Knicks · Hahn: Will Knicks' 7-foot rookie be in training camp? (page 1)

Will Knicks' 7-foot rookie be in training camp?
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 10:09 PM
By Alan Hahn

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The Knicks have been in the market for another big to join Ronny Turiaf at the center position, but they have a 7-footer already in the organization: 2010 second round pick Jerome Jordan. So where is he?

Currently, Jordan is in Slovenia, where he is playing for KK Krka Novo Mesto, but he does have an NBA out in his contract and his ambition, after spending last season in Serbia, is to play in the NBA this season.

Considering travel time, he will probably not be present for the first day of training camp, which opens Friday. There are several hurdles that need to be figured out that involve the collective bargaining agreement, which is just being finalized now and is expected to be ratified by the players on Wednesday and the owners on Thursday. What has to be figured out is what Jordan's rookie scale will be as well as the buyout cost, which is potentially a $500,000 investment on top of his first year salary. Jordan could wind up costing the Knicks as much as $1.2 million in the first season and there's no guarantee that he'll even be a rotation player.

The Knicks advised Jordan to play in Europe last season after they signed Timofey Mozgov. The team didn't want to waive Jordan and lose his rights and the move allowed him to remain Knicks property.

Jordan gained needed experience playing in Europe, but he is still raw. Still, his size is extremely valuable to the Knicks, especially for a team that lacks assets to include in a trade for Chris Paul. But is he ready to be a part of the rotation and provide a defensive presence the team sorely needs? His numbers in Slovenia -- 11 points, 5 rebounds per game -- are not impressive, but even if the numbers were huge, it still could not be used as indication of his progress as an NBA prospect.

Jordan's agent, Todd Ramasar, recently told the New York Post if the Knicks didn't invite Jordan to camp this year, the team should trade his rights to another NBA team.

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSE...

This didn't answer anything we didn't already know.

I actually didn't know that there were some contractual hurdles left. I assumed the guy was clear to come back without having to pay a buyout. Then just thinking about him costing perhaps $1.2 mil makes it a bit less of a no brainer. I have to assume they already know if they think he's ready or not. You'd have to think they have scouts who have watched him this season. My guess from what i've seen of him is that they may pass on bringing him in. He still looked weak and not very good on the defensive end. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got. I hope i'm wrong and that he has improved enough cuz we need Center help.

I want Fesenko signed. Dude is 7'1" and has a nasty disposition.

i see absolutely no reason not to bring this guy over. he is 7 feet tall, let's find out if he can ball. $1 million LOL as if money was ever an issue with the knicks, please. we need front court depth, lets see what this guy's got.

NYKBocker wrote:I want Fesenko signed. Dude is 7'1" and has a nasty disposition.

Yeah i've been interested in Fesenko for a while. He seems better than his stats indicate IMO. When i've seen him he's looked like he had some good potential. He didn't seem as agile as Moz, but he did seem tougher defensively and on the boards. At least he's not light in the shorts like Jordan. I think Jordan will get pushed around in the NBA.

If they don't bring this guy in this has Dantoni written all over it he probably could care less about having a guy to block shots an rebound he would much rather a 6'8 play center who can shoot or better yet Jared "I can't make a layup" Jeffries

Mray20 wrote:If they don't bring this guy in this has Dantoni written all over it he probably could care less about having a guy to block shots an rebound he would much rather a 6'8 play center who can shoot or better yet Jared "I can't make a layup" Jeffries

Well, that's not fair. He played an unproven 7'1" center last year from Russia. MDA will play the best player in his roster. That is why Donnie is such a big loss.

Childs2Dudley wrote:This didn't answer anything we didn't already know.

in two weeks when ESPN runs out of headlines, it will be a headline there

We are going to trade Jordan anyway as we have very little to give in any trade and Jordan is still an asset. We can hype him and then trade him. He is getting experience playing in Europe now so keep him there for a few more days.

Fesenko? Say no to Fesenko!

It depends on how good Jerome looks. If he looks solid we should showcase him in the preseason. Everyone knows this is a pump and dump season

Markji wrote:We are going to trade Jordan anyway as we have very little to give in any trade and Jordan is still an asset. We can hype him and then trade him. He is getting experience playing in Europe now so keep him there for a few more days.

Fesenko? Say no to Fesenko!

Yeah, I see big flashing warning signs if you're a big and Jerry Sloan can't use you. I mean, Sloan gave burn to bums like Greg Foster, Jarron Collins and Ike Austin and put them in positions where they looked halfway decent.

Mray20 wrote:If they don't bring this guy in this has Dantoni written all over it he probably could care less about having a guy to block shots an rebound he would much rather a 6'8 play center who can shoot or better yet Jared "I can't make a layup" Jeffries

Just like it was inevitable that Jeffries would return, it is inevitable that Jordan won't get minutes for D'Antoni. He probably isn't good enough anyway but I think a coach that is reluctant to play traditional bigs and rookies is going to be even more reluctant on a 1 year deal in a 66 game season.

nixluva wrote:

NYKBocker wrote:I want Fesenko signed. Dude is 7'1" and has a nasty disposition.

Yeah i've been interested in Fesenko for a while. He seems better than his stats indicate IMO. When i've seen him he's looked like he had some good potential. He didn't seem as agile as Moz, but he did seem tougher defensively and on the boards. At least he's not light in the shorts like Jordan. I think Jordan will get pushed around in the NBA.

I can't believe Fesenko's name hasn't been brought up by the media. He would be a perfect low-risk option.

Small sample size, but it we may have found our starter in Fesenko. :)

In 1 game as a starter last year:
27mpg, 100% FG, 8rbd, 2blk, 4pts, 0TO