I am torn with trading Balkman, Walker, & Douglas for Crawford. If they Knicks are seriously trying to built a culture of defense, they can't trade two of their better defensive reserves (Douglas & Balkman) for a offense-only player like Crawford. But as far as talent and name recognition, Crawford beat those other players so he become a better trade asset for NY to have, in case they decide to go after Howard in the future.
Pros:
Proven NBA talent
Scoring insurance if Melo or Stoudemire miss time
Versatility to play SG and some PG
Good at throwing the alley-oops pass (which is an asset with Chandler & Amar'e)
Excels in the 6th-man role
The Knicks will have probably the best scoring power in the league with Stoudemire, Anthony, & Crawford
Classy guy/solid locker-room presence
Cons:
His nickname was Crawful for a reason
Poor perimeter defender (although now he has some Bigs to protect the paint)
Inefficient chucker
Will lose defensive pieces to add him
Not capable of starting full-time at PG
Will likely take PT from Shumpert and Fields
Will likely hinder the building of defensive culture
Tough decision, but seeing how D'Antoni is unlikely to have played Balkman anyway, Douglas is no more capable of playing the starting PG than Crawford, and Jamal is an upgrade offensively to Billy Walker, I am leaning toward bring Crawful back (assuming that is the correct package going out). I can't believe I'm co-signing this very Isiah-esque move. The years and size of the contract will also matter. The Knicks better not give up any draft picks or money, which they seem to always do. If any additional assets are trading hands, Atlanta should have to give up second round pick or Magnum Rolle or Charles Garcia or something, since they obviously weren't going to re-sign Crawford and the Knicks are giving them their starting PG.
It's hard being a Knicks fan...
