When it looked as if the New York Knick organization was finally moving in the right direction they make a blockbuster trade that could ruin their whole season.
By trading Jamal Crawford, a star guard that could have been their franchise player, they have slowed down their progress greatly. As an organization that has been despicable this century, this trade has set back any evolution they have made.
With the addition of Al Harrington, who the Knicks got in exchange for Crawford, they now are stacked at the forward position and very weak at the guard position. Even with Chris Duhon the guard position is still ultra thin.
Harrington had also been very controversial with Golden State, wanting out since the beginning of the season. With Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry, the last thing the Knicks need is another player that makes more negative headlines than positive ones.
After starting the season 6-5 and, after this blockbuster trade, tuesday's game vs. Cleveland with Lebron and Co. starts the Al Harrington era in New York that will see the Knicks play with their limited amount of guards.
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about 1 month ago
The trade is all about getting under the cap in 2010--that's all. There are no grand plans for this season anyway, other than just starting a new era and attitude, and to set the groundwork for winning in the future. There are also other plans in teh works which may address teh hole left at the 2 with Crawfords departure. As a knicks fan though, I am sad to see Jamal go. He seemed like a solid guy and was just beginning to fully play up to his potential. We'll see what happens though
about 1 month ago
You have to remember that the Knick's final goal is to rebuild for the 2010 Free Agency.
Crawford does not fit well into Dantoni's system despite what the box score says. He needs the ball in his hands too often and either over handles too much or forces shots up. If you watch the game you'll see the offense literally slow down when he has the ball.
They have other assets to trade for backcourt depth. It's like chess, this is only the first move.
about 1 month ago
I feel pretty comfortable with a starting backcourt of Duhon and Q rich with Nate off the bench. Q can play the 2 for sure.
And is Jamal really a franchise player... maybe a 23 win franchise. I love the guy.. and I can't wait to hear the standing O he will get at the garden at his first visit back. he is honest and pationate and talented. But he still hasn't learned how to play much D. Still takes bad shots just to get himself invovled, and will likely opt out of his contract at the end of this year.
I'm impressed in Walsh for seeing the need to make this move, though I wish he had waited to the trade deadline and gotten more for him. A future pic along with Al would have been fair! GS didn't want Al at all and wasn't playing him, and the Knicks could have let Jamal walk away when he opts out. Sometimes details on deals show up after the announcement, and I'll be a little surprised if the Knicks didn't get something else besides Harrington in this move.
Harringtons Versatility will keep the Knicks productive this year, though to be honest, I hope they tank and add a solid #1 to their growing young core of Nate and Wilson (and Mabye Gallinari!)
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