Post by m00sey22 on Jan 10, 2011 12:30:38 GMT -5
Going into the deadline, the Knicks were left wondering how a team that had so much potential at the start of the year could result in such a poor record come all star time. Unfortunately for them they traded their first round pick to the Miami Heat in a deal last year. So instead of sitting around and watching his team continue to be a cellar dweller, the GM started calling around. When the opportunity presented itself to deal for a top ten player in the game, he jumped at the chance. He sent out an offer that was quickly rejected but later confirmed that the Spurs GM would've had to been Rob Babcock or on crack to accept that. "I really just sent it out as a feeler, to see what players he was interested in. I had a tiny hope that it would've been like the Raptors VC deal where they really got nothing in return for him but it didnt turn out like that."
A counter offer was proposed and it included two previous first round draft picks and a good young small forward that was previously acquired. "When I inquired about Tracy, I knew I was going to have to give up young talent in return. I contemplated the counter, but I knew that adding a player of McGrady's abilities was a once in a lifetime chance for our team. It's hard for me to give up Okafor and West. Okafor was the perfect front court partner for Amare, and now we're weak rebounding the ball. Im trying to address that need before the deadline, but not too many teams are willing to deal their bigmen at the moment and especailly not for what we have to offer. We'll continue to kick down every door in hopes for that bigmen, if not Dalembert, Turiaf and Mohammed will be counted on in a rebounding by commitee."
"McGrady brings a new element to our team that we sorely lacked. Paul penetrates, and Amare does his thing down low but we've never had a perimeter player that could create on his own and for others. He is the best scoring wing we've had since I've been here. Im hoping that the three have instant chemistry because we need to make a push towards the playoffs and quickly at that. We only have half the season left, and currently we have a big hole to overcome. Truthfully I think our team can do it, but we might've sunk ourselves too low for this season. In the coming seasons thought, we look to challenge the tops of the east. I think its possible, and Toronto has proved that this year. They rebuilded their team at a very quick rate, we just hope to follow their lead and get to where they are."
Going into the off season, the Knicks have their young stars locked up for at least another year. As for the rest of their roster, most of it will be gone come seasons end unless some players can step up. However from the first half, it's easy to tell the Knicks organization is more then disappointed in a few players. They'll look to the free agent market and the trade market to improve their talent, as they've inquired about getting their pick back but its doubtful the Heat will be trading it. As for this season, the Knicks hope to get on a streak and land in the playoffs. Last year showed that seeds don't matter and upsets can happen. With the trio they currently have they could make some noise. In time we will see if the right move was made or if the Gm hit the panic button a little early!
