It was only two days ago that we were told that the Cavaliers would look to get better through trades as opposed to the draft. Given the selection of J.J. Hickson in last night's draft, I think it's safe to say that the team's "last resort" isn't going to put an end to the off-season moves for this team.
At one point in time, the Knicks' David Lee was the only untouchable player on the roster. Now, with the selection of Danilo Gallinari (booooooo!), the New York Post is hinting that Lee could be on the move.
Gallinari's addition means the Knicks likely will trade Lee this summer for a point guard. Charlotte reportedly is interested, with Raymond Felton. The Knicks nearly dealt Lee to Memphis for their fifth pick, with Walsh saying a deal was "close."
The new regime apparently feels Lee is limited and are hesitant want to give him a lavish contract extension by October because it could hurt their ability to get under the cap in 2010.
A quick look at Lee's stats per 36 minutes (13 points, 11 rebounds, 0.8 steals) shows us that adding him to our front court would provide instant hustle, solid shooting percentages, and someone actually under the age of 30. Crazy concept, I know.
But would trading for him simply set up another team to create cap space by the infamous 2010? We've already heard countless times that the Nets' trade is setting up the "inevitable." But not making any moves to get better before 2010 on our end will not help matters much.
Of course you have to consider what the Knicks would want for Lee. New York looks to be interested in point guard Ray Felton, but they usually tend to be a sucker for expiring deals. I too am interested in Ray Felton, but that is because I'm getting pretty greedy while watching my teams fall just short of a banner. Plus, that's a different post for a different day.
So, the question becomes: even though we now have approximately five guys that could play the "four," do we look at another one? One with a proven track record of work ethic, production and the desire to win? Or do we use our assets (those that we have) to tackle other needs given that the 19-year old Hickson may or may not produce for at least a year or so?
I'm a big David Lee fan, so my opinion may be a bit biased. But I think it's at least worth a shot.
At one point in time, the Knicks' David Lee was the only untouchable player on the roster. Now, with the selection of Danilo Gallinari (booooooo!), the New York Post is hinting that Lee could be on the move.
Gallinari's addition means the Knicks likely will trade Lee this summer for a point guard. Charlotte reportedly is interested, with Raymond Felton. The Knicks nearly dealt Lee to Memphis for their fifth pick, with Walsh saying a deal was "close."
The new regime apparently feels Lee is limited and are hesitant want to give him a lavish contract extension by October because it could hurt their ability to get under the cap in 2010.
A quick look at Lee's stats per 36 minutes (13 points, 11 rebounds, 0.8 steals) shows us that adding him to our front court would provide instant hustle, solid shooting percentages, and someone actually under the age of 30. Crazy concept, I know.
But would trading for him simply set up another team to create cap space by the infamous 2010? We've already heard countless times that the Nets' trade is setting up the "inevitable." But not making any moves to get better before 2010 on our end will not help matters much.
Of course you have to consider what the Knicks would want for Lee. New York looks to be interested in point guard Ray Felton, but they usually tend to be a sucker for expiring deals. I too am interested in Ray Felton, but that is because I'm getting pretty greedy while watching my teams fall just short of a banner. Plus, that's a different post for a different day.
So, the question becomes: even though we now have approximately five guys that could play the "four," do we look at another one? One with a proven track record of work ethic, production and the desire to win? Or do we use our assets (those that we have) to tackle other needs given that the 19-year old Hickson may or may not produce for at least a year or so?
I'm a big David Lee fan, so my opinion may be a bit biased. But I think it's at least worth a shot.
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