Taking Stock of the Knicks Part Two

Losing with Dignity (continued from: )

Let's examine some strategies for a graceful descent into the lottery.

Honoring the True Believers II

Releasing Amar'e Stoudemire was my first recommendation based on the presumption that we are serious about our lottery pick chances (and there's no reason at this point to try and make the playoffs just to fall short there AND lose lottery position).

Aside from Amar'e, Carmelo Anthony has a number of nagging and unattended injuries that need tending to.  What better time than the present to go and get all the surgical stuff completed with the intention of finishing the season with the recalibrated version of the Knicks.  Rather than playing Anthony into the ground, he needs to find some good doctors and get well soon but not too soon.

With those two players in a far, far better place than on the court we can begin to take a practical inventory of what we have and what we need.

Mid-year Keepers

JR Smith - his injury is such that he won't pass a physical in any trade scenario.

He's no longer a sixth man of the year by any stretch of the imagination and he's worn out his welcome with fans and the powers that be, both.  For his own career, he needs a fresh start.

Jose Calderon - an expensive contract that will be very difficult to move. Reluctantly a keeper.

Jason Smith - I think Phil likes his toughness.

Cole Aldrich - no trade clause.

Cleanthony Early - likely a keeper

Travis Wear - unlikely to hold trade value.


Moveable Assets

Shane Larkin - a young PG who will be a FA at the end of the year who the Knicks could only resign at less money than the next team.

Andreas Bargnani - Acquired in what is possibly the most malicious Knicks trade of all time. Inspired by power crazed agents whose administrative creep within the Knicks organization poisoned the well.  Bargnani's only real value is as an expiring contract.  Should Phil gaze into the crystal ball and realize we are unlikely to sign premiere talent this summer, expect Bargnani's already packed bags to move.

Samuel Dalembert -  a veteran center who still holds some value but is only taking minutes from the youth. Very moveable.

Iman Shumpert - Erratic, Young, still holds some value.

Pablo Prigioni - Best Point Guard on the team who deserves to play for a contender.  Belongs in the True Believers Bucket List.

Tim Hardaway, Jr - Dynamic, young shooter whose defense is often MIA and whose basketball IQ is questionable.

Quincy Acy - An undersized energizer bunny of a forward.