1) even if they eat Marbury and Rose, they will not be under in 2009. Check out hoopshype http://hoopshype.com/salaries/new_york.htm Q and jerome come off the books the following year. But even if the Knicks WERE under in 2009 I’d never sign anyone because that would nullify any free-agency opportunity for 2010 the year three franchise changers potentially become available.

2) free agency is an TERRIBLE strategy to build a team because 90% of the time great players never actually make it to free agency. When teams know they might lose a great player they usually trade them (see Garnett, Iverson, Marion, etc.) I explain this in detail in “The Salary Cap Myth” http://www.cosellout.com/?p=131 …any team can benefit from a “sign and trade” which also reduces free agency’s impact…

3) 2010 is the free agency exception because three marquee names are on the books the same year (Lebron, Wade, Bosh) while in the midst of their prime. Chance are that all are signed and never become free agents. HOWEVER, Lebron is the wildcard that breaks conventional thinking. The man’s main goal is to become a billionaire and no other place can make him money like NYC. Even if he signs a lower contract with the Knicks than Cavs, he would more than make up for it in endorsements. Lebron knows this, so for 2010 only it may be worth playing lotto.

thanks for the correction – sometimes my fingers move faster than my brain or maybe it was just a senior moment

i must say, I really dislike trading marbury for O’neal. From a risk reward standpoint, O’neal has been injury prone and there is probably at least a 25% chance that this would continue. If knicks just eat Marbury then they can sign a free agent (most likely via sign and trade for Marbury). Elton Brand would be an example of a straight out free-agent, while Joe Johnson or TMac could be available via sign and trade next year.

Also, I don’t think 2010 Lebron is realistic, and he is the only one I would delay a 2009 move for.

– About O’neal. He only has two years left on his contract (at 44M). If you trade Marbury for O’neal, the Knicks would still have have cap space by 2010. It would be desoirable for the Pacers to save 20M, but the Knicks can afford it without longterm inplications. Now lets dream and say Lebron wants to come to the Knicks. Now you have the option to sign him, and depending on his performance RESIGN ONEAL afterwards. Since you can go over the cap as much as you like for your own free agent. No harm, no foul.

– Trading Randolph is a must IMO. He stunts everyone’s growth.

– 2010 free agency is all that matters because Lebron/Wade/Bosh maximize the still very slim odds of getting lucky. They all can sign one year extentions as well which may put 2011 into play — a much more maneuverable year for the Knicks. Otherwise free agency is not only meaningless, but often backfires (see Ben Wallace). If you are going to play lotto it must specifically targeted for 2010/2011.

– We agree that Wes Chandler is a great ball player. I often enjoyed seen Dan Fouts choose between him Kellen Winslow and Charlie Joiner. One of the best receiving crew in history

Isaiah has not gotten a fair shake from the MSM. That being said given the results the past 2 seasons Dolan had to bring in new blood.

Walsh is probably about as good a basketball guy that Dolan could get. Has good knowledge and has had success in the league. The past 3-4 years at Indiana have been horrible, however, and there is no sugar coating that fact. The MSM will give him ample time to try to bring the Knicks back, and from my view he starting out with decent talent, and a decent salary and contract position. Marbury’s contract is the only obviously bad one, and it runs off at the end of next year. Just the fact that the MSM will give him (and Dolan) breathing room makes his selection a good one.

If Walsh begins by trading for O’Neal or anyone else on the Pacers (save for Danny Granger) my view will change quickly. We don’t want a replay of Checkettes and Layden stocking the Knicks with old and oft injured Utah Jazz leftovers. With Marbury they are better off eating his last year and having the cap space for 2010.

2008-9: you get a top 5 or 6 pick in a very good draft year. Perhaps if you can trade Randolph that will help. Wes Chandler will be able to contribute. D Lee, n8 and Balk should be better. Crawford ok, Curry perhaps returns to old self if Zach is gone.

2009/10: with Marbury coming off, you can sign a max free agent. Also Richardson and james would have trade vale given their $16MM combined that would be in their last year. If you did a good job with the 2008-9 draft this team should be a playoff team.

2010/11: tons of cap room now. must decide about DLee, N8 in terms of resigning. Can potentialy sign another max free agent

Given the prospects for the next 3 years. Walsh really just has to make 3 or 4 critical decisions to ensure the Knicks get back to prominance. (he has Isaiah to thank for that)

1. this years draft
2. 2009 free agent
3. 2010 free agent
4. does he resign DLee, N8 and perhaps Balkman.

BTW Wes Chandler is a ball player!

Peaceman, it truly boggles the mind how Isiah was starting Q all year — inexplicable…

Jimmy, I’ve always maintained that Jamal could be an excellent 6th man if he was left in when hot, and pulled when not… As for Curry, it was clear that he had a much better year last year when he was the only low post option. I would just like to see him paired up once agant one of those dirty work defenders at the 4.