Shawne Williams gets invite to camp
The Knicks added a 16th player to their training camp roster on Thursday when they invited former first round pick Shawn Williams to camp, a source told Newsday. The invitation comes with no guarantees, but his presence is curious, especially with so many wings already on the roster. Could he be considered insurance in case the team trades a few of these wings -- such as in a potential deal for Carmelo Anthony -- in the near future? That might be a bit of a stretch, but don't let me stop you from speculating.
At face value, it appears the Knicks are giving a young player (he's 24) with great athleticism and size (7-3 wingspan) a look. If anything, they can cut him before the season and, if they like what they see, they can always keep tabs on him in the D-League. He played for the Bobcats in the Orlando Summer League.
The 6-9 forward, who was the 17th pick by the Pacers in the 2006 draft, has seen his career go off the tracks because of some dumb decisions -- twice busted for marijuana possession and cited in July for driving with a suspended license -- and found himself out of the league. The charges in July, which also alleged that he was in the possession of marijuana and a loaded gun, were dismissed. Williams, like many young players who enter the NBA still anchored to the 'hood, is clearly in need of some new friends who won't put him in bad situations. And it would help if Williams matured enough to make smarter decisions with his life.
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* - Eddy Curry finally made his arrival at MSG Training Center today, a day before he was contractually due to arrive. That means everyone is now present an accounted for. The players will be available tomorrow for Media Day.
