New York Knicks Blog – Page 130 – NBA Blog

Pistons sign Tracy McGrady

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has signed free agent guard/forward Tracy McGrady. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

McGrady, 31, played 30 games last season with the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks averaging 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22.4 minutes per game. He scored a season-high 26 points (10-17 FG) vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder (2/20) and recorded 21 points (6-12 FG, 2-2 3FG) and season-high-tying eight assists against the Pistons (3/3).

A seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA scoring champion, McGrady holds career averages of 21.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 814 games. He led the NBA in scoring in 2002-03 (32.1 ppg) and 2003-04 (28.0 ppg) and averaged 24-plus points in seven consecutive seasons from 2000-01 to 2006-07. He’s been named to the All-NBA First Team twice (2002, 2003), All-NBA Second Team three times (2001, 2004, 2007) and All-NBA Third Team twice (2005, 2008). McGrady was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2000-01 when he averaged 26.8 points with the Orlando Magic, an improvement from 15.4 points the previous season. He’s recorded 2,000-plus points in a season twice (2000-01, 2002-03) and has scored 1,000-plus points in nine of his 13 seasons. McGrady scored a career-high 62 points against the Washington Wizards (3/10/04) and has scored 40-plus points 45 times in his NBA career. He ranks 10th amongst active players in career points (17,534) and has appeared in 38 career playoff games, averaging 28.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

The 6-8, 223-pound native of Bartow, FL, was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the first round (ninth overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft. Drafted out of Mount Zion Christian Academy High School (NC), McGrady was honored earlier in his career as one of the “Good Guys in Sports” by The Sporting News for his community relations efforts.

Mar. 19, 2010 - New York - (100320) -- NEW YORK, March 20, 2010 (Xinhua) -- Tracy McGrady(R) of New York Knicks dribbles during an NBA game against Philadelphia 76ers in New York, United States of America, March 19, 2010. New York Knicks won 92-88.. (Xinhua/Shen Hong.

Lance Stephenson charged with assault

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports:

Just days after feeling good about making what they think is their best trade in years, the Pacers were knocked down Sunday when rookie guard Lance Stephenson was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after he allegedly pushed his girlfriend down a flight of stairs in Brooklyn, N.Y., early Sunday.

“We have been made aware of a situation involving Lance Stephenson early Sunday morning in Brooklyn,” Pacers president Larry Bird said in a statement released from the team. “We are currently in the process of gathering information and will have further comments as we learn more facts.” …

Stephenson was charged with sexual abuse for allegedly groping a girl at a bus stop near his high school in New York his senior year. The charge was dismissed and he ended up pleading to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct.

John Lauinger of the New York Daily News reports:

Stephenson, 19, a legendary player at Brooklyn’s Abraham Lincoln High School, roughed up Jasmine Williams, 21, at her Brooklyn apartment building about 5 a.m., police said.

The 6-foot-5 rookie point guard’s cowardly shove sent Williams – the mother of Stephenson’s child – tumbling headfirst down 10 steps, requiring her to be treated at a hospital for injuries to her head and neck, cops said…

He was also booked on charges of third-degree assault, harassment and menacing. Prosecutors added a charge of criminal possession of a weapon, but a spokesman could not specify what the weapon was.

March 09 2010: Cincinnati's guard Lance Stephenson (33) pushes the ball up court in the second half of first round Big East Tournament games between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Cincinnati Bearcats at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Cincinnati defeated Rutgers 69-68.

Knicks sign second round rookie Andy Rautins

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has signed guard Andy Rautins, the 38th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft, to a player contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rautins, 6-4, 194-pounds, played four seasons at Syracuse University and averaged 12.1 points and 4.9 assists as a senior in 2009-10. He finished his collegiate career ranked second on the school’s all-time list for three-point field goals made (282) and attempted (754). He also became the 53rd Syracuse player to score at least 1,000 career points (1,121). In 2010 NBA Summer League play in Las Vegas, Rautins averaged 5.8 points, 1.4 assists and 23.9 minutes in five games as a member of the Knicks entry.

Isiah Thomas will not return to work for Knicks

Statement by Isiah Thomas on Knicks contract:

“After speaking with Commissioner Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws. Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Jim Dolan, Donnie Walsh, Mike D’Antoni and the entire Knicks organization, and I want to thank them for affording me this opportunity.

“One of the biggest regrets of my life is that the Knicks didn’t perform up to the standards the fans had every right to expect while I was in charge. I take full responsibility for that. I was very much looking forward to this unique opportunity to help the organization do what I do best: find basketball talent. I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”

National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern issued the following statement Wednesday:

“We have been informed by the Knicks that Isiah Thomas has rescinded his consulting agreement with the team. As a result, it is not necessary for the league to take any formal action on the proposed arrangement. However, we have reminded the Knicks of NBA rules that prohibit team personnel, including consultants, from having contact with players not eligible for the draft.”

The following statement was released today by Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman, James L. Dolan:

“Although I’m disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks as a consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including his ability to judge talent. He’s a good friend of mine and of the organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have strong ties to me and the team. We wish him continued success at FIU. I also believe Donnie Walsh has done a terrific job since joining the Knicks and my tremendous respect for him has only grown since he’s joined the organization. I’m confident that the work that Donnie, Coach Mike D’Antoni and their staffs have done this summer has the team poised for long-term success.”

InsideHoops.com says: It’s a victory for the Knicks that Isiah Thomas is not back in the mix. Even if Isiah has learned from his past, we just want him to move on to a brighter future in a new situation. Knicks fans also didn’t want him back. And, we really have to wonder if Dolan noticed that literally every single media outlet in the entire world who wrote about the situation thought that bringing Isiah back was the wrong move.

Knicks sign Roger Mason

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has signed guard Roger Mason, Jr. as a free agent. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mason Jr., 6-5, 212-pounds, has career averages of 7.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 19.2 minutes in 346 games (88 starts) over six NBA seasons with Chicago, Toronto, Washington and San Antonio. The Washington, D.C. native averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 19.2 minutes in 79 games (five starts) with San Antonio during the 2009-10 season. Originally selected by Chicago in the second round (31st overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft, following his junior season at University of Virginia, Mason averaged career-highs of 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 30.4 minutes while playing in all 82 games (71 starts) with the Spurs during the 2008-09 campaign.

Mar. 29, 2010 - East Rutherford, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES - epa02098167 The Spurs' Roger Mason (L) drives past the Nets' Terrence Williams (R) during the first half of the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Jersey Nets at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 29 March 2010.

Nets may change names once they reach Brooklyn

The New Jersey Nets are scheduled to play in Newark for the next two seasons, and if their eventual Brooklyn home is ready, they’ll make the move. And once they do relocate to Brooklyn, the Nets may or may not still be called the Nets.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reports (via blog):

Prokhorov’s camp confirmed this morning that they’ve sent a request to the league to change the team’s name.

What does this mean? Maybe nothing.

Changing a team’s nickname, uniform or city name is a long process requiring that the owner gives the NBA notice 25 months in advance. This is to allow time for the creative process and the time it requires to make and market new uniforms. There doesn’t have to be a plan with the proposal, just a desire.

I actually like the sound of the name “Brooklyn Nets” and was hoping they’d keep it. It’ll be fun to see what happens.

Stephon Marbury done playing in NBA

Marc Berman of the New York Post reports:

Stephon Marbury told The Post yesterday that he is done with the NBA. He will never get a second chance with the Knicks like Isiah Thomas, whose NBA life was resuscitated by James Dolan on Friday.

“Good luck, New York,” Marbury said wryly in reacting to Thomas’ return to the Knicks as a part-time consultant. “Good luck, New York.”

Marbury, who began training Friday in Los Angeles to get ready for the Chinese Basketball Association season that starts in December, and Thomas still are next-door neighbors in Purchase, N.Y. The two are intertwined in Knicks history with their falling-out symbolizing the franchise’s plummet to rock bottom.

Isiah Thomas to serve as Knicks consultant

Isiah Thomas has been named a consultant to the New York Knicks, it was announced today in a joint statement by Knicks President Donnie Walsh and MSG Chairman James L. Dolan. In this role, Mr. Thomas will assist the team’s senior management in various capacities, including player recruitment.

“Isiah Thomas brings unique experience as a Hall of Fame player, coach, executive and owner, and we believe having him as part of our organization will be extremely beneficial to the team’s success. Isiah was helpful to the team’s senior management during our most recent recruitment efforts, including assisting with the acquisition of Amar’e Stoudemire. He will provide valuable insight and analysis of young prospects from around the world. Isiah will remain head coach of FIU, and that will continue to be his primary responsibility.”

“I’m excited to once again be a part of the New York Knicks organization. I was honored to have been asked to help during the recent free agent recruiting process, and believe that this new role takes full advantage of my skill set as an evaluator of basketball talent. While I will of course continue in my role as FIU’s coach, I look forward to working with Donnie, Coach D’Antoni and all of the Knicks staff to help bring a championship back to New York,” said Mr. Thomas.

InsideHoops.com says: Why do this? Everything went badly under Isiah. Why bring back something negative from the past? This makes no sense at all.

Shannon Brown will stay with Lakers

The Los Angeles Times reports:

Lakers free agent guard Shannon Brown has agreed to a two-year contract worth about $4.6 million to stay with the team, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Thursday.

“Obviously, the process took a while, but Shannon wanted to be here and they wanted him,” Bartelstein said. “Shannon had a number of other opportunities out there, but he had been in L.A. for two years and they won two championships. The chance to go for a three-peat is very special to him.”

Bartelstein said Brown was in “serious talks” with about half a dozen teams throughout the summer, and that he could have made more money elsewhere, but that the allure of a third straight title was too much.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Shannon Brown fact — While the rest of the Lakers fly somewhere, Brown exercises by leaping alongside the plane. This also saves fuel costs.

Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in this forum topic.

Heat sign Eddie House

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent guard Eddie House. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

House has appeared in 661 career games (30 starts) with nine teams over 10 seasons. During his career, he has averaged 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 17.3 minutes while shooting 41.0 percent from the field, 39.0 percent from three-point range and 84.1 percent from the foul line. During the 2009-10 season, House averaged 7.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 17.9 minutes, while shooting 38.0 percent from the field and 92.3 percent from the foul line in 68 games for the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.

House, who marks his second stint with the Heat, was originally drafted by Miami with the 37th pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. He spent three seasons with the Heat before signing with the L.A. Clippers as a free agent. He was traded by the Clippers after one season, and spent the following season with the Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings. He then spent one year with the Phoenix Suns, and another with the New Jersey Nets. He played with the Boston Celtics for the following two seasons, where he won an NBA Championship in 2008. This past season, he spent time between the Celtics (50 games) and the New York Knicks (18 games).