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NLL Insider - Team by Team: New York Knicks

by vt, updated on Monday, September 29 2008, 02:53 pm EST

New York Knicks Review

2007-2008
Finish: 47-35


What went well

The New York Knicks peaked too early. Check out this lineup when they lost 2003 NLL Finals in seven games to the Spurs: Shawn Bradley, Anthony Mason, Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and Penny Hardaway. That team was old then. GM Dunadan knew that the Finals loss would probably be the pinnacle of this lineup’s achievements. So he dismantled the team the following year, bringing in a cadre of up-and-comers.

The Knicks surprised many critics by squeaking into the playoffs the next three seasons. But the youngsters did not have the capability of bringing glory back to the Big Apple. Disaster finally struck during the 2006-07 season. The Knicks finished 29-53. Fans called for the head of Isaiah Thomas. Even GM Dunadan, one of the most respected GMs in the league began thinking of stepping down. But Dunadan is a bright GM and he took the appropriate steps turn things around before they hit critical mass. Right before the draft he robbed the Sacramento Kings by trading some picks for stud guard Deron Williams. Knicks fans went into the summer with a sense of relief in their bellies.

With so many young players to manage, the Knicks began the new season by picking up the options on six of them. They also sent away Stromile Swift, a mainstay during the barren years, to the Hornets for a future pick. The Knicks always have money these days and they caused a big splash by picking up Corey Maggette for nearly a maximum deal. Behind Maggette and Williams, the Knicks would be unstoppable, right?

Obviously, Dunadan thought he needed more power. Four weeks into the season, he went out and made the biggest deal of his career. He sent Maggette and promising forward Travis Outlaw to the Lakers for Allen Iverson. Iverson, always a thorn for the Knicks while played for the Sixers, provided instant offense for this team. The Knicks also picked up Dikembe Mutombo for the always injured Robert Swift. What message was Dunadan sending? He was tired of his youth movement to mature and he wanted his Knicks back in the playoffs and following a few, tense final weeks, the team clinched the 7th seed.

What went bad
As expected, the Knicks did not make it far in the playoffs. But this season was a turnaround from last year’s debacle and things are looking up for this team.


The Stars

Allen Iverson, G -
Playing along Deron Williams didn't take quite a big a toll on Iverson's scoring numbers as expected. He averaged 22 points in 66 games with the Knicks in 2006-07, less than he scored with the Lakers, but at least in NY he had a supporting cast to help out with scoring. With that said, Iverson managed to play a full 82 game season for the first time 2002-03 regular season. He is unsigned and it is unclear whether the Knicks will bring him back for another season. They would be foolish not to sign him.



Deron Williams, G
The people of Sacramento can only shake their heads after they saw what kind of season this guy had in a Knicks uniform. He is one of the most productive guards in the NLL and he will be a candidate for 20 points and 10 assists. He will be an elite NLL player soon. You saw it here first.


Looking to the future

The inevitable is about to arrive for the Knicks. They are going to either start paying the young crop some serious bucks or show them the road. First up is center Andris Biedrins. After four somewhat solid seasons in town, he will be looking for a big deal. He is really the tip of the iceberg. Next year the team will have five players looking for extensions.

Iverson is also unsigned. Somehow, he feels out of place with these youngsters but letting one of the top 10 players walk seems odd. By extending Iverson and Biedrins (possibly Sebastian Telfair, Quentin Richardson will probably not be given a deal), the team will eat up most of its cap. But is signing Iverson to a team where no one else is over 30 a good idea? The Knicks could get two or three quality players for that cost. Of course, Dunadan has a plan. He’s just not telling.

In the draft the Knicks selected big man Kosta Koufos. An early exit from Ohio State, Koufos has some serious skills for someone of his size. He could use some more seasoning, but expect him to crack the rotation by the end of the season. The Knicks also dealt for Patrick Ewing Jr. on draft deal. Call it a sentimental pick, it is unclear whether Ewing will actually make the roster.


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