Knicks · Agent: Prigioni interested in Knicks return next season (page 1)

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Pablo Prigioni's agent, George Bass, told ESPNNewYork.com on Friday that the Argentine point guard "is interested in returning to the Knicks" for a second season.

"Pablo really enjoyed himself here, and he has interest in playing again next year," Bass said. "He's fallen in love with New York, there's no doubt. The Knicks are just a first-class organization, so it's been good all the way around."

When Prigioni recently was asked about his plans for 2013-14, he said his focus was "playing in the playoffs, in important games." At season's end, Prigioni likely will fly back to his home in Alicante, Spain, and weigh his decision there with his family. Before the NBA, he spent 17 years playing professionally in Spain and Argentina.

Last summer, Prigioni signed a one-year veteran's minimum deal for $473,604. This offseason, the Knicks could make him a restricted free agent by giving him a qualifying offer before June 30. That offer for next season would be for $988,872 (the second-year veteran's amount of $788,872 plus a non-Bird exception of $200,000).

While another team could present Prigioni a higher contract, the Knicks could match any offer being that he's restricted. Two league insiders believe Prigioni's max value could be around $2 million based on his success down the stretch this season and into the playoffs.

"I do believe there will be other teams that will have interest in him, but you never know how much interest," Bass said. "If somebody came along and offered him more money, then that's a whole different story."

Bass said there have been no early negotiations with the Knicks just yet, but he said, "Glen [Grunwald] is Pablo's biggest fan." ( Naw Playa2 is)

Bass said he and the Knicks general manager are very close, and they even started talking about Prigioni coming to the league five years ago.

In his first NBA season, Prigioni took over at starting point guard on March 18, and since then the Knicks have posted a 21-5 record, including the postseason.

"He comes to work every day, doesn't say too much, but he works hard," Raymond Felton said on Friday. "He get his time in, he's a great teammate. He's the perfect example of a great professional, and he can really play the game, really understands the game."

Let's chant his name each game so he comes back every year until he eventually becomes head coach.
Can you imagine coach Pablo?

In practice: "I need all of your points."
In game: “The shot was fantastico!”
Post game: “Soreeee but I cannot say all the secrets.”

He’ll still sneak for a steal in a suit.

Pablo for Presidente!

- allzingers

Nice

callmened wrote:the question is...does this effect who we draft?

I wouldn't think so.

CashMoney wrote:

callmened wrote:the question is...does this effect who we draft?

I wouldn't think so.

you always draft for best pick available, NEVER DRAFT FOR NEED, PLEASE GMS LISTEN TO THIS FOR PETE'S SAKE, NEVER DRAFT FOR NEED,

ALWAYS DRAFT BEST PLAYER REGARDLESS OF POSITION, EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FALL IN PLACE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

CashMoney wrote:Keeping Prigs is a no brainer.

"The Knicks are just a first-class organization..."

markvmc wrote:I know you're his agent and all, but there's no need to just flat-out lie:

"The Knicks are just a first-class organization..."

With less regard to James Dolan and Cablevision, the Knicks invest more than any other franchise.

They aggressively pursue talent. Including international talent.

They have remade a legendary arena at significant cost

What is the problem?

misterearl wrote:What makes this a lie?

markvmc wrote:I know you're his agent and all, but there's no need to just flat-out lie:

"The Knicks are just a first-class organization..."

With less regard to James Dolan and Cablevision, the Knicks invest more than any other franchise.

They aggressively pursue talent. Including international talent.

They have remade a legendary arena at significant cost

What is the problem?

ChuckBuck wrote:Sure, why not! Kidd's all but done, so we should try to target a PG/SG in the draft.

Kidd has 2 more years on his contract at $3 mil/yr. I think we keep him aroundfor 10 to 15 min/game. Remember, injuries happen to many players and having Kidd as back-up is fine. Maybe even player/coach.

Bonn1997 wrote:

misterearl wrote:What makes this a lie?

markvmc wrote:I know you're his agent and all, but there's no need to just flat-out lie:

"The Knicks are just a first-class organization..."

With less regard to James Dolan and Cablevision, the Knicks invest more than any other franchise.

They aggressively pursue talent. Including international talent.

They have remade a legendary arena at significant cost

What is the problem?

You must have a very short memory