http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2596606 Knicks sign G Duhon Wednesday, July 9, 2008 12:52 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Knicks signed point guard Chris Duhon on Wednesday, officially kicking off the free-agent signing period. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Sporting News reported last week that Duhon would be signed to a two-year contract at the full mid-level exception with the full value of the deal to be around $12 million. "Chris has established himself as a solid point guard in our league making him a good addition to our roster," New York president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh said. "He plays hard on both ends of the floor and makes good decisions with the basketball." The signing likely will signal the end of Stephon Marbury's disastrous tenure with his hometown team. A 2004 second-round pick of the Chicago Bulls, Duhon is known more for his defense and his ability to take care of the ball. He has career averages of 6.9 points and 4.5 assists and also has shot just under 36 percent from 3-point range. Last season, Duhon appeared in 66 games, averaging 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 22.6 minutes. "Chris will strengthen our backcourt and help us in several areas," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He is a smart player who always plays with intensity and I look forward to working with him."
One of Pax's only 3 good draft picks (Gordon, Deng being the other 2). OK, maybe a little harsh... Noah wasn't a horrible pick at #9. Full MLE is pricey, but he is a good player.
Yeah, 6M/year is steep. He is not needed with Rose. And I'll still back Tyrus as a good pick. Though admittedly, Brandon Roy is looking pretty damn good.
IMO Duhon is not the type to run D'Antoni's offence and not worth 6 mil per. He should be the back up for any good team. I guess D'Antoni begged to have anyone but Marbury, Robinson or even Jamal Crawford running the offence.
Duhon plays defense and runs a good offense. Maybe he would flourish in the D'Antoni style offense. The Bulls schemes never seemed to be designed to let the players flourish, just the system flourished.
I'd think Crawford might be someone whom D'Antoni would like for his system. Duhon? Well, that's just confusing.
Duhon will fit well because he's unselfish and plays defense. The Knicks lack that in the backcourt. 6M per is basically nothing since it's only for two years. We aren't handicapping ourselves financially. As for D'Antoni begging, he's quoted as to being very fond of Crawford and Robinson. He was actually disappointed when the Suns traded him to the Knicks.
Heh, I'd think his fondness for Robinson will wear off. I have to agree that Duhon's a good signing for the Knicks. His ridiculously streaky shooting will be an issue, but it never seemed to bother people much with Charlie Ward. Given that the Knicks have a zillion guys who can't handle the ball but need 20 shots a game, he'll be effective.
