Berman: The Knicks are "on the verge" of signing Grant Hill.
by Seth on Dec 8, 2011 7:58 AM EST
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PrintHey now! I was skeptical when I saw yesterday's report, but now Marc Berman's made it clear that he's not messing around. When free agency opens tomorrow, it sounds like Grant Hill is, indeed, likely to accept an offer from our Knicks.
"It’s not 100 percent done, but he’s leaning,’’ one source said.
Hill and his wife, Tamia, a recording artist, are enamored with New York but were concerned about uprooting their two kids in grade school. Hill also was worried about leaving the renowned Suns’ training staff.
But Hill is about to choose the Knicks, who could be one of the heavies in the Eastern Conference. Hill would be slotted in as the starting shooting guard, supplanting Landry Fields and giving the club more leadership, shooting, defense and the depth that the team lost in the Carmelo Anthony trade.
Who knows how serious the starting shooting guard part is-- Hill typically plays small forward-- but they'll cross that bridge when they come to it. If this deal does transpire, I imagine it'd be for more than the veteran's minimum; perhaps something out of the mid-level exception. Sounds good to me. Hill's in preposterous shape and has been remarkably durable since joining the Suns. He's worked to become an outstanding defender late in his career, and can still rebound, score from outside and finish around the basket when called upon. And while I rarely buy the "locker room guy" label, I can't imagine Hill not having all sorts of wise words and neat tricks to teach his teammates, Carmelo Anthony in particular.
And let's not forget Tamia. Can we all promise to buy her forthcoming album if the Hills come to New York? I don't think that's too much to ask, y'all. It's going to "remain true to her signature themes of love". Those are our favorite signature themes, guys!
As Berman says, the Suns have broadcast a commitment to retaining Hill (and Hill has reasons aplenty to stay), so we'll have to wait to see if this comes to fruition. I really hope it does.
Bonus: The skepticism, I should say, arises from the fact that the Knicks have been courting Hill (and attempting to appeal to the professional sensibilities of Mrs. Hill) for over a decade. Check this out from 2000. How could they say no to Chazz Palminteri!? But anyway, eleven year-old me is like "why grow up if you're just gonna fall for the same shit!?". I await news of an actual signing without bated breath. Unbated. Debated?
Update: Sam Amick: "Source close to Grant Hill says he has not made a decision and is not close to any agreement."
Update Deux: Alan Hahn: I think its '09 repeat: using NY for leverage. RT @kingbutz: @alanhahn chances grant hill becomes a knick?
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Pleeeease let this happen Basketball Gods!
Seth, not only will I buy Tamia’s new album if he signs with the Knicks, I will also buy one of THESE in celebration!
"See man, that's how I knew he wasn't a dreamer because the day I give up my dreams is the day I have Strategic Grill Location."
- Mitch Hedberg
Ohhhh! I miss those so much!
SPEND ON BIGS
by StarksMiddleFinger on Dec 8, 2011 8:29 AM EST up reply actions
those stupid things changed Grant's career
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
He wore these in the mid 90's not during his Orlando stint FWIW.
"See man, that's how I knew he wasn't a dreamer because the day I give up my dreams is the day I have Strategic Grill Location."
- Mitch Hedberg
by Jesus-Zilla on Dec 8, 2011 10:10 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Nice! There must be a portrait of Grant Hill that's looking nasty in some attic in Phoenix
‘cause dude is a freakin’ machine, especially for an 87 year-old. He’s at least as much of a natural 2 as Landry so I’m all about this signing. Hell he was a much better PG than Chauncey back in the day. It’s crazy to think that about a million years ago he averaged 20, 10 and 8 in his second year and he’s still around. That shit cray.
my feelings too
Hill is what i would like landry to be in the future. but with more put back dunks :)
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
that would be a tall, tall order for Landry
Hill had insane ball handling skills for a small forward and I think was the truest point forward other than Magic Johnson of all time.
Anxiously awaiting the day my username will be appropriate
This is a signing I'm really rooting for. I'm a big fan of Grant Hill.
Also, some people are going to knock us and say Hill is too “over the hill” (cheesy right?).
But Hill’s age is deceptive. He doesn’t have nearly the wear and tear of other players his age because he missed so many games over his career.
SPEND ON BIGS
by StarksMiddleFinger on Dec 8, 2011 8:16 AM EST reply actions
By the way, I really do buy into the "locker room guy" quite a bit.
I played on a team that was really dysfunctional with lots of talented by individually focused arrogant guys.
But I’ve also played on teams with awesome veteran leadership where nobody can get out of line because the whole team jumps on them and supports each other.
Seth, I think the reason why you don’t buy the locker room guy label is because our “locker room guy” was Malik Rose (sad trombone).
The whole veteran leadership thing doesn’t really work if the guy sucks! Players aren’t going to respect somebody who can barely get minutes.
It makes a big difference.
SPEND ON BIGS
by StarksMiddleFinger on Dec 8, 2011 8:29 AM EST reply actions
I think it's cause I AM the locker room guy.
Not that I’ve ever played on a team that had a locker room. Also, I’m undoubtedly more of the Malik Rose type.
MJg~~_35.JPG)
Just to curb our collective excitement a bit:
https://twitter.com/#!/paulcoro/statuses/144628527902359555
Im all for this.
And sign me up for buying the album.
The Triple Felt Goose movement shall live as long as I am around.
Stars Our For Hill Celebs Line Up To Woo Free Agent
say what?
/// aighttho.com \\\/// twitter.com/aighttho \\\
Overpay Hill a bit in return for signing a 1yr contract, I'm good with that plan
And deal with it year by year. His salary would come off the books next year and not be in the way of any major signings and if he plays well this year then offer him another 1yr deal and so on.
The “durable since” comment is always a concern, more about age 39 than his previous haunts. Such as fragile team especially at the center spot. Really wish they could have done something about the center position better than unreliable role players and end of bench/career types. Can’t have everything I suppose.
"Man, I've got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals."
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Contenders do; pretenders give excuses why they did not"
"Yes everybody does have an opinion; but that does not make your opinion any less wrong"
"That ought to stop your bitchin"
"And, please remember, ignorance is not a defense"
Sounds good, but the Knicks are over the cap
So our only form of overpaying Grant Hill is to use our MLE which means he is on the books for 2 years minimum. Which I am all for. Grant Hill is a straight up baller and even at 39 the man is in better shape than most guys in this league 10-15 years his junior. He has already adjusted his game years ago for the loss of explosiveness that resulted from injuries, so he could easily play another two years and maybe longer than that.
by Robert Curre on Dec 8, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Jeez
You guys already got Amare. And D’Antoni.
Cut it out.
Just kidding. As much as we love Grant, the Suns are pretty much in disarray right now and I personally (and I think a lot of others) wouldn’t begrudge him going to a legitimate contender for what will probably be his last chance at a ring.
Plus, he probably increases your chances of knocking out Miami, which is a goal we can all get behind.
If he’s got to go somewhere, you guys would be my No. 1 choice since we can at least vicariously enjoy a Suns seven seconds or less reunion from a distance.
I'm Michael Beasley's imaginary friend.
by suns68 on Dec 8, 2011 9:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Any chance the Suns training staff are FA too???
It makes you wonder if you take Hill and Nash out of the desert and away from that staff do they go all egyptian and turn to dust get all mummified.
Especially by getting Hill, I keep suspecting NY’s plan B is Steve Nash if they can’t snare Paul (trade or FA) or Deron (FA) by next offseason.
"Man, I've got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals."
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Contenders do; pretenders give excuses why they did not"
"Yes everybody does have an opinion; but that does not make your opinion any less wrong"
"That ought to stop your bitchin"
"And, please remember, ignorance is not a defense"
stole my joke
I think the main advantage here is Hill supposedly is a great defender even at his age, so that could really help.
not to mention
hill and carmelo anthony have the two best spin moves in the game.
/// aighttho.com \/// twitter.com/aighttho \
they said that about Amar'e too
Anxiously awaiting the day my username will be appropriate
Somebody said Amare's a great defender?
Was he carrying a paper bag filled with model glue?
I'm Michael Beasley's imaginary friend.
by suns68 on Dec 8, 2011 11:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Absolutely, great defender, very smart
And though he doesn’t have the athleticism he had in his youth, he still has skills and knows how to use them.
"Man, I've got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals."
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Contenders do; pretenders give excuses why they did not"
"Yes everybody does have an opinion; but that does not make your opinion any less wrong"
"That ought to stop your bitchin"
"And, please remember, ignorance is not a defense"
What number is he going to wear?
You figure 33 is out of the question
Andy Rautins for mayor... or at least 12th man
My breakdown:
Pros:
-veteran leadership
-versatile defender
-he’s been a total tank these past few years
-all-around decent basketball player
-we probably can’t do any better for the amount of money we’re willing to spend
Cons:
-he just turned 39
-dookie
-still not the world’s greatest shooter
-he’s in that group with TMac of players who make me kind of sad because of how great they used to be compared to their current selves
Anxiously awaiting the day my username will be appropriate
dookie? i whole heartedly disagree
not the greatest shooter, but never forces up bad shots.
excellent passer.
/// aighttho.com \\/// twitter.com/aighttho \\
I think he meant Duke-y
KNICKS NOW
http://nyknicksnow.blogspot.com/ - check it out!
by WSD on Dec 8, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
is anyone else here rooting for the celtics to get Cp3 with no assurances of an extension?
quite possibliy the best most realistic scenario involving cp3 this year for knicks fans
1)goes to celtics, for a shitload: green, rondo, picks
2)no extension after winning 38 games and getting bounced in 2nd round with a bunch of 92 year olds and some younger 68 year olds…
3)waltz into free agency leaving celtics depleted and destroyed
well
if they do get paul… they get to make a run at a championship… cool for them. but on top of that, they get to rebuild thru free agency faster than even the hornets. so…
/// aighttho.com \/// twitter.com/aighttho \
I really like 3....
I just hope that would happen and he wouldn’t get attached to the idea of saving Celtics from their downfall.
Why would they get bounced in the second round
Paul is a superstar and the greatest point guard of All time. If the Celtics trade for Paul and get bounced in the second round we should not only not sign that overrated piece of shit, but we shouldn’t even return his agents calls. Be careful what you wish for Baba cause you just might get it. If Chris Paul can’t get the Celtics to at least the Eastern conference Finals with Pierce, Garnett, and allen who are all still very good players even if they can’t play consistently at superstar level anymore, and a still serviceable big in Jermaine Oneal. Then Paul is the most overhyped and overrated player in the league and we would be wise to stay away from him. Let him stay in New Orleans where all his nut huggers will be able to use the excuse that his teammates suck and that is why he has only won one playoff series in his career. Then the Knicks can claim ignorance when they sign him. Because if you surround him with future Hall of famers and he can’t get passed the 2nd round, then maybe the problem is him not his teammates!
by Robert Curre on Dec 8, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
we are talking about something that hasn't even happened..but if it does, id bet wouldnt be Paul's fault.
its not his fault the Cs are old and they have no center.
There was a time when a team didn't win that it was the Stars fault.
But now we get Lebron’s not a choker he was upset because Delonte West was screwing his mother and his teammates suck." What happened last season when he teamed up with two future hall of famers and played like shit in the finals, Umm let me guess “Eddie House was fucking his mother?” See players do not win because they themselves are not good enough. The Celtics are good enough to get to the 2nd round without Paul. So obviously if they traded for him it would be to go further than the 2nd round. Now if Rondo can get them to the 2nd round and Paul can’t take them further, then he is an overrated piece of shit. So yes it would be his fault.
Douschebag
I’ll take it back if he signs with us, but for now…douschebag! It didn’t seem like he’d sign with us and there were way too many reasons for him to stay in Phoenix, but why do this to us fans? Think about the fans man!
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Please not to many people are losing sleep around here over a 39 year old swingman!
by Robert Curre on Dec 8, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
I know man
Was being internet-sarcastic, which always sounds better in my head before I type. I think he’d be a nice addition though.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Woo Hoo!
Eddy Curry just signed in Miami! They’re sunk!
SPEND ON BIGS
by StarksMiddleFinger on Dec 8, 2011 12:42 PM EST reply actions
Hey if Eddy actually gets in shape he can play.
But so much for players taking less money to play with stars bullshit. Let this be a lesson Knicks fans! Give all of your cap money to three guys and you end up signing Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries!
by Robert Curre on Dec 8, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody else think that if Stevenson dosent resign with Dallas, the Knicks should look at him?
Vickadelphia, Fly Eagles Fly on the road to victory. Straight Cash Homie - Randy Moss
Nah
He’s a goober if i’ve ever see one
"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 Dec 8, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Has anyone been hearing that David Somethign from Espn been sayign the Knicks are in the lead to get Tyson chandler..
and that it would take an amnesty of billups’s contract to get the job done….dude i am excited as heck if this is true..i always though Tenacious D could handle PG duties good enough.
Holy crap
Source?
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Also
Looks like it could involve billups being amnestied OR traded. Interesting…
Oh no doubt
We don’t have cap space to sign Chandler without moving Billups I believe.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
My goodness
That turned around quick. I don’t know how I’d feel about this for this season. Going forwards it’s an excellent move, but next season? Who’s going to be our PG?
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Eh
Toney is a streaky shooter off the bench that has a 30+ point game every once in a while, at least that’s what I see him as. I’m pretty high on iMan, so I’d be fine with him taking over in 2012/2013. But this season? I agree with Jackaroe, finding a PG in the NBA today is a lot easier than finding a big man that rebounds and defends as well as Chandler does. That’s why I’m for the deal, but I’m curious who the Knicks think will be their PG this season.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
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