The Rockets have an incredible amount of vested interest in the Knicks FA acquisitions, or lack thereof, this summer. So I figured we'd see how things are shaping up over the next few months. As it stands now... The best Lebron - Biggest wildcard. Although i think no way Lebron leaves if the Cavs make it to the finals or win it. Wade - Seemingly none, and always had been a long shot. Bosh - Seemingly none, especially given the fact that Bosh is coming to terms with a S&T. Joe Johnson - Looking more like he's staying in Atlanta. The Unnecessary Power Forwards These are players that won't really upgrade over David Lee. Meaning the Knicks will still suck if they replace Lee with one of them. They also don't complement Lee due to their lack of size for center. Boozer, Amare, Scola Will stay with team Dirk, Yao, Pierce The Leftovers Who's left? It seems as if despite the enormous amount of talents in FA, the Knicks are screwed if they don't get one of the "top 4". Max for Gay so Memphis won't match? Rip Hamilton? Raymond Felton? Here's hoping all the rumors about FAs wanting to stay come true. :grin: :grin: :grin:
Stat and Boozer are upgrades David Lee. David Lee is the worst defensive PF in the league. Lee makes Amare look like DPOY.
Not that I consider Lee an ideal center by any means, but D'Antoni clearly has no issue with playing him there. Now, whether he actually views Lee as a legit center or just played him there by default is a decent question. In any event, if he's able to lure Amare or Walsh snags a Boozer type I wouldn't be surprised at all to see those guys paired in a 4/5 duo. Yeah, they would be borderline helpless defensively but I doubt D'Antoni cares much as long as they produce.
Lebron is a complete wildcard if he makes it to the finals period. Some would argue that if Lebron wins, then he feels he's done everything he can for Cleveland and will move on. Of course others feel if he does win it means he'd stay and try to create a dynasty... On the flip side if they lose some would argue he'd be tempted to sign up again, for a short deal and try to finish the business next year...and of course others say he'd be pissed and leave. so we'll see...
Just wondering, can't the Nets owner deposit an extra 100 million in a Russian bank account for Lebron James and get away with it? I mean how will anyone find out? This Russian guy didn't become a multi-billionaire by playing by the rules, what's stopping this guy from pulling crap like this?
If NY spend the max on Boozer and resigns Lee, they're doomed to mediocrity for the next two years at least. While they may not produce top 10 picks like we hope, but those two picks will be in the 10-15 range. Which, IMO, would be more than good enough.
We can only hope they strike out in free agency and then Lee bolts to NJ. They would then probably have to just tread water until 2011 offseason. That would make them signifigantly worse and our pick FANTASTIC.
I don't think Joe Johnson stays. I think Joe Johnson will realize this postseason that the Hawks are never gonna be championship contenders.
