The Iverson aversion

Friday November 20, 2009 3:56 PM By Alan Hahn

Over this week covering the Allen Iverson story, most people I spoke to about it -- NBA executives, personnel directors, scouts and even agents -- didn't think this was a good idea for the Knicks.

"The only reason they'd do it," one team executive told me, "is to show they're doing something."

Wasn't that the biggest problem with the previous regime?

Full disclosure, we thought it was a good play. The Knicks lack a true go-to scorer or anyone who even knows how to be a go-to scorer. Iverson, even with his fading skills at age 34, can still bring it at a decent level. His rock-star persona would give the fans something to watch for a short-term and if it didn't work out, the $1.4M vets min is pretty easily bought out and you could then turn the season over to the young players.

On the other hand, as many people suggested to me, you also have to acknowledge that you're also bringing in a player who would come with his own rules, such as starting, dominating the ball and attending practices only when he felt like it. How exactly do you explain that to other vets such as Al Harrington and Larry Hughes? And what kind of message is that sending to young players such as Toney Douglas and Danilo Gallinari?

Say what you want about Stephon Marbury and all of the issues that came with him, at least Marbury accepted a reserve role, came to practice every day and put in a days work (at least until he was benched).

But like Marbury, with Iverson the excess baggage -- not to mention declining skills and penchant for injuries -- was just not worth the trouble for Walsh.

[By the way - Walsh denied the suggestion that Garden owner James Dolan vetoed the Iverson move. Walsh had final say on this and it was his decision not to go forward. Remember, Walsh was initially against the whole thing when Iverson first left Memphis (He even labeled it "a longshot"). But, with a listing team at 1-9, he put in the proper due dilligence, which, as he said, included keeping the owner in the loop. But in the end, Walsh made the call after taking input from several confidants. As for Dolan's input? Walsh said, "I think there is some idea that Mr. Dolan is calling me up and telling me what to do. That hasn't been my experience here. I do talk to him like I did my owners in Indiana. I tell him what I think we should do. There are times he plays the Devil's advocate, which I appreciate honestly, because sometimes you don't think things out as well as you think you do. Other than that, he is supportive 99.9 percent of the time."]

Let's face it, this franchise still needs to air out the rancid environment it existed within over the past six years. There is a right way to do things and you have to respect Walsh for having the stones to stay true to his standards rather than make what could be viewed as a desperation move just to pacify a frustrated fan base 11 games into the season.

He's said it several times since the summer, that he knew this rebuild would be an extremely difficult challenge to undertake and that the second season -- this season - would be the toughest one to endure because they are so close to 2010. 

But fans shouldn't take this as a sign that Walsh won't do anything to improve this season's team. Actually, while Walsh was reaching out to several friends around the league seeking input about Iverson, we're told he also asked about what other options may be out there.

So with that said, let us refer him to Adrian Wojnarowski's report for Yahoo! Sports about Tracy McGrady's and the Houston Rockets.

* * * *

The Knicks also have to keep focus on Eddy Curry's renaissance, which is the most critical element of this season. Curry had a positive debut in Wednesday's win and D'Antoni said he plans to give Curry more minutes in Saturday's game against Brook Lopez and the Nets.And  as his minutes increase, his role in the offense will become greater.

D'Antoni went as far as saying, "We have a presence now and we want to take advantage of it."

Source: Knicks give up pursuit of Iverson

Friday November 20, 2009 9:59 AM By Alan Hahn

The Knicks put a great deal of thought into bringing Allen Iverson to New York to help rejuvenate the 2-9 team, but a source this morning suggested the team -- after coming very close to going for it -- has decided not to go through with making a contract offer for the future Hall of Fame guard.

As we reported in today's Newsday, the Knicks had a lot to consider in this move, which some viewed to appear desperate. There was also the concern about the potential for more unwanted controversy, which usually follows wherever Iverson goes.

Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies after he spoke out about coach Lionel Hollins' decision to use him as a reserve. The same situation happened in Detroit last season, when Michael Curry moved Iverson to the bench. Iverson has built a reputation on being outspoken, defiant and regularly clashing with coaches. He even had several public battles with Larry Brown, whom he holds in very high regard.

It's very likely these concerns convinced the Knikcs not to offer Iverson a deal, although multiple sources indicated Thursday they were leaning heavily towards doing so.

We'll have more as we continue to report on this today, so read our updated story here and follow on twitter for updates.

>> PHOTOS: Click here to see photos of Allen Iverson on his recent teams

Getty Images photo

Knicks still talking about Allen Iverson

Thursday November 19, 2009 2:40 PM By Barbara Barker

Barbara Barker reporting from Knicks practice for a Jet-lagged Alan Hahn…

The only thing I want to know today is whether Allen Iverson going to end up in a Knicks uniform. And I’m getting the feeling here that it’s going to happen, though it’s not going to happen tonight at 6:01.

Knick president Donnie Walsh said after practice that there is "not really" a timeframe for making a decision about Iverson, who is expected to clear waivers tonight at 6 p.m. Walsh added that he and Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni are still discussing the pros and cons of the situation.

"I’m still not decided and I don’t think we are decided," Walsh said.

D’Antoni, whose team just got its second win last night and is now 2-9, said some "conversations" with Iverson would have to take place before they brought him aboard.

"Usually before you do something you have personal contact with a player and make sure everyone is on board and excited and ready to go," D’Antoni said.

D’Antoni knows that there are some people out there who don’t understand why the Knicks would consider signing a talented but difficult player like Iverson, especially after they just got rid of a Stephon Marbury, a player with a somewhat similar reputation. He believes, however, that there are some big differences between the two situations.

Said D’Antoni: "We were doing a two-year program last year. Now, we’re at a point where we need a influx of something else."

Translation: At this point, the Knicks are desperate.

In other team news, D’Antoni said he is "encouraged" by the play of Eddy Curry. The Knicks center scored 10 points last night against Indiana, and D’Antoni sees him only getting better as he gets more game under his belt. Also, Danilo Gallinari says his back is fine. Danilo played only six minutes in the second half against Indiana. The rest of the time he was seen doing a Larry Bird routine, laying down on the floor on his back. D’Antoni, who was quoted after last night’s game as saying that Gallinari’s back was stiff, said he was misunderstood. Said D’Antoni: "I said he was a stiff. Not stiff. He didn’t look real fluid last night."
 

Curry back in favor

Thursday November 19, 2009 1:07 AM By Alan Hahn

Eddy Curry was asked by another reporter if he is surprised at what he sees in the mirror these days. You know, like, what is Plaxico Burress doing there?"

Curry laughed.

"Somebody else called me that the other day, too," he said.

But looks aside, what mattered most was how he felt once he stepped back into live action. The answer was immediate, as Curry 2.0 had a most auspicious debut to the season in a promising 11:44 of tonight's win over the Indiana Pacers.

Snapped losing streaks and other misery aside, the most important result of this game was how Curry looked on the court and the very positive impact he had on the game. He made three of four shots from the floor, including a pair of pretty jump-hooks, and went to the line four times (4-for-8), along with three boards. He left the game plus-10.

He also left the game feeling good about himself, which matters most for a player that is trying to regain some long-lost confidence. Do we celebrate the multi-millionaire athlete for being at the proper level of fitness? No. But you can admire the work it took for him to come back after he had let himself completely go into a 360-pound tragedy.

It was a huge night for the Knicks, who should immediately splice the Curry highlights into a DVD and ship them around the league.

In the meantime, Mike D'Antoni appears to have found a new appreciation for his big man.

"You forget what a presence he is under the basket and you forget what it is like to have that presence, so that's good," D'Antoni said after the game. "It gives us another dimension to the offense and also defensively, it's a big body in there they have to contend with."

Curry battled under the basket, anchored himself on the block and showed some rarely-seen competitive fire when he shoved Solomon Jones off him in the second quarter when the two were locked up on the block. Curry went face-to-face with Jones after the altercation.

Curry seemed the most pleased about the fact that D'Antoni called plays for him, including one that has Curry flash to the high post and face-up. On one possession, Curry used it to drive to the basket for a foul. When was the last time Eddy Curry put the ball on the floor and drove to the basket?

"Coach did a great job getting me touches in places I like to get the ball," he said.

D'Antoni said more is expected as the team continues to work him into the sets.

"We'll learn how to use him better," D'Antoni said. "But he's going to make a difference."

In more ways than one. Having Curry on the floor draws the attention of the defense and Curry knows there are very few teams that will let him go one-on-one against their big in the post. With him out there, it pulls the D into the paint and opens up the perimeter for shooters.

But we all know the other side of this conversation. The better Curry plays, the more marketable he becomes. If he continues to improve and play well, there is an excellent chance he could be moved for an expiring contract (and, if he's really showing value, a draft pick) before the February trade deadline and open up the opportunity for the Knicks to have two max contracts to offer next summer.

Yes, this was a big night for the Knicks and Eddy Curry.

* * *

* - Al Harrington stands to lose shot attempts and touches on offense if the Knicks do decide to sign Allen Iverson after he clears waivers on Thursday night. But Harrington said he was all for bringing A.I. to New York.

"I think it would help things because you've got a guy who's a proven scorer, probably a Hall of Famer," Harrington said. "He can only do positive things for the team, especially in the situation that we're in right now."

Larry Hughes, who came into the league as Iverson's backcourt mate in Philadelphia and shared the "Flight Brothers" moniker for their back-door alley-oop plays, said, "You can never have too much talent. It's about putting all the pieces together."

But asked if it could work with Iverson and the Knicks, Hughes said, "I don't know . . . I mean, I have no idea."

* - Danilo Gallinari had his first scoreless game of the season and he attempted just two shots in 16:56. He is clearly not running hard and D'Antoni said he "looked like he was a little stiff" early on, which is why he decided to leave him on the bench for most of the second half. Is it a back issue? D'Antoni said Gallinari is fine.

Transcript: Knicks chat with Alan Hahn

Wednesday November 18, 2009 10:09 AM By Mike Rose

Alan Hahn talks Knicks and answers your questions today in a live chat at 2 p.m.

Eddy's comeback begins again tonight

Wednesday November 18, 2009 9:31 AM By Alan Hahn

Lost within the Allen Iverson buzz -- for the latest on that, read our story in today's Newsday -- is the fact that after a four-day break the 1-9 Knicks are back at it tonight against the red-hot Pacers here in Indianapolis. And Eddy Curry is expected to play.

The slimmed-down Curry looks like he is moving fairly well and just having someone his size on the court makes a difference. The factor right now will be his battery and how long he can go before he needs a recharge. Right now, it appears that Curry can give a strong five minutes or so on the floor before he needs a break, albeit a short one.

Right now, the inside presence is important. Curry will have to bang with Roy Hibbert, who had a strong game last night against Brook Lopez and the Nets as the Pacers ripped off their fifth straight win. Hibbert also was solid against the Knicks, mainly because they are so notably soft in the paint.

Let's see if that has changed in the four days since this team last took the floor, starting with David Lee, who needs to start using fouls for the good of the team.

Al Harrington sat out yesterday's practice with a sore shoulder but he is expected to play. I think we can expect to see a lot more of rookie Toney Douglas in the backcourt and you might also see more from Jordan Hill.

Two programming notes: I'll be on with ESPN Radio's Brandon Tierney at 11:15 a.m. this morning to talk about the Knicks and the Iverson situation.

Also, we'll be hosting a live chat here later this afternoon and, considering the start and the Iverson talk, I expect this one to be humming.

The Iverson Rules

Tuesday November 17, 2009 9:26 AM By Alan Hahn

As the desperate Knicks debate the idea of going mercenary with Allen Iverson for this season, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration if they do decide to bring the future Hall of Famer to New York.

* - First and foremost, don't expect him to practice. [I mean, we talkin practice!] The 34-year-old still plays hard, there's no denying that. But to carry the load of 40-plus minutes per night, which he'll gladly do, Iverson is going to want to rest between games. George Karl essentially made a deal with Iverson in Denver that said he could take the days he needed -- the team would find an excuse (in New York, we'll call it the '24-hour Iverson Flu') -- but when the Nuggets needed him to be there (to work something into the system or, of course, for accountability purposes) Iverson had to promise to be there. For the most part, he was. The Pistons refused to create a separate set of rules for Iverson. For example, former coach Michael Curry called a practice on Thanksgiving morning. Iverson, to no one's surprise, did not show up. The Pistons fined him. Iverson had the same troubles in Philadelphia, which is what eventually led to him being traded to Denver. Creating a separate set of rules for a star player is not the best environment to create within a team -- especially not a good precedent to set with a young team. Can you expect a veteran like Al Harrington to accept having to be at practice every day while Iverson is excused? I think it is only accepted, and barely, if Iverson helps the team win games.

* - Don't expect him to care much about bringing any kind of veteran leadership to the young locker room, but his competitive fire and confidence wouldn't be a bad element to have around this fragile team. Rookie Toney Douglas may wear No. 23 for Michael Jordan, but his game, like Nate Robinson, is very much out of the Iverson playbook for point guard-sized players with the primary-scorer mentality. But the player Iverson might like more than anyone on the team may surprise you. Danilo Gallinari is exactly the kind of teammate Iverson wants: one who can nail the perimeter shot on the kick-out, which is Iverson's bail-out move when the double-team comes, and never will demand the ball otherwise. Some may see this as something that would stunt Gallo's growth, but in reality, there will be less pressure on him to be what he isn't yet: a go-to scorer. But if he can learn how to get open and create some kick-out chemistry with Iverson, Gallinari could develop a great deal of confidence as a sniper.

* - The D'Antoni system isn't quite the perfect fit for Iverson they some people, including A.I., may think, but D'Antoni already said he needed to dial-down his up-tempo approach to accomodate a roster that doesn't really have the athletes to run. Iverson will want to push it and will demand people run with him, which means, again, Gallinari has to get it in gear and get himself in transition. Wilson Chandler is another that would pick up a lot of easy baskets off scraps left for him by Iverson, who will draw so much defensive interest. It won't be pretty to watch because most of the time Iverson will look for one-on-one situations rather than involve himself in the "find the open man" concept. But if the Knicks are going to completely sell-out and go for Iverson to save a season that appears to be in peril just 10 games in, then D'Antoni will have to sell-out on his philosophy, as well. Is he really willing to do this?

* - The alternative is to stay with the current group, with the addition of Eddy Curry, who is expected to play Wednesday in Indiana. And do so being well-aware that Tracy McGrady is planning to make his comeback with the Rockets this week. If Iverson isn't the right fit and if McGrady proves to be healthy and in good shape and Houston is ready to move on without him, there's always another mercenary to consider . . .

Could we see A.I. in N.Y.?

Monday November 16, 2009 6:38 PM By Alan Hahn

We recently promoted the idea that the struggling Knicks should pursue Allen Iverson. As of tonight, the Knicks could get him for the veteran's minimum, as he is once again a free agent after just three games with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies said they agreed to set Iverson free so he could walk away from the game to focus on the "personal reasons" that caused him to leave the team last week.

And now the Knicks are expected to give some serious thought to it, but the Iverson-to-New York scenario remains unlikely, as you may recall the follow-up story to our Iverson suggestion.

And again consider that the Knicks twice had chances to get Iverson over the past year. The Denver Nuggets were shopping him around the league and before they found that tremendous deal with the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, there were some conversations with the Knicks that went nowhere.

Then over the summer, when Iverson was a free agent and included the Knicks among teams he wanted to play for, there was zero  interest.

Again some fans misunderstand the Mike D'Antoni system as somewhat of a clear-out for the point guard to beat his man off the dribble and use players around the perimeter as outlets when a double-team comes. Sure, it looks that way when Nate Robinson has the ball, but it's really not supposed to be that way. So Iverson really isn't going to solve the share-the-ball philosophy this system is supposed to promote.

And, quite frankly, if you felt the Knicks defense couldn't get any worse . . . have you ever seen Iverson go over a screen to stay with his man?

My take, however, is that things are just so awful right now, Iverson would provide at least a 75-game distraction for beleaguered Knicks fans as everyone awaits July 1, 2010.

As long as D'Antoni believes he should start, of course.

Knicks had to get it right, and didn't

Sunday November 15, 2009 10:26 AM By Alan Hahn

Now to see what Jordan Hill is really made of.

Mike D'Antoni threw the rookie into the second half of Friday's game to get a look and Hill brought some energy with eight points in 8:55 of the third quarter along with four fouls. And while D'Antoni afterward spoke with very subdued appreciation for what the rookie project showed in his small window of opportunity -- "He does some things that are good," D'Antoni said. "He still has a lot to learn. I'd like to keep playing him and see what happens" -- at least there was reason to believe Hill might get the chance now to play more and prove his standing as the franchise's choice at No. 8 overall.

Then Brandon Jennings happened on Saturday.

Not much Hill will be able to do to top a 55-point performance by a lightning-quick guard the Knicks passed on at No. 8. Jordan still hasn't entirely convinced D'Antoni to play him over Jared Jeffries.

But if Hill has any pride in himself as a player, he has to be telling himself this morning, with three practices before the next game, that it's time he stops accepting the very easy role of "the project." Otherwise, he'll be hearing the name Brandon Jennings and the term "Bust" all too often this season, if not throughout his Knicks career.

No one is saying Hill isn't putting in the work he needs to put in. He spends a great deal of time with assistant coach Herb Williams before games and does extensive work before and after practices. What you want to see develop as much as his skill is his determination. As he puts back a rebound, have him opt to yank one and say, "I got your Brandon Jennings right here!"

But does he have that in him?

From the first practice in Vegas in July, it seemed clear Hill had a long way to go as an NBA player. He admitted he wasn't in the best shape -- that had to set off an alarm within the Knicks organization -- and for a 6-10 forward/center touted for his athleticism and length, he played so noticably below the rim. It didn't get any better when training camp opened in September.

We'll have the next three years to analyze Hill's game. It's only fair to allow him time to develop. After all, it wasn't his call to draft him No. 8. But it is up to him to do all he can to live up to the lofty expectations that come with a lottery pick.

Meanwhile, Donnie Walsh and his staff had to get this draft pick right. Not only because of how valuable a lottery pick can be to a rebuilding franchise, but because the team doesn't have a first round pick in2010. Every criteria had to be exhausted when considering all of the draft candidates at No. 8 and that includes character.

A kid that shows up at his first NBA Summer League admittedly not in great shape, to me, shows major character flaws. How much does he want it? How much does he care?

There are two kinds of players in the NBA: those who love basketball and those who love the life. One goes to the gym at night and puts up shots. The other goes to the club and puts down shots and sweats.

You feel me?

With the No. 8 pick in the draft, you try your best to get the first kind. Or at least one who has the tendencies to be the first kind.

So the fair criticism right now is to analyze the decision the Knicks made to take the not-yet-ready Hill and leave Jennings and Ty Lawson, two dynamic guards, on the board.

Let's agree that, aside from winning the No. 1 pick to draft Blake Griffin, the Knicks headed into this draft with a critical need at the point guard position (and we're seeing right now that was definitely the case). Sure, Hill may have been drafted as insurance for David Lee, who was heading into restricted free agency and could have been lost to an offer sheet. But couldn't they have done that by buying a pick later in the draft (as they did when they got Toney Douglas)?

Walsh explained last week that he "didn't have a good feel" for Jennings' game, which is somewhat understandable because of how little that could be judged from Jennings' limited minutes in Italy last season. But while the team's European scout, Kevin Wilson, was loudly promoting Ricky Rubio, there clearly there were stones to unturn regarding Jennings.

And where are the other scouts who should have been aware of Jennings even before he left for Europe? Was there enough of a debate in the War Room that night as the Knicks were on the clock and had gotten over losing Stephen Curry to the Warriors?

Curry topped the list and, despite his mercurial start with Dysfunction State, would have been the best fit. Tyreke Evans was also high on the list, I'm told, and yet it's interesting that Jennings had his pre-draft workout for the Knicks against the much bigger Evans and, from what I've heard, he really took it to Evans. I remember Jennings walking out of the gym feeling very confident in himself that day.

"I thought I showed them enough in the workout," Jennings told us last week in Milwaukee. "One-on-one drills, pushing the ball up the court, beating everybody down the floor, playing defense and things like that. I thought I showed what I learned over in Europe . . . maybe it wasn't enough."

The Knicks were still concerned with his size, at 6-1 and 169-pounds and, coming off a season in which Knick guards couldn't guard anyone, there was the thought that Jennings would be physically overwhelmed against bigger, stronger guards. But, really, that would be the same issue for Curry, too.

Lawson, the Carolina product who we touted here at the Fix as early as the 2008 draft, was also up at the MSG Training Center in June for a pre-draft workout. Walsh really liked Lawson but, again, size (5-11, 195) was a major issue. And the other question was whether Lawson was a top 10 pick. Almost everyone had him projected in the teens and that's exactly where he went. Denver traded an unprotected 2014 first-rounder to land him from Minnesota, which took him at No. 18.

Lawson is clearly one of the fastest guards in the league with the dribble and, as we saw in this amazing clip against the Lakers last week, certainly has some amazing explosion. Nate Robinson is the small man's dunk king, but he's never banged it on a team like that.

Lawson, of course, has stepped into a very ideal situation for a rookie guard. He can play behind a solid veteran in Chauncey Billups on a talented team that is already established and shooting for a championship. There isn't a great deal of pressure on Lawson to step in right away and be a factor. But to his credit, he showed up ready to do so, anyway.

Douglas has played well enough to at least keep the 2009 draft from being a total disaster so far for the Knicks. But while Douglas has shown he can score and defend, he doesn't quite have the instincts to be a floor-general type of point guard you need in the D'Antoni system (Douglas wasn't a playmaker in college, either). Jennings is obviously scoring a lot, sure, but his game also includes the assist dimension.

One way Walsh can still salvage something from the '09 draft is to get back in touch with David Kahn, who obviously needs to eventually make a decision on what to do with Ricky Rubio. Though Rubio's contract won't allow him to leave for the NBA until 2012, things could always be worked out if he somehow became property of the New York franchise.