By Jerald Hoover
The big deal is finally done and as it seems all parties got what they wanted out of the trade: The Knicks created much-needed LeBron James cap space (for this summer’s free agency class) all the while bringing in a former All-star whom they hope can be lighting in a bottle and regain more than a glimpse of his former self. McGrady alone can be enough to entice others to come along for the ride if he looks anything he used to.
Flashy point guard Sergio Rodriguez, aka “Spanish Chocolate,” was brought in as an apparent upgrade over Chris Duhon, who seems to be devoid of any type of penetrating move. Rodriguez, while turnover-prone, is lightning quick at 6-foot-3 and has exceptional court vision.
Did the Knicks give up too much in the way of first round picks. In a word, NO! First off, first round picks are a crap-shoot at best, and yes, even those picked 1st or 2nd in the draft. Please see the file on the Clippers Michael Olowokandi and Detroit’s Darko Milicic for top picks in their respective drafts.
The Knicks are just flip-flopping on the 2011 pick, and yes they’re giving up the 2012 pick, but it’s Lottery-protected. Not only that, if one thinks about it the Knicks could always parley someone like Wilson Chandler to a team for a first round pick.
The Rockets not only rid themselves of McGrady and his high maintenance ways (according to them), but they bring in a young scoring stud in Kevin Martin to go along with Aaron Brooks in the backcourt. They should be extremely explosive. Swingman Trevor Ariza should have a field day.
The Sacramento Kings gained a young forward in Carl Landry who should help down low with Jason Thompson.
Jerald L Hoover is a producer and director of a Mount V, NY basketball documentary: Four Square Miles to Glory.