JR Smith and Chad Johnson/Ochocinco? I can’t be the only one who would pay to see these 2 people in the same place at the same time. -Tommy
Pretty much how we all feel, right now. -Tommy
By Tommy Rothman
The Knicks and Raptors agreed on a deal Sunday that will send former #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani. Bargnani was drafted with the 1st pick by Toronto in 2006 and has averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds since then. The Knicks will send Steve Novak, Marcus Camby, a 2016 1st round pick, and two 2nd round picks to the Raptors. Bargnani had a down year this past season, causing Toronto to move him in what is essentially an exchange of bad contracts. The Knicks will give up picks, but they get the best player in the deal. Bargnani is a good shooter who can catch fire in a hurry. He can score inside and out. The Knicks got better in the short-term today, but the loss of picks, and fan favorite Steve Novak, will be a very tough pill to swallow.
Chris Paul wanted to be a Knick. The Knicks wanted Chris Paul to be a Knick. Unfortunately, thanks to some bad timing, the salary cap situation never worked out between the 2 parties. The Knicks signing of Tyson Chandler signaled a commitment to interior defense that cost them a reasonable shot of acquiring the All-Star Point Guard.
Sources are indicating that Paul’s representatives have told other teams not to bother contacting the superstar out of Wake Forest once free agency begins, telling all interested GM’s that CP3 is off the market. Chris Paul, by all indications, will remain a Clipper.
Was this Paul’s first choice? Probably not. But it was the most attractive option on the table for CP3. The acquisition of Doc Rivers seemingly sealed the deal. Move on, Knicks fans.
-Tommy Rothman