From the Post:

While banished from the Knicks, Stephon Marbury was pursued relentlessly by a pair of alleged Swiss bankers claiming to have connections to Real Madrid. Marbury, after discovering their intricate plot was a hoax, was considering turning over information to law-enforcement officials about the contact.

So some guys pretended to be Real Madrid share-holders to try and woo Marbury overseas? Mutoni's conspiracy theory is that Walsh was behind the scenes. I like to imagine that it was Patrick Ewing Jr., yearning for a roster spot, making phone calls from unlisted numbers in a German accent and offering Marbury lucrative foreign deals. Another mixed-up day in the weird world of Stephon Marbury. Props to him, by the way, for sniffing out the hoax. Maybe he'll follow up by opting out of his contract and vowing grisly revenge upon his phony suitors.

Yeahhhhhhh.

Oh, and he'll change his name to "Vin Diesel". Cause he thinks that's cool.

We all sensed it was coming, but the news was made official today. From ESPN:

Ewing's contract was only partially guaranteed for the league minimum of $430,000, although Walsh said money was not a factor in the Knicks' decision to cut him.

"In the immediate future, shooting could be a problem for this team," Walsh said.

D'Antoni had said that the fact that Ewing's father is a Knicks legend could not be ignored, but it wouldn't factor into the decision. Patrick Ewing is a Hall of Fame center and the Knicks' all-time leader in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals.

"I think he's a lot better than what I thought he was, and I think he has a chance to make the NBA," D'Antoni was quoted as saying in Monday's New York Times, before Ewing's release was announced. "I think he's got work to do. Would he help us on the floor this year? I don't know."

It's a real shame. Mini-Pat was one of the cooler guys on the team, and he brought that perpetual possibility of a Sports Center-worthy dunk. Especially on a team that's already taken some injury hits to the frontcourt, Ewing may have garnered some playing time. That said, keeping Anthony Roberson instead was more fiscally responsible (or so I hear), and A-Rob has more clear-cut NBA skills (that silky jumper) to offer. The roster is now down to 15, meaning we're ready to go for Wednesday night. The article goes on to indicate that Duhon and Crawford are the expected backcourt starters.

Anyway, P&T wishes the best of luck to Ewing Jr. There's more to him than just the name, and I'm sure he'll reemerge somewhere before long.

Alan Hahn yesterday made resurfaced a rumor that Danilo Gallinari, who rehabbed his summer away, and Patrick Ewing Jr., a bit too raw just yet, could be candidates for the D-League going into their rookie seasons.

"That is definitely open . . . that's a possibility," D'Antoni said before Friday's 104-97 preseason win over the Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden. "Now I'm just saying it hypothetically, but I can see you doing it. You'd be rehabbing, making sure you're playing 40 minutes, get you in good shape and then you come back up. I could see that happening . . . Whether we do it or not, I don't know."

Remember, the current roster stands at 18, so 3 cuts need to be made before opening day. D'Antoni, as we've seen, is unlikely to play anywhere near a 15-man rotation, which is why he might be interested in tapping a resource that was never once utilized by Isiah Thomas or his predecessors.

As for their potential destination, the Reno Bighorns are the Knicks' developmental affiliate (10 P&T points if you knew that). They are coached by Jay Humphries, who has been on D'Antoni's staff in the past and is expected to run the familiar "7-seconds-or-less" system, obviously adjusting for time zone differences.  I'll let the only expert I know- Matt at Ridiculous Upside- explain what this would mean for the Bigs and Knicks alike:

This would be huge for Reno, which was unlikely to get much attention this year from its other affiliate, Sacramento (regrettably). Sending down a pick that high would do huge for the league to show a major market team's coach having faith in the system. The Humphries-D'Antoni connection could pay huge dividends for Reno. This would equal the highest pick sent to the D-League on assignment, previously by the Blazers sending down Martell Webster in 2005.

As for Gallinari, this would be a good move for the youngster who has missed almost all of preseason with a back injury, including Summer League. Say what you want about the level of talent in the D versus Europe, it's the closest you're going to find in terms of speed and physicality, both of which Gallinari will need to develop if he's going to be succesful. Tucking him away for a season gets him away from the constant criticism and could allow him to get his confidence up.

I wholeheartedly agree with that second paragraph. Gallinari's disadvantage is that he hasn't yet had the stage to prove his worth because of his injuries. If he has any shot at gaining some court cred this season, it'll be lighting up the D-League with that smooth stroke. Remember that we're talking about a guy who averaged 17.5 points a game last year in professional ball in Italy. My math tells me that that translates to approximately 303.8 points a game in the D-League. Not a typo. Danilo's 100% more likely to make a name for himself on the court canning jumpers in Reno than he is on the bench doing sudoku in New York.

As for Ewing Jr., Pat's future depends on his making the team. Unless Donnie Walsh is looking to cut some payroll, that isn't a sure thing. Assuming Allan Houston and Dan Grunfeld won't be around, (which would really hurt. I've grown to love the Grun.) Ewing's gotta beat out someone with NBA experience to make the roster. Mardy Collins has looked surprisingly sharp all preseason, and Anthony Roberson's got enough of a jumpshot to make any team. I'm hard-pressed to find a way for Ewing to make the Knicks unless a pricier cut is made- someone like Jerome James or Jared Jeffries. That said, if Ewing were to make the team, Reno would be a fantastic spot to hone his offensive game, practice fundamental defense, and drop some earth-shaking highlight reel dunks to get his name out there.

I expect that New Yorkers might have some acid reflux at the idea of our prized 6th pick heading west for the start of the season. We're not too familiar with the D-League, and, well, it's Reno. I reall do feel, though, that the NBDL is the only place for Gallinari to rehabilitate, get used to the fast-paced system, and show the league that he's ready to contribute. He can't do any of that on the bench.

The Knicks left town yesterday afternoon, and I felt more than a little sad to see them go. They're a strikingly friendly group of guys, from the coaches and staff right down to the players. I've got some interviews and stories to share (the final videos will go up tomorrow), but for the moment let's review some major themes from practice.

- Forget most of what Mike D'Antoni said earlier this summer about changing up his style. While I'm sure he'll adapt to his new roster, Coach D is undoubtedly running and/or gunning whenever possible. I don't know if you could fully grasp it from the grainy practice videos I posted, but the five-on-five drills were mostly run with an 8-second shot clock after a missed shot was rebounded by the opposing team.

- I wasn't pleased with the Chris Duhon signing because, well, we was pretty much completely uninteresting in Chicago, but I've gotta say I'm on board now. Du looked like the smartest guy on the floor for all of training camp. He knew the plays and drills better than anyone, and kept his cool when things got chaotic (as they did quite a bit in practice). Our friends at Blog-a-Bull might be chortling in their little saddles at that notion (For some reason, I always picture Bulls fans riding actual bulls. I'm also incapable of bathing myself.), but I'm feeling good about Duhon as D'Antoni's leader and on-court representative.

- Patrick Ewing Jr. is one of the nicer guys on the team, but I'm worried about his future. Pat made it clear that he's as athletically capable as anyone on the team, but looked a little tense throughout camp. He was dropping passes, committing fouls, and generally lacking in confidence throughout. I'm sure if he sharpens his game and commits to defense that he can make a career for himself, but I wonder if he's got Walsha nd D'Antoni convinced.

- Two fun trends: 1. Danilo Gallinari calls for ice and tape by yelling "chico!" at the nearest trainer. Now all the guys do it. UPDATE: "Chico" is Anthony Goenaga's nickname, and it wasn't coined by Gallinari. Oh well. Thanks to Alan Hahn for the tip. 2.  When anybody shoots from the outside, someone else (usually Jerome James) yells "BANG BANG (name)!". Example: "BANG BANG MARDY COLLINS!".

- Speaking of which, Collins looks improved, and carried himself confidently in practice. He's getting to the basket with great success, and while his jump shot isn't any prettier, it does appear to be falling more.

- David Lee's shot wasn't falling all that consistently (Which isn't unusual. Nobody's shots were falling.), but he's certainly more willing to face the basket and operate from 18+ feet out. That also means putting the ball on the floor and making some guard-like moves to the rim. He also looks more focused and poised on defense, and was probably the most vocal of anybody on that end. This could be a year in which D-Lee proves that he's got all the tools to succeed in the D'Antoni system.

- Nate Robinson looks as talented as ever, but he's really going to have to impress D'Antoni to take minutes away from Duhon and Marbury, the latter of whom looks healthy and focused.

- Training camp towel boys fear Quentin Richardson. He's as emotional in practice as most people are in playoff games.

- Zach Randolph loves to shoot from outside, and Coach doesn't seem to have an issue with that.

- Mike D'Antoni is unbelievably nice and also smells fantastic.

And that's all she wrote. I've got one more tape of videos to come tomorrow morning (probably), then we'll wrap up training camp coverage and get ready for the preseason. Stay sweet.

After practice this evening I got a chance to catch up with the Knicks on topics such as politics, rookie initiation, and the Sonics' move to OKC. Oh, and I finally asked Mike D'Antoni if he'd shave his 'stache. Check it out.

I'll be back at practice tomorrow, so rack your brain for any more questions you might want me to ask the guys. Seriously.

Update: Forgot to mention, Mike D'Antoni smells very nice. Just saying.

Hey guys. I've got video of some training camp footage and conversations from this morning coming as soon as I can get it on to a computer. In the meantime, I headed back to the gym this evening to catch some more practice. D'Antoni's drills reflect his coaching style like you wouldn't believe. They ran 3-on-3 fast break drills and 5-on-5 drills where the offensive team had to score with 8 on the shot clock. A few player key-ins from the day's second meeting.

Allan Houston- I must say, Allan's touch looks as sweet as ever, and he was holding his own defending quicker guys like Marbury and Crawford. He didn't participate at all in some of the faster 5-on-5 drills, but H20 looks surprisingly fresh overall.

Nate Robinson- Nate was his usual self on offense. He knows his guys well and his point guard instincts appear to be improving as they have each year. Nate did appear to be either lapsing in attention or dogging it in a few of the drills, though, and was the last guy back on D a couple times.

Jared Jeffries- It was the very first day of D'Antoni's system, but even so, Jeffries had a bit too much trouble keeping up in drills. He was loafing and missing directions three and four repetitions into a drill and throwing things off for the whole team. Jared did, however, block Dan Grunfeld's shot so forcefully it startled me.

Anthony Roberson- Anthony Roberson can shoot the damn lights out. He's got a lot of confidence in his shot and simply cannot be left open on the perimeter. Said Steph to Donnie Walsh, "he's like a mini Allan Houston!".

Quentin Richardson- Q's intensity is almost frightening. He's clearly feeling the heat of Wilson Chandler reaching for his starting 3 spot. Richardson was animated all night, screaming, spiking balls, and throwing towels after any miscues in the scrimmages. You can tell he sets the tone for the younger guys by taking practice so seriously.

Wilson Chandler- Wil's looking as physical and active as ever, and the jumper is falling more than it was last year. Still needs some work, though.

Chris Duhon- I wasn't too happy when the Knicks signed Chris Duhon, but it's obvious that the guy's an intelligent basketball player. He got D'Antoni's complex drills down quickly and was often the one directing traffic and correcting the mistakes of guys like Jeffries. Du's shot wasn't falling all that consistently, but I like his overall game and the way he carries himself on the court.

Stephon Marbury- Steph's running well, shooting well, and looking healthy. He appears upbeat and focused at all times. For all his offcourt hijinks, the man is all business between the baselines.

Patrick Ewing, Jr.-...is probably going to break a backboard this year. His dunks always looked ferocious on TV, but up close it becomes even more apparent that he absolutely thrashes the rim. Didn't get to see him shoot much, but his form isn't all that bad.

Danilo Gallinari- Spent most of the evening doing PT-type stuff, but he did get some outside shots up and did a few passing drills. No running or jumping for Gallo, though.

Zach Randolph- Zach may have dropped some weight, and he's running the court surprisingly well.

Eddy Curry: Still a no-show. Didn't get word on whether or not he's still yakking in the hotel room.

Jerome James- ...can get rim. Just saying.

That's it for the moment. I probably won't be able to make it to practice tomorrow, but I plan on being back Thursday and Friday. I hope to have the video I got from today up by tomorrow night. In the meantime, I beg you guys to submit some creative but well-intentioned questions for players and coaches via comment or email over the next few days.

So, we have an answer to a question asked previously in these parts. Patrick Ewing Jr., as it turns out, will be respectfully leaving his father's number in the rafters and wearing the number 6. Says Mini-Pat:

"It was my dad's Olympic number, and Bill Russell's number, who was my favorite player."

And on forgoing the number 33:

"My dad's jersey's hanging up there in the rafter's for a reason," he said. "The only reason I wore 33 at Georgetown is because they don't retire numbers. I felt like I did 33 for him there, and now I can do six here and it's another way to honor him."

Sounds good. We all know what he's really getting at, though. Pat Jr. is saluting the golden age of Pat Sr.'s career, the pinnacle of a superstar run.

The glory days

Meanwhile, we sit and wait for a deal to be made as training camp steadily approaches. I'm personally in shambles waiting for this deal to happen. Today I sneezed while I was tying my shoe in a seated position and kneed myself in the face. I'm a mess. For my sake, Donnie, make this thing happen.

It's pretty quiet in Knicks world right now and I'm still settling into school, so here's a quick poll to keep you thinking. With the recent acquisition of Patrick Ewing Jr., the Knicks boast quite a lineup of prodigious dunkers. Among them are:

Patrick Ewing Jr.: 2008 NCAA Dunk Contest participant

David Lee: 2001 High School Dunk Contest winner

Nate Robinson: 2006 NBA Dunk Contest winner

Fred Jones: 2004 NBA Dunk Contest winner

Wilson Chandler: Not a bad dunker himself

So, simple question. Who would win a dunk contest? Remember that in-game dunking ability doesn't necessarily translate into creativity on the contest stage. Let's say we're taking the dunker at the prime of his dunking career. Vote or die.

I'll be traveling all day, so here's a little question to keep you distracted in my absence.

Patrick Ewing, Jr. has worn the number 33 throughout his Georgetown career (though I don't believe he wore it at Indiana). Should Mini-Ewing make the Knicks, is he allowed to wear his father's retired jersey? The real answer is probably no, but imagine you were in charge of these things. Go.

...but not the one you might think. Patrick Ewing Jr., son of the Knicks legend and 2008 second round draft pick, was acquired today in exchange for...Frederic Weis. Marc Berman explains:

In a minor deal, the Knicks acquired forward Patrick Ewing Jr. from the Rockets for the draft righst to - center Frederic Weis. Yes, believe it or not, the Knicks still had the rights to their first-round pick in 1999 - the French stiff who spurned the NBA.

Mini-Ewing was a side dish in the Ron Artest deal, and didn't have much of a shot on the forward-heavy Rockets. Here in New York, his chances aren't a sure thing, either. He's another medium-sized athletic forward on a team that just donated Renaldo Balkman, so Ewing's got to prove that he's got what it takes to sap playing time from the likes of Wilson Chandler, Quentin Richardson, Jared Jeffries, and Danilo Gallinari. Also interesting is that Mini-Ewing becomes the 16th player on what will eventually be a 15-man roster. Typically, a gawky forward with limited offensive skills would be a sure training camp cut, but Donnie Walsh sounds intrigued:

"I like him a lot,'' Walsh said after the draft. "We were trying to get picks in the first round and he would’ve been one of the guys in my mind. I think he could be a good addition to an NBA team because he’s a glue guy."

Given the rumors that Stephon Marbury will be elsewhere by summer's end, there is at least some shot that Ewing might not be the odd man out come October. Should Ewing actually be a future Knick, I don't really see the logic. I've got nothing against the guy, but it stings a little to see P&T favorite Renaldo Balkman hastily shipped out of town, only to be replaced by a considerably less interesting clone. I trust Walsh's eye for talent, but I won't fully be on board until Pat Jr. grows some dreadlocks and starts doing the Goo Punch dance on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, I wonder if Frederic Weis knows he's been traded? I like to imagine that, even though he never made it in the NBA, Frederic still considers himself a Knick at heart. Weis plays professionally in Spain, but his bedroom in France is plastered with Knicks posters and pennants, and he sleeps with a Kurt Thomas bobblehead. One of these days Weis will get word that his rights are now held by Houston, and he'll tearfully shred his Latrell Sprewell poster, tear down his "Knicks 2000" license plate, and kick his white Starburys out the window. Poor Frederic.

What the hell do I do with my Knicks cube ottoman now?

Anyway, share your thoughts on this minor deal in the comments. Does anyone think Mini-Ewing is worth a shot? Does anyone want to write a farewell haiku for Frederic Weis? Speak up.