By Warren Blatt Jun 20, 2007, 16:40 GMT
- The New York Knicks finished 33-49 in 2006-07 under the direction of head coach Isiah Thomas, who received a contract extension during the season.
Eddy Curry is coming off of his best season in the NBA. Curry led the Knicks in scoring (19.5 ppg), grabbed 7.0 rebounds and shot an impressive 57.6 percent from the floor. The 6-11 center played in 81 games and looked like the player New York hoped it had acquired from the Chicago Bulls in 2005.
Forward David Lee was a pleasant surprise, as he averaged 10.7 points and a team-best 10.4 rebounds in 58 games. The Florida product shot 60 percent from the floor in his second season in the league.
Point guard Stephon Marbury registered 16.4 points and a club-high 5.4 assists in 74 contests, while Jamal Crawford netted 17.6 in 59 games and Quentin Richardson collected 13.0 points and 7.2 boards in 49 outings. Forward Channing Frye had a disappointing sophomore season, and Mardy Collins and Renaldo Balkman showed signs during their rookie campaigns that they could be a part of the future.
New York has the 23rd pick of the draft, as the Bulls, who have the ninth overall selection were able to switch picks with the Knicks from the Curry deal.
Best available player is the way the Knicks will go. However, Thomas will be aggressive and may try to trade up if there is a player he is targeting. Gabe Pruitt of USC, Daequan Cook of Ohio State and Eastern Washington's Rodney Stuckey are three players who may be on Thomas' radar if the he elects to stay at No. 23.
Key Player(s): Renaldo Balkman (Forward), Mardy Collins (Guard), Jamal Crawford (Guard), Eddy Curry (Center), Steve Francis (Guard), Channing Frye (Forward), Jared Jeffries (Forward), David Lee (Forward), Stephon Marbury (Guard), Quentin Richardson (Forward), Nate Robinson (Guard).
Team Needs: Positive attitude, rebounding and a scoring forward.
Draft picks: 1st round (23rd overall).
© 2007 The Sports Network
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