the floor. So it helps us all when he’s out there on the floor with driving lanes being more open. When he’s there, his presence is just really big for our team.”
- Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post wonders if the Big Two is all the Nets really need after the team’s 132-121 victory over Charlotte on Tuesday. “That,” coach Steve Nash said, “was about as well as we’ve played all year, both sides of the ball.” Kyrie Irving dominated the game, finishing with 50 points on just 19 shots. Brooklyn is currently 34-34, the No. 8 seed in the East.
So a close friend is the difference in Randle .
OK great insight. No one cares about Bullock or Randle.
Nets waxing that Sixer butt ……
Yeah Philly get to know that feeling ……
How cute ….. you now have muted me. So you think you can hide now. You 15 yrs old lol. It’s about bouncing it not massaging it . Not only clueless but also a coward …… join the list
Knicks fans are getting weirder and weirder as the seasons go on. You ok bro?
He knows who I’m talking to …….
What is your issue.
Oh does he? Does he know? Well say high to “him” for me.
Who are you talking to Alex? Rough night? Lmao
Do we know there was no romantic aspect to their relationship? That might make Randle more sensitive to the abrupt departure.
I was smiling from start to finish of that Sixers game. Philly fans thought they’d really stick it to Ben Simmons by booing him while their team was down 20 pts. Embarrassing, embarrassing loss.
More evidence of a brilliant Knicks offseason.
All about the draft for me, now.
What always amazes me. Is all this Knicks attention. By posters who don’t know Knicks or ball. Who I’m sure couldn’t care less about Knicks. Yet can’t help but gives your washed takes. Try getting your own thoughts. Show some basketball IQ. Most of the critics and geniuses here. Are on rewind. It’s the same nonsense that means nothing Basketball wise. Or repeating a media take. Get your own idea. Please have some respect for yourself ……..
All I know is Moreyon analytics suxx …
Embiid is the biggest cry baby in NBA. LITERALLY …..
I told all you Harden folks. Look up his playoffs stats. It’s only one game. But that was an Aaa wiping. That’s without Ben.!In Philly ….. when did they sit after 3rd Q.
Harden can be dealt with. Cause he’s an iso guy. You can defend that as a team. Philly better work on that. Owned for a game
Haaaaaa hoooooo hiiiiiii haaaaa
I think you mean Embiid is the top center in basketball. Dude is a beast
Top of the 2nd place rankings, maybe.
Not sure why Al keeps bringing up wiping. What’s up man?
Seriously lol.
Actually meant whipping. Phone prints on its own sometimes.
Embiid was crying for calls. He does that a lot. He’s physical but doesn’t like it. When you are physical with him. That’s being a baby to me.
I was a big fan of Bullock, and what he brought to the team on and off the court. Role playing culture guys are important. I was very surprised that the NYK didn’t make a better effort to sign him on the same basis they signed Burks, Noel and Rose (2 years, team option for year 3). NYK FO was clear that 3 year money would be limited (as it should have been), and, IMO, his spot, wasn’t one that needed an immediate upgrade.
Bullock did end up getting some guaranteed $$ (5 mm) for a 3rd season with DAL, but it appears the Knicks had already put him on back burner. Fournier did get 3 years, and for much more $$. Bullock in lieu of him would have freed up 3 year money for a PG, and that might be the legacy of their decision more than Fournier vs Bullock.