http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/4579 Recent articles about David Lee en-us Rotoworld.com is a great resource for breaking news, but I often disagree with their NBA analysis. So here are a few examples of how my fantasy basketball opinions differ from Rotoworld's (I will continue to update the original post over the summer). My intentions are not to simply badmouth Rotoworld's fantasy hoops content, but to point out the differences between their analysis and mine. I should first thank them, because if it wasn't for an email that they sent me 5 years ago, I wouldn't be here today. You see, I purchased Rotoworld's "Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide" in 2003, and was very disappointed with their "expert" analysis and stat projections. I sent them an email citing examples of projections that did not seem very logical to me, and they responded by saying something like: Clearly, you are knowledgeable and experienced in fantasy basketball, but our draft guides are geared towards more novice players. I was extremely offended by that email. Why would someone sell a guide (of ANY kind) without putting maximum effort into it in hopes that even the most experienced person could gain some kind of knowledge or insight from it? Since that day, I've been on a mission to create my own Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide to the best of my ability. Over the last 5 years, I've won over $15,000 playing fantasy basketball, which is no easy feat considering the lack of high-stakes hoops leagues. After years of keeping my rankings and projections to myself, I released my first comprehensive Draft Guide last year on 82games.com, to much acclaim (see below). So before you purchase Rotoworld's 2008 NBA Draft Guide, perhaps you should take note of the differences between Rotoworld and RotoEvil. My 1st update includes differences of opinion regarding: Kevin Love & Minnesota's frontcourt, David Lee's trade prospects, Jason Williams' fantasy value, Brandon Rush's player comparisons, and whether or not Chris Duhon is really an NBA player. Click on the link to compare for yourself! Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:07:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291945 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291945 Donnie Walsh needs to get Al Harrington, the perfect, available big who would fit in Mike D'Antoni's system perfectly. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:22:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291566 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291566 The Miami Herald is reporting that Tyronn Lue will take a physical for the Heat on Monday and if the results are good, will be given an offer from the team. Lue then said that he would decide between the Phoenix, Boston and Miami. The Heat may be offering it's 1.9 million bi-annual exception. My guess is that the Celtics are offering a veteran's minimum contract. Last week, Lue said that Phoenix was his first choice but he feels that Miami would be a good situation, as unlike in Boston or Phoenix, he would be a starter for the Heat. Boston has the benefit that Kevin Garnett is one of his best friends. The Boston Globe has this little tidbit at the bottom of an article: Possibly the biggest surprise of the first round of the recent NBA draft was IUPUI guard George Hill being selected by the Spurs with the 26th pick. But if that didn't happen, could Hill have ended up a Celtic? Hill was projected by many as a second-round pick and wasn't even listed among the 123 prospects in the NBA's predraft media guide. But after Hill's introductory news conference in San Antonio, his agent, Michael Whitaker, said the Celtics had promised to select Hill with the 30th pick if he was available. With Hill off the board, Boston selected New Mexico guard J.R. Giddens with its first-round pick. Despite Whitaker's claims, an NBA source said the two players on Celtics general manager Danny Ainge's wish list with the 30th pick were Giddens and swingman Bill Walker. Danny made a promise to Hill? The Spurs have a way of taking players the Celtics want. I still haven't forgiven them for getting the first pick back in 1997. It may work out well, because I like Giddens and think he will be a very good player. I am also very excited about Walker. Danny was able to pick 2 players with low risk high reward type potential. The Boston Globe tells us that there could be something contract wise about James Posey today. There are several teams interested including the Wizards, Lakers, Cavs, and Detroit, but according to reports, New Orleans has come out as the Celtics biggest rival to sign him. Posey will be in Boston today for the premiere of the Championship DVD and he will be promoting the DVD with Eddie House from 2-4 p.m. at Borders on Tuesday. Maybe it's me, but I don't see him announcing that he is signing with another team today and then facing the Celtics fans tomorrow to promote the DVD. So in my opinion, either he is re-signing with the Celtics or he isn't announcing it today. According to ESPN, Ron Artest is now actively pushing for a trade and will act as his own agent. He has sent several emails to ESPN over the weekend expressing this fact. The article reports that the Kings want Lamar Odom for Artest and Kenny Thomas, but the Lakers don't want to give up Odom. It also shares some of the ramblings from Artest's emails to them including these gems: "In a way I wish this [coming 2008-09 season] would have been [Theus'] first year and [Adelman] would have left this summer, because it could have showed how much [of] a winner I am. Guys like Rick Adelman and Rick Carlisle [brought] that out of me. Isiah [Thomas] was going to bring that out of me if he didn't get fired [by the Knicks]. A coach like Phil Jackson can bring that out me." "When Rick Adelman got fired and Bonzi [Wells] didn't get re-signed, that messed up my legacy as a King because we were headed in the right direction. Now it's like I have to re-identify what type of team play I can bring to a team. "I was blinded by friendship. Even Mama Maloof [Colleen Maloof, Joe and Gavin's mother] told me she wanted me to stay. I never knew that meant one more year. I thought it meant several. When Mama [Maloof] talks, you listen, and it's a must you consider and take heed to what she is saying. "I didn't know I would be on this roller-coaster ride. Even my coaches convinced me things will be OK. I guess they didn't know, either, that would mean a couple more years. I feel like I let my family down by not being a smarter businessman." The SacBee reported that all this is news to his actual agent who said that he still represents Artest. I guess after pouring his heart out in the emails to ESPN, he didn't have anything left to say as when interviewed in Vegas at the SL games, he answered no comment to every question asked as reported on Yahoo Sports. I really hope the Lakers are able to trade for him. They deserve each other. It is being reported that the Clippers have already spoken to Andre Iguodala about an offer. Iguadala is a restricted free agent and the Sixers have made it clear that they will match any offers made to Iguodala. What better way to get even with the Sixers for luring away Brand. Make a huge offer to Iguodala so that either the Sixers have to pay more than they planned or let him go. If the Sixers choose not to match, the Clippers get a good player and get a certain amount of revenge. David Lee is looking for a long term extension with the Knicks but they are reluctant to make an offer that goes beyond 2010 because they want to make a play for LeBron or any one of several stars that will be on the market that off season. Lee has been mentioned in several trade talks as to get rid of some of their dead weight, the Knicks may have to sweeten the deal by including Lee, who would really like to stay in New York. If they don't give Lee the extension, he will become a free agent after the season and newly signed rookie, Danilo Gallinari, plays his position so they may just let him go. I like David Lee as a player and wouldn't mind having him in Boston but don't see a way to get him unless the Knicks wanted Scal, whose contract happens to be up after next year to clear space for LeBron. Unlikely, I know. Gallinari has been very impressive so far. The coaching staff is most impressed with Gallinari's court awareness, which can't be taught. He can definitely find the open guy. He also is able to hit the outside shot and may be the Knicks best outside shooter this season according to his teammates. He is also reportedly very tough and willing to bang inside. The Knicks may have gotten a gem in this kid. Newsday reported this hilarious exchange between Quentin Richardson and Gallinari: So anyway, Q sits down next to Gallo and asks him about this kissing routine the young Italian seems to have when he greets people he knows. "Everybody I meet, I kiss them on each cheek," Danilo says. Richardson seemed quite uncomfortable with this fact. "Really?" Gallinari then quickly added, "But only the women." "You and I will get along well then," Richardson replied. The Orlando Magic have offered Keyon Dooling a contract, but it likely isn't enough for him to return and back up starting point guard Jameer Nelson. They offered him a 2 year contract at the bi-annual exception of 1.9 million a year. He made almost double that last year and so it doesn't seem like enough to keep him with several other teams interested in him as well. The Magic desperately need point guard help as they only have Jameer Nelson at that position right now. They are also looking at bringing back Carlos Arroyo or going after Jason Williams, Anthony Johnson or Tyronn Lue, who reportedly is choosing between the Heat, Celtics and Suns at present. The Heat, like the Knicks and Nets have been working to clear space for the 2010 free agency period when Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and several other top-tier NBA players such as Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh all become free agents. Playing at Zo's Charity game, both Wade and LeBron joked about playing together in 2010. There may be a pairing in superstars in that offseason as LeBron lures Wade to Miami or LeBron lures Wade to Cleveland or several land on another team. Ray Allen's contract will be up that year as well so the Celtics may be in the hunt for a free agent also. It will be a busy off season that year. Robert "Tractor" Traylor, who last played in the NBA in 2005, is playing on the Cavs Summer League team. This is the second time in the past eight months the Cavs have taken a look at Traylor. Last December, he worked out for the team before Anderson Varejao settled his contract dispute and returned to the team. He has played the past two seasons in Puerto Rico but would love another shot at playing in the NBA. In November 2005, he had heart surgery to correct an enlarged aortic valve, similar to the surgery that Ronny Turiaf and Etan Thomas have both had, but Traylor couldn't get back into the NBA after his surgery. He is hoping that his Summer League stint witht he Cavs will open up an opportunity with the Cavs or another team that sees him play. The Warriors are intent on keeping Andre Biedrins and Monta Ellis. And though a league source said Ellis has drawn sign-and-trade interest from the Heat, Cavs and Blazers, nothing is likely to materialize. Any scenario would require approval from the Warriors who have said that they will match any offers made to their two free agents. NewsOK reports that the league will start selling gear for the Oklahoma City Whatevers this week although they still have not come up with the official name or logo for the team as yet. The tee shirts and hats on sale this week will feature the black and white Oklahoma City logo the team used in the Orlando Pro Summer League last week. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:33:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290169 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290169 In Part 1, we looked at the members of the draft class of 2004. Those players are restricted free agents this summer because last summer they failed to agree on an extension with their team. In Part 2, we'll look at members of the draft class of 2005, who have the option to sign long-term deals with their current teams. Typically, this means that they are looking at less money than they could sign for as a restricted or unrestricted free agent, but they have the peace of mind of all that guaranteed money (in case of injury) and knowing where they'll be playing for the next five or six years. Two players from the draft class of '05 – Chris Paul and Deron Williams – are widely considered to be no-brainer max extension players. In fact, Paul has already extended for four years and $68 M, and Williams' camp is currently negotiating with the Jazz. It would be a coup if Utah could convince their young point guard to take a bit less money to allow for the team to have salary cap flexibility in the future. So let's take a look at the other big-name players from the class of '05 and try to gauge their total value. Remember, this includes performance (John Hollinger's PER), age, potential, and the salaries of comparable players. (Read the rest after the jump.) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:43:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286615 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286615 David Lee happens to be my favorite player on the team, a trait I share with most Knick fans. He reminds me of my previous favorite Charles Oakley because he hustles, rebounds and plays with passion. Other qualities I admire about him are that he plays hurt, is a solid locker room influence, and will outwork anyone in practice. However, he lacks the Oak Man's toughness, presence, and leadership qualities. The 6'9 Lee was selected 30th in the 2005 draft out of the University of Florida, and this past season as a starter he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, shot 53% from the floor and 81% from the stripe. However, his numbers look more impressive per 48 minutes which come out to 17.8 points, 14.8 bounds and 1.12 steals. The Twenty-five year old is the Knicks' best commodity to trade since his contract is not as exorbitant as Zach Randolph's. Zebo is owed about $48 million the next three seasons. David Lee earned only $990,600 last season and is looking for a lucrative extension. If the Knicks want to get under the cap before 2010, then moving Lee now is the perfect time because he has the most value. Before the June 26th NBA draft Lee was rumored as being shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies or Charlotte Bobcats. "A lot of people want to get David Lee," his agent, Mark Bartlestein, told The Record in Bergen , N.J. If Raymond Felton for Lee is still on the table I would do the deal in a New York minute. New Bobcat coach and former Knick coach Larry Brown was high on Lee and the deal would make sense for both teams. The Bobcats selected former Texas Longhorn point guard D.J Augustine with the 9th selection in the NBA draft. The ex-UNC guard is coming off a strong year playing in 79 games averaging 14.4 points, 7.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. In the 32 games the Bobcats won, Felton dished out close to 9 dimes per game. Number 20 finished the season strong in the final 8 games he recoreded 17 points and close to 10 assists. He is a year younger than Lee and addresses more of a need. If they land Felton they could buy out Stephon Marbury and sign Chris Duhon to a two-year deal. Wouldn't it be ironic to see a former Tar Heel and Blue Devil in the backcourt? A player like Lee is the easiest to replace because of his limited offensive skills. The Knicks could have traded into the second round and selected players like Joey Dorsey, DeAndre Jordan, Patrick Ewing Jr., Darnell Jackson and Deron Washington. All of these players possess different abilities to block shots, rebound, and are athletic. Lee has improved his mid-range jumper and square up but his style of game would not fit in the up-tempo system Mike D'Antoni is bringing over from the high-octane Suns. Lee can not create his own shot, lacks a handle, has few post moves and no fade away jumper. Comparing this to baseball, Yankee centerfielder Melky Cabrera's stock has plummeted with his mediocre offensive production so far, and his trade value was much higher during the off-season when he was rumored in a possible deal for CY Young pitcher Johan Santana. Yes, Lee won the slam dunk contest in college and won the MVP of the Rookie-Sophomore game, but he lacks the versatility of a Boris Diaw or the speed and creativeness of a Shawn Marion. He also does not have the skill set of Mike Dunleavy or Danny Granger, who Donnie Walsh traded for and drafted while he was with the Indiana Pacers. D'Antoni said he would "love" to coach him next season, but admitted Lee is the subject of trade talks. "But again it's the business, it's the future, and we're doing what you can within certain parameters. It's overblown because everyone that calls asks about him because he's the main guy. And it should be a compliment to him. It hasn't happened. I don't expect it to happen. If it did, it would have to be somebody good." The rebuilding process starts now and Walsh needs to get the most value he can for Lee. Two to three years from now the roster should be rid of Isiah's mistakes and the Knicks will be in prime position to land a big time free agent come 2010 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:43:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285509 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285509 Only two days into free agency and the New York Knicks are wasting no time addressing their need at point guard. The team has already extended an offer to former Chicago Bulls backup Chris Duhon. They've also reached out to the recently freed Sebastian Telfair and Tyronn Lue, while letting Stephon Marbury know he will be with the team come training camp in October. Lets look at their free agent options. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:49:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285330 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285330 Ron-Ron would be great and so would Baron Davis. Realistically who are you going to trade to get them? As good as "Double" Lee is he is NOT great he is a great role player who fills a need on a good basketball team. Lee is not even close to the level that a Baron Davis or a Ron Artest are as players. Knick fans out there are getting a little ridiculous with these trade requests remember this is real life not NBA2k or NBA Live. You can not trade Marbury for Iverson because they are both rated on a video game in the 80s that doesn't work in the real NBA. How about this one I heard some crazed fan say Zach Randolph for Tyson Chandler? Or another one I heard on the radio was Eddy Curry for Marcus Camby. Haha, yeah right let's get real people. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:41:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283573 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283573 It was only two days ago that we were told that the Cavaliers would look to get better through trades as opposed to the draft. Given the selection of J.J. Hickson in last night's draft, I think it's safe to say that the team's "last resort" isn't going to put an end to the off-season moves for this team. At one point in time, the Knicks' David Lee was the only untouchable player on the roster. Now, with the selection of Danilo Gallinari (booooooo!), the New York Post is hinting that Lee could be on the move. Gallinari's addition means the Knicks likely will trade Lee this summer for a point guard. Charlotte reportedly is interested, with Raymond Felton. The Knicks nearly dealt Lee to Memphis for their fifth pick, with Walsh saying a deal was "close." The new regime apparently feels Lee is limited and are hesitant want to give him a lavish contract extension by October because it could hurt their ability to get under the cap in 2010. A quick look at Lee's stats per 36 minutes (13 points, 11 rebounds, 0.8 steals) shows us that adding him to our front court would provide instant hustle, solid shooting percentages, and someone actually under the age of 30. Crazy concept, I know. But would trading for him simply set up another team to create cap space by the infamous 2010? We've already heard countless times that the Nets' trade is setting up the "inevitable." But not making any moves to get better before 2010 on our end will not help matters much. Of course you have to consider what the Knicks would want for Lee. New York looks to be interested in point guard Ray Felton, but they usually tend to be a sucker for expiring deals. I too am interested in Ray Felton, but that is because I'm getting pretty greedy while watching my teams fall just short of a banner. Plus, that's a different post for a different day. So, the question becomes: even though we now have approximately five guys that could play the "four," do we look at another one? One with a proven track record of work ethic, production and the desire to win? Or do we use our assets (those that we have) to tackle other needs given that the 19-year old Hickson may or may not produce for at least a year or so? I'm a big David Lee fan, so my opinion may be a bit biased. But I think it's at least worth a shot. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:11:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283515 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283515 Even with all the trade rumors leading up the NBA Draft, the draft itself winds up usually causing so many more. Well this years draft has not let us down. Thanks to two certain picks we now have rumors circulating about a trade between the New York Knicks and Charlotte Bobcats. Of course each teams local media puts a different spin on every scenario, so lets take a look at both. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:32:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283369 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283369 The New York Post is reporting that Donnie Walsh is possibly interested in acquiring Ford. No offense to Knick fans, but other than Lee (who the Knicks covet) who else do they have to offer the Raptors that could help us? Not much unfortunately. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:07:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281661 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281661 Remember This. The last time my New YOrk Knicks were a good team and their were rivalries all over the place like poverty in the world. And basketball wasnt fixed or let alone the fact that teams were allowed to play hard nosed ball and not get called for fouls. Larry Johnson a class act who definetly is one of most underrated Forwards of all Time as well......The Crowds Reaction is Priceless!!!! a bit long but its worth the time for any NBA fan!! Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:53:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276534 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276534 The following players are more valuable now then they were before D'Anonti arrived IF D'Antoni uses the same up-tempo offensive style he installed in Phoenix. Quentin Richardson, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, David Lee and Renaldo Balkman......check the entire post out to see why. Tue, 13 May 2008 18:07:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266614 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266614 Player by player analysis, grade and video highlights (in some cases low lights) for the 2007-2008 New York Knickerbockers Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:44:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260068 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260068 On a night when Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen all had the night off, the Celtics subs came through for them again, beating the Knicks 99-93 at Madison Square Garden. It wasn't all the bench though, because Doc still played Rondo and Perk along with Posey, Tony and Powe in the starting lineup. Rondo played 41 minutes and came up big with 23 points on 11-15 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Doc said after the game that he will probably give Rondo the night off Wednesday and so wanted to play him big minutes tonight. James Posey also came up big as he finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 41 minutes. Sam played 30 minutes and scored 22 points, but shot only 7-18. Cassell and House are both very streaky scorers and can shoot you into a game or shoot you out of one just as quickly. Sam also pulled down 5 rebounds but didn't get any assists. Powe was back after missing 2 games with a foot injury and as usual, he got the tough play of the game. He finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 19 minutes. I am certain that Powe is going to be a factor for the Celtics in the playoffs. Tony continues to struggle to find his way back to pre-injury form. He had 8 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 19 minutes but just isn't all the way back yet. Big Baby had a good game with 13 points and 9 rebounds. It was pretty funny to hear the Knicks broadcasters talking about how big Baby is and how he needs to lose weight and then they show Zach Randolph who is definitely even begger than Baby and not a word about his size. Gabe Pruitt played 6 minutes and finished with 1 point and 1 rebound but impressed me with his speed and defense. At one point, he stayed in front of Nate Robinson going full out up the court. Gabe has the potential to be something special. The Celtics shot 48% while holding the Knicks to 40% from the field. The Celtics achilles reared its head again as the Celtics missed 8 free throws. They just can't do that in the playoffs where every possession counts. They did keep the turnovers down to 14 but even that may be too many in the playoffs, but much better than the 20+ they have been racking up lately. All in all, a nice win for a team that was said to have no bench in the beginning of the season. We may have witnessed Isiah Thomas's finsl home game as a coach tonight as "Fire Isiah" chants sprung up throughout the Garden in the 4th quarter. The Knicks finished the season with a 15-26 home record, tied for the worst in franchise history. One final note on the Knicks: David Lee deserves better. I have always been impressed with this kid and how hard he plays all the time. I hope they either trade him or get him some help and a decent coach. On another front, the Pacers lost and so the Hawks clinched the 8th spot in the East and will be the Celtics 1st round opponent. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:46:21 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237326 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237326 The Hawks pulled off a solid win 116-104 over the Knicks with a huge performance by Joe Johnson. They led the entire game but made it too close for comfort in the 4th quarter after blowing huge leads down to five points. A lead is never safe with the Hawks, no matter how big. This is why Coach Woodson can't afford to bench Joe Johnson for more than 3 minutes per game at most. Hopefully his body can hold up throughout the season and hopefully playoffs. Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:03:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/235945 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/235945