The Official What Would You Do This Off-Season Thread

[Dr. Detfink]

The Knicks back court desperately needs revamping.

PG is a must. While it's too soon to see where Shump is in his rehab, I wouldn't turn away deepening the guards.

[CrazyKnicks]

Trade Fields, Amare and Melo, attempt to acquire picks.

Don't resign JR/Novak and find some young versatile role players that can be developed.

Completely blow up the team?

See, I would go with that, initially. Knicks have proven to be mediocre drafters.


GET a TOP PG. don't care who has to go. What it takes. GET ONE. End this farce.

Draft SIZE...and attitude. NO SOFT players.

KEEP Chandler.

Blowing up the team while we can would be smart to do. I don't think we an win it all with Melo and Amare as our top players.

[lleepar]

In light of this Knicks discussion, I found this article interesting with respect to some of the background on the moves, concerns, and internal considerations the Spurs faced when putting together their team for this year.

[spree8]

The key word in this question is what would "I" do...Regardless of what we have done in terms of obtaining stars like Melo and Amar'e, we have to know that this is not going to work. Look at teams like SAS and OKC...these guys built through the draft and stayed flexible salary wise which is the way a team should be built. I would destroy and rebuild the way we should have done after Ewing..over 10 years ago. No more quick fixes...


1- Trade Melo to a lotto team like Sac for their lotto pick (#5 as of right now, but could slightly better)
- I've seen this trade accepted by numerous Kings fans on the TB, if not Sac, another lotto team

2- Trade Amar'e to a lotto team also, like New Orelans(#4 or #10), Portland(#6), or Detroit(#9)

3- Draft: I'd try my best to pick up Thomas Robinson and MkG after using Fields+2nd to move up.

4- Re-sign Lin, and Novak

5- Waive JR Smith, Bibby, BDiddy, Jeffries

6- Sign Lamar Odom so we can remain semi-competitive, and FA swingmen like A.Parker+W.Green


Lin/Douglas
Iman/Willie
MkG/Parker
Odom/Robinson
Tyson/Harrellson/Jordan

[JBreezeNY]

Jesus christ it's a good thing some of you aren't actual GM's, my god


But I have to see how the bird rights case goes. Based on that if Novak & Lin can both return, then we can focus on getting a backup SG seeing as JR might leave & focusing on our big men depth.

Most likely Toney Douglas has little to no trade value so I would either trade him at the draft to get a higher pick or keep him until the trade deadline & use him as a trade chip.

Fields, as much crap that I've given him I want to keep him here. His defense isn't the best but I think he can improve on it, the same goes with his shot. You don't go from having a pretty decent shooting display in your first season to just stinking it up the next. Also he's one of our best rebounders & our best cutter.

Stat who is the elephant in the room, is in the same predicament as Toney Douglas IMO. Keep him, see if he improves on anything during the off-season, see if he regains his shot during the season & if nothing has changed along with the spacing still being bad, then I'll package him together with Toney & somebody else.

I'll also look to sign Lamar Odom, resign Jared Jeffries, hopefully sign Alonzo Gee or Mickeal Pietrus & hopefully draft Scott Machado.

[moocow007]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

[JBreezeNY]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

I've been one of the biggest supporters in getting Nash but after that article came out saying it's unlikely to get Steve Nash my hopes just dashed pretty quickly

But that ruling is gonna be pretty big for us, could help us greatly...

[moocow007]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

I've been one of the biggest supporters in getting Nash but after that article came out saying it's unlikely to get Steve Nash my hopes just dashed pretty quickly

But that ruling is gonna be pretty big for us, could help us greatly...

Yep. And I'm one to never believe the first report anyways. I think you give him all you can give (full MLE) and promise him the starting job and he'll be interested.

[JBreezeNY]

Yep. And I'm one to never believe the first report anyways. I think you give him all you can give (full MLE) and promise him the starting job and he'll be interested.

Touche

And yes that's not even a question. If there's a legitimate chance that you can get Steve Nash, especially when we are in win now mode you offer him the MLE, the starting job & NY's finest call girls.

[TwelvePac]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

Does trying to rid us of Stoudemire to become a better defensive team and allow us to put Melo at the four were he was killing his opponents makes ZERO SENSE? I am not sure how you feel about my proposal so let me have it.

[kosmovitelli]

Even when definitions in a specific clause seem specific, we never know if later in the same subsection we've got some language about to the effect of saying nothing in the subsection shall be construed to be in conflict with ... whatever. So I continue to be personally frustrated about not having any sort of a handle on exactly what is being argued.
.

The relevant sections of the CBA have been quoted several times in previous discussions about the NBPA's appeal. The wording is pretty clear and the NBPA knows it.

As agent Marc Bartlestein pointed out, the NBPA is arguing spirit of the law while the league interpreted letter of the law. The NBPA won't use a specific provision or section of the CBA saying waived players could keep bird rights, their strategy is to point out there's no difference between being traded and being waived (and claimed) : the player keeps the same benefits of the contract (same compensation, same incentives, same obligations, etc.) so he should also keep his Bird rights. Tht's spirit of the law. Problem is the arbitrator can't amend the CBA, he has no such powers.

For what it's worth, it's not only about Early Bird rights for Lin and Novak, it's for Bird rights in general.
The NBPA filed an appeal citing Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak, Chauncey Billups and J.J. Hickson.
Billups was a Bird player before he was amnestied and waived so the Clippers and NBPA are looking for full Bird rights for him.

Newsday

It could be difficult for the union to win because the rules of the CBA state that to be eligible for Bird rights, a player can't be waived or change teams as a free agent.

Bartelstein countered, "The view of the players association is when you go through waivers and someone claims you, your contract is assigned in the exact same manner it's assigned in a trade, so you should obtain your Bird rights."

"Bird and Early Bird rights are among the most valuable rights that players have under the Collective Bargaining Agreement," union executive director Billy Hunter said in a statement. "These rights simply cannot be extinguished in the absence of an affirmative decision by a player to select a team through free agency. We will ask the arbitrator to resolve this dispute on an expedited basis and prior to the commencement of free agency."

[lleepar]

Even when definitions in a specific clause seem specific, we never know if later in the same subsection we've got some language about to the effect of saying nothing in the subsection shall be construed to be in conflict with ... whatever. So I continue to be personally frustrated about not having any sort of a handle on exactly what is being argued.
.

The relevant sections of the CBA have been quoted several times in previous discussions about the NBPA's appeal. The wording is pretty clear and the NBPA knows it.

[snipped]

I understand what you're saying, and I don't disagree -- especially if the oft-cited definitions in the CBA are the only things that can be considered to have bearing on the outcome. That still doesn't quite extinguish my already faint hopes that there still might be some other bases for reaching a different conclusion.

[aq_ua]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

Does trying to rid us of Stoudemire to become a better defensive team and allow us to put Melo at the four were he was killing his opponents makes ZERO SENSE? I am not sure how you feel about my proposal so let me have it.

Melo might have the mismatch on offense, but do you really want Melo banging in the post against KG, Griffin, Gasol, Love on a regular basis? It's the same logic as playing Durant at the 3 and not the 4. He has a major mismatch on offense at the 4 but the team is best when Durant plays the 3 because of the defensive balance.

[MadGrinch]

this is assuming the knicks win their arbitration cases

1. trade amar'e for brand and their 1st rounder
2. draft kendall marshall with the 1st rounder
3. bring in lamar odom
4. get douglas the help he needs for his personal problems...so his game returns
5. lock fields in the gym to get back his jumpshot and work on his playmaking
6.trade novak for anthony randolph

line-up
chandler/jorts/jordan
brand/odom/randolph
melo/
fields/jr smith
lin/douglas/marshall

[moocow007]

1. It makes ZERO SENSE to try to dump Stoudemire for any old crap now. Like I said in the other silly thread involving that NONSENSE deal with the Warriors for Biedrins and Jefferson, it serves ZERO point for the Knicks to try to dump Stoudemire for useless players with big contracts. Unless some team is willing to give the Knicks a good offer (and you can tell when it's good) you keep Stoudemire. Let Woodson try with a full training camp to figure things out (you guys wanted to give D'Antoni years and years to work it out, so why not Woodson?).

2. If they manage to somehow get the ruling in their favor then you need to make a serious push for a PG like Nash. Keep pushing until Nash signs with someone else or with you. Nash being a straigh up guy I'd imagine won't hold this team hostage. Acquiring a guy like Nash would be HUGE in terms of solving the Anthony/Stoudemire dilemma.

3. Keep a sharp eye out on any amnesty and/or buyouts for quality guys that you can get for cheap. They don't have to be in their prime nor do they have to be sure things, but what you are looking for here is guys that can produce enough in a role that otherwise you would not be able to afford.

4. Draft? Honestly while sure you might get something out of it now, it may be best to look for a hidden gem of an upside guy. There's enough guys in the NBA that will be free that will take vet minimum contracts that can produce similar to what most 2nd rounders could for the next year or so. Might as well see if you can find someone that you think can turn into something (either a Euro that you need to stash overseas, or a raw high upside guy that may have some room to grow into a nice player).

Does trying to rid us of Stoudemire to become a better defensive team and allow us to put Melo at the four were he was killing his opponents makes ZERO SENSE? I am not sure how you feel about my proposal so let me have it.

I have no problem with trading Stoudemire IF the deal makes sense. Trading him for crap just to basically "not have to see his face, I'm so furious at him right now" isn't the way to go. It's highly unlikely that teams will be willing at this point to offer the Knicks what Stoudemire's real worth is. As such it doesn't make sense to try to trade him now. His value is probably at his lowest since the knee surgery 6 years ago. You don't trade low...that's GM'ing 101. Give him, and the team, a shot to figure things out...hope that he comes back with his mind clear (it really seemed like mentally he was out of it more so than physically) and come out strong. THEN you may look to trade him.

As far as putting Melo at the four? Not at all unless the plan is for Anthony to get worn out like Stoudemire got worn out during the 2010-2011 season playing out of position at C. And that would not be a smart move at all. Even if they deal Stoudemire, Anthony would/should still be the starting SF and you get a more physical rebounder/defender type (OR a perimeter threat type) to start alongside him at PF. At no point would I move Anthony to permanent starting PF...none.

[Im Coming Home]

1. Trade Amar'e for Pau
2. Resign Lin and Novak
3. J.R. Opts out
4. ?????
5. Profit!

[Pharmcat]

von wafer has been waived by ORL

def look at him for the backcourt due to lack of depth there

[cgf]

von wafer has been waived by ORL

def look at him for the backcourt due to lack of depth there

Yay! A poor man's JR Smith is exactly what this team needs!...

[omerome]

von wafer has been waived by ORL

def look at him for the backcourt due to lack of depth there

Yay! A poor man's JR Smith is exactly what this team needs!...

I didn't think a player would be possible!

[NoLayupRule]

Ok, heres my bid:

as GM of the knicks I do the following now that we have Woodson resigned and with the assumption that we do not win the early bird rights legal battle



1} Resign and return free agents. Lin is top priority. Is he the best PG available? perhaps and perhaps not. But I believe in returning players and stability and growth from within. Bring back Lin with the full MLE level contract he demands. Use the mini on Novak. Attempt to get Smith to take the qualifying offer, though I will accept that he will not. Fields has his option picked up or whatever


2} Offer Vet min contracts to the following players.
PG first:
Nash. He will pass.
Hinrich, Delonte West, Ish Smith and Watson. One of them will take it. If not approach Tinsley and Ford.

BU bigs 2nd:
Marcus Camby. He may accept. Assuming he does not.
Reggies Evans, Kenyon Martin, Hickson, Diaw, Thabeet, Okur, Aaron Gray, Francisco Elson, Jared Jeffries
Lets assume 2 of them accept. For arguments sake we will say Jeffries and Camby.

Fillers:

Harangody, Bogans, Mo Evans, Anthony parker, Belleneli

lets assume Harengody and Mo Evans


New lineup for training camp

Lin, Hinrich {or Smith}
Fields, Shump eventually
Melo, Novak
Amare, Harelson, Jeffries
Chandler, Jordan, Camby {or Okur or Thabeet}

plus Mo Evans or Bogans, Harengoty or Anthony Parker

Douglas gets cut
Draft scott machado



I will look to run pick and roll offense every chance I get with a combo of Lin, Melo and Amare. Spread the floor with Novak and Harengody, cut and drive and crash the boards with everyone else.

Let defense be our strength, let motion be our go to offense, let us exploit our scoring ability off the break and our set plays in the halfcourt. Truly discover if Amare and Melo and Lin can coexist, whch I believe they can with pick and roll offense and other players moving and cutting