Knicks · Mike James would answer if called by Knicks (page 1)

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If Knicks call, James would be interested
April, 1, 2012

By Ian Begley

Mike Woodson doesn't think the Knicks will go after a point guard in the wake of Jeremy Lin's meniscus tear.

"I haven't had a chance to sit down with [general manager] Glen [Grunwald] and [owner) Mr. [James] Dolan and see. My thinking is that we'll probably go with what we have," Woodson said on Saturday. "I don't think there's a whole lot out there right now who will make a big difference for our ball club."

If they changed course and decided to make a run at a veteran on the market, Mike James could be a candidate.

James has been with the Chicago Bulls for three separate 10-day contracts this season. And, according to his agent, he'd welcome a chance to play in New York.

"It's a career-long dream for him," agent Bernie Lee said of James, an Amityville native.

Lee said on Sunday afternoon that he isn't expecting a call from the Knicks. Another name that could pop up if the Knicks decided to go after a veteran is Anthony Carter, who was waived last month by Toronto. Both James and Carter would be eligible for the playoffs. But the Knicks would have to release a player on their roster to make room for either veteran. They currently have 15 players under contract.

Shortly before Linsanity launched on Feb. 4, James was very close to inking a deal with the Knicks. The Knicks likely would have added James if Lin hadn't began his stellar run of play on Feb. 4 against the Nets.

For now, the team will go with Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas as back-ups to Baron Davis.

Guard Iman Shumpert, who is more comfortable at shooting guard and small forward, may see some minutes at point guard. Douglas' minutes have been almost non-existent since Lin emerged, but he did play 10 minutes on Saturday against Cleveland, going 2-for-5 with five points.

At this point in his 13-year career, Bibby is limited to being a stand-still jump shooter.

So, if the options behind Davis don't pan out, the Knicks may look to add a veteran.

James has a history with the Knicks coaching staff.

He played for Mike Woodson in Detroit and has also played for Knicks assistant Jim Todd.

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Would this be a real upgrade over Mike Bibby at PG?

I'd bring in Carter over James, but I hope Douglas gets a chance.

James was always the kind of streaky player that could play better than he actually is, if that makes sense (like Al Harrington). Maybe he would help us beat the Bulls, if he wants to prove something to them for not keeping him for the season. He probably has one good burst of play in him, but I think over 10 or so games he'd look more like Bibby or TD in the end.

Its not worth the roster spot....the end

VDesai wrote:I'd bring in Carter over James, but I hope Douglas gets a chance.

Agree on Anthony Carter --- he's tough as nuts, defends like he's possessed and makes good decisions.

This group would give us 5 outstanding defenders...

Carter
JR
Shump
Jefferies
Chandler

I'd roll with Anthony Carter. I thought he should've been back with us to start the season. He played great last year whenever he got burn.

Hmm.. James or Lin? James or Lin? Hard to decide on this JamesLin scenario.. *drum roll*

MSG3 wrote:I'd roll with Anthony Carter. I thought he should've been back with us to start the season. He played great last year whenever he got burn.

I didn't realize Carter was available. I think he would be a great fit.

+1 to the Carter bandwagon.

AC won me over last season. Might be willing to come back now that Tyson and Woody have the team playing defense.

CrushAlot wrote:

MSG3 wrote:I'd roll with Anthony Carter. I thought he should've been back with us to start the season. He played great last year whenever he got burn.

I didn't realize Carter was available. I think he would be a great fit.

word.

Carter and Shump in the backcourt would be a defensive nightmare.