--KNICKS WANT BRAND--
After failing to aquire the likes of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, Isiah Thomas has set his eyes on another Los Angeles superstar. Elton Brand.
Thomas, who spent all summer on the phones trying to sign a big name free agent, has begun to make offers to the Clippers to try and extract the star forward. "He is a big name player. I feel that Brand has the low post skill and the footwork that could make him a star in the Eastern Conference." There is no doubt that Brand is a phenomenal player, but do the Knicks have enough pieces to send back to L.A. to bring Brand over?
Rumoured trade scenerios have included Shandon Anderson, Vin Baker, Mike Sweetney and possibly even Allan Houston headed toward Los Angeles. Ridding themselves of Anderson, Baker and Houston would also put New York in place to free up some cap room down the road to aquire a marquee free agent. "Right now, I'm just looking to make our team better. I feel we have a fine team and fine coach in place, but to add a player like Elton would shoot us even further to the top." said Thomas. "He is the type of player, along with Stephon, that you can build a team around. He is a dominant low post presence and with the backcourt help in Marbury, he can lead our team deep into the playoffs."
Ridding themselves of Baker and Anderson would be a godsend, but without Allan Houston, New York's backcourt looks mighty thin. The starting spot would end up being taken by Penny Hardaway with backup duties given to yet unproven Demarr Johnson. The Clippers are also hesitant to deal. Getting rid of Brand would free up cap space to make a run at Tracy McGrady next summer and try to build a team around him and the suprising Corey Maggette. Taking on the contracts of Anderson, Vin Baker and Allan Houston would send them in the wrong direction. "New York has talked to us about aquiring Elton. Right now I don't think they have the pieces, but anything is possible. If an offer is put in place that we like, we will take a long hard look at it and decide what to do" said Clippers GM Elgin Baylor.
The Knicks have been missing a low post presence since Ewing left in 2000. They would like to add a big body down low. Perhaps including Kurt Thomas in the trade would make more sense.
--OPENING DAY ROSTERS SET--
The Knicks have set thier opening day rosters. Training camp will end on Sunday, with the first game being against Seattle at the Garden next week.
C- N. Mohammed
PF- Kurt Thomas
SF- T. Thomas
SG- A. Houston
PF- S. Marbury
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SG- A. Hardaway
SF- S. Anderson
C- D. Mutumbo
PF- V. Baker
PG- F. Williams
PF- M. Sweetney
SG- D. Johnson
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IR1 - O. Harrington
IR2 - M. Norris
IR3 - C. Trybanski
--THOMAS WANTS TO SEE CONF. FINALS--
Isiah Thomas said if the Knicks do not advance to the Conference Finals in June, he will consider this season a failure. "I believe we have the pieces to advance far in the playoffs. Allan is back and healthy as ever, our 2nd year players have come back with a stronger knowledge of the game and we have had a whole year together as a unit. I see ourselves being a force in the East" said Thomas.
The Knicks, who finished 7th in the East last year after being swept by cross river rivals New Jersey, are getting younger and more athletic. Tim Thomas has hit the weights this summer and has said himself that he will be more focused on the game, rather than the media.
"You'll see us in the playoffs. We are ready." said Tim Thomas. Well, we hope so.
--SWEETNEY IMPRESSING LENNY--
Knicks coach Lenny Wilkens has recently been raving about 2nd year man Mike Sweetney. Sweetney, who showed an array of low post moves and hustle in the New Jersey series was dominate in the Long Beach Summer League games. "He has definately improved. His footwork, his speed, he even added some extra strength." said Wilkens. "Mike will see alot more playing time this season. He has shown the organization that he wants to be a part of something special." added Lenny.
. But yeah a really good read, hope Brand pays out fo you, hes pretty undersized.
