2009-10 NBA Season Preview: New York Knicks

Depth Chart:

C: Eddy Curry/Darko Milicic/David Lee?

PF: Al Harrington/Jordan Hill/Jared Jefferies

SF: Wilson Chandler/Danilo Gallinari/Chris Hunter

SG: Larry Hughes/Toney Douglas/Joe Crawford

PG: Chris Duhon/Nate Robinson?

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni (2nd year)

2009-2010 Team Salary: $73.0 million

Projected 2010-2011 Team Salary: approximately $27.2 million

Off-Season Grade: Barely Pass

Since Donnie Walsh has taken over the general managerial duties from Isiah Thomas, Walsh has been progressively undoing the mess Thomas made in New York. He has avoided taking on bad contracts, tried to unload the crop of terrible contracts plaguing his roster, and avoided overpaying free agents. This summer was more of the same.

The Knicks’ only real trade was swapping the expiring contracts of Quentin Richardson for Darko Milicic. Walsh let Chris Wilcox walk and signed Jason Williams to a 1-year deal in hopes of adding some depth at point guard. The biggest moves however, have involved restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson. Walsh has held firm on his belief of not overpaying either player while no team has stepped up to the plate to try and steal them away. Sure Lee and Robinson are unhappy about the situation, but now they will enter this season in the final year of their rookie contracts and will have something to play for: a big contract next offseason.

Drafting Jordan Hill at No. 8 could be a steal as he appears to be a great fit in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense and could potentially develop into a role similar to the one Amare Stoudamire held for D’Antoni in Phoenix. Buying the 29th pick from the Lakers and selecting Toney Douglas gives New York a combo-guard who can score and play defense.

2009-2010 Outlook:

Like last year, expect a lot of offense and very little defense. But the Knicks franchise can finally start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, this upcoming season should be the final year of a string of dismal years in the Big Apple. In no way should New York compete for a playoff spot in the East, but the future is looking brighter and brighter.

Keep an eye on Eddy Curry’s situation. He has two years at almost $22 million left on his contract, but only played in three games last season. If Curry can stay healthy and in shape, and have a rebirth type of season for the Knicks, he could be an attractive trading piece to bring in some more expiring contracts from a team in need of a big body. Walsh would love nothing more than to find a suitor and clear more cap space.

Looking Ahead to the Summer of 2010:

LeBron or D-Wade. It’s that simple. Walsh has put the franchise in a great financial situation as the Knicks should have at least $25 million to spend next summer since Darko, Duhon, Harrington, Hughes, Lee and Robinson will all be unrestricted free agents. There will be plenty of talented free agents hitting the market and New York is always an enticing place to play, not only because of its rich basketball history, but because of the advertising opportunities that become available in the big city.

Landing one of the two aforementioned Redeem Teamers will be the ultimate prize. Consider this though: LeBron or Wade will take up a majority of the cap space the Knicks will have available, leaving little flexibility to bring in a No. 2 type option. Would LeBron leave a Cleveland team that can compete for an NBA title for the allure of playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and have to fight every inch to make the postseason?

If Curry and/or Jared Jefferies can be dealt for expiring deals, the Knicks would then be in a situation to land a LeBron or Wade, AND a guy like Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudamire. Needless to say the Knicks and the summer of 2010 should be entertaining to watch.

2009-10 NBA Power Ranking: 27th