While this is not a terrible surprise (I would have hoped we could have gotten more talent for the minimum), the Knicks have come to an oral agreement to sign Jared Jeffries (aka butter fingers). No real signings can occur until December 9th, but it has been well known for a while that Jeffries desired to sign with the Knicks if they would have him. His contract will be a 1 year at the veteran's minimum of $1.4 million. (Source Daily News)
The major question that I have is: Is this a sign that the other centers that were discussed as receiving interest from the Knicks are unreceptive to playing here for the price we will be offering. The Daily News report indicates that they believe the Knicks are still strongly looking at more Center depth, but with Turiaf on the roster and all reports signaling that Jerome Jordan will be a Knick at the beginning of the year, does this mean that Jeffries will be our last center signing (absent Shelden Williams for insurance). Is it reading too much into the scenario to think that if we had a verbal committment/serious interest from someone like Jeff Foster, that we might forgoe signing Jeffries and perhaps begin looking for guard depth. To me his signing signals that we are not getting any more help in the big man department (which is not a good sign). It is clear that he is a D'Antoni favorite, but from a talent perspective, you have to say he is a bottom tier center and his signing can only be seen as a last resort.
Showing posts with label Free Agency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Agency. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Free Agent Profile: Earl Watson
Watson is the fourth point guard profiled for the not unlikely, but not highly likely to sign with New York this year list. Watson made $1.2 million last season.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Utah.
6'1'' 195lbs. 26. Career averages of 7.1 PPG and 4.5 APG. (4.3/3.5)
If there is ever a live action version of the movie "Dumbo", (see below) this guy will definitely get a call. In all seriousness, I love this guy as a back up to Chauncey. However, he ranks low on the list because I haven't even heard his name in the rumor of potential Knicks prospects. He is west-coast kid, he had a pretty decent season with Utah last year and has stated that he would like a long term contract. I don't think we will see this guy in a Knicks uniform, unfortunately.
[This kid has tremendous ears]
The most intriguing thing about Watson, is that despite his diminished role in a guard stacked line-up (Williams, Bell, Price) he put up decent numbers. If you look at his per 36 minutes stats he averaged close to 8 points and 7 assists last year. He is a quintessential spark plug guy; a guy who can get in and make things happen in a hurry. Also, Watson is a decent sized dude who is known to be a capable defender. Also, his low salary last year makes him the type of dependable guy who will not give the Knicks a hard time about his projected role. If nothing else, he would be the first Blaxican to play in a Knicks uniform [fact check].
Player most likely to be waived to get this player: Andy Rautins.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Utah.
6'1'' 195lbs. 26. Career averages of 7.1 PPG and 4.5 APG. (4.3/3.5)
If there is ever a live action version of the movie "Dumbo", (see below) this guy will definitely get a call. In all seriousness, I love this guy as a back up to Chauncey. However, he ranks low on the list because I haven't even heard his name in the rumor of potential Knicks prospects. He is west-coast kid, he had a pretty decent season with Utah last year and has stated that he would like a long term contract. I don't think we will see this guy in a Knicks uniform, unfortunately.
[This kid has tremendous ears]The most intriguing thing about Watson, is that despite his diminished role in a guard stacked line-up (Williams, Bell, Price) he put up decent numbers. If you look at his per 36 minutes stats he averaged close to 8 points and 7 assists last year. He is a quintessential spark plug guy; a guy who can get in and make things happen in a hurry. Also, Watson is a decent sized dude who is known to be a capable defender. Also, his low salary last year makes him the type of dependable guy who will not give the Knicks a hard time about his projected role. If nothing else, he would be the first Blaxican to play in a Knicks uniform [fact check].
Player most likely to be waived to get this player: Andy Rautins.
Free Agent Profile: Sebastian Telfair
Telfair is the third point guard profiled for the not unlikely, but not highly likely to sign with New York this year list. Telfair made $2.7 million last season.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Timberwolves.
6'0'' 165lbs. 26. Career averages of 7.8 PPG and 3.8APG. (7.2/3.0)
Could Brooklyn's prodigal* son be returning to the big city to revamp his career? Telfair has a combination of incredible upside, mixed with team cancer type qualities. The reason he is so low on this list is because he appears to be a head case (like his cousin Marbury) and the last thing the Knicks need on their roster is another damn headcase. The positive here: Telfair's career has taken so many bumps and bruises from a PR and playing time standpoint, he may be willing to come to New York for a 1 year minimum contract. The negative here: he can be a time bomb in the lockeroom and there is no guarantee that he is going to put in the effort in order to contribute in any fashion to the Knicks hopes of success this season.
But lets look at the Telfair's playing style. Anyone that has seen his documentary (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457502/) is well aware of Telfair's ability to slash and see the court when he is one his game. His young age presents the promise that this point guard could resurect his career and show us all his first 7 years was a real fluke of bum-like behavior. Unfortunately, his attitude and past performance tells the tale Knicks fans are all too familiar with: a highly talented screw-up who literally can't bring himself to get out of his own way. If you look at his numbers you see a case study in mediocrity, however, if you look at his clips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubydt1V76mU) you see flashes of brilliance. In fact, his ability was enough for Knicks management to make a run at him last year. Only time will tell if this Brooklyn baller gets his act together and finds himself a valuable asset to a contending team.
*its hilarious how New Yorkers embrace native born players, regardless of their actual value.
Player most likely to be waived for this player: Andy Rautins.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Timberwolves.
6'0'' 165lbs. 26. Career averages of 7.8 PPG and 3.8APG. (7.2/3.0)
Could Brooklyn's prodigal* son be returning to the big city to revamp his career? Telfair has a combination of incredible upside, mixed with team cancer type qualities. The reason he is so low on this list is because he appears to be a head case (like his cousin Marbury) and the last thing the Knicks need on their roster is another damn headcase. The positive here: Telfair's career has taken so many bumps and bruises from a PR and playing time standpoint, he may be willing to come to New York for a 1 year minimum contract. The negative here: he can be a time bomb in the lockeroom and there is no guarantee that he is going to put in the effort in order to contribute in any fashion to the Knicks hopes of success this season.
But lets look at the Telfair's playing style. Anyone that has seen his documentary (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457502/) is well aware of Telfair's ability to slash and see the court when he is one his game. His young age presents the promise that this point guard could resurect his career and show us all his first 7 years was a real fluke of bum-like behavior. Unfortunately, his attitude and past performance tells the tale Knicks fans are all too familiar with: a highly talented screw-up who literally can't bring himself to get out of his own way. If you look at his numbers you see a case study in mediocrity, however, if you look at his clips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubydt1V76mU) you see flashes of brilliance. In fact, his ability was enough for Knicks management to make a run at him last year. Only time will tell if this Brooklyn baller gets his act together and finds himself a valuable asset to a contending team.
*its hilarious how New Yorkers embrace native born players, regardless of their actual value.
Player most likely to be waived for this player: Andy Rautins.
Free Agent Profile: Mike Bibby & Carlos Arroyo
Milos Biroyo is the second point guard profiled for the not unlikely, but not highly likely to sign with New York this year list. Milos Biroyo combined to make way more than they should have last season.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Heat.
Combined 147" & 392lbs. of pathetic. Career averages of underwhelming city.
What you are dealing with here are two different flavors of useless. With an offense headed by Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh last year, these two boneheads managed to make Mario Chalmers look like the toast of the class. Hence, the double profile: these two guys are so indistinguishably insignificant, it would be a tragedy to give them their own entries. With Milos Biroyo, you get a point guard that can dribble the ball up the court without getting it taking from their hands; at least 7 out of 10 times. Outside of that, these two will shoot an unimpressive percentage from 3, despite the fact that 90% of those shots will be wide open. In addition, you will get little to no ability to drive to the basket. These guys are only desirable in the sense that their ability to suck is so palpable, they cannot ask for anything more than a 1 year minimum contract without the other side laughing. We need someone to fill up the roster on a 1 year minimum contract. Sounds like a match made in Suckeaven to me.
Most likely to be waived to add these players: Whoever catches malaria and can no longer play basketball.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Heat.
Combined 147" & 392lbs. of pathetic. Career averages of underwhelming city.
What you are dealing with here are two different flavors of useless. With an offense headed by Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh last year, these two boneheads managed to make Mario Chalmers look like the toast of the class. Hence, the double profile: these two guys are so indistinguishably insignificant, it would be a tragedy to give them their own entries. With Milos Biroyo, you get a point guard that can dribble the ball up the court without getting it taking from their hands; at least 7 out of 10 times. Outside of that, these two will shoot an unimpressive percentage from 3, despite the fact that 90% of those shots will be wide open. In addition, you will get little to no ability to drive to the basket. These guys are only desirable in the sense that their ability to suck is so palpable, they cannot ask for anything more than a 1 year minimum contract without the other side laughing. We need someone to fill up the roster on a 1 year minimum contract. Sounds like a match made in Suckeaven to me.
Most likely to be waived to add these players: Whoever catches malaria and can no longer play basketball.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Free Agent Profile: T.J. Ford
Ford is the first point guard profiled for the not unlikely, but not highly likely to sign with New York this year list. Ford made $8.5 million last season.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Pacers.
6'0'' 165lbs. 28. Career averages of 11.4 PPG and 5.9APG. (5.4/3.4)
Ford is probably the only guy I like on this list of point guards, however he is also the least likely to take a pay cut to back up Chauncey Billups for 1 year. He is currently playing in Croatia, but he has stated that he is coming back to play this season in the NBA. All signs point to him not resigning with the Pacers, meaning that he will be in the market. The question is: what would make a serviceable point guard take a contract length and pay cut to play on the Knicks. Well I am glad you asked. Ford has recently seen his stock drop due to nagging injuries and clashing with players in the clubhouse. He has publicly stated that he is willing to take a smaller back-up role and he is in desperate need for a PR makeover. Perhaps the Knicks can convince him that one great year in New York will rebuild his name enough that he can benefit from a free agent bonanza in 2012.
So, assuming this works, what does Ford bring to the table. He is an old school point guard; in the sense that he handles the ball well, is not a prolific scorer and likes to sit back and let his teammates do the scoring. From a skill set standpoint he is a perfect fit for the Knicks. I place Ford in the mold of a small Jamaal Tinsley or Raymond Felton. Cross your fingers.
Player most likely waived to make room for this player: Andy Rautins.
Point Guard
Played Last Season With Pacers.
6'0'' 165lbs. 28. Career averages of 11.4 PPG and 5.9APG. (5.4/3.4)
Ford is probably the only guy I like on this list of point guards, however he is also the least likely to take a pay cut to back up Chauncey Billups for 1 year. He is currently playing in Croatia, but he has stated that he is coming back to play this season in the NBA. All signs point to him not resigning with the Pacers, meaning that he will be in the market. The question is: what would make a serviceable point guard take a contract length and pay cut to play on the Knicks. Well I am glad you asked. Ford has recently seen his stock drop due to nagging injuries and clashing with players in the clubhouse. He has publicly stated that he is willing to take a smaller back-up role and he is in desperate need for a PR makeover. Perhaps the Knicks can convince him that one great year in New York will rebuild his name enough that he can benefit from a free agent bonanza in 2012.
So, assuming this works, what does Ford bring to the table. He is an old school point guard; in the sense that he handles the ball well, is not a prolific scorer and likes to sit back and let his teammates do the scoring. From a skill set standpoint he is a perfect fit for the Knicks. I place Ford in the mold of a small Jamaal Tinsley or Raymond Felton. Cross your fingers.
Player most likely waived to make room for this player: Andy Rautins.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Free Agent Profile: Jason Collins
Collins is the fifth profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Collins made $854K last season.
Center
Played last season with the Atlanta Hawks.
7'0'' 255lbs Age 32. Career averages of 3.9 PPG and 4.0 RPG. (2.0/2.1)
Collins has the potential to be a good signing despite being utterly useless. While Collins numbers are traditionally low, and his impact on the game tends to be lower from a competitive standpoint, he still finds a way to remain 7 feet tall on a daily basis. If osteoporosis does not set in, allowing Collins to keep his 7 foot stature, he could be an effective addition to a team that will only require him to rebound and pass the ball. The reason he is so low on the probability scale is that despite his uselessness there are plenty of teams that still believe he has an upside and will be willing to overpay for his services. This includes his former team, who knows first hand of his uselessness and still would like to resign him. The Knicks will not be able to compete in this madness market. I would place Collins in a place similar to Dampier: only pull the trigger if you can get him for the minimum and between 1-2 years. This is unlikely, unless Atlanta passes on him, preventing the madness market from driving up his asking price.
Player most likely to be waived to add this player: Jerome Jordan.
Center
Played last season with the Atlanta Hawks.
7'0'' 255lbs Age 32. Career averages of 3.9 PPG and 4.0 RPG. (2.0/2.1)
Collins has the potential to be a good signing despite being utterly useless. While Collins numbers are traditionally low, and his impact on the game tends to be lower from a competitive standpoint, he still finds a way to remain 7 feet tall on a daily basis. If osteoporosis does not set in, allowing Collins to keep his 7 foot stature, he could be an effective addition to a team that will only require him to rebound and pass the ball. The reason he is so low on the probability scale is that despite his uselessness there are plenty of teams that still believe he has an upside and will be willing to overpay for his services. This includes his former team, who knows first hand of his uselessness and still would like to resign him. The Knicks will not be able to compete in this madness market. I would place Collins in a place similar to Dampier: only pull the trigger if you can get him for the minimum and between 1-2 years. This is unlikely, unless Atlanta passes on him, preventing the madness market from driving up his asking price.
Player most likely to be waived to add this player: Jerome Jordan.
Free Agent Profile: Dan Gadzuric
Gadzuric is the fourth profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Gadzuric made $7.2 million last season.
Center
Played last season with the New Jersey Nets.
6'11'' 240lbs Age 33. Career averages of 4.7 PPG and 4.4 RPG. (2.8/3.2)
This profile may be irrelevant considering the fact that he signed a contract to play in China. However, assuming he is able to get an out clause in his Chinese deal, Gadzuric would be a decent option for the Knicks. I won't waste much time considering his contractual obligations, but in summary: Gadzuric is an unimpressive center that can provide a body on the inside for rebounding and may be willing to accept a 1 year minimum deal for the promise of increased playing time and a chance to reestablish himself in the NBA. He literally can do nothing well, but he is a mediocre rebounder. The Knicks could use him as an insurance policy for Ronny Turiaf, stealing minutes from the old man's back. Other than that, don't hold your breath and if we do end up signing him, don't go jumping for joy.
Player most likely to be waived to add this player: Jerome Jordan
Center
Played last season with the New Jersey Nets.
6'11'' 240lbs Age 33. Career averages of 4.7 PPG and 4.4 RPG. (2.8/3.2)
This profile may be irrelevant considering the fact that he signed a contract to play in China. However, assuming he is able to get an out clause in his Chinese deal, Gadzuric would be a decent option for the Knicks. I won't waste much time considering his contractual obligations, but in summary: Gadzuric is an unimpressive center that can provide a body on the inside for rebounding and may be willing to accept a 1 year minimum deal for the promise of increased playing time and a chance to reestablish himself in the NBA. He literally can do nothing well, but he is a mediocre rebounder. The Knicks could use him as an insurance policy for Ronny Turiaf, stealing minutes from the old man's back. Other than that, don't hold your breath and if we do end up signing him, don't go jumping for joy.
Player most likely to be waived to add this player: Jerome Jordan
Free Agent Profile: Joel Przybilla
Przybilla is the third profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Przybilla made $7.4 million last season.
Center
Played last season with the Charlotte Bobcats.
7'1'' 245lbs Age 32. Career averages of 4.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG. (1.8/4)
If you can get past the inexplicable placement of the Z before the Y in his last name, Przybilla provides the most talent upside of anyone on the list. However, he is also the player most likely to demand more money on this list. Przybilla received over $7 million and last season and is not on his last legs. Despite his injury history, Przybilla has continuously had teams coveting his services. In fact, the Knicks tried to make an in-season trade for him last year. Unless he has a strong yearning to play in New York, I don't see why Przybilla would take a pay cut to come play for the Bockers. Especially, since he has openly stated that he wants to play for Milwaukee where his family resides. Then again, after being traded to the Bobcats midseason last year, Przybilla started 0 of the 9 games he was in Charlotte. The Knicks would be able to promise Przybilla significant playing time and this could appeal to a player trying to reestablish himself as a contributor in the NBA.
In any event, assuming we are able to get Przybilla to lower his asking price, the Knicks will get a big body with a decent offensive glass game. He does not bang on the boards like the previous two players profiled, but Przybilla has a strong reputation as a player who just flat out gets boards and blocks when he gets an opportunity to get on the court. In particular, his 7'1'' frame will provide much needed intimidation in the post area, circa the Marcus Camby days, to compensate for the poor team perimeter defense.
The big knock on him is that he is just coming off his second knee surgery and does not have the same athleticism he once had. This could be a gift or a curse for the Knicks. The gift side would be that his diminished upside will make him lower his asking price, allowing the Knicks to acquire him without sacrificing their long term goals. The curse side could be that he is so far gone from his productive days that he cannot even handle the limited role of cleaning up the boards and passing to Melo that will be required of him in a Knicks uniform. Overall, the likelihood of signing Przybilla is entirely dependent on other teams desire to sign him. If their is any sort of competition on that front, upping his asking price, the Knicks will pass on him and move on to one of their other options (limited as they may be).
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Center
Played last season with the Charlotte Bobcats.
7'1'' 245lbs Age 32. Career averages of 4.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG. (1.8/4)
If you can get past the inexplicable placement of the Z before the Y in his last name, Przybilla provides the most talent upside of anyone on the list. However, he is also the player most likely to demand more money on this list. Przybilla received over $7 million and last season and is not on his last legs. Despite his injury history, Przybilla has continuously had teams coveting his services. In fact, the Knicks tried to make an in-season trade for him last year. Unless he has a strong yearning to play in New York, I don't see why Przybilla would take a pay cut to come play for the Bockers. Especially, since he has openly stated that he wants to play for Milwaukee where his family resides. Then again, after being traded to the Bobcats midseason last year, Przybilla started 0 of the 9 games he was in Charlotte. The Knicks would be able to promise Przybilla significant playing time and this could appeal to a player trying to reestablish himself as a contributor in the NBA.
In any event, assuming we are able to get Przybilla to lower his asking price, the Knicks will get a big body with a decent offensive glass game. He does not bang on the boards like the previous two players profiled, but Przybilla has a strong reputation as a player who just flat out gets boards and blocks when he gets an opportunity to get on the court. In particular, his 7'1'' frame will provide much needed intimidation in the post area, circa the Marcus Camby days, to compensate for the poor team perimeter defense.
The big knock on him is that he is just coming off his second knee surgery and does not have the same athleticism he once had. This could be a gift or a curse for the Knicks. The gift side would be that his diminished upside will make him lower his asking price, allowing the Knicks to acquire him without sacrificing their long term goals. The curse side could be that he is so far gone from his productive days that he cannot even handle the limited role of cleaning up the boards and passing to Melo that will be required of him in a Knicks uniform. Overall, the likelihood of signing Przybilla is entirely dependent on other teams desire to sign him. If their is any sort of competition on that front, upping his asking price, the Knicks will pass on him and move on to one of their other options (limited as they may be).
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Free Agent Profile: Erick Dampier
Dampier is the second profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Dampier made $713K last season.
Center
Played last season with the Miami Heat.
6'11'' 265lbs Age 34. Career averages of 7.5 PPG and 7.2 RPG. (2.5/3.5)
Dampier is another tough minded defensive stopper. He is known for crowding the basket and getting the occassional block. He can also finish around the paint and gave the Knicks some fits in their meetings last season. Dampier has said he is not retiring and is estranged from the Heat because he did not log a single minute is last year's playoffs. While Dampier will not impress anyone with his offensive prowess, he is a solid option for a defensive guy. In addition, he will not be able to ask for anything other than the veteran's minimum and would most likely accept a 1 year deal. His obvious low upside, in this instance, is outweighed by the fact that he will be cheap and will fit exactly into the future plans of the New York Knicks trying to free up salary for 2012. I would pull the trigger on this guy if we could get him on a 1 year deal for the minimum. File this under dollar store purchase.
The reason he doesn't fall under the likely to sign with us list, is Dampier has stated he only wants to play for a contender. It is not clear whether he views New York as such. We may be able to woo him with the fact that he will be a de facto starter in our line-up taking the lion's share of the minutes in combination with Ronny Turiaf. Also, come the beginning of the season he may find out that no one else wants him.
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Center
Played last season with the Miami Heat.
6'11'' 265lbs Age 34. Career averages of 7.5 PPG and 7.2 RPG. (2.5/3.5)
Dampier is another tough minded defensive stopper. He is known for crowding the basket and getting the occassional block. He can also finish around the paint and gave the Knicks some fits in their meetings last season. Dampier has said he is not retiring and is estranged from the Heat because he did not log a single minute is last year's playoffs. While Dampier will not impress anyone with his offensive prowess, he is a solid option for a defensive guy. In addition, he will not be able to ask for anything other than the veteran's minimum and would most likely accept a 1 year deal. His obvious low upside, in this instance, is outweighed by the fact that he will be cheap and will fit exactly into the future plans of the New York Knicks trying to free up salary for 2012. I would pull the trigger on this guy if we could get him on a 1 year deal for the minimum. File this under dollar store purchase.
The reason he doesn't fall under the likely to sign with us list, is Dampier has stated he only wants to play for a contender. It is not clear whether he views New York as such. We may be able to woo him with the fact that he will be a de facto starter in our line-up taking the lion's share of the minutes in combination with Ronny Turiaf. Also, come the beginning of the season he may find out that no one else wants him.
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Free Agent Profile: Jeff Foster
Foster is the first profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Foster made $6.6 million last season.
Center
Played last season with the Indiana Pacers.
6'11'' 250lbs Age 34. Career averages of 4.9 PPG and 6.9 RPG. (3.3/6.3)
Foster is well known for being a tough minded defensive player. He is not afraid to throw an elbow or straight drop somebody on a fast break. He is the perfect fit for this New York team. Foster is a defensive player that does not need to see offensive production to be happy, has playoff experience and has a few years of Eastern Conference play under his belt. He is also, somewhat* athletic and can defend the pick and roll. As far as skill set, he is a very decent option and fills the void.
He does have a history of injury however: he only played 26 games last year. However, given that on this Knicks roster he will not be asked to do anything more than grab rebounds and defend, he should be able to manage. Hopefully, giving him rest with Turiaf picking up minutes can provide an environment where Foster could thrive.
Foster is near the twighlight of his career so his asking price will be low, however given that he may not have another free agency in him, his contract length may be longer than the Knicks want to pay for him. If we can get Foster to agree to play somewhere at or near the veteran's minimum for 3 years, I would jump on it. He is a guy that can fit the missing piece of big man/defensive puzzle for the Knicks for the next 2-3 years and will be an invaluable piece should we pick up a big name free agent in 2012. Foster could prove to be more than just a filler and might be worth placing him in the 2 year Championship plan (i.e. get Paul next year and build a cheap team around the 3 to win a ring in 2 years).
*not really.
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Center
Played last season with the Indiana Pacers.
6'11'' 250lbs Age 34. Career averages of 4.9 PPG and 6.9 RPG. (3.3/6.3)
Foster is well known for being a tough minded defensive player. He is not afraid to throw an elbow or straight drop somebody on a fast break. He is the perfect fit for this New York team. Foster is a defensive player that does not need to see offensive production to be happy, has playoff experience and has a few years of Eastern Conference play under his belt. He is also, somewhat* athletic and can defend the pick and roll. As far as skill set, he is a very decent option and fills the void.
He does have a history of injury however: he only played 26 games last year. However, given that on this Knicks roster he will not be asked to do anything more than grab rebounds and defend, he should be able to manage. Hopefully, giving him rest with Turiaf picking up minutes can provide an environment where Foster could thrive.
Foster is near the twighlight of his career so his asking price will be low, however given that he may not have another free agency in him, his contract length may be longer than the Knicks want to pay for him. If we can get Foster to agree to play somewhere at or near the veteran's minimum for 3 years, I would jump on it. He is a guy that can fit the missing piece of big man/defensive puzzle for the Knicks for the next 2-3 years and will be an invaluable piece should we pick up a big name free agent in 2012. Foster could prove to be more than just a filler and might be worth placing him in the 2 year Championship plan (i.e. get Paul next year and build a cheap team around the 3 to win a ring in 2 years).
*not really.
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
Knicks 2011 Free Agents: Unlikely, But Not Out of Question
I have already profiled a number of potential free agent signings for the Knicks that are likely fits for reasons of price and contract length (players will take minimum and have no leverage to require longer contracts). These free agents (Thomas, Brown, Ratliff...etc.) are the most likely to end up on the Knicks roster this year considering the various concerns of the New York front office.
However, there are other free agents out there that are not highly likely to take the pay/contract length cuts required to wear orange and blue, yet are still feasible targets. In looking for a center, there are 5 players that directly fit into this non-pipe dream/not sure thing category. I list them here in order of personal preference:
1. Jeff Foster
2. Erick Dampier
3. Joel Przybilla
4. Dan Gadzuric
5. Jason Collins
Given that the Knicks also have a big need for a back-up point guard, we need to also look at the top 5 free agent point guards that may be a little bit of a reach, but not out the question for the Knicks. It must be mentioned that this class of guards is painfully bad. Many of them on this list are actually less preferable to just resigning Anthony Carter. However, I have listed them in order of personal preference:
1. T.J. Ford
2. Mike Bibby
3. Carlos Arroyo
4. Sebastian Telfair
5. Earl Watson
I will be profiling each of these players as we slowly head to the December 9th, training camp start date.
However, there are other free agents out there that are not highly likely to take the pay/contract length cuts required to wear orange and blue, yet are still feasible targets. In looking for a center, there are 5 players that directly fit into this non-pipe dream/not sure thing category. I list them here in order of personal preference:
1. Jeff Foster
2. Erick Dampier
3. Joel Przybilla
4. Dan Gadzuric
5. Jason Collins
Given that the Knicks also have a big need for a back-up point guard, we need to also look at the top 5 free agent point guards that may be a little bit of a reach, but not out the question for the Knicks. It must be mentioned that this class of guards is painfully bad. Many of them on this list are actually less preferable to just resigning Anthony Carter. However, I have listed them in order of personal preference:
1. T.J. Ford
2. Mike Bibby
3. Carlos Arroyo
4. Sebastian Telfair
5. Earl Watson
I will be profiling each of these players as we slowly head to the December 9th, training camp start date.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Free Agency Reality for the 2011-2012 Season
There are many out there who believe that the Knicks will score a serious free agent in the next couple of weeks to pad a struggling Knicks roster. We are lacking depth at both point guard and center and there have been several names that have been tossed out that has had eager New York fans writhing in excitement. These names are pipe dreams and there are three main reasons why we will never see them on a Knicks roster:
(1) The stars on the list (below), aka the ones we actually want, would not accept the veteran's minimum (currently around 1.2 million) or mid-level exception and that is the only possible way the Knicks could afford them (they need an exception to sign a new player since they are already over the salary cap and outside of players formerly on the roster these are basically the only exceptions that apply).
(2) Any restricted free agent can have his offer matched by his current team and the Knicks cannot win any bidding war because of the money they have stuck in other players.
(3) They could not sign one of the players on the list for a one year contract because these players will be seeking a payday and security, and the Knicks would need a 1-2 year contract in order to sign Chris Paul or any other marquee players (Dwight Howard) they are coveting from the class of 2012.
Here are the names of free agents we have no chance of getting, in order of my level of excitement:
Nene Hilario
Andre Jordan (restricted)
Marc Gasol (restricted)
Jamal Crawford
Tyson Chandler
Samuel Dalembert
J.J. Barea
Aaron Brooks (restricted)
Rodney Stuckey (restricted)
(1) The stars on the list (below), aka the ones we actually want, would not accept the veteran's minimum (currently around 1.2 million) or mid-level exception and that is the only possible way the Knicks could afford them (they need an exception to sign a new player since they are already over the salary cap and outside of players formerly on the roster these are basically the only exceptions that apply).
(2) Any restricted free agent can have his offer matched by his current team and the Knicks cannot win any bidding war because of the money they have stuck in other players.
(3) They could not sign one of the players on the list for a one year contract because these players will be seeking a payday and security, and the Knicks would need a 1-2 year contract in order to sign Chris Paul or any other marquee players (Dwight Howard) they are coveting from the class of 2012.
Here are the names of free agents we have no chance of getting, in order of my level of excitement:
Nene Hilario
Andre Jordan (restricted)
Marc Gasol (restricted)
Jamal Crawford
Tyson Chandler
Samuel Dalembert
J.J. Barea
Aaron Brooks (restricted)
Rodney Stuckey (restricted)
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