Reassessing the Knicks Part 1 (updated)

Phil Jackson traded away JR Smith and Iman Shumpert to the Cavaliers last night for a future second-round pick from the Cavaliers, some trade exceptions and a handful of players who may or may not be waived.  Samuel Dalembert was waived.

A week or so ago, I advocated that the Knicks belly up to the bar and admit that this season is a race to the bottom.  This roster activity indicates that we are no longer in a free fall, we're propelling ourselves into the lottery and steering a course to develop longer term team cohesion.

Contrary to MSM coverage, none of these players were a "locker room cancer" (The true cancer are a few members of the NY Sports media).  Prior to the season I think Jackson and Fisher had hoped that all three would lift their game and help set a course for a playoff bid.  In doing so their trade value would have risen.

The fact that JR likely would have exercised his player option to stay another year, that Shump has played erratically, and that Dalembert simply was ineffective in the Triangle offense all were factors that contributed to an unintended losing streak that effectively made the choice of pursuing a lottery pick inevitable.

Previously I had expected JR to be difficult if not impossible to trade.  When healthy he can be a monster talent but the Plantar Fasciitis injury looked to be the final nail in the coffin of keeping him. Cleveland is taking a risk on JR but their reward upside is enormous because of Cleveland's desire to contend.  Shumpert will add defensive rigor there and maybe can regain some offensive consistency.  I will personally miss both players who in future years will continue to enjoy cult status among the Knicks more knowledgeable fanbase.

And may Sammy also find good fortune in the coming weeks.

Reassessing the Roster

Carmelo Anthony has no reason to play while ailing.  He's unnecessary to complete a season in which we are in a contest to lose more games than Philadelphia or Minnesota.

Previously I had assumed that JR was a fixture, let's reexamine the likely to stack of players;

Mid-year Keepers

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

Jason Smith - I think Phil likes his toughness. With Dalembert gone, he's Cole Aldrich's backup.

Cole Aldrich - no trade clause.  He's also demonstrating that he can be an effective center in the Triangle.

Cleanthony Early - likely a keeper and finally back from injury.

Travis Wear - unlikely to hold trade value. Beginning to earn his keep.

(speculative done) Langston Galloway - he's expected to be signed on at least a 10 day contract, up from the D-League. Reportedly, Phil likes his potential.

(speculative) Lance Thomas - He's a forward acquired in this latest trade from OKC and is a hustle and effort player - Phil's kind of player. Update: Should Acey get traded, look for the Knicks to sign Thomas to a 10-day contract.

JR Smith is gone and now that we're in full rebuild mode Jose Calderon's tenure is uncertain.  Should he stay I expect that his role will change from lead guard to shooting guard.

Langston Galloway  is expected to take the roster spot that Dalembert vacated.  He may become the new starting  or first off the bench PG.

Lance Thomas is also the most likely player asset from this trade.  He could be the surprise of the trade.Waived but still in consideration by the Knicks for a 10-day contract later.

Pre-Deadline Bubble

Lou Amundson - A tough, hard-nosed Forward/center who is a Phil kinda-guy.  He's likely to be waived but he could also stick assuming other moves are in the works.

Alex Kirk - A D-League center who has had back surgery and weight issues.  Likely to be waived.

Orlando Sanchez - A Westchester forward highly regarded by the Knicks but who is not a protected asset and available to be signed by any team.  A very good passer and Triangle forward candidate. Further Knick moves may clear space for a 10 day contract.

Thanasis (Tenacious) Antetokounmpo - One of the Knicks top-prospects whose contract is protected in the D-League by the Knicks.  In order to promote Tenacious, the Knicks would have to sign him to a new contract ensuring his tenure.  Therefore he's likely to stay in Westchester for the season.

Amare Stoudemire - Amare's enthusiasm, integrity, and work ethic would be wasted in New York for a team that has no reason to win games.  His trade value seems negligible.  Likely to be waived.

Andreas Bargnani - Useful as a doorstop. His contract will never be worth whatever value can be squeezed out of it.  Likely to be traded, waived, or permanently parked at the end of the bench in a suit.

Pablo Prigioni - The Knicks best but limited PG.  Like Amare, Pablo deserves to be playing for a winning team.  Unlikely to be waived but the kindest fate would be to get moved.

Trade Sweeteners

Shane Larkin - An enigmatic second-string PG candidate.  Because his contract was not extended, he will either finish out the year and expire or be included in a trade of some kind as a sweetener or to satisfy CBA financial considerations.

Moveable Assets

Tim Hardaway, Jr - Dynamic, young shooter whose defense is often MIA and whose basketball IQ is questionable. Promoted through attrition and not merit.

Quincy Acy - An undersized energizer bunny of a forward. Unremarkable but reliable, tough, and a hustler.