What are you doing Donnie?

I've waited paitently to see how Donnie Walsh would handle the free agency period, but now that patience is beginning to wear thin. According to Knicks beat reporter Frank Isola, the Knicks will make a decision on whether to make an offer to point guards Ramon Sessions or Jamaal Tinsley by week's end. Isola goes on to report that Bucks owner John Hammond and Walsh spoke on Wednesday. Gery Woelfel, who covers the Bucks for the Journal Times, believes the subject of their conversation was the possibility of the two clubs completing a sign-and-trade deal. The New York Post reported today that Tinsley met with Walsh and head coach Mike D'Antoni yesterday, to gague mutual interest.

In 39 games last year, the 31 year-old Tinsley averaged 12 ppg and 8.4 assists for the Pacers. In 79 games for the Bucks last year, the 23 year-old Sessions averaged 12.4 ppg and 5.7 apg.

Here's why I'm upset: Sessions is far and away a better sigining than Tinsley. At 23 years of age, Sessions has the potential to be an all-star caliber point guard. He has an up-tempo style of play that would fit in nicely with Mike D'Antoni's offense. Tinsley meanwhile, is on the wrong side of 30, and coming off an injury plagued 2008-2009 season. He is only looking for a one year deal, and would be much cheaper than Sessions, who is looking for a four year deal somewhere in the neighborhood of $22-26 million. However, the Knicks need to invest in young talent, not players past their prime. Sesssions could join a core group of players that includes Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Toney Douglas, Jordan Hill, and David Lee. At his age and with his skill set, he can be the point guard of the future in New York.

Here's something else that doesn't make sense about the potential Tinsley signing: Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson will be free agents at the end of next year. Add Tinsley to that list if the Knicks do choose to sign him. So who then is the Knicks point guard of the future? It won't be Steve Nash, who recently signed a two year $22 million contract extension with the Suns. The Knicks also don't have a first round draft pick next year (thank you Stephon Marbury trade), so where is this future point guard coming from if it's not Sessions? And if I here the names Allen Iverson and Jason Williams again as longshot possibilities, I'm going to throw up.

My problem is not that Walsh has taken his time making a decision on who to sign, but rather on who he is contemplating signing. The answer is so simple Donnie it is staring you right in the face. And I won't even get into the David Lee or Nate Robinson fiasco's, which is iritating me as well, so I'll stay on 'point' discussing the Knicks' guard situation. Sign Ramon Sessions Donnie. If you're afraid the Bucks will match your offer sheet, than work out a sign-and-trade. Do whatever it takes to get this guy in here, becuase I have news for you: there is no other future point guard waiting in the wings.

Knicks finish Summer League 0-5

Like spring training, preseason football, and preseason hockey, what happens in the NBA Summer League doesn't matter longterm. Still, I'm sure Knick fans would have liked to come away with a victory, rather than go 0-5 in Las Vegas. The clubs most recent loss came yesterday, a 89-84 defeat to the Washington Wizards.

What does matter in the Summer League, rather than the win-loss record, is how your rookies perform. Here, the Knicks get high marks. 8th pick Jordan Hill, and 29th selection Toney Douglas were equally impressive in their Knick debuts. Hill led the team in points and rebounds with 14.4 and 8.2, respectively. He showed surprisingly good range and a nose for the ball. Douglas was the team leader in assists with 7.0 per game. I thought he was more of a combo-guard and a scorer coming out of Florida State, but Douglas showed the ability to run the team, and could turn out to be a very good point guard. If he develops properly, I can't see a place for Nate Robinson past 2009/2010.

I was also surprised by the play of Morris Almond, who scored in double figures all five games, and averaged 14 ppg. Almond was drafted in 2007 by the Jazz with the 25th pick, two picks after the Knicks drafted Wilson Chandler. The former Rice star appeared in just 34 games over the last two seasons, averaging just 3.1 points in 8.6 minutes a game. Almond can really shoot the rock, and I think their is a place for him on this team.

So yes two of the five losses were blowouts. But so what. The important thing that Knick fans should take away from Summer League '09 is that they have two rookies, who look like they will be able to contribute at the NBA level.

Here are the results of all five games, just for housekeeping purposes:
July 14 vs. Grizzlies L 90-86
July 15 vs. Pistons L 96-73
July 17 vs. Kings L 84-71
July 18 vs. Bulls L 90-84
July 19 vs. Wizards L 89-84

Knick Tidbits:

• Knick beat writer Frank Isola is reporting in the Daily News that team president Donnie Walsh has met with free-agent point guard Andre Miller. It is not believed the Knicks have made a formal offer. Last year for the Sixers, Miller averaged over 16 ppg and 6.5 apg.

• It would behoove Donnie Walsh to make a run at restricted free-agent Ramon Sessions instead of Andre Miller. Bucks beat writer Gery Woelfel wrote just a couple days ago that the Knicks are the front runner to land the former Nevada star. Woelfel writes that Donnie Walsh is trying to negotiate a sign-and-trade, and if he cannot will offer Sessions the MLE. At just 23 years old, Sessions averaged 12,4 ppg and 5.7 assists last season. To me, this move makes the most sense. Sessions is younger and more athletic than Miller at this point in his career. He would fit in perfectly with Mike D'Antoni's up and down style of play, and could very well be the point guard of the future.

• It sounds like David Lee is going to be a Knick or a Trailblazer next season. The Knicks have a five year offer on the table for about $7 million a season, but the Blazers have more money. Portland actually can offer Lee upwards of $10 million a season, now that the Jazz matched their offer for restricted free-agent Paul Millsap.

Knicks Lee, Robinson feel disrespected?

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 Douglas 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.

Knicks fall 90-86 to Grizzlies - Douglas shines

11 assists and zero turnovers. Above all else, Toney Douglas' pro debut is what stands out from the Knicks first summer league game, a 90-86 loss at the hands of the Grizzlies. The 29th overall selection in the NBA draft showed immediately the kind of versatility and scoring ability that made him a tremendous player in the ACC. In addition to the 11 dimes, Douglass dropped 8 points, three boards, and two steals. Here were some of Donnie Walsh's post game comments:

“Toney, who has been known as a scorer, I think he did a lot of things that make him stand out as a point guard,” Walsh said. “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but I know he can do that… He had 11 assists and no turnovers, and that was very impressive. He went up against NBA type guys and proved that he belongs here."

Douglas was not the only rookie to shine. Eighth overall pick Jordan Hill had 13 points and 8 rebounds in 28 minutes. He appeared to be very aggressive and active on the boards. He also showed some nice moves on the offensive end, especially in the second half. Morris Almond led the Knicks with 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting. He showed a good shooting touch, as well as some range.

The Knicks next summer league game is tomorrow at 4:00 P.M, against Detroit.

Knick notes:

Eddy Curry has reportedly lost over 30 pounds. Congratulations Eddy, another 20 or so to go.

No team has officially extended an offer sheet to restricted free agents Nate Robinson and David Lee. Rumor has it that Knick team president Donnie Walsh is very interested in Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer, who has one year left on his deal, and is owed roughly $12 million. The Jazz are trying to trade Boozer in time to match the offer sheet the Blazers gave restricted forward Paul Millsap. Walsh is reportedly very interested in Boozer, especially if he cannot give David Lee a new contract. The sticking point with Lee seems to be that his agent is asking for $10 million a season, and Walsh does not want to go above $8.

I really do not want to see the Knicks get Carlos Boozer, even if it is for one year. He seems to be a player that thinks with his wallet and doesn't care so much about winning. We all remember how he stuck it to the Cavaliers several years ago. More recently the fans in Utah have really turned on him as well. The Knicks would be much better served giving David Lee the money he wants, as he is the hardest worker on the team, as well as a fan favorite.

Knicks set to begin summer league

The Knickerbockers (0-0) open up summer league play in Las Vegas tonight, taking on the Memphis Grizzlies (1-0) summer league squad. 2009 draft picks Toney Douglas and Jordan Hill will make their debuts in a Knick uniform. Here is the projected starting lineup:

PG - Toney Douglas
SG - Morris Almond
SF - Alex Acker
PF - Jordan Hill
C - Saer Sene

Gametime is at 6 P.M. Check in later for thoughts and analysis, as well as news on Eddy Curry, and Donnie Walsh's pursuit of Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer.

Knicks sign Jordan Hill

The Knicks today announced the signing of Jordan Hill, the eight overall selection by New York in the 2009 NBA Draft. Terms of the contract are not yet known. Hill, 6-10, 235-pounds, averaged 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds in his junior year at Arizona. He became the first Wildcat in thirty years to average a double-double.

My take:

I wasn't sure how I felt about the Knicks drafting Jordan Hill and I'm still not. While watching the draft, Donnie Walsh took the best player avaliable, after Stephen Curry went one pick before at seven to Golden State. I think Hill can be a solid presence in the post during his NBA career, but I do not ever see him as a dominant forward or scorer. Watching him at Arizona, he was able to use his strength and athleticism to eclipse the opposition. I don't see that being the case in the NBA, and Hill will have to develop more of an offensive arsenal to put up consistent numbers. I do think Hill can be a very good player for the Knicks for many years, but as a role player, not a star you build your team around.

(Update: Hill would earn about $4.3 million over two years under the rookie salary scale.)

Grant Hill turns down Knicks offer, will stay in Phoenix

First Jason Kidd. Now Grant Hill. The Knicks are now 0 for 2 in signing potential free agents.

According to Yahoo Sports, Hill is closing in on a contract extension to stay with the Suns. Terms have the contract have not been announced yet. A huge reason why Hill decided to stay was that it is believed Phoenix is close to locking up Steve Nash to a three year, $33 million dollar deal. It was believed that the Knicks offered Hill two deals on the table: a one year deal for $5 million or a three year, $10 million dollar deal. Former Knick Channing Frye is also expected to sign with the Suns for two years, $3.8 million.

I'm pretty surprised Hill decided to turn down the Knicks offer. It was rumored that his wife was pushing him towards signing with the Knicks since it would help her acting career, but I guess Steve Nash re-upping in Phoenix was enough to make him stay. New York still is not ready to compete, but the lure of playing for Mike D'Antoni, who Hill played for in Phoenix during the '07-08 season, was a lot to pass up. He must really believe in the Suns ability to turn it around because he also turned down an offer from the Boston Celtics.

Knicks ink Toney Douglas

Toney Douglas is now officially a Knickerbocker. New York signed Douglas to a contract yesterday. Douglass was drafted by the Lakers with the 29th overall selection before the Knicks bought his draft rights in exchange for a 2011 second-round pick and cash.

The deal is very similar to the one guard Nate Robinson recieved when he came to the league. Douglas will make roughly 3 million over his first three seasons, with a team option for 2 million in 2012/2013. Douglass would then be a restricted free agent in 2013/2014, and would make roughly 3 million if he accepted the team's qualifying offer.

Douglas was drafted to probably be the eventual replacement for Nate Robinson. At 6-1, 225 pounds, Douglas averaged 21.5 points for Florida State University in his senior year. He was the runner-up ACC POTY, and won the ACC Defensive POTY. He also led the Seminoles to the big dance for the first time since 1998. He is expected to come off the bench and create a spark, much like the way Nate Robinson does.

Check out the Knicks salary situation, at hoopsype.com.

(This Photo courtesy of MSG Photos. Taken from Knicks.com )

Knicks Summer League

Here is the Knicks 2009 summer league roster and schedule, courtesy of nbadraft.net.

NEW YORK KNICKS SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER

No Player Pos Ht Wt Birthdate College NBA Exp

3 Wink Adams G 6-0 200 3 /9/1985 Nevada-Las Vegas R
13 Alex Acker G 6-5 185 1/21/1983 Pepperdine 2
11 Blake Ahearn G 6-2 190 5/27/1984 Missouri State 2
30 Morris Almond G 6-6 225 2/2/1985 Rice 2
44 Warren Carter F 6-9 220 4/ 23/1985 Illinois R
5 Joe Crawford G 6-5 210 6/17/1986 Kentucky 1
23 Toney Douglas G 6-1 200 3/16/1986 Florida State R
6 Patrick Ewing, Jr. F 6-8 240 05/20/1984 Georgetown R
43 Jordan Hill F 6-10 235 7/ 27/1987 Arizona R
17 Ron Howard G 6-5 200 11/14/1982 Valparaiso R
47 Yaroslav Korolev F 6-10 245 05/7/1987 Moscow 2
40 David Noel F 6-6 230 2/27/1984 1
18 Mouhamed Sene C 6-11 230 5/12/1986 Senegal 3
50 Rashaad Singleton C 7-0 270 5/22/1987 Florida Southern R
55 Nikoloz Tskitishvili F 7-0 225 4/13/1983 Intl 4

NEW YORK KNICKS SUMMER LEAGUE SCHEDULE (All Times PDT)

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIPOFF
Tuesday, July 14vs. Memphis3:00 p.m. Cox Pavilion
Wednesday, July 15vs. Detroit1:00 p.m. Cox Pavilion
Friday, July 17vs. Sacramento3:00 p.m. Cox Pavilion
Saturday, July 18vs. Chicago3:00 p.m. Cox Pavilion
Sunday, July 19vs. Washington1:00 p.m. Cox Pavilion

Lower Salary Cap Could Affect Knicks in 2010

Knick fans know that team president Donnie Walsh has been targetting the summer of 2010 to make his big free agent splash. With such names like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh all coming off the books, the Knicks are setting themselves up to offer two big time free agents max contracts, with James at the top of the wish list.

The wrench in the gears though is NBA salary cap, which according to a league wide memo is going down, and going down a lot. The official league memorandum forecasts a dip in basketball-related income in the 2009-10 season of 2.5 percent to 5 percent, which threatens to take the 2010-11 cap down some $5 million to $8 million from last season's $58.7 million salary cap.

A significant drop for the luxury-tax threshold is also projected going into the summer of 2010. If basketball-related income drops by 2.5 percent in 2009-10, league officials are projecting a 2010-11 salary cap of $53.6 million and a luxury-tax line of $65 million.

If BRI, as it is referred to in the NBA, decreases by 5 percent, teams would be looking at a $50.4 million salary cap and a luxury-tax line of $61.2 million in 2010-11.

This equals bad news for the Knicks, who suddenly would have less money to play with and lure in big time free agents. Right now the Knicks have $18 million on the books for the 2010-2011 season, not counting recent draftees Jordan Hill and Tony Douglas, both of whom have not yet signed. This could also potentially affect their decision on whether or not to keep veterans David Lee and Nate Robinson.

To Lee or not to Lee

Will the New York Knicks offer restricted free agent David Lee a contract? Lee is scheduled to make 2.7 million this year. As a restricted free agent, the Knicks have the option to match any offer made by another team. Lee is a highly sought after free agent, with up to five teams garnering for his services.

At 26 years old, Lee is entering his prime. The Florida University alum is coming off his best season in which he averaged 16 ppg and 11.7 rpg. Lee is rumored to be asking for $10 million a year, but the Knicks are not willing to go past $8 million a season.