GnarlesOakley wrote:Neither team is doing that.
Novak isn't a starter. D'antoni might be a mediocre coach whose teams play horrible defense but he's not a cartoon character whose only aim is to shoot 3's. Artest is actually an ideal D'antoni player, Pringles is obsessed with guys who can play every position and while Artest might not be a great shooter he actually enjoys chucking when he gets to do in that system. Even more than chucking 3's, D'antoni likes mixing up matchups and losing Artest would take a lot out of that.
Artest is a better player than Novak, but at this point he's more of a jack of all trades than some sort of Lebron stopper some of you are claiming he is. He's still an intelligent defender but he's far too slow to be of any use against Lebron at this point. Not to mention he's a ticking time bomb who, if brought in to play goon, is likely to cross the line and do something stupid.
And you are also underestimating how important 3's are for the Knicks. For all the D'antoni jokes, the Knicks actually take more 3 point shots this year than last; last year we averaged 23 3 point attempts per game (2nd in the league behind Orlando's 27), this year it's a league high 29, which is 4 more attempts per game than D'antoni's Lakers. Finding open shots is very important for this team, and as one dimensional as Novak is, he plays a very big role.
If all D'antoni wants is more spot up shooters, why doesn't he do exactly what you are proposing the Knicks do and sign Kapono? If he's as good as Novak, why would the Lakers bother trading Artest for Novak when they can sign Kapono? And who would the Knicks cut to sign Kapono anyway?
Agree with paragraph one. Except Brewer could be the starter, and i actually think Novak would be better starting for us instead of brewer with the camby tyson line up.
Nobody called him a Lebron stopper. But physically, he is one of the only players in the league who can guard Lebron and can match his strength. Lebron is arguably the best player in the league. Your not just going to stop him. But if you can slow him down a little bit, then you take it. Somone like Artest can get in his head and he can play him physical.
Threes are only important because we are undermanned and are lacking play makers. We went the first 30 or w.e games without Amare and Shumpert. Two guys who can score inside and get to the basket. Now we are missing Sheed, who can score in the post as well as Felton who is our only penetrating PG. He is our best playmaker and now again we have to rely on jump shooting. Plus you have to add that we have 2 players on the team who's only offense come from 3 point attempts (Novak and Kidd) Its not good that we take that many threes. You replace Novak with Artest, this team becomes MUUUUUUCH better. He still spaces the floor, he can actually take the ball to the basket and is a much much much better rebounder. He may not be a lock down defender any more, but he is stil a VERY GOOD defender. He has a high IQ when it comes to defense, he is good on the perimeter as well as inside. He also is one of the best at getting steals still, which will make us an even better team at creating turnovers.
Novak is better then Kapono, i would only suggest Kapono for certain situations and be the 15th man on the bench. Novak is great for Dantoni's system because he encourages quick shots and scoring in transition. Novak is at his best taking threes in transition.
I'm not saying the Lakers will say yes to this, but its also not that far out of an idea. Lakers have a short bench and lack depth. Gaining 2 rotation players for one could interest them and you know Dantoni would love to have Novak back (Not like Brewer is a scrub either). I also mentioned i would add a first rounder if needed. If im the knicks, i do everything in my power to try to get one of Artest/Marion/Prince/Wilson Chandler. We need that type of forward on this team. I know WC has been injured and hasnt been good in Denver. He may be a cheap option and id rather have him then Novak.