New York Knicks Blog – Page 132 – NBA Blog

Knicks get younger

The New York Knicks are rebuilding themselves and attempting to become relevant again in the NBA playoff picture.

Baby steps, people.

At the least, they’ve gotten both better and younger.

Howard Beck of the New York Times reports:

The Knicks are much younger now, with an average age of 24 and no player in his 30s. Amar’e Stoudemire, Ronny Turiaf and Eddy Curry are the oldest, at 27. Aside from Stoudemire, the Knicks’ most talented players are the two youngest: Danilo Gallinari, 22, and Anthony Randolph, 21.

“The weakness we have is experience and youth,” D’Antoni said. “And that’s something that with time we’ll take care of. But we do have a lot of young guys out there. You never know how they’ll react to everything.”

It is an almost entirely new roster, with just four players left from opening night in 2009, and just two holdovers from April 2008, when D’Antoni and Walsh arrived.

“It’s exciting,” D’Antoni said. “I think we have a lot of talent.”

Stoudemire and Felton are nice additions. But ideally, one more player capable of scoring 18 or 20 gets added to the rotation before the season starts.

Knicks sell out season-ticket allotment

Howard Beck of the New York Times reports (via blog):

LeBron James did not choose to take his talents to New York, but as a consolation prize he gave the Knicks a fantastic boost at the box office. The team has sold out its season-ticket allotment for the first time in nine years.

According to a Madison Square Garden spokesperson, the Knicks have sold more than 4,000 new season-ticket plans and have started a waiting list for interested buyers. The team is also reporting a 90 percent renewal rate among season-ticket holders from last season. (The team would not disclose the precise number.)

Single-game tickets, group plans and partial season-ticket plans will go on sale sometime in mid-September.

Wade still shocked Heat landed LeBron

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports:

“I hit up LeBron [on Tuesday] night and I told him I’m looking at ESPN and I see his name scroll on the bottom and it says ‘Miami Heat forward LeBron James.’

“I just said, ‘Man, it’s crazy.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I just saw the same thing.’ ”

Behind his cool countenance, Wade feels every bit as exhilarated as the most fanatical of Heat fans. And he’s intoxicated by the possibilities of what this threesome can achieve.

“It’s beyond exciting,” he said. “I don’t think we even really know how excited we’re going to be.”

Denver Nuggets sign Al Harrington

The Denver Nuggets have signed free-agent F Al Harrington, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

Harrington, 6-9, 250, is a 12-year NBA veteran who averaged 17.7 points and 5.8 rebounds for the New York Knicks last season. For his career, he has averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 800 games with Indiana, Atlanta, Golden State and New York.

The 25th overall pick of the 1998 NBA Draft, Harrington scored in double figures 60 times in 72 games with the Knicks in 2009-10, including 16 games of at least 25 points, four games of 30+ points and two 40-point games.

The 30-year-old Harrington exploded for 41 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Nuggets in Denver on Nov. 27, 2009. That came four weeks after he scored a career-high 42 points against Philadelphia. He also had 23 points and nine rebounds in a victory over the Nuggets on March 23.

Drafted by Indiana out of high school, Harrington has averaged at least 12.2 points in nine of his 12 seasons. He averaged a career-high 20.1 points and ranked seventh in the NBA with 171 three-pointers during the 2008-09 season. He has made at least 140 three-pointers in each of the past three seasons.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Harrington can be a bench star for the Nuggets, backing up at both forward spots. This is a good addition.

Knicks sign Timofey Mozgov

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that center Timofey Mozgov has been signed as a free agent. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mozgov, 7-1, 250-pounds, averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 18.9 minutes in 32 games with BC Khimki (Russia) during the 2009-10 season. The 23-year-old, St. Petersburg, Russia-native has played for Khimki for the last four seasons and averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 23.0 minutes for the Russian National Team during the 2009 European Championships.

Magic sign Quentin Richardson

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard/forward Quentin Richardson, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

“Quentin (Richardson) is a solid perimeter defender and brings an element of toughness,” said Smith. “At the same time, he also is a tremendous shooter from long range, which fits our style of play very well. We’re excited to add him to our team.”

Richardson (#5, 6’6”, 228, 4/13/80) played in 76 games (75 starts) last season with Miami, averaging 8.9 ppg., 4.9 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 27.4 minpg. He also appeared in five postseason contests, averaging 9.8 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 1.6 apg. and 1.60 stlpg. in 29.8 minpg. Richardson shot a team-best .397 (142-358) from three-point range, which tied for 21st in the NBA. He scored in double figures 28 times and had seven 20-point outings, including a season-high 25 points on Mar. 4 vs. the L.A. Lakers. Richardson led (or tied) the team in scoring once, in rebounding 12 times and in assists once.

Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) by the L.A. Clippers in the 2000 NBA Draft, Richardson has appeared in 677 career NBA regular season games with the L.A. Clippers, Phoenix, New York and Miami, averaging 11.2 ppg., 5.0 rpg. and 1.6 apg. in 28.0 minpg. He has shot .359 (1,082-3,017) from three-point range during his career. Richardson has also played in 20 career playoff outings, averaging 11.4 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 1.6 apg. and 1.35 stlpg. in 35.6 minpg., while shooting .394 (41-104) from three-point range.

Knicks sign Raymond Felton

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has signed guard Raymond Felton as a free agent. As per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed. We’ll add contract details later today.

“Raymond is a top point guard and someone we targeted during the free agency period,” Walsh said. “He is an all-around player, excelling on both sides of the court and a true professional.”

Felton, 6-1, 198-pounds, has career averages of 13.3 points, 6.4 assists, 1.42 steals and 34.9 minutes in 399 career games (369 starts) in five NBA seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats. The Marion, SC-native was drafted by Charlotte, following his junior season at the University of North Carolina, with the fifth overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft and has played in at least 78 games in all five NBA seasons. In 2009-10, Felton averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 assists (19th in the NBA), 1.54 steals (15th) and 33.0 minutes in 80 games (80 starts) in leading Charlotte to their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

“Donnie deserves a tremendous amount of credit for all the long hours he has put towards re-shaping our roster and signing Raymond gives us a good veteran point guard who should be a great fit for us,” Head Coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I think our system will highlight his numerous skills and that he will give us leadership and toughness at one of the most important positions on the floor.”

Felton had a standout career at North Carolina and became the first player in the Tar Heels’ storied history to record 1,000 points, 600 assists, 300 rebounds, 150 steals and 100 three-point field goals. He quarterbacked North Carolina to the 2005 NCAA title and was named to the all-tournament team. He also set North Carolina’s single-game records for assists (18) and three-point field goals made (eight) while on campus in Chapel Hill.

Knicks sign-and-trade David Lee to Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have acquired All-Star forward/center David Lee in a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks, in exchange for Kelenna Azubuike, Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and a 2012 second round draft pick, the team announced today. Per team policy, financial terms of Lee’s deal were not released. We’ll post contract details tonight.

Lee, 27, appeared in 81 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 20.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.05 steals in 37.3 minutes per contest, while shooting 54.5% (686-1,258 FG) from the field and 81.2% (268-330 FT) from the line en route to being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. One of only three players in the NBA last season to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds (joining Chris Bosh and Zach Randolph), Lee ranked fourth in the league in rebounding, fourth in double-doubles with 53 (trailing only Dwight Howard, Zach Randolph and Carlos Boozer), ninth in field goal percentage and 15th in scoring.

“David Lee is a terrific basketball player and an All-Star,” said Warriors’ General Manager Larry Riley. “His skill-set addresses two areas where we need to improve: rebounding and passing, plus, we know he will score. He is a proven talent in this league and we like the way that his talents fit with the other core players on our roster. We thank Kelenna, Anthony and Ronny for their contributions to our team and organization during their time here, and wish them nothing but the best. This decision was not easy, but, at the end of the day, we feel that this was the right move for our organization and we are excited that David Lee is now a member of the Golden State Warriors.”

A five-year NBA veteran, Lee owns career averages of 13.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 30.0 in 368 games (all with New York), while shooting 55.7% from the field and 77.4% from the free throw line. Following a four-year collegiate career at the University of Florida, Lee has continued to improve each year of his NBA career, including an increase in scoring every season – averaging 5.1ppg as a rookie in 2005-06, 10.7 in 2006-07, 10.8 in 2007-08, 16.0 in 2008-09, and 20.2 last season. In fact, over the last four seasons (not counting rookie year of 2005-06) the 6’9’’ forward/center has averaged 14.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, making him one of only seven players in the NBA to average at least 14.0 points and 10.0 rebounds over that four-season span (joining Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson and Zach Randolph). Lee is currently a member of the 2010-12 USA Basketball Men’s National Team program alongside Warriors’ guard and teammate Stephen Curry.

Lee scored 20-or-more points 46 times last season (including five 30+ games), grabbed 10-or-more rebounds 54 times, 15-plus boards 23 times and had three 20-plus rebound efforts. He posted 20-points & 10-rebounds in the same game 31 times, including his first career triple-double with a career-high 37 points, 20 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists at Golden State on April 2 to become the first NBA player to register at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a game since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did so in March of 1976.

Azubuike, 26, appeared in nine games (seven starts) with Golden State last season, averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 25.7 minutes. He missed the final 73 games of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee on November 14 at Milwaukee and undergoing surgery for the injury on November 18. Originally called-up from the NBA D-League by the Warriors on July 17, 2007, Azubuike owns career averages of 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 24.4 minutes in 205 regular-season games over three seasons with Golden State.

Randolph, 20, appeared in 33 games (eight starts) last season for the Warriors, averaging 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.55 blocks in 22.7 minutes per contest. He missed 48 games due to injury, including the final 47 contests of the season due to a sprained left ankle that occurred on January 8 vs. Sacramento. Originally selected by the Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Randolph owns career averages of 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.30 blocks and 19.6 minutes in 96 games over two seasons with Golden State.

Turiaf, 27, appeared in 42 games (20 starts) with Golden State last season, averaging 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.29 blocks in 20.8 minutes per contest. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round (37th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft and signed as a restricted free agent by the Warriors on July 10, 2008, Turiaf owns career averages of 5.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.42 blocks and 17.9 minutes in 294 regular-season games over five seasons with the Lakers and Warriors.

Suns sign-and-trade Amar`e Stoudemire to Knicks

The Phoenix Suns today completed a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks that will send free-agent forward Amar’e Stoudemire to New York. The trade gives Phoenix a trade exception for its use in future dealings within one calendar year as well as other consideration.

Selected by the Suns with the ninth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Stoudemire played the first eight seasons of his career with Phoenix. The 27-year-old forward was a five-time NBA All-Star while with the Suns (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), a First Team All-NBA selection in 2007 and three-time Second Team All-NBA pick (2005, 2008, 2010). The 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year, Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds in 516 career games with the Suns.

Bulls, Nets Clippers statements on not getting LeBron James

Following is a statement from Neil Olshey of the Los Angeles Clippers regarding tonight’s decision by LeBron James: “Our goal remains unchanged. We will continue to be exhaustive and use every available resource to assemble an exciting and successful team. We have a dynamic new head coach who will lead the very talented roster we already have in place. We will use the free agent market to enhance that roster. We expect to compete at a very high level.”

The following statement was issued by Nets Principal Owner Mikhail Prokhorov: “We have a vision of a championship team and need to invest wisely and for the long term. Fortunately, we have more than one plan to reach success, and, as I have found in all areas of my business, that is key to achieving it. To Nets fans past, present and future, the goal of making the playoffs this season remains intact and we reiterate our commitment to winning a championship within five years.”

Gar Forman (Chicago Bulls) statement regarding LeBron James: “I remain convinced that this organization made the strongest of bids to acquire LeBron James during this free agency period. While we’re disappointed he chose to go to another franchise, our strategy for the future competitiveness of this organization did not begin or end with James, and we feel today’s addition of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer significantly strengthens our team’s already talented roster. It is our goal to keep exploring every avenue that it may take, whether through trades or free agency, to continue to build this team to compete at a championship level.”