Amare Stoudemire Was Not Influenced By Isiah Thomas

In a telling interview with New York Magazine, Amare Stoudemire conveyed that Isiah Thomas had nothing to do with him signing with the Knicks.

NYM: Between the day free agency started and the day that you signed, did you talk to Isiah Thomas?

Amare: No. I didn't talk to him once.

NYM: Not once? He didn't influence you to come here?

Amare: I never talked with him once.

NYM: Wait, so have you even met him?

Amare: A while ago, I think.

NYM: So, to be clear, you didn't talk to him at ALL during this negotiating process with the Knicks?

Amare: Nope

Stoudemire's comments inadvertently refute James Dolan's claims that Thomas was influential in the Knicks' recruitment of the NBA's free agent superstars this summer.

That also likely means that Thomas' "assurance" to Dolan that Carmelo Anthony will eventually join the Knicks means absolutely nothing.

Nevertheless, it appears as though Anthony's desire to play in New York is legitimate.

Stoudemire's desire to put on a Knicks uniform surely stemmed from the chance to experience stardom in a bigger market. Furthermore, at the time of joining the Knicks, Stoudemire viewed developing the Knicks into a winner as a challenge; one worth taking at that.

As a result of joining the Knicks (in addition to that same individual fame), Anthony could also take on a challenge of his own. However, with he and Stoudemire leading the way, simply winning would seemingly no longer be daunting for the Knicks.

That new found challenge, of course, could ultimately be fighting with the eastern conference powerhouses all the way to the top.

NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Ready To Give Up Too Much for Rudy Fernandez

Although the Knicks have surfaced in multiple trade rumors involving Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony this summer, the team’s most aggressive efforts have focused on someone else.

The Knicks have been reportedly coveting the Blazers’ Rudy Fernandez all summer long.

Fernandez, the European sensation, is starving for the chance to be celebrated in a big market. His talents would be ideal for the Knicks’ style of play. He is a quick guard who shoots the long ball well, and at the same time, can run the floor effectively.

At the beginning of the summer, the Knicks certainly had some deep roles to fill. However, after adding Raymond Felton at point guard, and Kelenna Azubuike and Roger Mason Jr. at shooting guard, it is unclear how serious of a role could be given to Fernandez.

Fernandez, who has grown frustrated from not starting in Portland, was recently fined $25,000 by the NBA for publicly requesting a trade. He is also prepared not to report to Blazers’ training camp and will forfeit the final two years of his contract in order to return to Europe.

Although playing time is something he seeks, Fernandez is reportedly open to coming off the bench if it means playing in New York.

Nevertheless, the Knicks would be prepared to offer Fernandez a starting job, despite the existing talent on the roster.

However, both Azubuike and Mason Jr. have starting experience on their previous squads and performed well. They would certainly challenge Fernandez for the spot in training camp.

There is no doubt that Fernandez has tremendous upside, but if he is not given the proper minutes, that potential will be left untapped, just like it has in Portland.

ESPN reports that the Knicks have offered Wilson Chandler for Fernandez. Unfortunately, the only sure thing that trading Chandler for the Knicks does is to clear up minutes for Fernandez.

Trading Chandler, a proven player with proven abilities, before the season starts is a huge risk.

As much upside as Fernandez may have, that same uncertain upside is the only thing he has to offer. History has proven again and again that the skills of even the best players in Europe have a tendency not to translate over to the NBA.

Furthermore, Fernandez has only averaged 24.5 minutes during his two NBA seasons. While it is possible that his statistics will increase with more playing time, there is also the possibility that he will not be able to capitalize on the extra minutes.

Chandler, on the other hand, has consistently performed as a starter and has become one of the team’s best defenders.

Why trade him away before the season even begins? Chandler’s defense could very well become depended on by the newly formed run and gun Knicks.

While Fernandez’s playmaking ability is what makes him unique as a shooting guard, Felton is also poised to maximize his playmaking ability under the Knicks' system.

If the Knicks are looking for a shooting guard who can run the floor, they should look no further than Roger Mason Jr.

Mason Jr. played an impressive two-man game with Tony Parker, predominantly a scoring point guard, while with the Spurs.

Fernandez’s young age and untapped potential is an exciting prospect. The Knicks, however, already have a lot of what he provides.

It is one thing if the Knicks simply consider him better at doing what he does than anyone currently on the team. Anyone who improves the team is worth acquiring.

At the same time, trading Chandler may not be the right way to go about doing it.

The Blazers are mulling the Knicks’ offer as they covet a future first round pick instead. With the Knicks unable to offer a first round pick until 2014, perhaps an acquisition of Fernandez is not in the cards.

NBA Trade Rumors: How Likely is Carmelo Anthony to New York Knicks?

While the Knicks responded to “The Decision” by filling the team with young talent perfect for Coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense, the media has responded by fueling speculation that the likes of Chris Paul, Tony Parker and/or Carmelo Anthony will be joining the Knicks in order to compete against the Miami Heat.

Following the trade of Darren Collision, Chris Paul appears to be staying with the Hornets for now. Tony Parker has been respectful of his current team, the Spurs, avoiding comment on any trade rumors.

Anthony’s situation is a bit different, however. Perhaps by not signing a contract extension with the Nuggets, he is fueling speculation himself. According to ESPN’s Ric Bucher, a divorce is imminent, as Anthony is preparing to make it very clear that he is no longer interested in returning to Denver.

The Knicks and Magic are apparently at the top of Anthony’s wish list. While that may in fact be true, such rumors have run rampant across the NBA circuit ever since Paul (perhaps light heartedly) suggested he and Anthony should join the Knicks.

The Knicks have reportedly reached out to Denver on numerous occasions, recently offering Danilo Gallinari, Eddy Curry, and a future first round pick, likely to be in 2014.

While Anthony has some degree of leverage as a marquee star, such an offer has not even begun to pique Denver’s interest.

Furthermore, with no formal general manager in place, the Nuggets may be hesitant to pull the trigger.

If Donnie Walsh really wanted to make the push for him right away, the team could also include Wilson Chandler in their offer. With Anthony coming, both Gallinari and Chandler may seem expendable. Adding Anthony would certainly meet (if not exceed) the production of both players.

Having Kelenna Azubuike, Roger Mason Jr. and Bill Walker all on the roster as well would only cushion the blow of giving up the two young wingmen.

The massive hype surrounding trading for such a player (especially after conceivably “losing out” this summer) is understandable. That being said, what’s the rush?

Of course being able to compete with the Heat so soon would be very exciting. But since when was the upcoming season a part of the Knicks’ timeline to become a championship contender?

The team has already waited this long to look competitive. Everyone is well aware that the team went through a complete roster overhaul.

Such a rebuilding movement takes time. Why not give the players Walsh and company assembled this summer a chance?

By adding the likes of Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Anthony Randolph, and Azubuike to an already strong young core, the Knicks have put themselves in a position to be very good.

Establishing some chemistry and getting this team in a groove could very well benefit the Knicks if and when completing a trade for Carmelo Anthony closer to the trading deadline.

Later in the season would also appear to be when Anthony’s “leverage” really kicks in as a game changer.

While the rumors of Anthony wanting out have only now begun to get the wheels turning in Denver, the Nuggets will be in much more dire straits if the team is faced with either trading him or allowing him to leave for nothing as a free agent.

If the Knicks were able to capitalize on the Nuggets desperation, they could perhaps be able to give up less value for Anthony towards the trading deadline.

Carmelo Anthony joining the Knicks is absolutely possible, and perhaps even likely. A timetable for such a union, however, has yet to be set.

For now, this is still Amare Stoudemire’s team to guide.

As some may begin to hope for Carmelo Anthony, every Knicks fan is certainly hoping Stoudemire will be guiding this team into the playoffs.

Top Notch Tweeters: New York Knicks Embracing World of Social Media

"The Knicks Blog" often recognizes that a number of Knicks have become active Twitter members.

Players who “tweet” give fans and media alike a unique window into their everyday routines. Furthermore, they are all given an opportunity to interact with athletes like never before.

While some athletes may not “tweet” often, if at all, there are others who make it a priority to respond to fans on a daily basis, and as a result, see a rapid increase in their fan base.

C.J. Watson, a once little-known NBA backup guard (who recently signed with the Bulls), arguably is involved with his “followers” on Twitter more than any other athlete in all of sports, constantly maintaining conversation. As a result, his Twitter account has amassed over 300,000 followers (or fans, as one might see it).

In the dog days of summer (and the NBA offseason) many of the recent additions to the Knicks have taken to Twitter (and the online world of social media as a whole) in order to help their newest fans get to know them even more.

Amare Stoudemire

Follow @Amareisreal

Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks’ lone star-studded signing this offseason, has stayed connected with fans from the moment he touched down in New York (quite literally).

Whether it be to check out how long it took Amare to prepare for the ESPY’s, or what he did during his spiritual trip to Israel, fans are normally given access to whatever he may have going on.

To keep things fresh, Stoudemire has organized multiple trivia challenges in which his followers can engage and compete in over Twitter. One grand prize winner was even awarded an Amare Stoudemire-customized PlayStation 3 console during one of the contests.

Ronny Turiaf

Follow @RonnyTuriaf14

While he may not have the star status of Stoudemire, Turiaf has quickly become one of the most popular Knicks because of his activity on Twitter.

Turiaf’s incredibly animated nature off the court makes fans instantly comfortable with the intimidating shot blocker.

When he’s not working out with his new teammates, Turiaf can be found cheering at Red Bulls soccer games or chatting it up with fans about his favorite comedy movies (in case you were wondering, “Dumb and Dumber” tops his list) on Twitter.

Most recently, Turiaf has been bouncing around ideas with fans regarding a new potential website where Knicks fans can go to collaborate and think of new in-game traditions to get the home crowd hyped.

Roger Mason Jr.

Follow @MoneyMase

Mason Jr. certainly saw an increase in followers when it was announced he would be joining the Knicks next season.

Showered with well wishes from an abundance of faithful Spurs fans, in addition to welcome messages from Knicks fans, Mason Jr. has interacted with many of them over the last couple of weeks.

Known to reach out to fans about something as simple as local suggestions for dinner, Mason actually first announced that he would likely be signing with the Knicks during a YouTube video.

Having entered a big market like New York, there’s no doubt his fanfare will continue to grow the more he interacts.

Kelenna Azubuike

Follow @KAzubuike7

Like Stoudemire, Azubuike was also in touch with his fans quickly after becoming a Knick.

Since posting his immediate (positive) reaction to the trade that brought Anthony Randolph, Turiaf and himself to New York, Azubuike has been embracing Knicks fans via Twitter.

While growing accustomed to the New York area, Azubuike appeared pleasantly overwhelmed when he recently received over 40 instant suggestions advising him where to eat dinner in the city.

Landry Fields

Follow @landryfields

Fields was a somewhat unknown prospect when the Knicks selected him with the 39^th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Since then, his stock has risen and popularity has grown as a result of an impressive showing in summer league.

His activity on Twitter can only help his popularity. Fields has begun to interact with his followers, providing welcoming responses.

Most recently, Fields tweeted that he is hard at work with his new Knicks teammates, preparing for the upcoming season.

Danilo Gallinari

Follow @gallinari8888

Perhaps not the most active "tweeter" on the Knicks squad, Gallinari is still undoubtedly one of the most popular, with over 13,000 followers.

When he does tweet, Gallinari often responds in Italian, his native language. However, he recently acknowledged his summertime involvement with "Basketball Without Borders."

Video clips providing footage of Gallinari's hard work with BWB are also scattered across the web.

Isiah Thomas Not Taking Knicks Job

via ESPN



"Isiah Thomas is not taking the consultant's job with the New York Knicks, sources close to the NBA told ESPN 1050 New York.

Thomas was in communication with commissioner David Stern's office and then rescinded his acceptance because of the conflict-of-interest by-laws of the NBA. Knicks owner and Madison Square Garden chairman Jim Dolan is expected to release a statement shortly."

There you have it, Knicks fans; all that worry for nothing. More to come as Dolan releases his statement.

Why New York Knicks Fans Should Disregard The Rehiring of Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas is known to Knicks fans as the man who crumbled the franchise’s reputation to pieces He can be now be known, however, as part-time team consultant.

After weeks of rumors that Thomas had been influential during the Knicks’ summer recruitment of Amare Stoudemire and of course LeBron James, the team gave him an official title for what he may or may not have already been doing for the Knicks.

A "consultant’s" role can be extremely limited in many cases as it is, so it is difficult to imagine that Thomas will have any type of major impact as a "part-time" one. He will also retain his coaching position at Florida International University while taking on duties with the Knicks.

The legality of such an arrangement is currently under review by the NBA.

While the mere thought of Thomas returning to the Knicks (in any capacity) after he left the team in such an embarrassing position is hard to swallow, fans should not be too alarmed.

The hiring seems more like a personal favor than anything else. Thomas has remained close with team owner James Dolan, and has a special relationship with President Donnie Walsh dating back to their days working for the Pacers.

“I’ve always said that if there’s a G.M. position that should ever open, that I would be interested in going back to the N.B.A. as a G.M. for the right spot and the right opportunity,” Thomas said.

Thomas clearly wants to return to the NBA, but why Dolan and Walsh are appearing to throw Thomas a bone here is unclear.

By staying under the radar, Thomas may stand to repair his image if he receives praise from Dolan and Walsh for all the so-called “consulting” he has and/or will be doing.

Thomas was no doubt similarly looking to boost his creditability by accepting the coaching position at a smaller school like FIU last year.

The issue with Thomas keeping the job at FIU while consulting the Knicks is a clear conflict of interest. As a college coach, Thomas can “promise” his recruits that he will recommend the Knicks give them an extra look during future drafts.

While FIU has produced players like Raja Bell and Carlos Arroyo, the school is not exactly a hot bed for NBA talent. Nevertheless, the school’s somewhat unknown reputation would not seem to spook Walsh and company, as the team drafted Andy Rautins and Landry Fields, two little known talents, in this year’s draft.

While the one thing most would agree Thomas was productive at was drafting prospects, his opinion would be undeniably biased if and when steering the Knicks towards FIU talents.

Somehow, I doubt Walsh and Thomas would even discuss in depth drafting an FIU player, if only for the mere fact that Thomas would indeed be accused of bias.

The formula for success for Thomas clearly does not include such a controversy, so do not expect the Knicks to draft any FIU players in the near future.

“[FIU] will continue to be my main focus. In my spare time, when I do have time, just like I've always done, I'll consult and advise the Knicks whenever they ask for my help."

Just like he has always done? Such a statement suggests Thomas was in fact a part of the Knicks offseason, in addition to any past instances when Walsh felt as though he needed a second opinion.

After the dust clears and initial shock of Thomas’ less than triumphant return has gone away, fans need not worry about him any longer. After all, it’s safe to say that it was not Isiah Thomas that scared LeBron James away from New York, no matter how influential he was during the recruiting process.

Both sides suggest that Thomas will be asked to aid the potential recruitment of Carmelo Anthony next summer.

It does not appear as though his presence hurt the Knicks’ chances with free agents this summer.

If Thomas is actually able help reel in Anthony, (wishful thinking, of course) however, and at the same time, repair his imagine, more power to him.

Until then, such a hiring is merely a publicity stunt (whether it be good or bad), which fans should not concern themselves with, at least until Thomas becomes more involved.

Will Kelenna Azubuike Be the Starting Shooting Guard of The Knicks?

Amid reports that the Knicks have agreed to terms with Roger Mason Jr. on a one year contract, fans may begin to wonder how minutes at the shooting guard position will be allocated.

The new-look Knicks now have four quality players capable of playing the two guard position in Wilson Chandler (last year’s starter), Kelenna Azubuike, Mason Jr., and Bill Walker.

While all four have starting experience (Walker having the least, as he started for the Knicks during last season’s final two months), the starting position will likely come down to Chandler and Azubuike.

With the signing of Mason, Walker may very well be squeezed out of the rotation to start the season. Mason will likely be tapped to provide a boost off the bench as he did so well with the Spurs.

Although Chandler may be the favorite to start, having occupied the position last season, Azubuike is very much the dark horse that could take Chandler by (perhaps not so much of a) surprise come training camp.

The Knicks have always held Chandler in high regard. However, this summer witnessed Chandler becoming the subject of various trade rumors.

Chandler has improved over his three years as an NBA player, but is more of a small forward. With Danilo Gallinari as the Knicks’ starter at the three (and even more prized possession than Chandler), Chandler is not likely to be given many opportunities as a forward.

While Chandler is an aggressive, slasher–type player, Azubuike is a much more natural guard. He has a shooting touch that goes arguably unmatched by any Knick besides Gallinari himself.

And while Chandler appears more athletic, as ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh reports, Azubuike has a 40-inch vertical leap that has helped him become one of the league’s best rebounding two guards.

Chandler has stepped up for the Knicks on defense during many occasions, taking on the daunting task of guarding the opponent’s top offensive player.

Although the Knicks were not a winning team last season, it’s safe to say Chandler held his own.

By the same token, Azubuike is also an intense defender and could provide the Knicks with more of the same clutch defense.

Given the opportunity to shine at his natural position, Azubuike may end up outplaying Chandler.

What’s doing damage to Azubuike’s starting bid is a left knee injury, which he sustained last season. Azubuike subsequently had surgery and missed most of the season. Recovering this summer, he hopes to be ready by training camp.

Undrafted out of Kentucky, Azubuike made a name for himself while starring in the DLeague. From there, he found a role on the Warriors and became a reliable role player in Don Nelson’s free flowing offense.

His experience playing for Nelson, coupled with the Knicks dire need of a natural shooting guard, potentially make him an ideal fit to play for Coach D’Antoni in New York.

While his statistics fall in favor of Chandler’s by a hair, Azubuike seems to have an upgraded skill-set compared to Chandler.

Should he stay healthy, this could be the year where Azubuike goes from solid rotation player to recognized starter in the NBA.

Furthermore, he is exactly the type of player that fills the needs that every winning team has. He would be able to mesh well with any number of NBA stars, including the rumored potential Knicks “big three” of Amare Stoudemire, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony.

While Knicks fans were heartbroken by the loss of David Lee, the hype over young gun Anthony Randolph has softened the blow.

There is no doubt Randolph’s potential does not even reach the ceiling, but it may very well be Azubuike who puts the Knicks over the top as winners in the sign and trade deal with the Warriors.

Nate Welcomes Shaq to Celtics

Former Knick Nate Robinson is obviously pumped up about teaming up with Shaquille O'Neal on the Celtics.

Anyone have any ideas regarding a tandem nickname for Nate and Shaq? Please note, Shrek and Donkey is apparently already taken...

ESPN: Shaq to Join Boston Celtics

Shaquille O'Neal has made a "decision" of his own: he will be taking his talents to Massachusetts.

ESPN is reporting that Shaq will be joining the Celtics.

Shaq and the Celtics reportedly have come to terms on a contract for the veteran's minimum, which is approximately worth $1.4 million. While ESPN stops short of confirming a contract length, RealGM reports the pact is for one year.

The deal comes during a summer in which O'Neal, whose play has been declining the last couple of seasons, could only watch as the spotlight evaded him in favor of a new generation of stars.

Originally said to be seeking a salary closer to the midlevel exception, around $4-$5 million annually, the market for Shaq did not develop.

The Hawks, Shaq's only other presumed major suitor, likely could have offered him a larger role than the Celtics. However, the Celtics's championship potential seemingly won him over.

His role on the team, however, is vastly undefined at this point. Boston's starting center, Kendrick Perkins, will miss the first few months of the season due to injury.

However, the Celtics signed big man Jermaine O'Neal to a more lucrative and longer deal earlier this summer.

Although ESPN's Chris Broussard references JO's deal as evidence that he will be ahead of Shaq on Boston's depth chart, do not be so sure. The two put up nearly identical numbers across the board last season, with JO having the narrow edge in points per game, while averaging five more minutes per game than Shaq.

While Shaq's larger than life persona (and gritty attitude) may actually give him an extra push on the court throughout the season, there is no doubt that this move was made to better ready the Celtics for those intense May and June match ups with Eastern Conference powerhouses.

Broussard even went as far as saying O'Neal may be used more as a "specialist", often entering the Celtics' lineup to face the Dwight Howard-types of the league.

Besides the Celtics and Hawks, the Knicks were said to have a short-lived interest in Shaq this summer.

But then again, who (with a high profile like Shaq's) weren't the Knicks interested in this summer?

Chris Dudley Runs for Oregon Governor

Former Knick Chris Dudley has been on the campaign trail after winning over the Republican nomination for Oregon governor in May.

Dudley, who enjoyed a 16 year NBA career from 1987-2003, spent three seasons with the Knicks, from 1997-2000.

He has also been a longtime Oregon citizen and participated in two stints with the Portland Trailblazers, from 1993-1997 and 2001-2003.

Best known by Knicks fans as Patrick Ewing's injury replacement, Dudley started many games during the Knicks last NBA Finals run in 1999.

Retired since 2003, Dudley is now making a run of his own.

via New York Times

"A former treasurer for the National Basketball Players Association, Dudley said he was growing more comfortable as a politician. He has shown an ability to raise money, netting $2.73 million to Kitzhaber’s $1.76 million, according to the Oregon secretary of state’s office, which has allowed Dudley to run a steady diet of unchallenged television ads (the most recent features the head of the players union, Billy Hunter).

Among the contributors to Dudley’s campaign are N.B.A. Commissioner David Stern; the founder of Nike, Phil Knight; the coaches P. J. Carlesimo and Rick Carlisle; and his former Blazers teammates Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter.

“The voters of this state don’t get too excited about Republican governors, I can tell you that right now,” said Porter, who is a member of the campaign’s finance committee. “But he’s going to put in the tireless effort that he’s always been known for on the basketball court.” "

Dudley, a Yale graduate, was always known as man of intelligence throughout his time as a player. Since retiring from the NBA, Dudley has worked as a financial adviser, in addition to starting his own foundation that supports children with diabetes.

The foundation's cause hits close to home for Dudley, who played his entire career while combating the disease.

Dudley and his 6 foot, 11 inch frame, were featured in photos spawled out across the front and back pages of the sports section in today's edition of NYT.

That may very well be a remarkable first for the NBA veteran, who averaged just 3.9 points during his career.

Shannon Brown and Rudy Fernandez Highlights

As the Knicks make bids for Shannon Brown and/or Rudy Fernandez, here's a look at what both can do.

Shannon Brown Highlight

MSG's and the Knicks' own Mike Breen makes the call on this play by Brown. Knicks fans could be hearing more of that same excitement in Breen's voice this upcoming season.




Rudy Fernandez Highlight

Former Knicks point guard Sergio Rodriguez connected with Fernandez for this eye opening play. The finesse displayed below is a big plus with Fernandez.