What's up mrj18 and Knicks fans. I don't know if you guys have seen the official JBB mock draft, but I believed that Isiah would go for another guard if he couldn't find an NBA ready center. Zeke is the strangest GM IMO so it's anybody's guess what type of draft pick he'll go for. The Knicks needs are obviously having a frontline center that can bang and block shots. Low post presence looks pretty decent with Mike Sweetney in the lineup. Unfortunately there's not much NBA ready talent in this area for center. So my guess if New York gets their hands on Chris Taft, he'll get drafted (also helps being he's from Brooklyn and might get up for the Knicks). Second pick would probably be Fran Vasquez who is Marcus Camby-like and the Knicks have expressed interest in getting Marcus Camby back and Marcus Camby wouldn't mind playing for the Knicks. With Sweetney, Marbury, Crawford scoring, all the Knicks really need is some defensive presence and some chemistry so having a guy that doesn't really demand the ball might be a plus for guys like Marbury/Crawford who love to shoot the ball. If both these center prospects are gone by the time the Knicks are up, I bet another guard will be drafted that has the potential to play small forward (point forward) or another pure point so Marbury can play some shooting guard. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but Isiah might just do it as he's expressed his desire to play a 3 guard lineup. If Gerald Green/Martell Webster is still on the board, there is no doubt in my mind that Isiah will try to grab him to replace Tim Thomas. If they are not, Isiah might try to go for a shotblocking athlete that can finish alley oops. Fran Vasquez sounds like that sort of player. Taft doesn't have quite the vertical even though he is quick on the floor and he might be long gone since he has the best overall potential. I don't see Johan Petro being picked that high, but you never know because there's lots of potential, but a lot of question marks at the same time. If he's anything like Steven Hunter, the Knicks might be in trouble for drafting him this high, but he's probably got the best body type to be playing center. Really thick bones. Tiago Splitter is way too skinny to play center and we know how many forwards the Knicks have right now.
Great post custodian, it's always nice to hear from you. Yeah, Isiah will be put in a very interesting situation. I must say, I do see him picking Chris Taft. He's a NY native, an Isiah Thomas kind of player and to top it off, the Knicks need another big man that can play center. Fran Vazquez is also a possibility too because of his Camby-esque like you said. Also he does have a strong work ethic. The only thing is I heard is upside isn't too great. Isiah is not a fan of Tim Thomas and Gerald Green is a huge possibility if he slips our way. He has a lot of potential which Isiah likes. Honestly, I've been thinking about taking Chris Taft. I can imagine him at his full potential. Imagine having a 20/10 2 blocks guy around. But his work ethic is Tim Thomas-esque so that makes me dissapointed. But if we can get him working to his fullest potential and send him to Mark Aguirre we can be working with a monster.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">What's up mrj18 and Knicks fans. I don't know if you guys have seen the official JBB mock draft, but I believed that Isiah would go for another guard if he couldn't find an NBA ready center. Zeke is the strangest GM IMO so it's anybody's guess what type of draft pick he'll go for. The Knicks needs are obviously having a frontline center that can bang and block shots. Low post presence looks pretty decent with Mike Sweetney in the lineup. Unfortunately there's not much NBA ready talent in this area for center. So my guess if New York gets their hands on Chris Taft, he'll get drafted (also helps being he's from Brooklyn and might get up for the Knicks). Second pick would probably be Fran Vasquez who is Marcus Camby-like and the Knicks have expressed interest in getting Marcus Camby back and Marcus Camby wouldn't mind playing for the Knicks. With Sweetney, Marbury, Crawford scoring, all the Knicks really need is some defensive presence and some chemistry so having a guy that doesn't really demand the ball might be a plus for guys like Marbury/Crawford who love to shoot the ball. If both these center prospects are gone by the time the Knicks are up, I bet another guard will be drafted that has the potential to play small forward (point forward) or another pure point so Marbury can play some shooting guard. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but Isiah might just do it as he's expressed his desire to play a 3 guard lineup. If Gerald Green/Martell Webster is still on the board, there is no doubt in my mind that Isiah will try to grab him to replace Tim Thomas. If they are not, Isiah might try to go for a shotblocking athlete that can finish alley oops. Fran Vasquez sounds like that sort of player. Taft doesn't have quite the vertical even though he is quick on the floor and he might be long gone since he has the best overall potential.</div> Isiah Thomas isnt strange...he's a clown. I think the Knicks should use their first pick to draft a big man to help out their frontline whether their NBA ready or not. Tiago Splitter has my vote, he's a seven foot tall paint animal and fits the description of an athletic shot blocker who can finish alley ooops. He plays intense defense, rebounds well, good passer, plays smart basketball, has solid fundamentals and with his athleticism and wingspan he could be a great intimidator in the paint. Right now he's basically a blue collar kind of guy who will take his lunch pail to work every single day. He also has the potential to be a good post up player similiar to Pau Gasol. He's a little on the skinny side but has a good body frame so he'll be able to put on pounds without sacrificing his quickness and athleticism. All in all he's a low risk/ high reward player who will definetely be able to contribute even if he doesnt live up to his full potential(and he probably will). As for Taft...I dont trust him. He has great potential but he looks like a headcase and I dont want to take any chances. Besides he'll probably be one of the first players taken. Thomas is indeed obsessed with this three guard line up thingy(guess he's thinking of the old glory days with the Pistons). But their arent any shooting guards in the draft that can run the point. You're right though, Isiah Thomas will likely draft a guard even though this year their arent many quality shooting guards. He has said that he is considering drafting a high school player and letting him develop. So I'm guessing he's looking at Gerald Green even though the thing the Knicks really need is some size in the frontline. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Great post custodian, it's always nice to hear from you. Yeah, Isiah will be put in a very interesting situation. I must say, I do see him picking Chris Taft. He's a NY native, an Isiah Thomas kind of player and to top it off, the Knicks need another big man that can play center. Fran Vazquez is also a possibility too because of his Camby-esque like you said. Also he does have a strong work ethic. The only thing is I heard is upside isn't too great. Isiah is not a fan of Tim Thomas and Gerald Green is a huge possibility if he slips our way. He has a lot of potential which Isiah likes. Honestly, I've been thinking about taking Chris Taft. I can imagine him at his full potential. Imagine having a 20/10 2 blocks guy around. But his work ethic is Tim Thomas-esque so that makes me dissapointed. But if we can get him working to his fullest potential and send him to Mark Aguirre we can be working with a monster.</div> It's always good to hear from ya on the W's board. Taft plays more like a center than he does power forward and has passing skills. Isiah might like him since he's got potential, he's from Brooklyn, he's physically ready now and Isah's had no problems playing an undersized starting center that's really the size of a power forward. Problem is he could be the next Erick Dampier or Kwame Brown in terms of work ethic or attitude. Isiah is an impatient GM that likes to make a lot of moves so whether it's upside or not, expect the pick to be traded or a draft of some guy who can probably contribute right now. If he gets Splitter he's going to have to wait a while, because the guy has the body frame of a tall small forward or an undersized power forward. Still he's probably the most well rounded big man. I rave about his potential, but he won't be a bruiser at center and NY has too many power forwards as it is. There's quite a logjam and a messy cap situation so it doesn't look pretty as you all know. If he finds his tall shooting guard, Isiah will be all over him like he is with Starbury.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">It's always good to hear from ya on the W's board. Taft plays more like a center than he does power forward and has passing skills. Isiah might like him since he's got potential, he's from Brooklyn, he's physically ready now and Isah's had no problems playing an undersized starting center that's really the size of a power forward. Problem is he could be the next Erick Dampier or Kwame Brown in terms of work ethic or attitude. Isiah is an impatient GM that likes to make a lot of moves so whether it's upside or not, expect the pick to be traded or a draft of some guy who can probably contribute right now. If he gets Splitter he's going to have to wait a while, because the guy has the body frame of a tall small forward or an undersized power forward. Still he's probably the most well rounded big man. I rave about his potential, but he won't be a bruiser at center and NY has too many power forwards as it is. There's quite a logjam and a messy cap situation so it doesn't look pretty as you all know. If he finds his tall shooting guard, Isiah will be all over him like he is with Starbury.</div> Yeah that's good for the Knicks. They will have a commanding post presense who can eventually draw doubles and that can open it up on the perimeter. I think he'll be especially effective playing in the east. He is 6'10, but he has a nice wingspan and a good body to make up for his size. Isiah loves those risky moves. He is a high risk/high reward type of player and knowing Isiah he'd choose him. Word is that he is interested in Martynas although he has to wait for him to develop. I really think he'll choose Taft though. Those tall athletic swingmen are Thomas' favorite and I can definitely see him choosing Green over Taft. I just want to see what he'll do if Vazquez, Taft, and Green are all gone!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas isnt strange...he's a clown. I think the Knicks should use their first pick to draft a big man to help out their frontline whether their NBA ready or not. Tiago Splitter has my vote, he's a seven foot tall paint animal and fits the description of an athletic shot blocker who can finish alley ooops. He plays intense defense, rebounds well, good passer, plays smart basketball, has solid fundamentals and with his athleticism and wingspan he could be a great intimidator in the paint. Right now he's basically a blue collar kind of guy who will take his lunch pail to work every single day. He also has the potential to be a good post up player similiar to Pau Gasol. He's a little on the skinny side but has a good body frame so he'll be able to put on pounds without sacrificing his quickness and athleticism. All in all he's a low risk/ high reward player who will definetely be able to contribute even if he doesnt live up to his full potential(and he probably will). As for Taft...I dont trust him. He has great potential but he looks like a headcase and I dont want to take any chances. Besides he'll probably be one of the first players taken. Thomas is indeed obsessed with this three guard line up thingy(guess he's thinking of the old glory days with the Pistons). But their arent any shooting guards in the draft that can run the point. You're right though, Isiah Thomas will likely draft a guard even though this year their arent many quality shooting guards. He has said that he is considering drafting a high school player and letting him develop. So I'm guessing he's looking at Gerald Green even though the thing the Knicks really need is some size in the frontline. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div> Crap my entire post got erased because my login expired. Dammit! Anway I like Tiago Splitter too, but the bottom line is the cap situation is so messed up, there's no leverage to really improve areas that needed to be improved. I would say trade the draft pick if none of the big men are suitable centers. Maybe work out a deal with Minny to equip them with a drafted point guard (Deron Williams/Jarret Jack) and dump somebody like Malik Rose, Tim Thomas or Mo Taylor, who the Knicks aren't going to use much anyway with the number of forwards they have, and possibly try to get Danny Granger out of it, Sam Cassell or Michael Olowakandi. You got a 6'7 guy that can play three positions (either guard spot and forward) and he has all around skills for the most part. And you'd get a serviceable backup center or a serviceable combo guard and maybe unload Moochie Norris or whoever is still under contract. The Knicks team chemistry is bad IMO, too many blackholes on offense. It doesn't help when Isiah is liking guys like Wallyworld of all players and some other shoot first type of guys. Here's what I think of the Knicks roster: Crawford doesn't know when to pass or shoot, Tim Thomas doesn't know where he is on offense, Marbury has poor shot selection at times and he is just not a very good shooter and Kurt Thomas shouldn't be forced to play center like he is doing now. A chemistry guy taken from the draft or from some other team would be a plus for the Knicks, who don't have a player to tie everyone together.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah that's good for the Knicks. They will have a commanding post presense who can eventually draw doubles and that can open it up on the perimeter. I think he'll be especially effective playing in the east. He is 6'10, but he has a nice wingspan and a good body to make up for his size. Isiah loves those risky moves. He is a high risk/high reward type of player and knowing Isiah he'd choose him. Word is that he is interested in Martynas although he has to wait for him to develop. I really think he'll choose Taft though. Those tall athletic swingmen are Thomas' favorite and I can definitely see him choosing Green over Taft. I just want to see what he'll do if Vazquez, Taft, and Green are all gone!</div> After drafting that 7'2" polish kid awhile back, I doubt he'd have the patience for a project like Martynas Andri-whatever. By the time he's ready to play, Starbury could be breaking down with 12 mil per year or more on his contract with yearly increases. The Knicks have to get out of cap hell, because the new CBA probably won't help them still.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Crap my entire post got erased because my login expired. Dammit! Anway I like Tiago Splitter too, but the bottom line is the cap situation is so messed up, there's no leverage to really improve areas that needed to be improved. I would say trade the draft pick if none of the big men are suitable centers. Maybe work out a deal with Minny to equip them with a drafted point guard (Deron Williams/Jarret Jack) and dump somebody like Malik Rose, Tim Thomas or Mo Taylor, who the Knicks aren't going to use much anyway with the number of forwards they have, and possibly try to get Danny Granger out of it, Sam Cassell or Michael Olowakandi. You got a 6'7 guy that can play three positions (either guard spot and forward) and he has all around skills for the most part. And you'd get a serviceable backup center or a serviceable combo guard and maybe unload Moochie Norris or whoever is still under contract. The Knicks team chemistry is bad IMO, too many blackholes on offense. It doesn't help when Isiah is liking guys like Wallyworld of all players and some other shoot first type of guys. Here's what I think of the Knicks roster: Crawford doesn't know when to pass or shoot, Tim Thomas doesn't know where he is on offense, Marbury has poor shot selection at times and he is just not a very good shooter and Kurt Thomas shouldn't be forced to play center like he is doing now. A chemistry guy taken from the draft or from some other team would be a plus for the Knicks, who don't have a player to tie everyone together.</div> I hated that whenever it happened to me. The cap situation is bad indeed and it's not going to get any better for a few years. But we can still improve areas of that need improvement through the draft. We need size, shotblocking, and defense(can you say Splitter?). Trading away the draft pick like you said is a band aid solution. Sam Cassell is getting old, Kandiman has just been a big disappointment and I dont want to add on anymore salary. I'd much rather just get a good young player who will give us size, do the dirty work for now and develop into a good player in the future. You're thoughts on the Knicks roster are correct. But the biggest problem hasnt been the chemistry on offense(although that's been an issue as well it's been the defense. We need to draft players who can shore up our defense. Guys like Ronny Turiaf and Splitter will do wonders for our defense. On a side note: I would love nothing more than to trade Marbury for a few draft picks, pack up Mo Taylor along with him, trade Kurt Thomas for a first rounder and rebuild this entire club using this draft. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
What's an expired log in? I feel you on Splitter Tribute, but imagine if Taft reaches his full potential. He would be a monster. Agguire has so much to work with in this guy. He could be a headcase, but he can also be a superstar giving us 20/10 a night. I think this is a risk worth taking, Tribute. I heard his worse case scenario is Olowokandi, and he managed to average 9/7.4 and 1.5bpg. Those are pretty good worse case scenario numbers. Are we playing to win, or playing not to lose?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I hated that whenever it happened to me. The cap situation is bad indeed and it's not going to get any better for a few years. But we can still improve areas of that need improvement through the draft. We need size, shotblocking, and defense(can you say Splitter?). Trading away the draft pick like you said is a band aid solution. Sam Cassell is getting old, Kandiman has just been a big disappointment and I dont want to add on anymore salary. I'd much rather just get a good young player who will give us size, do the dirty work for now and develop into a good player in the future. You're thoughts on the Knicks roster are correct. But the biggest problem hasnt been the chemistry on offense(although that's been an issue as well it's been the defense. We need to draft players who can shore up our defense. Guys like Ronny Turiaf and Splitter will do wonders for our defense. On a side note: I would love nothing more than to trade Marbury for a few draft picks, pack up Mo Taylor along with him, trade Kurt Thomas for a first rounder and rebuild this entire club using this draft. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div> Maybe if Mike Sweetney gets unloaded this makes sense, but Splitter at center seems kind of a stretch based on his body type. If Pau Gasol, for instance, plays center, he tends to struggle because he simply isn't as strong to face most center matchups on defense. Just the way his body is. I kind of figured Mike Sweetney was the future and a potential 20/10 player to keep. I'm sure ShapeCity will probably agree with me on Splitter's ability to be a center in the league, it just doesn't look promising unless he's played at power forward because of his frame and his tendency to get pushed way back off a handcheck. The only reason I brought up Kandiman is because he's got post skills, he's a near expiring contract, he's strong and can play defense when motivated and Marbury can get him the ball. He's more of a sure thing at center than any of these other guys you have to wait years later on. But if I was the Knicks, I'd probably want Splitter more than Sweetney even though Sweetney has proven more in the low post game. Come to think of it I don't like Isiah's players that much except for Kurt Thomas who I think is underrated and an underappreciated all around defender. You got a double double machine who is an excellent post defender and a decent scorer when he's not taking bad shots... and he's playing center at 6'9"? Isiah looks like he's screwed up badly when he's got this tunnel vision of what his team should be rather than dealing with what it actually is and what he needs to get this team rolling. They need a traditional center and some leverage. Without any leverage, the Knicks will be rebuilding for years. If they start winning now, it improves the player's values and they can start dealing and unloading some more difficult contracts.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">What's an expired log in? I feel you on Splitter Tribute, but imagine if Taft reaches his full potential. He would be a monster. Agguire has so much to work with in this guy. He could be a headcase, but he can also be a superstar giving us 20/10 a night. I think this is a risk worth taking, Tribute. I heard his worse case scenario is Olowokandi, and he managed to average 9/7.4 and 1.5bpg. Those are pretty good worse case scenario numbers. Are we playing to win, or playing not to lose?</div> NO! DONT FALL INTO THAT TRAP! That's what the poor sucker who drafted TT said. If a player's head isnt right than he shouldnt be touched. If we trade Marbury for a pick and he's still around that's different. Then I'd take that chance. But with our one and only lottery pick...NO! <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Are we playing to win, or playing not to lose?</div> Good memory. Tiago Splitter is a win win situation. Custodianrules2, if Splitter worked out he could handle the center position. His height, wingspan and athleticism would make up for any strength disadvantage he gives up against his opponent. There really arent many true centers around anymore. I mean look at Marcus Camby. He's been playing center for so long people forget he's a powerforward. Then there's Chris Mihm(Tiago Splitter's worst case scenario according to one very reliable scouting report) who plays center for the Lakers. If Splitter were to go up against Shaq, Yao or the Big Z then there could be serious issues but everyone has issues against those guys. If Splitter is really having trouble at the center position in a game we can always switch him with Sweetney. And on the offensive end his agility, quickness and athleticism will give him a serious advantage. The worst case scenario is that Splitter cant play center and we use him as our back up powerforward of the future while we play Ronny Turiaf at center. I wouldnt mind having Kandiman but I'd really much rather have a young big man that can develop into a good player along with Sweetney and Ariza. Yup you're right. Isiah Thomas really screwed the pooch when it comes to the job he did with the Knicks. The problem is he isnt trying to break down this team and start over(which is what I want starting with this draft). He's just wheeling and dealing without rhyme or reason trying to patch things up by bringing in players with big contracts who cant be moved and losing flexibility in the process. So you can see why.... Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">NO! DONT FALL INTO THAT TRAP! That's what the poor sucker who drafted TT said. If a player's head isnt right than he shouldnt be touched. If we trade Marbury for a pick and he's still around that's different. Then I'd take that chance. But with our one and only lottery pick...NO!</div> I was thinking about that too. And beleive me there would be nothing I would hate more if we got a repeat of Tim Thomas, but playing with Agguire, playing in his home town of NY, and playing under the NY crowd and the media could motivate him. If we take a chance, we could be stuck with a PF/C version of Tim Thomas, or we could be stuck with a double-double machine superstar and having a consistent NY representer in the all-star game. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Good memory. Tiago Splitter is a win win situation.</div> LOL, I liked that quote that's why remembered it! Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired too.
Splitter looks awesome, but I think he's the type of player that can fit at one position only and maybe some small forward or center in some extreme cases. Just look at Pau Gasol by comparrison, though. He is a forward and very rarely do they have him play center. Even on the Memphis roster, they have him labeled soley as an F, not F/C. So if Isiah picks Splitter, he's got to figure out what to do with Mike Sweetney then.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Splitter looks awesome, but I think he's the type of player that can fit at one position only and maybe some small forward or center in some extreme cases. Just look at Pau Gasol by comparrison, though. He is a forward and very rarely do they have him play center. Even on the Memphis roster, they have him labeled soley as an F, not F/C. So if Isiah picks Splitter, he's got to figure out what to do with Mike Sweetney then.</div> Like I said if there are games when Splitter cant handle the center position we could just have him and Sweetney switch up(Sweetney plays center already as it is). And if that doesnt work we could just have a great back up coming off the bench that brings something entirely different from what Sweetney brings. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Like I said if there are games when Splitter cant handle the center position we could just have him and Sweetney switch up(Sweetney plays center already as it is). And if that doesnt work we could just have a great back up coming off the bench that brings something entirely different from what Sweetney brings. </div> Gotcha <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post"> Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired. </div> That should be your signature! I wonder if the Knickerbockers still get that conditional Spurs 2005 first rounder from the Nazr for Malike Rose trade.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">That should be your signature! I wonder if the Knickerbockers still get that conditional Spurs 2005 first rounder from the Nazr for Malike Rose trade.</div> Like it? I was thinking about making it my sig but I like the one I got know(H20 is my favorite player). Maybe I will change it though. The 2005 pick we got from the Spurs came from Pheonix. And yes we still have it as well as the Spurs first round pick for the 2006 draft. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
Let's say Splitter is gone, who would you want to take? There is a very good chance that the 7 teams in front of us could grab him. Would you hop on the Green Bandwaggon with the rest of us?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Let's say Splitter is gone, who would you want to take? There is a very good chance that the 7 teams in front of us could grab him. Would you hop on the Green Bandwaggon with the rest of us? </div> I'd rather have Martynas than Green. If Splitter is gone I'd rather we trade down. Give up our draft pick for a mid first rounder, use it to draft Roko, and the team's first round pick for 2006. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd rather have Martynas than Green. If Splitter is gone I'd rather we trade down. Give up our draft pick for a mid first rounder, use it to draft Roko, and the team's first round pick for 2006. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div> But Martynas is probably gone before we choose, too. Wow, I didn't realize you didn't like Green that much! Why would we draft another PG? Green can be a lock down defender in the NBA and can turn out to be a superstar and "the next big thing."
