The Knicks Fix

Starberman took a little leap today with a report that Cuttino Mobley is close to retiring because of the heart issue that has kept him from playing with the Knicks since the trade. I can't say I haven't speculated here on the Fix that this could be an end result. But I can say that it is a bit premature to report this as fact.

My sources have said that Mobley is still meeting with doctors and the test results won't be completed until next week. Then, of course, he has to meet with the Knicks to discuss where to go from there. The Rockets and Clippers reportedly both signed waivers to allow Mobley to play with this condition. What we don't know yet is if this condition has somehow worsened since he was last checked out.

As always, stay tuned . . .

I passed the baton to Hot Rod Boone, who covered practice today in the ATL and will cover the game Friday night.

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You have to say this about Zach Randolph...he came to the Knicks with so much talk about his off-the-court behavior and questions about the kind of trouble he could get into here. And you have to admit, aside from perhaps a water fight with Nate on the bench, Zach carried himself as a professional from start to finish.

HoopsWorld ran a video interview with Randolph, who talked about the trade and his short time in New York.

"Everybody was great, Coach D'Antoni was great," Zach says. "This year we got off to the best start in six or seven seasons, so it was good. It was a good experience."

We'll miss ya, Z-Bo.

LeBron James, at a young age, understands the game and understands how to play it, and we're not talking about basketball.

Charles Barkley and others have criticized him about his willingness to talk openly about 2010, but really what's wrong with having some fun and creating some positive buzz? At a time when we're shaking our heads about Plaxico Burress and debating the Stephon Marbury mess, here we are enjoying the preamble to what will be one of the most anticipated offseasons in the history of the NBA 18 months from now. It's compelling lead role played by LeBron, who will have to decide between staying put and enjoying the quiet life in his hometown or going for the big stage in the big city.

Think about the build-up. The anticipation. There are people who don't know who LeBron James is, but there figures to be a lot less by 2010 just because of the coverage. It's a brilliant strategy. He remains non-committal, but yet is willing to allow the conversation to go on. Let the scribes perpetuate the frenzy, then benefit from the results of the constant exposure.

“You give questions and you guys want us to answer them," he said before the Cavs overwhelmed the undermanned Knicks Wednesday night at the Q. "Then when we don’t answer them you guys get mad. But then when we answer them now . . . "

He paused. Clear reference to Barkley, who last week told him to "shut the hell up" about 2010.

"I’ve never said anything about being a Knick or being with any team in this league besides being here in Cleveland," James then said. "I’ll leave it at that and we’ll see what happens."

Asked if he felt the 2010 talk might be a distraction, LeBron said, "Who? For us?"

"No, not for us," he continued. "A distraction for the Knicks. Not a distraction for us. We’re good.”

Why would it be a distraction for the Knicks?

“Players on that team, they don’t want to hear about LeBron James and Chris Bosh coming to their team," he said. "It’s a year and a half away. They’ve got better things to do.”

That part should be a concern from the Knicks point of view and something that will be a challege for Mike D'Antoni. The players who were acquired in the trades heard enough that they are here partly -- if not mainly (like in Tim Thomas' case) -- because their contracts expire by 2010. So, really, what could their level of passion be right now to win for the Knicks?

Next season there might be more motivation for a player like Thomas or others who expire in '10 to earn that next contract. But right now, especially with players hurt, not playing and a great deal of fluctuation with the lineup, how much pressure is there for these players to win?

Pride is always a motivator. But D'Antoni doesn't have an easy sell this year.

Which is why we're already wondering what Stephen Curry (Davidson) would look like as a catch-and-shoot guard in this system....or Hasheem Thabeet...or Blake Griffin...Ricky Rubio...Brandon Jennings....

Hey, you don't have a first round pick in '10 and you need to keep building up the roster. I know eating yet another year is tough on a fan, but is it really such a bad thing to have one more shot at the lottery before -- you hope -- you can bring in high-level talent in free agency and start making the playoffs again?

Big picture, Fixers. Big picture.

Just bloggin.

* * *

Speaking of playoffs, despite not getting there for four straight seasons, the Knicks were still atop Forbes’ list as the NBA’s most valuable franchise for the fourth straight year.

Forbes’ latest rankings, which were released Wednesday, value the Knicks at $613 million, which is a 1 percent increase from 2007. All this despite having yet another losing season, removing Isiah Thomas as president and coach and, of course, the ongoing Stephon Marbury saga.

The Los Angeles Lakers ($584 million) ranked second, followed by the Chicago Bulls ($504 million), Detroit Pistons ($480 million) and LeBron’s current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers ($477 million).

The Nets ($295 million) had the biggest drop in value over the past season, with a 13 percent decrease. They are ranked 26th among the 30 NBA teams.

Chris Duhon grinned at the question, which suggested that he knew where it was going. He was already new to the team, new to the system and after a month of training camp and exhibition games and a dozen regular season games he was just starting - just starting - to feel like he had everything in command.

Then in one day - poof - the top two scorers were gone and the rotation went through a sudden overhaul with the addition of Al Harrington and several other adjustments on the fly as a result of trading away Jamal Crawfod and Zach Randolph..

"It's kind of like back to square one," Duhon said.

The Knicks haven't had too many days of practice since the trade and Mike D'Antoni opted to give the team off on Thanksgiving following a back-to-back. The team practiced on Friday and then Saturday's game against the Warriors was almost like a practice because Golden State literally played like a dummy opponent. Duhon worked the pick-and-roll with David Lee like they were Stockton and Malone. It resulted in career high assists (22) for Duhon and career high double-double figures (37 points, 21 rebounds) for D-Lee.

D'Antoni then gave the Knicks off on Sunday, though some players did come in to get a sweat and some treatment. Duhon, who didn't practice on Friday, is getting by on a bad back and a sore ankle. Not to mention that he's still got some things to figure out with the new bodies and new roles for guys who have been here.

"You have to get used to how guys play," Duhon said. "I knew what Zach liked to do, Zach could pop, hit the three. I knew where his areas are. I knew what Jamal wanted to do. Now having Will [Chandler] playing more of a two, he’s in a different position, so I have to be aware of it. This is the team we got. It’s going to look bad for a little bit but hopefully we can finally connect and get on the same page.”

They won't see anything like Golden State for a little while. This week brings Portland to the Garden and then a road trip to Cleveland and Atlanta, then back home to host the Pistons on Sunday afternoon. For a roster that is still without Cuttino Mobley (latest I heard was he did not see any specialists on Monday, still waiting to get word on his situation) and Nate Robinson (the Knicks are trying to get him to rest that groin instead of pushing it too soon), there is a great deal of responsibility right now heaped on the shoulders of Chris Duhon.

"We know eventually we’ll all get on the same page to where we can all compete at a higher level together, but it’s going to take time," he said. "If you have guys who are willing to play hurt, that speaks volumes for their character.”

So what will be out there waiting for Stephon Marbury once he is finally free from the Knicks? We took the time to ask around and got some interesting responses to an inquiry about teams that might be interested in bringing Marbury into their team at mid-season.

Several team executives believe at least one team will make a play for him, but for nothing more than the pro rated amount of the $1.2 million veteran's minimum. Then if anything goes wrong, you can easily eat the relatively cheap contract and send him packing.

But there are great concerns about the player that, in GM circles, is referred to as "the Mike Tyson of the NBA."

For instance, this came from a well-connected scout with many years in the league:

"I can't see anyone taking that risk. I think some teams were interested but now they would rather not. History tends to follow people and his is not good. It's always someone else's fault with him. I'm not there or in their locker room, but it just doesn't look good. It's too bad because I still think he can play. No one wants to deal with that in their locker room. He's not only lost respect from the organization, but also his teammates. When you lose your family what else is left?"

Europe won't be an option until the spring, because most of the big-time teams have their rosters filled and there are so few spots for American-born players. But one agent with European connections said Marbury could make a killing overseas if he wanted to go there. How quickly would Josh Childress become old news in Greece when Starbury arrives? I think it might be good for him. He'll certainly earn more over there than he will here at this point.

* * *

By the way, did anyone catch the story I did on Jerome James talking about his own situation among the unwanted? I told 'Rome I wish he played just because he's actually a great quote.

Best line of all was this one:

"I can't leave New York without at least making my stamp and letting New York know I wasn't here taking money," James said. "That's not me. I've always had a passion for basketball and unfortunately, due to injuries, I wasn't able to show 'em that side of me. I want to show them that side and then I'll get my @$$ out of here. I'll leave."

* * *

I still believe this thing isn't going to happen quickly. In fact, I think the Knicks prefer to just ban him from the team for as long as it takes rather than hand him a lump of millions just to go play somewhere else. As I wrote in the "Method Man" blog, this is all part of the strategy. Stephon turns down the buyout offer and the Knicks ban him indefinitely until a settlement is reached.

Really all Mike D'Antoni wanted was to get him away from the team. Eliminate him even as an option. So Walsh provided that and now the team can move forward without the daily reminder. As one person within the team said to me after noting Marbury's absence on Saturday, "The atmosphere is so much better without him around."

* * *

Oh by the way, anyone remember the rest of the team is 8-8? They have a pretty good test Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Garden. Keep an eye on Travis Outlaw...think he might fit in the D'Antoni system if the Blazers ever would consider moving him. Sergio Rodriguez is looking for a change of scenery as well....Hmmm.

Wednesday night is another date with King James. Can't wait to hear how Clevelanders will welcome the Knicks, who plan to bird dog their star in 18 months.

The following statement was released this afternoon by Donnie Walsh, President, Basketball Operations of the New York Knicks:

“After meeting with Stephon and his representative this afternoon, we have directed Stephon not to participate in practice or attend games until further notice. We want to continue to meet with him to discuss a long-term resolution.”

Prepare to get pelted with more in the way of Stephon Marbury coverage. Every news outlet in the metropolitan area seemingly descended on Greenburgh this afternoon ... for nothing.

The Knicks aren't expected -- we're emphasizing expected -- to make any announcements regarding a resolution with Marbury today. So we'll have to likely wait at least one more day before this saga ends, and I'm sure most of you are thrilled to know you'll be inundated with more stuff on Marbury.

In the meantime, for those of you who want some actual information on the team that we got from today's practice, we're here to provide it.

-* D'Antoni said Cuttino Mobley was scheduled to undergo more tests on his heart condition today.

-* Nate Robinson and Chris Duhon were both riding stationary bikes while the team had a little 3-on-3 halfcourt action going. Robinson, nursing a strained groin, is doubtful for tomorrow night's contest with the Portland Trail Blazers at The Garden. He's been out since coming up lame in last Tuesday's loss to the Cavs at The Garden.

"We'll wait til tomorrow morning, get him stretched and get him running," D'Antoni said, "and then we'll see."

Duhon, meanwhile, has a bad back. He played through it and dropped 22 dimes in Saturday's win over the Warriors, so there's little reason to think he won't go again tomorrow.

"I practiced a little bit today," Duhon said, adding he didn't do any contact.

-* Jared Jeffries, out since early in training camp with a fractured left fibula, practiced and wasn't shying away from contact. He's been cleared by doctors for 5-on-5 play, although the Knicks weren't able to have a full scrimmage because of the rash of injuries and went mostly 3-on-3 during practice. The assistant coaches were used Friday to help fill out both rosters so the Knicks could scrimmage in full.

Let's just say that left them hurting a bit.

"After the coaches did it, they were in the training room more than the players were," D'Antoni said. "They were dying."

With Jeffries back in the fold, though, that should somewhat help alleviate the problem. For now anyway.

"He'll up it every day," D'Antoni said. "I wish we had 5-on-5 [today]. He could have gone 5-on-5 today. He went through 3-on-3 contact. He can do whatever. He's cleared. Probably medically, he's not quite ready to play yet. But we'll get him back in there."

Jeffries showed off the new form on his 'J' that he's been working on while he's been sidelines. He swished both jumpers he took during the practice window we watched, and it's going to be important for him to be aggressive in D'Antoni's system.

Jeffries said he doesn't think he's going to be able to play in a game until next week because he needs the practice time. With four games this week, including the back-to-back with the Trail Blazers and then King LeBron and the Cavs, the Knicks probably won't be practicing much this week. There's a slight possibility Jeffries might suit up for Sunday's game with the Pistons at the Garden.

Woefully undersized, the Knicks could certainly use his height. Looks like they'll have him soon.

Starberman is reaping the rewards of a loyal relationship with Stephon Marbury. On the day he is to sit down and negotiate his release from the Knicks, he lashed out against just about the entire organization.

Right now I wonder the collective thoughts of Lenny, Larry and Isiah. Perhaps they are all thinking the same thing:

What goes around . . .

We've said this thing is close to coming to an end for too long now to believe anything at this point. I would guess that the Knicks will have nothing to announce today even if a buyout agreement is reached. Marbury would first be placed on waivers and would need to clear the 48 hour window before the buyout takes effect. But this is a complicated situation.

And I just can't see the Knicks letting him go so easily....

Jamal Crawford closed the book on his Knicks career with his Garden return Saturday with the Golden State Warriors. But we had to remind him he still has a responsibility to his career as a Newsday blogger. A farewell blog would be nice.

"I know, man," he said. "I'll do one."

The trade still has him out of sorts. He was traded on Nov. 21 and a week later found himself in New York, at his place in Westchester, packing up stuff to send to California and he has yet to arrive in the Bay Area because the Warriors are on an extended road trip.

But there's also the shock of being among the unwanted in the inevitable salary purge that everyone knew Donnie Walsh would have to undertake to rescue the Knicks from cap hell. Jamal admitted he never expected to be one of the first to be shipped out.

“I didn’t expect to go, period," he said. "That’s the thing that was more discouraging than anything. My name wasn’t ever out there at all. As far as trades go, you heard a lot of people’s names, but my name was never the one you heard. So I was caught off guard, that’s what was more frustrating to me.”

Business is business, so the decision is understood. But the bitterness comes from knowing that after five years of experiencing the worst era in franchise history he won't be around to experience the anticipated revival.

“That’s the most frustrating part," Jamal said. "I was there through the roughest times in franchise history and now that things seem to be changing, I wanted to be there as well. At this point, there’s nothing I can do about it other than move on and try to help the Golden State Warriors.”

And do they need it, judging by how his new team gave up 138 points and treated the pick-and-roll as if it were some newfangled trick play they'd never seen before. Chris Duhon (22 assists) broke a 50-year-old record set by Richie Guerin from the belted-waistband, satin uniform days of Father Knickerbocker. I believe Guerin played in the original Garden and dined with Stanford White.

Perhaps one day Crawford will finally end his dubious career playoff drought with the Warriors -- not this year, of course. Nellie has already conceded that much. But aside from how bad Corey Maggette really is as a feature player and how poorly promising rookie Anthony Randolph is being developed (and somebody needs to pluck Rony Turiaf off that roster), Crawford can look forward to Monta Ellis returning later this season. The two of them should make a prolific backcourt duo in the NellieBall free-for-all.

We Believe! . . . in the chuck-n-duck.

(I think David Lee just dunked again.)

Jamal can always escape the Golden State madness after this season by opting out of his contract, which would leave two years and $19 million on the table. He could certainly make that money back in another contract, plus add perhaps three more years. There are plenty of places where he would fit well and have a great shot at finally popping his playoff ch...I mean, getting his first playoff experience.

“That’s a ways away, honestly," Jamal said of his opt-out decision. "We’ll see what happens. I haven’t been to Oakland yet and I’m sure I’m going to like it there. It’s closer to home, Seattle, for me. Hopefully something can work out long term there."

It wasn't going to work out here, not with Mission 2010 in place.

“They’re trying to position themsevels for 2010, it’s no secret," Jamal said of the Knicks. "My thing was, in 2010, whoever we would get they would need players around those superstar players if you get them.”

Superstars? You mean like that guy in Cleveland you're tight with?

That conjured a laugh.

“Me and LeBron have a good relationship," Jamal said. "I’ve known him since he was in high school. It’s not talked about much."

The King emailed his friend after the trade went down to check in and make sure he was OK. LeBron knew what playing in New York meant to Jamal.

As for his own reaction to it?

“He was surprised,” Jamal said.

Players rarely talk shop with each other, though the topic does come up from time to time when it is unavoidable. Jamal said he and LeBron have never gotten into specifics about New York and the 2010 Cap Space Odyssey, but if and when that day comes Jamal will certainly offer his thoughts.

“I would tell him what comes along with it," he said, "and be as honest as possible with him.”

What comes along with it is a blog on Newsday.com and the opportunity to hang out with Starberman (by then, perhaps he'll be known as LeBerman) every day.

Bonus!

But no way LB goes to Newark though, right?

Another laugh.

“Go ask Jay-Z.”

Get me J-Hova's email and I will, yo.

Now go write your blog!

* * *

The conversation couldn't end without the requisite Stephon Marbury question. Jamal was adamant in his defense of Marbury, his former backcourt partner, whom he admittedly hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with both on the court and off of it. But Jamal insists that during the preseason and even most of the first month of the regular season, Marbury's presence was never a distraction with the players. He also added, "He was good to me" over the past month and regularly offered encouragement during practices and games.

Of course things blew up after Jamal left, when Steph turned down the opportunity to play in Milwaukee and then allegedly refused to play in Detroit. (Note the use of "allegedly" here for journalistic integrity).

“I was surprised when I first heard it," Jamal said. "Maybe he has his reasons, I don’t know exactly what happened. It’s two people saying two different things.”

Jamal said he knew Stephon wanted to play, which is why his decision not to was such a surprise.

The end result won't be. Crawford is gone. Zach Randolph is gone. Stephon appears the next to be gone after Monday's meeting with Donnie Walsh, which is expected to eventually result in a mutual parting of ways.

“With a new regime, we didn’t know who was going to be there," Jamal said. "We didn’t know what was going to happen. We knew one way or another, something would have to give.”

* * *

Regarding Jamal's blog, I appreciate all of the input on who Fixer Nation would like to see take over Jamal's spot. Interestingly enough, a player has stepped forward to offer his services. We're currently trying to work out the details to make it happen. Stay tuned . . .

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Fixers, were you expecting another blog on the Marbury situation? There will be plenty there to keep us busy over the next 48 hours.

Stephon Marbury has been suspended for one game -- Saturday against the Golden State Warriors -- and docked the equivalent of one game's salary for refusing to play in Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

ESPN is also reporting the story on its website.

The Knicks are practicing today at 11 a.m. at the MSG Training Center. Marbury will not be there and, as a result of the suspension, will not be at the Garden for Saturday's game, as well. It is expected that the team will look to expedite the process of a separation, but it is unclear exactly what direction they will take. Team president Donnie Walsh is in Indiana with his family for the Thanksgiving holiday. He will be back to attend Saturday's game.

The options include:

* - A buyout, which would have to involve Marbury taking significantly less than the $21.9 million owed to him this season, something he has said he is not interested in doing. We have reported that Marbury recently did offer to take $1 million less, but the Knicks rejected the offer. This is the most mutually beneficial because it would free up a roster spot for the Knicks to either sign a guard or bring in Patrick Ewing Jr., who has been waiting in the wings. It would also allow Marbury to find another team to play for this season.

* - A permanent paid leave, which Marbury would have to agree to. It would mean he would sit out likely the entire season while being paid his full salary. This does not work well for either side because Marbury would go an entire year without playing and then enter free agency with just 24 games under his belt over the past two seasons. It also doesn't work for the Knicks, who would go the rest of the season with 14 roster spots.

Expect the NBA players union to appeal Marbury's lost salary as a result of the suspension.