In need of a clutch player, maybe we should turn to JC? (pun intended)

by Nilov on Jan 23, 2011 12:13 PM EST

The conclusion of last night's game ruined what started off as a really good weekend.

Obviously, what a lot of people will take from this is that the Knicks need a "perimeter" go-to-guy type player such as Carmelo Anthony, who can close out a game in an isolation play.

And though I am definitely all for trading for Melo, I would not be interested in shipping more than 1 rotation player (along with Randolph(or the draft pick acquired) + Curry + and an additional draft pick (and possibly Billy Walker, who, the unreliable, Sheridan claims interest Nuggets management).

But lets say Donnie holds his grounds and not succumb to media/fan pressure to make the deal for Melo, and on the other hand Denver decides to wait for June 29th with the max offer on the table - in that scenario wouldn't it be prudent to try to use our hottest commodity - Eddy Curry's expiring contract - and try to improve our current roster (if only temporarily)?

More after ze jump.

I was searching for some statistics on the best active game winners in the NBA, and unfortunately the most updated list was compiled in 2009 by 82games.com.

Have a look at the top ten (full list here):

Leading "Game Winning Shot" Players

Player	Fgm	Fga	Fg%	Ftm	Fta	Ast	T/O
League Wide	853	2858	.298	610	815	352	296
LeBron James	17	50	.340	14	20	6	4
Vince Carter	16	51	.314	10	11	3	4
Ray Allen	15	39	.385	4	6	1	2
Kobe Bryant	14	56	.250	12	15	1	5
Carmelo Anthony	13	27	.481	7	11	1	4
Allen Iverson	13	33	.394	6	8	1	2
Ben Gordon	12	34	.353	6	6	1	4
Dirk Nowitzki	12	37	.324	13	18	1	3
Joe Johnson	12	45	.267	2	3	4	2
Paul Pierce	11	32	.344	15	17	9	3
Dwyane Wade	11	40	.275	13	17	3	2
Jamal Crawford	11	43	.256	4	6	3	3

I guess we can first take notice that Carmelo Anthony is 4th on the list in career game winning shots while boasting an incredible 13 out of 27 (.481 percent makes) in game winning situations, but since we are now tarrying in option B waters, how about we take a gander at the person tied for 10th place with Paul Pierce and Dwayne Wade, this familiar lovable face by the name of Jamal Crawford.

Crawford (I must admit) was my favorite player at a time there was not much to cheer for as a Knicks fan, and was moved to clear cap space as everyone knows. However it is important, I think, to recall that the Knicks started really well under D'Antoni with a 6-3 record over their first 9 games. They looked sharp, explosive, and Crawford and Zach Randolph formed a very good inside-outside tandem.

So we know that Crawford can play and excel in the Pringles offense. And his contract, once considered toxic, is at last expiring. We know that Atlanta did not offer him an extension, or at least not the kind of extension he was seeking, and we can assume that his time there is coming to and end.

So far salaries to match we can throw Eddy in, but what will entice Atlanta to make the deal, after-all Crawford is an integral part of their success this year? Perhaps Billy Walker, who could step in as an a much more unassuming, yet still very talented, backup for Johnson? Perhaps Anthony Randolph who could greatly benefit (and perhaps excel in a team that feature at least 3 players who's game he could emulate: Josh Smith, Al Horford, and Marvin Williams)?

I'm suggesting something along these lines (which sends Etan Thomas our way, as a low-risk option for interior support): http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4uwr42d

Tweet Comment 39 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Crawford also said that he doesn’t even think this current team is much better than what we had 2 years ago and in many ways he is right. Sure, we got better financially after what Thomas did to us but other than that we wasted 2 years to be where we are right now. It will be different if we get better, and get Melo but that wouldn’t be enough. We need a rebounder in our rotation and of course good scorers. If I am not mistaken, Crawford is a free agent next year and that would be great to have someone like that in our rotation. He could even come off the bench. If we could get Jamal and Melo, I wouldn’t mind getting rid of Gallo and Chandler because he be more helpful.

We need a rebounding machine on our team that way Turiaf could come of the bench. This would solve the problem for our pf/center position because he can play both and could give us decent minutes at those two positions off the bench. Then we would have Jamal, TD and perhaps either Bill Walker or Shawne Williams in our back up unit.

by RASHADI on Jan 23, 2011 8:51 PM EST reply actions

I like this idea

Crawford was my favorite player too, and I still root for him in ATL. I think he’d excell starting or coming off the bench here and would make a nice 2-guard tandem with Fields. Atlanta might be interested in TD because they have PG issues down there, and I like the idea of Etan Thomas giving us a few minutes off the bench. Jamal would probably be a better ball-handler than Douglas and could spell Felton alot of minutes, and obviously play in end of the game situations. He also would easily be our second best scorer and is good for 18-20 points a night.

Defense and consistency is an issue though. Might be able to get it done with:

ATL gets: TD, Walker and 2nd round pick
NYK gets: JC amd Etan Thomas

by WSD on Jan 23, 2011 8:55 PM EST reply actions

Meant to add that even if we didn't trade for him

I’d like to pick him up as a FA along with a center like Chandler, Gasol or Nene

by WSD on Jan 23, 2011 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I suppose this can work too

though I would prefer to keep TD, and just upgrade the 2 guard position (with a Walker to Crawford swap), though Crawford could obviously spell the 1 and the 2.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

I like TD too

I just think they’ll want more talent back then just Walker and maybe another expendable guy. ATL has a big hole at the PG position so I think TD would work out nicely for them. I’ll take Crawford most any day over Douglas but TD’s D would definitely be missed

by WSD on Jan 24, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

I agree

also probably the fact that TD is from Jonesboro,GA (30 minutes outside of Atlanta) could add the value of a home-grown player coming back home….
Doesn’t look like anybody else think it’s a good idea…

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

I disagree on Atlantas PG position

They have Jeff Teague waiting in the wings. Not saying he is the next star, but they are grooming him to replace Bibby and while he’s been mostly unimpressive this season, he has shown some flashes in a similar way that Jrue Holiday has done in Philly.

But yeah, if Atlanta is to give up Crawford, they are gonna want more value than Toney Douglas and Bill Walker.

"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire

by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 24, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

I thought Anthony Randolph will be interesting for them.

and if you package him with Curry’s expiring, Douglas and/or Walker, it’s not a bad return for a player who will be leaving them for nothing in the summer, I think.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe so

Not sure if the contracts match-up. However, it would be interesting to see where Randolph could fit in. Josh Smith is pretty locked in at PF, Horford is definitely their C, and Marvin Williams is at the SF spot. They might consider AR just a role guy off the bench and if so, that’s not much value for losing the 6th Man of the year.

"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire

by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 24, 2011 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

True

But they may have to make some decisions about this trio come next year with Horford getting his pay increase (60 mill for 5 years, which is 6.5 mill over what he’s currently making), so possibly Marvin Williams will need to be shipped for cap space reasons.
If that is the case, grooming Randolph for the second half of this season might pay off. Obviously, I have no way of knowing what Atlanta is thinking or how they wish to address this, but I’m just saying… there’s some upside in this deal for Atlanta.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

agreed.

"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire

by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 24, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

A place like Atlanta might be what AR needs

They say they want to implement a running game, and learning from guys like Smith and Horford might be really good for AR’s game. Also, they’re practically letting Jamal go for nothing anyway. No way they’ll be able to afford to give him what he wants, or rightfully deserves (I’d say 7-8 mil imo), so they may welcome someone like TD, a backup wing like Walker and I’d throw in a 2nd round pick.

Going back to your Teague point CCF, he’s been very inconsistent and unreliable when he gets playing time. Alsmot similar to Anthony Randolph, Atlanta talked about him being a big part of what they do this year, and now he has trouble even getting on the court. Bibby’s still got the starting job and contract, but he’s hardly anything more than a spot-up 3 pt shooter now. I think they would definitely take Douglas

by WSD on Jan 24, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

I have a question.

Why would ATL trade with us and why would we trade with them? Have you looked at the standings. We are the primary team catching up to ATL in the east. If they were going to trade Crawford, they certainly wouldn’t trade him to another eastern conference playoff team.

by Robert Curre on Jan 24, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

that's a fair point

I’m assuming that they will deal with us only if they feel they are getting something out of this deal.
I was trying to present a rationale that supports the notion that Atlanta might be keen for such a trade; now, whether or not that is the case, I’m not sure.
And you are probably right that it is, at the very least, questionable that they will want to trade Crawford to us for what I was outlining.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

They may be keen on a trade but probably to the Western Conference

Why trade Crawford to a team they might face in the playoffs and have it come back to bite them in the ass. Trade him to the Western Conf, and this way if you face him it will only be in the finals.

by Robert Curre on Jan 24, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

valid point. I don't dispute that.

It’s all depends if the juice is worth the squeeze.
Despite what Hollinger tries to sell us, moving pieces around don’t necessarily translate to the plus/minus wins in his calculations.
Sometimes GMs like the look or balance of the team in spite of what a purely statistical outlook may show; sometimes when a team can address several important needs they feel comfortable giving up an important piece such as Crawford. I really can’t say if Douglas, Randolph and/or Walker fit that scenario, but I can’t say they don’t for sure either.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

You make a good point

And I wouldn’t argue it because it’s true. I highly doubt JC is on the Knicks’ radar at all. It’s just fun to talk trade and prospects and how players would do in other places. the chances of any of this happening is like 1.5%

by WSD on Jan 24, 2011 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

absolutely. this is just a mental exercise

I have no illusions that this read by people who can actually pull this off, nor do I aspire to become one of these people.
The only person going pro in this forum is Seth, and it seems he is well on his way to become a sports journalist.
Otherwise, even if this is trade is unlikely I feel it’s a great improvement over the trade I thought the Knicks should have made when I was 11 years old: Gerald Wilkins, Kenny Walker and Sidney Green for this fella called Michael Jordan… ;)

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 8:10 PM EST up reply actions

Gerald Wilkins ftw

Used to have his basketball card when I was little and for some reason that made him my favorite Knick at the time

by WSD on Jan 25, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Wilkins

had the ugliest release I have ever seen, so ugly in fact that it was cool. I remember trying to copy it during one summer. Didn’t pan out that well, thank god.

by Nilov on Jan 25, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

I heard that Jesus Christ has a slick jumper.

"It was one of those good, deep sleeps; you know, the ones where you wake up and a stream of drool is steadily racing down your shirt? Yes, that kind of sleep." -Landry Fields

by Thelonious Dunk on Jan 23, 2011 9:16 PM EST reply actions

A bit reluctant to give a hard foul, however

Made glorious summer by this son of [New] York.

by Anthony Randolph's Winter of Discontent on Jan 23, 2011 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

But he draws a lot of them.

And if the refs don’t give him the call, he just spreads his hands and invites the Doubting Toms to take a poke.

by GAx on Jan 24, 2011 1:29 AM EST up reply actions

well we do need a second superstar on the team

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

You guys are missing something Crawford is not a Superstar

but wants to get paid like one. That is why ATL has not worked a deal with him yet. If you really want to go that route, look at a guy a lot higher on that list who will also be a Free agent. Vince Carter. Now Vince will probably be able to be had for the value of the mid level exception (5-6 mil). Crawford will be looking for about 14 mil next year. While i am luke warm to the idea of Crawford’s return here. I would be flat against for the kind of cash he wants. I’d rather rent VC for 2 yrs than Crawford for the next 4 or 5 and i am certainly not a VC fan.

by Robert Curre on Jan 24, 2011 4:35 PM EST reply actions

I was certainly not suggesting to tie Crawford up for 4-5 years

I was looking at him more as a rental until the summer, until which time hopefully we can sign Carmelo Anthony as a free-agent.
I was actually considering mentioning Vince Carter, but signing him and his remaining years (and 17 mill per year) will close the door on Anthony (or alternately a decent free agent big man) for good, and don’t like this idea very much.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

Carter is an expiring contract which is why PhX traded for him

He has a team option for next year, which only someone insane would pick up. So no he could be a very decent short term rental and if he works out possibly a player to add for next year for the right price. But I was actually thinking about as a FA for this off season.

by Robert Curre on Jan 24, 2011 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, you're right

In the ESPN trade machine he appears to have 2 years remaining on his deal, but that’s basically a team option on the 2011/12 season. I didn’t notice that.
Wouldn’t you say, though, that trading for him will mean we have to give up much more significant pieces though?
Also his contract is over 17 million we will need to give back a lot of pieces along with Curry to make it work. But if the Suns they are good with Curry, Azubuike, Randolph and Walker (or Mason) I’m good with this too.

by Nilov on Jan 24, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

Actually he could probably be had for cap relief

Curry, Buike, Mason and Walker (his contract is not guaranteed until next Aug 31st. so he can be waived.) Remember they traded long term contracts to get him because he can come off the books. They wouldn’t want to add a player who they would have to pay next year. Not saying we should do this. Not really a fan of VC, but if we are looking for a scorer for a short term rental would prefer him to Crawford.

by Robert Curre on Jan 25, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

For the Suns to consider this they will need first to waive the white flag on this season

but perhaps they already did?

by Nilov on Jan 25, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

Can I be real for a second?

Jamal Crawford is one of my least favorite Knicks of all time. He’ll win you one game and shoot you out of the next 10. No thanks.

"But when he saw it, he just put his hands up and they couldn’t give it to him. It just fell to the ground, I-I don’t, you know … So, that showed me he had great experience..." - Jeff Van Gundy

by Anthony Bonner's Subpoena on Jan 24, 2011 11:33 PM EST reply actions

Crawford is a great scorer, no doubt about it.

But don’t forget,

having Crawford means that the Knicks will be playing 4 vs. 5 on defense every time down the floor.

No.

They will be for!

by StarksMiddleFinger on Jan 25, 2011 12:47 AM EST reply actions

I think he's an excellent bench player

but he’s not gonna want non-bench money.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Jan 25, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

That was my point

If we compare Crawford to Walker (which is essentially the basis of the trade), he’s definitely an upgrade on offense and I don’t see him being more of a liability on defense than Walker.
Also, we don’t have to pay him past next summer (unless he buys into what we’re doing and puts winning ahead of his paycheck).

This is a move to improve the team until the off-season, in which hopefully we can make a long term investment in someone we consider as another crucial piece of the puzzle (whether that’s a big man, or Melo, that’s a different story).

by Nilov on Jan 25, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think that's fair to Walker.

Billy isn’t going to be defensive player of the year anytime soon, but he does attempt to play defense.

Have you even seen Crawford play defense?

Me neither.

They will be for!

by StarksMiddleFinger on Jan 25, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

It's true

It’s a shame too because he’s quick and has long arms. He could be a total pest on D. Also, a system like MDA’s which doesn’t put defense as the top priority would probably mean he’d care even less about it. If you put Jamal on a team like the Spurs where they get to run and and shoot, but defense is emphasized, then he might actually step his game up

by WSD on Jan 25, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

You're right

I didn’t really mean it like that, but that’s what I seemed to have written.
I meant that Billy Walker is not really a world-class stopper that we are giving up, so it’s not like we are giving up an ace defender for the worst defender in the world (which I don’t think Crawford is by the way).
He’s pretty crappy one on one defender, but our system puts a lot of emphasis on deflecting passes, so his quick hands could make up for it a bit.

by Nilov on Jan 25, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Ya know before I read this if you would have asked who would I want taking the last shot of the game for me I would have said Kobe hands down...

Maybe I would want Carmelo… Look at the percentage, my god.

"Dedication To The Don" Most Popular Post Of All Time On P&T. I Am Honored

by MikeTheIntern on Jan 25, 2011 2:47 PM EST reply actions

yea dog

most clutch shooter in the game.

"But when he saw it, he just put his hands up and they couldn’t give it to him. It just fell to the ground, I-I don’t, you know … So, that showed me he had great experience..." - Jeff Van Gundy

by Anthony Bonner's Subpoena on Jan 25, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions