According to Mark Berman's article in today's New York Post, restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson feel disrespected by the Knicks lack of urgency to resign them. Both Lee and Robinson remain without offer sheets from any other clubs. Lee and his agent Arn Tellem are reportedly asking for $10 million a season, while Robinson would have to accept the Knicks $2.8 million qualifying offer (I just don't see him going to Greece).I have to take Lee and Robinson's side here. Donnie Walsh has taken a far greater interest in arranging a three-team trade to acquire the Jazz's power forward Carlos Boozer, who has one year left on his contract. I have said before that I do not want to see Boozer in orange and blue. He thinks far too much with his wallet than his heart, and I'd rather say no thanks, even if it would be just for one year. He can go play for Miami, one of the other teams reportedly interested in his services. Lee averaged 16 ppg and 11.7 rpg in his fourth year in the league, and I have no problem giving him $40 million. He is the harderst working player on the court, and is the type of role player you put next to star players, like a Lebron James or Dwayne Wade.
Robinson is a slightly different case. Nate isn't seeking a long term deal, and knows his time with New York is likely coming to an end with the draft choice of Florida State's Toney Douglas. But that doesn't mean he too shouldn't feel disrespected. Drafted in 2005 with Lee, Robinson also had his best NBA season last year, averaging 17 ppg and 4 apg. He was rewarded by the Dougla
s draft choice, and Knick's management has not even had discussions with Nate about a long term contract. Perhaps this is also why Robinson is reportedly considering playing pro ball in Greece, even though I don't see him going there.Knick Tidbits
Danilo Gallinari is still not cleared to participate in contract drills just three months removed from back surgery. However last year's 6th overall pick is working hard on his conditioning, and improving his strength. Dennis D'Agostino has a good writeup on Danilo's return on Knicks.com.
Reportedly, Knick President Donnie Walsh is considering giving veteran point guard Andre Miller an offer for the $5.8 million midlevel exception. A ten year veteran, Miller played for the sixers last year, and averaged 16 ppg and 6.5 apg.
The Knicks are now 0-2 in summer league play, after getting blown out the other day by the Pistons 96-73.
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