Change of Scenery and Randolph trade talks

[dez]

Knicks nix Randolph trade, ponder new camp site

LAS VEGAS - The effort to launder the karma around the Knicks' organization even goes as far as changing the location of the training camp. After spending most of the past two decades in Charleston, S.C., the Knicks are considering a move of their camp to Saratoga this fall. It's another example of a new direction that Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni hope to bring to an organization that hasn't had a winning season in eight years.

There will be change with the roster, that much is certain. How much and how soon remains to be seen. Walsh already proved he will work at his own pace when he turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers for Zach Randolph, whom Walsh had been shopping for a while. The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer.

And as the Knicks' summer league team practiced here this weekend in preparation for its opener Monday in the NBA Summer League, there is an obvious eye on the future more than there is a focus on the present. D'Antoni is ebullient when talking about first-round pick Danilo Gallinari, who has been impressive in two practices (with the obvious caveat that it is only practice -- summer league practice at that). Second-year forward Wilson Chandler also has caught D'Antoni's eye.

Meanwhile, veterans such as Quentin Richardson, who arrived here Friday and worked out Saturday, are aware that they are the leftovers of a previous regime that failed miserably. Richardson, Randolph, Stephon Marbury and Jerome James may find themselves among the unwanted -- or at least the unneeded.

Richardson, who is sporting a shaved skull and is said to have lost weight, says re-proving himself is "one of the few things that I can control." Trade discussions and playing time, of course, are someone else's decisions.

D'Antoni says there is a place for Richardson, who thrived in this system when he played for D'Antoni in Phoenix. "When he has the right mind-set," D'Antoni said, "he's great."

The problem with Richardson -- aside from his conditioning and the chronic back issues that led to surgery in March 2007 -- is the question about his leadership in the locker room.

"We need to get everybody straight so he can start leading the pack instead of going off on the wrong paths," D'Antoni said. "He needs to lead. And when you feel good physically and your mind's right, then he'll do that."

Notes & quotes: Nate Robinson had planned to play for the summer league team for a fourth time but now is undecided. He has not yet practiced with the team but is expected to arrive Monday, in time for the first game. Mardy Collins, who did not play last summer because of a knee injury, needs the minutes more than Robinson does.

Just a 2nd rounder for ZBo? LMAO

I read Walsh was talking to the Clippers about acquiring Gordon in the deal, Im not a big fan of Gordon, but that would be a damn good deal. It would also put more pressure on Crawford to perform.

 

[elcheato]

Walsh offers the dumbest deals ever.. He actually tried to get Eric Gordon for Zach Randolph which I find hilarious. He's also tried to get a lotto for David Lee, etc.. I don't know what this guy is on.

 

[Yankees2772]

A lot of people thought Lee for a lotto wasn't a deal worth doing.

Also, many people thought Randolph for Gordon wasn't bad... We would've added more, and it isn't bad for the Clips. They just lost a big man, and Randolph can score + rebound. Kaman will help out with the defensive part of it.

I wouldn't trade Randolph for a 2nd, but I also don't value him much more... We don't need him, and he's overpaid like a mother<Censored>er. We'd dump a 3 year 48 mill contract. That's all it is.

 

[elcheato]

A lot of people thought Lee for a lotto wasn't a deal worth doing.

Also, many people thought Randolph for Gordon wasn't bad... We would've added more, and it isn't bad for the Clips. They just lost a big man, and Randolph can score + rebound. Kaman will help out with the defensive part of it.

I wouldn't trade Randolph for a 2nd, but I also don't value him much more... We don't need him, and he's overpaid like a mother<Censored>er. We'd dump a 3 year 48 mill contract. That's all it is.

A lot of people? What people are they? Lee for a top 5 pick is just flat out dumb.

Randolph for Gordon not bad? LOL. Randolph is fat and slow, plays no defense. He'll get you his points and rebounds but he'll give all those points back up on the defensive side to his opposition. Gordon is very young, a great scorer, himself, he is no slouch defensively and has tons of potential to become a very good player. #7 pick for Zach Randolph?

 

[dez]

what dumb is the Clippers offer.

Lee for the 5th pick would have been a steal, Lee is a very good player... but not really worth the 5th pick.

Walsh is out making calls and trying to improve our team, we got dicked in a few deals so he's trying to do the same to other teams, and he's going to do it.

 

[VC15]

what dumb is the Clippers offer.

Lee for the 5th pick would have been a steal, Lee is a very good player... but not really worth the 5th pick.

Walsh is out making calls and trying to improve our team, we got dicked in a few deals so he's trying to do the same to other teams, and he's going to do it.

If you think so...

 

[dez]

If you think so...

I know so.