Capn'O wrote:j4remi wrote:PMFJB wrote:That link is from 2008. So I am going to play devil's advocate. We have 5 more years of drafts since then which have provided the following in the top 4:
2009 Thabeet, Tyreke Evans
2010 Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson
2011 Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter
2012 MKG, Waiters
2013 Bennett, Porter, Zeller
If we end up with the equivalent of any of those players with our pick I am going to be upset.
So if we fail with our pick (possible) then our whole plan is get everyone and anyone in free agency. That never works out. Ever.
We need to get more assets and not just give away players for cap space. If he would have received a late 1st rounder I would be happy. But to just give away players for 6 million more doesn't sit too well for me.
It's definitely a valid concern, but bare in mind that the top 3 prospects this year are close to can't miss status. So the odds are in our favor on this one whereas some of the guys above were in weak classes or blatant reaches.
As for just giving away Shump, we got rid of JR with him which replaces the return of a first but it equates to about 11 million in cap space which is enough to sign a player with an impact rating above those of typical late picks. The other thing is that if we made it through the deadline without finding a first for Shump, we'd be looking at giving him up for nothing. The time to deal him for a pick was last year before Phil came on (though you could blame him if you think his advisory role was key to that not happening which is a possibility) but at this point...between his lack of improvement, yearly injury time and RFA status, his value was probably less than anyone would like to think. It's not a home run move, but it fits with the whole culture change concept and with Melo in tow, Phil now has the space to build a line-up that suits his franchise player.
The big fear here is how Phil does with FA's...but I'm willing to wait for him to screw that up before I dog him and I prefer this route to the alternative which was keeping JR in order to net a late first. It's similar to how I feel with the Tyson deal. I don't believe there was much value there and I'm content with a move that gives us more options even if it doesn't net us immediate gratification like a first rounder might.
I hope PJ doesn't feel too much pressure to spend it all in one place. If the right players are willing to come, by all means, but if not...
Depending on who is available, the Knicks can leverage their position into next year with trades. That way, when a Rondo type player becomes available, the Knicks will have the assets to make the acquisition without relinquishing a ton of value.
when you trade assets to create cap space, have a 31 year old max player, work for James Dolan, and don't own your 2016 1st round pick your under pressure to spend money.
