Knicks · Begley: Rose to TWolves being discussed (page 11)

Does the Woj tweet make any sense? Can't the Knicks simply banish Rose to the bench for 25 games. Cmon don't be so gullible. HAving said that we should calibrate expectations for a 25 game rental

Also what's with all the criticism of the triangle. Whether you like it or not, it's not why we're losing. We're losing because of a porous defense that consistently yields 30+ point first quarters (and often 2ds 3ds and 4ths )

Rose is such a good scoring guard once gets a few drives past the 3 point line. The problem is that's all he does. He doesn't defend. He doesn't pass on a regular basis. He has talent for sure. I do agree that with a better coach and team he probably looks better. He comes from the Thibs coaching style of play where the coach is constantly talking to you about defense. Constantly on you. That's not Hornachek at all. Rose would thrive in lower scoring, more physical style of play. I think he does not fit very well in more modern NBA styles of play, he would fit in teams that play more of an old school style of play such as Memphis.

We're going to give Horny another year for sure. Just how it is. So I can't see Rose and Hornachek be a good fit.

If I'm the Knicks I get the best return possible for Rose by deadline, and pull it off. Every asset we get back doesn't mean it's a longterm asset. We could do something again in the summer trade wise, and those assets could be moved again. Just because Rubio (or Jackson) would be in play now, doesn't mean you have them forever. You can give them 27 games to see what they look like with Willy, KP and in Hornachek's system. Then make a decision.

nyknickzingis wrote:Rose is such a good scoring guard once gets a few drives past the 3 point line. The problem is that's all he does. He doesn't defend. He doesn't pass on a regular basis. He has talent for sure. I do agree that with a better coach and team he probably looks better. He comes from the Thibs coaching style of play where the coach is constantly talking to you about defense. Constantly on you. That's not Hornachek at all. Rose would thrive in lower scoring, more physical style of play. I think he does not fit very well in more modern NBA styles of play, he would fit in teams that play more of an old school style of play such as Memphis.

We're going to give Horny another year for sure. Just how it is. So I can't see Rose and Hornachek be a good fit.

If I'm the Knicks I get the best return possible for Rose by deadline, and pull it off. Every asset we get back doesn't mean it's a longterm asset. We could do something again in the summer trade wise, and those assets could be moved again. Just because Rubio (or Jackson) would be in play now, doesn't mean you have them forever. You can give them 27 games to see what they look like with Willy, KP and in Hornachek's system. Then make a decision.

Totally agree.

Now..... we wait

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

holfresh wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

equally interesting how a poster writes:

He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him)

And you come away with

blame everyone else but KP learning the game

He's learning the game just fine from his hero Melo. Hold the ball, pound it some and jack up a shot. Time to move on.

fishmike wrote:

holfresh wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

equally interesting how a poster writes:

He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him)

And you come away with

blame everyone else but KP learning the game

He's learning the game just fine from his hero Melo. Hold the ball, pound it some and jack up a shot. Time to move on.

You have a point to make??

holfresh wrote:

fishmike wrote:

holfresh wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

equally interesting how a poster writes:

He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him)

And you come away with

blame everyone else but KP learning the game

He's learning the game just fine from his hero Melo. Hold the ball, pound it some and jack up a shot. Time to move on.

You have a point to make??

it should be obvious to everyone at this point what your ax to grind is..

nyknickzingis wrote:Rose is such a good scoring guard once gets a few drives past the 3 point line. The problem is that's all he does. He doesn't defend. He doesn't pass on a regular basis. He has talent for sure. I do agree that with a better coach and team he probably looks better. He comes from the Thibs coaching style of play where the coach is constantly talking to you about defense. Constantly on you. That's not Hornachek at all. Rose would thrive in lower scoring, more physical style of play. I think he does not fit very well in more modern NBA styles of play, he would fit in teams that play more of an old school style of play such as Memphis.

We're going to give Horny another year for sure. Just how it is. So I can't see Rose and Hornachek be a good fit.

If I'm the Knicks I get the best return possible for Rose by deadline, and pull it off. Every asset we get back doesn't mean it's a longterm asset. We could do something again in the summer trade wise, and those assets could be moved again. Just because Rubio (or Jackson) would be in play now, doesn't mean you have them forever. You can give them 27 games to see what they look like with Willy, KP and in Hornachek's system. Then make a decision.

Good post. Issues with Rose are not new. Chicago knew it.

nyk4ever wrote:

holfresh wrote:

fishmike wrote:

holfresh wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

equally interesting how a poster writes:

He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him)

And you come away with

blame everyone else but KP learning the game

He's learning the game just fine from his hero Melo. Hold the ball, pound it some and jack up a shot. Time to move on.

You have a point to make??

it should be obvious to everyone at this point what your ax to grind is..

Please engage beyond your one line cameos...What am I saying that you haven't seen???..What am I saying that isn't fact???

holfresh wrote:

nyk4ever wrote:

holfresh wrote:

fishmike wrote:

holfresh wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

BigRedDog wrote:As per Rotoworld
Tom Thibodeau is reportedly making a push to strike a deal for Derrick Rose.
Thibs reported infatuation with Rose is a bit strange, but it does sound like a three-way trade between New York, Minnesota and Detroit involving Rose, Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson is brewing. This is a situation we'll be monitoring closely as the deadline approaches.

If Pistons and Jackson are involved, and Thibbs wants Rose, wouldn't that mean Jackson would be coming here?

I guess. That would suck unless #1 pick involved

Reggie Jackson is the best player in this trade... as is the trade is even. If the Knicks get a 1st round pick on top of getting the best player in the deal, some one is smoking Crack.

Reggie Jackson used to be good last season but this season he has been awful chemistry wise (team mates fed up of his selfish ways) and physically (not the same player since his knee tendinitis. He only cares about himself and being a big star, not so much about winning. I'd hate to end up with him

That sounds like Rose to me. He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him) he's not the same physically having been hurt for a bunch of reasons this year. He wants to maintain his brand, getting his points, getting the glory not passing the ball.

Anyway, point guards get traded all the time B.... Chris Paul got traded to the Clippers. That doesn't mean he sucks. Jason Kidd got traded a bunch of times in his career. I can go on. It's all about fit.

KP doesn't roll...He sets horrible picks..KP doesn't create easy passing lanes to receive the ball..You see it all the time with him and Melo..Melo hits Willy in the lane all the time because he rolls and creates passing lanes...But what I think is interesting that you guys blame everyone else but KP learning the game...

equally interesting how a poster writes:

He's awful Chemistry wise (Kristaps can't get on the sane page with him)

And you come away with

blame everyone else but KP learning the game

He's learning the game just fine from his hero Melo. Hold the ball, pound it some and jack up a shot. Time to move on.

You have a point to make??

it should be obvious to everyone at this point what your ax to grind is..

Please engage beyond your one line cameos...What am I saying that you haven't seen???..What am I saying that isn't fact???

it's comical how he's always the first one to cry foul yet his rebuttals are the same damned thing

I keep wavering on whether or not I'm in favor of this deal... I think I would make the trade as long as it's 1-for-1. I think Rubio's contract is going to look good moving forward a la Lopez. I like his defense. I like that he's pass-first. I don't know if Rubio is a triangle fit per say but I think he's a perfect fit for Horny. His d also would be welcomed here. I think he would be a fit. So with that said I guess I'm leaning towards adding his salary - but I'm not super pumped about it either

SupremeCommander wrote:I keep wavering on whether or not I'm in favor of this deal... I think I would make the trade as long as it's 1-for-1. I think Rubio's contract is going to look good moving forward a la Lopez. I like his defense. I like that he's pass-first. I don't know if Rubio is a triangle fit per say but I think he's a perfect fit for Horny. His d also would be welcomed here. I think he would be a fit. So with that said I guess I'm leaning towards adding his salary - but I'm not super pumped about it either

Rubio doesn't play with pace and he doesn't spread the floor. Jackson would be a better fit for Horny unless we are going to start playing triangle again.

Rubio pretty much dribles up the floor deliberately and dumps the ball off to his playmakers Towns, Wiggins, Lavine etc... He will be terible on a team that is slow and unathletic ala the Knicks.

Why not just start Jennings and play Baker. The result will be the same and Rose wouls expire without taking on the additional years of Rubio's contract

edit - even off of screens and p-n-r Rubio is not a threat to shoot. In fact, you probably want him to shoot since he is going to miss

Vmart wrote:

holfresh wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Javascript is not enabled or there was problem with the URL: https://twitter.com/_Verts/status/834230328046809088

Click here to view the Tweet

Whatever happened to not showing your cards?

So 4 months into season one, Phil is admitting defeat with his two major offseason acquisitions...

He gave it a try and that has to account for something. At least give him credit for that and also give him credit for trying to make the proper adjustment. It's really getting tiring hearing about the Phil complaint. You guys acting like he inherited a championship caliber team.

Phil put together a team that should of easily made the playoffs this year and it's not all his fault that this team didn't come together or try enough to make it work.

PG--D.Rose
SG--C.Lee
SF--Melo
PF--KP
C--J.Noah
with a good bench
B.Jennings
J.Holiday
L.Thomas
KOQ
W.Herenangomez
Kuz

That team should of easily made a playoff run and they didn't so although i understand the anger that this team is this bad, to say it's all on Phil just because of your hate for Phil is ridiculous cause he put a good team together.

crzymdups wrote:

fwk00 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Javascript is not enabled or there was problem with the URL: https://twitter.com/_Verts/status/834230328046809088

Click here to view the Tweet

Whatever happened to not showing your cards?

Funny how there are zero leaks coming from the Knicks yet posts like this are given credibility. No one knows what the front office is doing so why jump to conclusions like this?

fwk00, just be honest - are you on Dolan's payroll?

Because he speaks the truth means he's on Dolan's payroll??

newyorker4ever wrote:

crzymdups wrote:

fwk00 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Javascript is not enabled or there was problem with the URL: https://twitter.com/_Verts/status/834230328046809088

Click here to view the Tweet

Whatever happened to not showing your cards?

Funny how there are zero leaks coming from the Knicks yet posts like this are given credibility. No one knows what the front office is doing so why jump to conclusions like this?

fwk00, just be honest - are you on Dolan's payroll?

Because he speaks the truth means he's on Dolan's payroll??

It's just a hunch after seeing how he has posted over time.

Rookie wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:I keep wavering on whether or not I'm in favor of this deal... I think I would make the trade as long as it's 1-for-1. I think Rubio's contract is going to look good moving forward a la Lopez. I like his defense. I like that he's pass-first. I don't know if Rubio is a triangle fit per say but I think he's a perfect fit for Horny. His d also would be welcomed here. I think he would be a fit. So with that said I guess I'm leaning towards adding his salary - but I'm not super pumped about it either

Rubio doesn't play with pace and he doesn't spread the floor. Jackson would be a better fit for Horny unless we are going to start playing triangle again.

Rubio pretty much dribles up the floor deliberately and dumps the ball off to his playmakers Towns, Wiggins, Lavine etc... He will be terible on a team that is slow and unathletic ala the Knicks.

Why not just start Jennings and play Baker. The result will be the same and Rose wouls expire without taking on the additional years of Rubio's contract

edit - even off of screens and p-n-r Rubio is not a threat to shoot. In fact, you probably want him to shoot since he is going to miss

That dump it off part I think neglacts the fact that Ricky does always have an eye for open temmates... You move, you cut, you post... He will get you the ball... Thats TOTALLY different from what any guard does for us right now (closest being BJ)
Now guys like Lee, Holiday, Willy will benefit Greatly.

KP I hope they would figure it out but KP would have to get better on rolling and cutting!

I would als love to see him and BJ/Lee haunt opponent guards!
His shooting sucks for sure though.

All said and done as much as I loke Roses drviving and finishing his one dimensional play does not help the team!
Get the trade done!!!

I'll take smarts over express pace with a point guard any day of the week.

Out of the 3 I'd rank them

Rubio
Jackson
Rose

In that order right now as a point guard.

If Rose moves to SG, then he is a different player with different demands of his play. However so long as he plays the point guard position, I'll maintain that Rose is not better than Rubio or Jackson.

Rubio has incredible floor vision. People have to see him play with some talent like we have in KP and Melo and Willy as well as shooters like Lee. He will find them. He doesn't have good shooters in Minnesota. He also plays with a ball stopper in Wiggins. Towns is excellent, and you see Rubio constantly find Towns.

Just think back to when Knicks had Kidd. At that stage of his career, Kidd was not an all-star or a great player. He was extremely smart, he followed the game plan and he had the offense run the right way. The Knicks thrived as did Melo. If we get a PG that can control the offense and run it the right way, spread unselfishness I feel even keeping Melo could be a positive situation. Melo has always played his best ball with another player being the leader and running the O and Melo just being Melo. That's what Rubio could theoretically do. Think of when Jennings has those great games off the bench with like 10-12 assists how much we play better and look in sync? That's Rubio on a consistent basis. He won't score, he won't fill up the stat sheet, but he defends better than Rose, he plays passing lanes and he sets teammates up. When teammates are set up well, you'll see more cohesion and more effort on defense.

I don't think there is any downside to trading Rose for Rubio. It's not even a risk in my book.

* Actually there is one downside, I think changing the point guard rotation from Rose/Jennings to Rubio/Jennings will ignite this team to play .500 level ball rest of the season and we finish with something like 36-37 wins which puts us out of the top 10 draft positioning. I am almost certain that with a point guard rotation like that KP, Melo, Willy, and this entire team play better. So more wins would hurt out draft position. With this current group we've lost 24 of our last 33 games (9-24). We won't likely win more than 6 games rest of the season. Which puts us firmly in the top 8-9 of the draft. A trade could actually rejuvinate the team, especially the point guard position.

nyknickzingis wrote:I'll take smarts over express pace with a point guard any day of the week.

Out of the 3 I'd rank them

Rubio
Jackson
Rose

In that order right now as a point guard.

If Rose moves to SG, then he is a different player with different demands of his play. However so long as he plays the point guard position, I'll maintain that Rose is not better than Rubio or Jackson.

Rubio has incredible floor vision. People have to see him play with some talent like we have in KP and Melo and Willy as well as shooters like Lee. He will find them. He doesn't have good shooters in Minnesota. He also plays with a ball stopper in Wiggins. Towns is excellent, and you see Rubio constantly find Towns.

I agree. You said it better than me and it sums up my thoughts pretty well.

Also, one of the "intangible" reasons for this deal is I think adding yet another overseas player to the roster will elevate our profile to other international players. We certainly aren't the top of USA born players wishlist. I do think that is an important consideration, especially because evaluating international talent is one of the only things the Knicks do better than other franchises

Ironically, keeping the team intact may help the tank process. The team has won 9 of their last 33 games. That means if they kept that pace up, in the last 25 games they would probably win maybe 6 or 7 games tops. If Hornachek gave the D league talent more playing time as the season came close to the end and rested Melo more, the team may be able to end up at 28-29 wins. I actually believe a trade will hurt the draft positioning, unless it's a trade for draft picks.