New York Knicks' head coach Isiah Thomas will face another high-pressure season where winning games will determine whether or not he keeps his job. With a payroll of $88,285,521, which is significantly less than it was a year ago but still the highest in the NBA, the Knicks were among the ten worst teams in the league. They have tremendous young talent on their roster, but that talent has yet to translate in steady success (the Knicks were 33-49 last season).
Thomas' most recent transaction sent forward Channing Frye and guard Steve Francis (as well as his hefty contract) to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Zach Randolph and the soon-to-be expiring contracts of guards Fred Jones and Dan Dickau. Though the Knicks made out like bandits on this deal, the question remains as to how well Randolph and Curry can co-exist and what Isiah plans to do about the team's lingering need for a true point guard and consistent outside shooters.
Randolph should be able to co-exist with Curry just fine, assuming he keeps his weight down and remains motivated. While Curry is purely a back-to-the-basket player, Randolph has the ability, along with his post game, to shoot the 10-15 footer with great proficiency and even face up his opponent and penetrate the lane using his brute strength. Moreover, Randolph's an excellent foul shooter (82% in 2006-2007) and got to the line about seven times per game last season. His offensive prowess could not only complement Curry's game well, but he could also be a mentor for Curry at the offensive end. The bigger question is whether or not Randolph and Curry's poor passing ability will affect their coexistence. Defensively, neither Curry nor Randolph can block a shot to save their lives. It's questionable whether or not a credit card could be slipped under their sneakers when they jump. There have been many trade rumors involving Knicks forward David Lee as some say forward Renaldo Balkmen is a very similar player, but Thomas would be foolish to give up the automatic double-double guy, especially with the poor defense of Curry and Randolph (who combine for nearly 550lbs).
The Knicks also need outside shooting. Quentin Richardson and Jamal Crawford may be the team's best outside threats, but both are streaky and Crawford's shot selections can be erratic at times.
Here's a look at the current Knicks' roster and an assessment of what changes they should consider making:
- Center Eddy Curry (He has tremendous potential, but is a bit overrated. Despite a solid effort of 19.5 ppg and 7.1 rbpg last season, he averaged an abysmal 3.6 turnovers per game to go along with just 0.8 assists per game. On top of that, he only averaged 0.5 blocks per game).
- Center Jerome James (James is over priced. He made nearly $6 million last season and played just over six minutes per game).
- Forward/Center Randolph Morris (Due to a glitch, Morris was able to sign with the Knicks without entering the NBA Draft. Therefore, the Knicks basically got a free first round pick. Morris played in only five games last season and he didn't do much. Yet, he has a lot of potential and great size).
- Forward Malik Rose (Rose is pushing past his prime, but is still making about $7 - $8 million per year. He comes off the books after the 2008-2009 season).
- Forward David Lee (He made incredible improvements last season, becoming one of the top rookies of his class, while averaging 10.7 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. And, for now, he comes at a cheap price).
- Forward Renaldo Balkmen (Balkmen was not a popular pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. Still, Thomas stood by his selection and Balkmen hasn't disappointed. In limited opportunities, he has shown himself to be a high energy guy who can contribute in many ways to help his team win).
- Forward Jared Jeffries (Isiah Thomas loves the long, athletic type of players. It's why he was so drawn to Darius Milers from the Portland Trail Blazers. Jeffries is an excellent defender).
- Forward Demetrius Nichols (Nichols was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2007 NBA Draft. He might be one of the top shooters of the draft, which is a need for the Knicks).
- Forward Wilson Chandler (Drafted in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft, his pick doesn't make a lot of sense for the Knicks. Chandler is another athletic, un-polished forward, which they already have an abundance of. Still, he resembles the type of player Isiah Thomas loves).
- Guard/Forward Quentin Richardson (Richardson may be the team's best shooter, but he missed 33 games last year and shot only 42% from the field and just 69% from the line).
- Guard Jamal Crawford (Crawford went down with a season-ending injury late last season. He's often criticized for his poor shot selection, but he's very athletic and good in clutch situations).
- Guard Mardy Collins (Thomas loves Collins' game and he fared pretty well his rookie season, averaging 4.5 points per game in just under 15 minutes per game).
- Guard Nate Robinson (At 5-9, Robinson is often out-sized. Yet, he's one of the most athletic players in the league. He often frustrates coaches, because of his inconsistency and sometimes foolish moves on the court. However, he's such a commodity because of his athleticism).
- Guard Fred Jones (Athletic guard whose contract expires after this year).
- Point Guard Stephon Marbury (He was finally starting to find his spark late last season. He needs to step up and be the team's leader).
- Guard Dan Dickau (Scoring point guard whose contract expires after this year).
The Knicks will need to cut its roster down and may make some additional changes before the season starts. They are rumored to be going after Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest. However, it doesn't appear that Isiah Thomas would be willing to part with David Lee for Artest.
