http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18377
The Knicks need depth. This much we know. As has been harped on in this space for weeks now, their two best and most important players – Amar'e Stoudemire and Raymond Felton – are simply playing too many minutes.
Since mid-November, when the Knicks were struggling mightily (3-8 after 11 games) and Coach Mike D'Antoni decided to pare down his rotation, Felton and Amar'e are both in the top four in the NBA in minutes played. Over the Knicks last 21 games, Raymond is averaging 40.8 minutes per game, while Stoudemire is clocking in at 39.5 mpg.
It has been widely speculated that President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Walsh, and the Knicks are currently pursing both a back-up big man and a PG. (And with news that starting small forward Danilo Gallinari will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks with a sprain knee, the bench will be stretched thin at the wing at well.) Although the chase for Carmelo Anthony makes for juicier headlines, adding depth up front and at the point are more immediate, pressing concerns. Moreover, while the deal for 'Melo is contingent upon a multitude of factors outside the Knicks control, trading for a role player or two is far more feasible.
The question becomes this: Which is a higher priority, adding a big or a PG? In my opinion, adding size should become the primary objective. This need for a center was made abundantly clear last week, when the Knicks headed down to Florida to take on the HEAT and Magic over a three-day stretch. Dwight Howard exploded for 24 points and 18 rebounds, which is completely unsurprising considering his all-world talent. However, it had to be disconcerting for Walsh to watch his squad allow Miami center Zydrunas Illgaukgus to post a double-double (14 points and 10 boards). New York's inferior interior defense has been exposed early and often this year; the trip down south just the latest example. On the season, the Knicks give up nearly 48 points in the paint per game, second worst in the NBA.
In addition, reducing Stoudemire's workload this winter will be vital in order to keep him fresh this Spring, when the Knicks hope to be preparing and then participating in the postseason. The Knicks $100 million investment is uninsured against injury, and if STAT misses an extended stretch of the season, the Knicks chances to compete against the East's elite drop faster than the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Furthermore, Amar'e has been limited by foul trouble in recent contests, which inhibits his defensive instincts and limits D'Antoni's options.
In terms of whom the Knicks would prefer to part with in a trade Walsh has an assortment of expiring contracts he can offer, including Eddy Curry (with the vast majority of his $11.2 million salary paid by NY at February deadline), Kelenna Azubuike ($3.36 million), Roger Mason Jr. ($1.4 million), Bill Walker ($854k), and Andy Rautins ($600k). Anthony Randolph, who is still on his rookie deal ($1.9 million this season), can also be used as a trade chip.
Who should Walsh target in order to add some beef to the frontline? The dearth of quality big men in the NBA is always an issue, but there are some decent options available, some more enticing than others. Let's take a lap around the league and examine a number of possible players. In an attempt to leave no stone unturned, we've examined every roster in the league. And of course we'll factor in salary, as keeping cap room in order to sign a big free-agent (Carmelo) next summer remains of the utmost importance.
Nazr Mohammed – Charlotte Bobcats: Mohammed, a former Knickerbocker, is in the final year of his deal paying him $6.8 million this season. Obviously not a star, but he's a big body that can take up space and is probably athletic enough to not disrupt D'Antoni's offensive flow. In addition, he is averaging 1.2 blocks per game in 17 minutes of action this season. If the Bobcats, currently nine games under .500, fall further out contention, would Michael Jordan begin cleaning house?
Anderson Varejao – Cleveland Cavaliers: Varejao's name has previously been attached to the Knicks in unsubstantiated rumors. He would be a great fit playing alongside Stoudemire, as he's a terrific defender, supreme hustler/grinder, and all-around pest. The huge problem with Varejao is his enormous contract, which will pay him roughly $35 million over the next four seasons. Too rich for the Knicks taste.
Leon Powe – Cleveland Cavaliers: He has not been nearly the same player since undergoing major knee surgery two years ago, but Powe did score 14 points starting at center for the Cavs (filling in for the aforementioned Varejao) on New Year's Eve. ($915k expiring contract)
Brendan Haywood – Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs would love to dump Haywood, who has quickly fallen out of favor in Dallas. However, there is absolutely no way Donnie would ever consider taking back Haywood's insane salary, which will pay him over $45 million thru the 2015-2016. (Yes, this contract already qualifies as arguably one of the worst in the NBA.)
Ian Mahinmi – Dallas Mavericks: Everybody (including former coach Gregg Popovich) seems to love the potential of this 6-11 former first-round pick out of France, but the Mahinmi hasn't been able to stay healthy long enough to prove he is a legit NBA center.
Jason Collins/Etan Thomas – Atlanta Hawks: Nothing overly exciting here, but both big men can take up space, are willing defenders, and have the requisite expiring contracts...
Nene – Denver Nuggets: Could the argument be made that there is a potential free agent on the Nuggets roster that might actually be a better fit in New York than Carmelo Anthony?? While the Knicks have Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Landry Fields to man the wing positions – they don't have a beast in the middle. Nene (originally drafted by the Knicks) battled inconsistency and injuries early in his career, but has been one of the league's best all-around big man over the last few years. He scores plenty (averaging a career-high 15 ppg this season), shoots a very high percentage form the floor (currently at 63%), and isn't afraid to mix it up down low. Far more is made of the situation involving Carmelo, but Nene has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer as well - he has a player option worth $11.6 million for the 2011-2012 campaign. Thus, Denver has no guarantees he will stay in the Rockies long-term. A Nene/Amar'e tag-team upfront would be an incredibly imposing combination. However, prying him from Denver would obviously be extremely difficult, considering the Nuggets have hinted strongly they aren't interesting in what Walsh can bring to the table.
Chris Wilcox – Detroit Pistons: Wilcox is an expiring contract ($3 million), but other than that, has little value. Knicks have been there and don't that, and won't make that mistake again.
Jared Jeffries – Houston rockets: Not a 'true center' by any stretch of the imagination, but Jeffries is a D'Antoni favorite who was a jack-of-all-trades during his four-year stint in New York. D'Antoni played J.J. everywhere, as he loved Jeffries defensive versatility, i.e. his ability to guard all five positions on the floor. Jared has been buried on the Rockets bench this entire season; playing nary a meaningful minute since he arrived in Houston. There has been rumors circulating that Rockets GM Daryl Morey may consider buying out Jeffries, who is in the final season of his five year contract (an Isiah Thomas special), which pays him $6.9 million this season. So Donnie may want to wait until the last minute before making a lowball offer…
Jeff Foster – Indiana Pacers: A vet who has been a role player on winning teams before, Foster is in the final season of his contract with the Pacers, paying him $6.6 million. He is the type of blue-collar worker who is more than happy to bang, board, and draw charges. The Knicks got an up-close look at him over the weekend when he started ahead of Roy Hibbert during the Pacers Sunday matinee showdown with the Knicks at MSG. However, when reporters asked Indy Head Coach Jim O'Brien about his front court after the game, O'Brien stated that the team had plenty of depth on the wing, and was looking to add a big man. (Not subtract).
Interestingly, the Pacers also have a solid, veteran PG (with a expiring contract worth $8.5 million) that could serve as Raymond Felton's backup – T.J. Ford. Indiana had apparently attempted to trade Ford last summer, after he reportedly refused to accept a $5 million buyout. Despite a 14-18 record, the Pacers are currently sitting in seventh place in the East, which means they would likely be unwilling to trade two rotation players in a deal with New York; but let's say Walsh calls up his pals in Indy and offers the following package: Eddy Curry's expiring contract, Anthony Randolph, Andy Rautins and cash in exchange for Jeff Foster and T.J. Ford. Do the Pacers turn that down? (Remember, it was wisely speculated last summer that the Pacers offered the Knicks a future first-rounder in exchange for Anthony Randolph.)
Chris Kaman – Los Angeles Clippers: While the talent is legit (Kaman can play at a near all-star level when healthy), the injury history is distressing and, more importantly, the contract - $11.3 million this season and $12.2 next year - is clearly prohibitive. Adding a player with a contract extending into 2012 likely costs the Knicks any chance they may have had at adding Carmelo, or any other marquee free agent next summer.
Troy Murphy – New Jersey Nets: A horrible defender, T-Murph is not the type of player the Knicks necessarily need. Murphy is more of a 'stretch 4' that strays out on the perimeter, as opposed to mixing it up in the paint, but he would be a great fit offensively (D'Antoni loves bigs who can shoot the three-ball). However, despite Murphy being buried in Avery Johnson's doghouse, it is unlikely the Nets would consider helping the Knicks.
Emeka Okafor – New Orleans Hornets: Although his name was bandied about in trade rumors last summer, Okafor to the Knicks is a very unlikely scenario. For starters, the Hornets have nobody to plug in at center if they were to trade Emeka. Secondly, the franchise is in flux, with Stern and the NBA taking over control midseason. Lastly, Okafor has a huge long-term contract, which doesn't jive with Walsh's master plan.
Tony Battie – Philadelphia 76ers: I suppose we have to include him on this list because he is tall and has an expiring contract ($1.3 million)...
Robin Lopez – Phoenix Suns: This could be an intriguing option… Lopez is the type of rebounding/ defending/ hustle big that the Knicks could certainly use. Moreover, he has shown he can play effectively alongside Amar'e. Last season, before he got dinged up in the second half of the season, Lopez was playing the best basketball of his short career starting at center next to Stoudemire. Last February (12 games), Lopez averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. In the 31 total games that he started for Phoenix in 2009-2010, Robin averaged 11.3 points (on 59.7% shooting), 6.2 boards, and 1.1 blocks.
It is also important to note that Phoenix just acquired Marcin Gortat from Orlando, who is the Suns' presumptive 'center of the future.' Gortat is set to earn $21.8 million over the next three seasons. Phoenix also inked Channing Frye to a long-term deal this past summer, which will pay him $24.8 million through 2015. (Hakim Warrick is also locked in for three seasons as well.) Moral of the story: The frugal Suns have a lot of money wrapped up in their frontcourt. Lopez's current salary pays him $1.9 million this season, and he'll earn $2.9 million next year. After that, he has a $4 million qualifying offer for the 2012-2013 season. Phoenix owner Robert Sarver would likely be willing to move Lopez for the right price, as they may not view him as a long-term piece of the puzzle. You know Walsh (and Jim Dolan) would also be willing to throw in $3 million in cash to sweeten the pot, which would definitely appeal to Sarver.
Marcus Camby - Portland Trail Blazers: Knicks fans would love to see Camby flying around the Garden (and partying) like it was 1999 all over again. The defensive-minded Marcus would be a great fit as the starting center in New York, but the durability concerns are obvious, and the contract would likely be a deal-breaker. Camby is set to make $9.3 million next season, which would all but knock the Knicks out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes if they added that salary to the books.
Joel Przybilla – Portland Trail Blazers: Certainly not the same caliber player as his above teammate, but Przybilla's contract (expiring at $7.4 million) is far easier to swallow. The undermanned Blazers are hanging tough out West right now, but that could change by the time the February trade deadline rolls around. If Brandon Roy is forced to miss the rest of the season due to his knee injuries, Portland may be forced to kick-start a rebuilding process. A big body like Przybilla could take defensive pressure off Amar'e and potentially save STAT from foul trouble.
Samuel Dalembert – Sacramento Kings: Here's the situation in Sacramento: The Kings currently possess the worst record in the NBA… Their 2010 lottery pick, center DeMarcus Cousins, is playing the best ball of his rookie campaign (averaging nearly 22 points and 11 boards over his last three contests)… They also have good depth at the pivot, with youngster Jason Thompson and Carl Landry proving solid contributions… Dalembert now finds himself on the outside of the rotation looking in. Over the last month, he has scored in double-figures just once. In the Kings last two games combined, he has played a total of 11 minutes and scored two points. Reading the tea leaves, we can safely assume Sacramento doesn't envision him as a big part of their future. Accordingly, would they be willing to ship him out of town? A nimble shot-blocker and boarder (with an expiring contract worth $12.2 million), New York might be an ideal landing spot for the Haitian Sensation.
Hilton Armstrong – Washington Wizards: See 'Battie, Tony'
JaVale McGee – Washington Wizards: Definitely an intriguing possibility, McGee has exhibited some knucklehead tendencies (exhibit A), but he also possesses a jaw-dropping combination of size, athleticism, length, and quickness that make scouts and NBA GM's drool. Factor is his affordable rookie-scale contract, and you realize why the Wiz front office fielded an abundance of phone calls when it was simply rumored that Washington might consider putting him on the open market. Moreover, if the Wiz ever did decide to move him, it is highly unlikely the Knicks would have the trade chips necessary to pry McGee from D.C.
Since mid-November, when the Knicks were struggling mightily (3-8 after 11 games) and Coach Mike D'Antoni decided to pare down his rotation, Felton and Amar'e are both in the top four in the NBA in minutes played. Over the Knicks last 21 games, Raymond is averaging 40.8 minutes per game, while Stoudemire is clocking in at 39.5 mpg.
It has been widely speculated that President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Walsh, and the Knicks are currently pursing both a back-up big man and a PG. (And with news that starting small forward Danilo Gallinari will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks with a sprain knee, the bench will be stretched thin at the wing at well.) Although the chase for Carmelo Anthony makes for juicier headlines, adding depth up front and at the point are more immediate, pressing concerns. Moreover, while the deal for 'Melo is contingent upon a multitude of factors outside the Knicks control, trading for a role player or two is far more feasible.
The question becomes this: Which is a higher priority, adding a big or a PG? In my opinion, adding size should become the primary objective. This need for a center was made abundantly clear last week, when the Knicks headed down to Florida to take on the HEAT and Magic over a three-day stretch. Dwight Howard exploded for 24 points and 18 rebounds, which is completely unsurprising considering his all-world talent. However, it had to be disconcerting for Walsh to watch his squad allow Miami center Zydrunas Illgaukgus to post a double-double (14 points and 10 boards). New York's inferior interior defense has been exposed early and often this year; the trip down south just the latest example. On the season, the Knicks give up nearly 48 points in the paint per game, second worst in the NBA.
In addition, reducing Stoudemire's workload this winter will be vital in order to keep him fresh this Spring, when the Knicks hope to be preparing and then participating in the postseason. The Knicks $100 million investment is uninsured against injury, and if STAT misses an extended stretch of the season, the Knicks chances to compete against the East's elite drop faster than the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Furthermore, Amar'e has been limited by foul trouble in recent contests, which inhibits his defensive instincts and limits D'Antoni's options.
In terms of whom the Knicks would prefer to part with in a trade Walsh has an assortment of expiring contracts he can offer, including Eddy Curry (with the vast majority of his $11.2 million salary paid by NY at February deadline), Kelenna Azubuike ($3.36 million), Roger Mason Jr. ($1.4 million), Bill Walker ($854k), and Andy Rautins ($600k). Anthony Randolph, who is still on his rookie deal ($1.9 million this season), can also be used as a trade chip.
Who should Walsh target in order to add some beef to the frontline? The dearth of quality big men in the NBA is always an issue, but there are some decent options available, some more enticing than others. Let's take a lap around the league and examine a number of possible players. In an attempt to leave no stone unturned, we've examined every roster in the league. And of course we'll factor in salary, as keeping cap room in order to sign a big free-agent (Carmelo) next summer remains of the utmost importance.
Nazr Mohammed – Charlotte Bobcats: Mohammed, a former Knickerbocker, is in the final year of his deal paying him $6.8 million this season. Obviously not a star, but he's a big body that can take up space and is probably athletic enough to not disrupt D'Antoni's offensive flow. In addition, he is averaging 1.2 blocks per game in 17 minutes of action this season. If the Bobcats, currently nine games under .500, fall further out contention, would Michael Jordan begin cleaning house?
Anderson Varejao – Cleveland Cavaliers: Varejao's name has previously been attached to the Knicks in unsubstantiated rumors. He would be a great fit playing alongside Stoudemire, as he's a terrific defender, supreme hustler/grinder, and all-around pest. The huge problem with Varejao is his enormous contract, which will pay him roughly $35 million over the next four seasons. Too rich for the Knicks taste.
Leon Powe – Cleveland Cavaliers: He has not been nearly the same player since undergoing major knee surgery two years ago, but Powe did score 14 points starting at center for the Cavs (filling in for the aforementioned Varejao) on New Year's Eve. ($915k expiring contract)
Brendan Haywood – Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs would love to dump Haywood, who has quickly fallen out of favor in Dallas. However, there is absolutely no way Donnie would ever consider taking back Haywood's insane salary, which will pay him over $45 million thru the 2015-2016. (Yes, this contract already qualifies as arguably one of the worst in the NBA.)
Ian Mahinmi – Dallas Mavericks: Everybody (including former coach Gregg Popovich) seems to love the potential of this 6-11 former first-round pick out of France, but the Mahinmi hasn't been able to stay healthy long enough to prove he is a legit NBA center.
Jason Collins/Etan Thomas – Atlanta Hawks: Nothing overly exciting here, but both big men can take up space, are willing defenders, and have the requisite expiring contracts...
Nene – Denver Nuggets: Could the argument be made that there is a potential free agent on the Nuggets roster that might actually be a better fit in New York than Carmelo Anthony?? While the Knicks have Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Landry Fields to man the wing positions – they don't have a beast in the middle. Nene (originally drafted by the Knicks) battled inconsistency and injuries early in his career, but has been one of the league's best all-around big man over the last few years. He scores plenty (averaging a career-high 15 ppg this season), shoots a very high percentage form the floor (currently at 63%), and isn't afraid to mix it up down low. Far more is made of the situation involving Carmelo, but Nene has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer as well - he has a player option worth $11.6 million for the 2011-2012 campaign. Thus, Denver has no guarantees he will stay in the Rockies long-term. A Nene/Amar'e tag-team upfront would be an incredibly imposing combination. However, prying him from Denver would obviously be extremely difficult, considering the Nuggets have hinted strongly they aren't interesting in what Walsh can bring to the table.
Chris Wilcox – Detroit Pistons: Wilcox is an expiring contract ($3 million), but other than that, has little value. Knicks have been there and don't that, and won't make that mistake again.
Jared Jeffries – Houston rockets: Not a 'true center' by any stretch of the imagination, but Jeffries is a D'Antoni favorite who was a jack-of-all-trades during his four-year stint in New York. D'Antoni played J.J. everywhere, as he loved Jeffries defensive versatility, i.e. his ability to guard all five positions on the floor. Jared has been buried on the Rockets bench this entire season; playing nary a meaningful minute since he arrived in Houston. There has been rumors circulating that Rockets GM Daryl Morey may consider buying out Jeffries, who is in the final season of his five year contract (an Isiah Thomas special), which pays him $6.9 million this season. So Donnie may want to wait until the last minute before making a lowball offer…
Jeff Foster – Indiana Pacers: A vet who has been a role player on winning teams before, Foster is in the final season of his contract with the Pacers, paying him $6.6 million. He is the type of blue-collar worker who is more than happy to bang, board, and draw charges. The Knicks got an up-close look at him over the weekend when he started ahead of Roy Hibbert during the Pacers Sunday matinee showdown with the Knicks at MSG. However, when reporters asked Indy Head Coach Jim O'Brien about his front court after the game, O'Brien stated that the team had plenty of depth on the wing, and was looking to add a big man. (Not subtract).
Interestingly, the Pacers also have a solid, veteran PG (with a expiring contract worth $8.5 million) that could serve as Raymond Felton's backup – T.J. Ford. Indiana had apparently attempted to trade Ford last summer, after he reportedly refused to accept a $5 million buyout. Despite a 14-18 record, the Pacers are currently sitting in seventh place in the East, which means they would likely be unwilling to trade two rotation players in a deal with New York; but let's say Walsh calls up his pals in Indy and offers the following package: Eddy Curry's expiring contract, Anthony Randolph, Andy Rautins and cash in exchange for Jeff Foster and T.J. Ford. Do the Pacers turn that down? (Remember, it was wisely speculated last summer that the Pacers offered the Knicks a future first-rounder in exchange for Anthony Randolph.)
Chris Kaman – Los Angeles Clippers: While the talent is legit (Kaman can play at a near all-star level when healthy), the injury history is distressing and, more importantly, the contract - $11.3 million this season and $12.2 next year - is clearly prohibitive. Adding a player with a contract extending into 2012 likely costs the Knicks any chance they may have had at adding Carmelo, or any other marquee free agent next summer.
Troy Murphy – New Jersey Nets: A horrible defender, T-Murph is not the type of player the Knicks necessarily need. Murphy is more of a 'stretch 4' that strays out on the perimeter, as opposed to mixing it up in the paint, but he would be a great fit offensively (D'Antoni loves bigs who can shoot the three-ball). However, despite Murphy being buried in Avery Johnson's doghouse, it is unlikely the Nets would consider helping the Knicks.
Emeka Okafor – New Orleans Hornets: Although his name was bandied about in trade rumors last summer, Okafor to the Knicks is a very unlikely scenario. For starters, the Hornets have nobody to plug in at center if they were to trade Emeka. Secondly, the franchise is in flux, with Stern and the NBA taking over control midseason. Lastly, Okafor has a huge long-term contract, which doesn't jive with Walsh's master plan.
Tony Battie – Philadelphia 76ers: I suppose we have to include him on this list because he is tall and has an expiring contract ($1.3 million)...
Robin Lopez – Phoenix Suns: This could be an intriguing option… Lopez is the type of rebounding/ defending/ hustle big that the Knicks could certainly use. Moreover, he has shown he can play effectively alongside Amar'e. Last season, before he got dinged up in the second half of the season, Lopez was playing the best basketball of his short career starting at center next to Stoudemire. Last February (12 games), Lopez averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. In the 31 total games that he started for Phoenix in 2009-2010, Robin averaged 11.3 points (on 59.7% shooting), 6.2 boards, and 1.1 blocks.
It is also important to note that Phoenix just acquired Marcin Gortat from Orlando, who is the Suns' presumptive 'center of the future.' Gortat is set to earn $21.8 million over the next three seasons. Phoenix also inked Channing Frye to a long-term deal this past summer, which will pay him $24.8 million through 2015. (Hakim Warrick is also locked in for three seasons as well.) Moral of the story: The frugal Suns have a lot of money wrapped up in their frontcourt. Lopez's current salary pays him $1.9 million this season, and he'll earn $2.9 million next year. After that, he has a $4 million qualifying offer for the 2012-2013 season. Phoenix owner Robert Sarver would likely be willing to move Lopez for the right price, as they may not view him as a long-term piece of the puzzle. You know Walsh (and Jim Dolan) would also be willing to throw in $3 million in cash to sweeten the pot, which would definitely appeal to Sarver.
Marcus Camby - Portland Trail Blazers: Knicks fans would love to see Camby flying around the Garden (and partying) like it was 1999 all over again. The defensive-minded Marcus would be a great fit as the starting center in New York, but the durability concerns are obvious, and the contract would likely be a deal-breaker. Camby is set to make $9.3 million next season, which would all but knock the Knicks out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes if they added that salary to the books.
Joel Przybilla – Portland Trail Blazers: Certainly not the same caliber player as his above teammate, but Przybilla's contract (expiring at $7.4 million) is far easier to swallow. The undermanned Blazers are hanging tough out West right now, but that could change by the time the February trade deadline rolls around. If Brandon Roy is forced to miss the rest of the season due to his knee injuries, Portland may be forced to kick-start a rebuilding process. A big body like Przybilla could take defensive pressure off Amar'e and potentially save STAT from foul trouble.
Samuel Dalembert – Sacramento Kings: Here's the situation in Sacramento: The Kings currently possess the worst record in the NBA… Their 2010 lottery pick, center DeMarcus Cousins, is playing the best ball of his rookie campaign (averaging nearly 22 points and 11 boards over his last three contests)… They also have good depth at the pivot, with youngster Jason Thompson and Carl Landry proving solid contributions… Dalembert now finds himself on the outside of the rotation looking in. Over the last month, he has scored in double-figures just once. In the Kings last two games combined, he has played a total of 11 minutes and scored two points. Reading the tea leaves, we can safely assume Sacramento doesn't envision him as a big part of their future. Accordingly, would they be willing to ship him out of town? A nimble shot-blocker and boarder (with an expiring contract worth $12.2 million), New York might be an ideal landing spot for the Haitian Sensation.
Hilton Armstrong – Washington Wizards: See 'Battie, Tony'
JaVale McGee – Washington Wizards: Definitely an intriguing possibility, McGee has exhibited some knucklehead tendencies (exhibit A), but he also possesses a jaw-dropping combination of size, athleticism, length, and quickness that make scouts and NBA GM's drool. Factor is his affordable rookie-scale contract, and you realize why the Wiz front office fielded an abundance of phone calls when it was simply rumored that Washington might consider putting him on the open market. Moreover, if the Wiz ever did decide to move him, it is highly unlikely the Knicks would have the trade chips necessary to pry McGee from D.C.
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