Knicks News

"Film director Spike Lee was dressed in Knicks gear and rooting against the Celtics during the 2008 Finals in Los Angeles. You have to respect Lee's enthusiasm considering his beloved Knicks may be the laughingstocks of pro sports. They have been to the playoffs only once since 2002 and have often made more news in court than on the court at Madison Square Garden. But now with a returned New Yorker (Donnie Walsh), a new coach (Mike D'Antoni), and a new forward (rookie Danilo Gallinari), Lee's Knicks have been able to "do the right thing" and give the storied franchise optimism again. "This will be my third coach," said Knicks guard Nate Robinson. "It's another start, but hopefully it's ..."

"Last summer, Stephon Marbury vowed hewould play in Italy after his Knick contract expired after 2009. At the time, many scoffed at the farfetched notion. But Marbury's desires have now become the trend, with nine NBA players signing with European or Israeli clubs since July 1's free agency. While Marbury plans to play in the NBA this season - with the Knicks or another club if released - he still has plans of an Italian career. In fact, Marbury told The Post he will play as soon as next season, specifically aiming to join Milan. He'll have connections. Mike D'Antoni coached Milan in the 1990's and first-rounder Danilo Gallinari played for Milan the past two seasons. "People just didn't ..."

"Allan Houston plans to make another attempt at a comeback this fall and it is possible he could get a second try with the Knicks. The 37-year-old Houston told Newsday Tuesday that his agent, Bill Strickland, has been in touch with a few teams and is in preliminary discussions about a training camp tryout. Talks aren't expected to heat up until after Labor Day. "I don't know where it's going to be, but I'm looking forward to it," Houston said about the comeback attempt, which would be his second in as many years. "I think the biggest thing is I want to be somewhere where I can be a good fit." The Knicks open training camp Sept. 30 in Saratoga Springs. Strickland has yet to talk with the ..."

"The Knicks' Donnie Walsh-Mike D'Antoni era will begin on Oct. 29 when they host the Heat and Dwyane Wade at Madison Square Garden, so at least the NBA found a team coming off of a worse season than they did a year ago. And Knicks fans won't have to wait long to welcome back former coach Larry Brown, who returns to the Garden as the new head coach of the Bobcats on Nov. 5, while D'Antoni heads back to Phoenix to face his old team on Dec. 15. The Knicks also host the Bulls in their traditional afternoon game on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They will close the regular season at home against the Nets on April 15. The Knicks also hired Kenny Atkinson yesterday, filling out D'Antoni's coaching ..."

"Mike D'Antoni's debut as Knicks head coach will be Wednesday, Oct. 29 when the Knicks host Eastern Conference rival Miami at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks' home schedule is highlighted by a Jan. 21 visit by Phoenix, D'Antoni's former team; Nov. 5 and March 7 games against Charlotte and former Knicks coach Larry Brown; Jan. 4 and Feb. 6 visits by the champion Boston Celtics, and a Feb. 2 matchup with the Western Conference champion L.A. Lakers. The Chicago Bulls and No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose make their only visit Monday, Jan. 19 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game."

"The NBA today released its complete game schedule and broadcast schedules of ABC, TNT, ESPN and NBA on ESPN Radio for the 2008-09 season. The NBA's Countdown to Tip-Off 08 presented by Kia Motors has begun with opening night 83 days away. The 2008-09 season tips off on TNT, which marks Turner Sports’ 25th season of NBA game action, with a doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that features the Boston Celtics opening up defense of their NBA championship by hosting 2007-08 NBA scoring champion LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET. The second game features the first regular season game for the top overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft presented by Sprite Greg Oden and the ..."

"The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Randolph Morris to a contract, it was announced today by General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “Randolph’s signing gives us additional size and depth along the frontline, with Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia,” said Sund. “He has the opportunity to grow as a player and we look forward to assisting with his future development as an NBA player.” Morris, a 6-11, 260-pound big man from Atlanta’s Landmark Christian High School, saw limited action in two NBA seasons with the New York Knicks after entering the league as a free agent from Kentucky in 2005. In 23 career games in New York, he averaged 2.6 ..."

"The Knicks waived Taurean Green and Bobby Jones yesterday, one day after acquiring them in a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The moves were expected as the Knicks continue to overhaul their roster under president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni. Green, a guard, and Jones, a guard-forward, were acquired Monday along with a second-round draft pick in 2010 for forward Renaldo Balkman and cash. Balkman became expendable when the Knicks drafted forward Danilo Gallinari with the No. 6 selection in last month's draft. The contracts for Green and Jones aren't guaranteed after Aug. 1."

"Steve Mills' record as president of Madison Square Garden president included zero playoff wins for the Knicks. And although the Rangers demonstrated a modest resurgence under his watch, it was an embarrassing sexual harassment trial that ruined Mills' dream job. The Garden announced Tuesday that Scott O'Neil was hired as president of Madison Square Garden Sports, a title Mills has held since replacing Dave Checketts seven years ago. Mills was reassigned to president of business operations for MSG Sports teams and, according to a Garden press release, will be "reporting to Mr. O'Neil." Mills came under fire last fall when Anucha Browne Sanders was awarded $11.5 million in a sexual ..."

"Tim Donaghy, the former N.B.A. referee who admitted to betting on games he officiated, was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 months in prison. The sentence delivered by Judge Carol Amon of the United States District Court in Brooklyn was significantly shorter than the 24 to 30 months suggested by federal guidelines. Judge Amon said she wanted to recognize Donaghy’s cooperation, which led to the guilty pleas of two co-defendants, James Battista and Thomas Martino. Last week, Amon sentenced Battista to 15 months in prison and Martino to 12 months and a day. Battista and Martino did not cooperate, and their sentences were on the high end of the guidelines. “Mr. Donaghy was a central figure in the ..."

"With Isiah Thomas no longer calling the shots in New York, the cold war between the Nuggets and Knicks officially is over. More than 19 months after brawling with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Nuggets acquired forward Renaldo Balkman from New York for guard Taurean Green, swingman Bobby Jones and a second-round pick in 2010. Balkman, the 20th pick of the 2006 draft, is a defensive- minded player who has averaged 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in two NBA seasons. "I think it's a good move, for the most part," Balkman said. "We have a lot of forwards in New York. Somebody wasn't going to play. Hopefully, this is a better place." The trade carries little risk for the Nuggets, who ..."

"A Denver Nugget actually said this: "Defense is first on my mind, before scoring." Those were the words of Renaldo Balkman, whom the Nuggets acquired Monday from the Knicks for reserves Bobby Jones, Taurean Green and a 2010 second-round draft pick. The Nuggets, who sometimes play as if defense was optional, now have a player whose main focus is at the defensive end. "I'm a defensive stopper," said Balkman, a 6-foot-8 reserve forward. "Any (position) you put me on, I can guard. That's what I do." The 24-year-old Balkman, traded along with about $575,000 in cash considerations, should help Denver's bench. The Nuggets hope he will crack their rotation and provide some of the defensive ..."

"With one eye on the salary cap and another on the need to stockpile draft picks, the Knicks yesterday traded fan-favorite Renaldo Balkman to the Nuggets for a 2010 second-round draft choice, guard Taurean Green and swingman Bobby Jones. Neither Green nor Jones is expected to remain with the Knicks, as the team already has reached the NBA's maximum of 15 guaranteed contracts. Green and Jones each have non-guaranteed deals, but are little more than a means for team president Donnie Walsh to look further into the future by dumping salary and adding a draft pick. The trade will allow the Knicks to save about $2 million against the salary cap. Balkman, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 3.4 points ..."

"Two years after the Knicks drafted Renaldo Balkman to a chorus of boos and barrage of pundits' mockery, they traded him Monday to the Denver Nuggets for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones and a second-round draft pick in 2010. The Knicks also gave the Nuggets an undisclosed amount of cash. Isiah Thomas, the former Knicks coach, said he drafted Balkman 20th over all in 2006 because he was concerned that if he had not, Balkman might have been nabbed by the Phoenix Suns, coached by Mike D'Antoni, now the Knicks' coach. In two seasons with the Knicks, the 6-foot-8 Balkman, who became one of the team's most popular players among fans, often impressed with his energetic defense, but he ..."

"In efforts to improve their defense, the Nuggets have traded for Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman, a source confirmed. The Nuggets traded seldom-used guards Taurean Green and Bobby Jones, as well as a future second rounder, in exchange for the 6-foot-8 Balkman and $575,000. Balkman, who turned 24 this month, averaged 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds last season, but is noted for his hustle and aggressive defensive play. Denver hopes Balkman can crack its rotation in the near future."

"The Knicks' roster officially ballooned to 16 players yesterday with the announcement of Anthony Roberson's signing, one over the maximum, leaving a certain point guard with a tattoo on his temple in official limbo. Roberson, the undrafted former Florida guard who played for the Grizzlies and Golden State, is the Eddie House-like sharpshooter off the bench Donnie Walsh was hunting for. He signed a two-year deal with a second year team option. The first year is for the minimum for third-year players - $798,000. "He's had a tough break in a couple of places," Walsh said yesterday. "He can spread the floor because of hsi shooting and that's important in Mike [D'Antoni's] game." Roberson, a ..."

"Mike D'Antoni is happy. He's also a bit sad. And before we all move on with our lives, he'd like to tell you something: Thanks. "It's hard to put into words," D'Antoni said. "It was four of the best years I've ever had. I'm really proud of what the team did, and really happy that my family and I were able to live in Phoenix. On and off the court, it was the best (situation) you can have. And I'm going to miss it." It's strange. Talking to him now, it's hard to believe he's actually gone. Exactly one year ago in the same Las Vegas hotel, D'Antoni spoke of his new attitude, the new emphasis on fun and vowed that the Suns would enjoy their road to a title in 2007-08. That forecast couldn't ..."

"Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni switched rooms at the luxurious Wynn Hotel on the Las Vegas strip Monday morning, moving from one wing to another, from one basketball universe to another. From guiding the Knicks' summer-league team to helping pilot the U.S. Olympic team, D'Antoni's exhausting offseason continues. "When you're excited about something, it's not really work," D'Antoni told The Post yesterday. "I'm with the best team in the world. The only time I get tired is if your team is not exciting. I'm in two great situations right now.""

"The Knicks ended the Las Vegas summer-league yesterday the way they came in - unsure if 19-year-old rookie Danilo Gallinari will contribute this season. After suffering a back injury in Monday's opener against Cleveland, the Italian Stallion missed the final four games, including yesterday's 111-91 loss to Minnesota in the finale at UNLV's Cox Pavilion to finish 2-3. A team source said the Knicks are considering resting Gallinari the remainder of the summer and request he not play for the Italian national team that gets together in two weeks. The decision could be out of Gallinari's hands as the Italian players are threatening a strike."

"Knick forward David Lee, a name in every trade rumor that involves The Franchise Isiah Ravaged, acknowledged he doesn't know his future in New York. But Lee already sees positive change in the Knicks under new coach Mike D'Antoni and GM Donnie Walsh. "With the acquisition of Danilo Gallinari, he's a good character guy, and Chris Duhon coming in, I can see that there's a lot more positive feelings around the facility," Lee said at halftime of last night's Liberty-Fever game at Arthur Ashe Stadium... Whether the Knicks complete that move with Lee remains uncertain. After three seasons, the Knicks, burdened with more bad salaries than the MTA, know they'll have to come up with a ..."

"It didn’t take long for Mike D’Antoni to lose his loyalty to the Phoenix Suns. All it took was an NBA Summer League victory Friday by the coach’s New York Knicks over the Suns to do the trick. “It’s already canceled out,” D’Antoni said after the Knicks’ 85-80 win on Friday. “I’ve moved on.” D’Antoni, who went 253-136 in five seasons with the Suns, hasn’t coached his new club yet — leaving summer league duties to assistant coach Phil Weber. So far, D’Antoni likes what he has seen of his team while watching from the reserved section on the far side of the court."

"Former Suns sharpshooter Eddie House is a free agent, but coach Mike D'Antoni's crew decided to go after a younger version - Anthony Roberson... Roberson, 25, was so good during summer league practices over the weekend the Knicks began negotiating with him on a guaranteed deal that he was expected to sign last night. The first year is at the minimum for third-year players, $798,000, with a team option on the second year."

"Danilo Gallinari gave the Knicks a tantalizing glimpse of his potential this week in Las Vegas. The encore may be delayed for a few months."

"Danilo Gallinari's summer league season looks as if it will end barely after it started. The Knicks' first-round draft pick, who scored 14 second-half points in his debut Monday after a scoreless and struggling first half, sat out Wednesday's game against the Spurs with a lower back injury that leaves him doubtful for the Las Vegas league's final three games as well. The team said he underwent a precautionary MRI that revealed "no significant findings" and that the 6-foot-9, 19-year-old forward would return to Italy after spending the rest of the week in Las Vegas."

"Anthony Roberson wasn't drilling shots yesterday, his legs tired from the Las Vegas two-a-day practices. But it's the first time the Knick brass has seen him miss. All the Knicks' summer-leaguers had tired shooting legs, and Roberson led the brickfest with a 4-of-13 shooting day in their 82-67 loss to San Antonio at Cox Pavilion. The Knicks shot 36.4 percent, with debuting Nate Robinson and Mardy Collins combining for 3 of 18."

"The Italian Stallion already has broken down. Knick 6-foot-10 rookie Danilo Gallinari is expected to be shut down for the rest of the five-game Las Vegas summer league with a sore back after missing yesterday's 82-67 loss to the Spurs. Gallinari took a physical pounding against the Cavaliers on Monday and sat out the final five minutes of his 14-point summer-league debut with back soreness. Though disappointed, the Knicks aren't worried the rail-thin Gallinari couldn't make it past one summer-league game. They believe the back soreness is a cumulative condition."

"Danilo Gallinari's introduction to the NBA lasted one game. The Knicks' first-round pick is expected to miss the team's final three games in the Vegas Summer League due to a sore lower back. Gallinari, who complained of back pain during Monday's debut in the United States, had an MRI exam on Tuesday. According to the Knicks, tests failed to reveal any significant damage. Gallinari, the 6-10 Italian power forward, sat out Wednesday's game against San Antonio and is not expected to play again this week. He will receive treatment before returning to Europe to fulfill his national team obligations. Knicks president Donnie Walsh is confident that Gallinari will be ready for training ..."

"Danilo Gallinari gave the Knicks a tantalizing glimpse of his potential this week in Las Vegas. The encore may be delayed for a few months. Gallinari sat out Wednesday's summer league game against the San Antonio Spurs because of a sore back, and he is listed as doubtful for the final three games. Although the injury is not considered serious, the Knicks want the 19-year-old Gallinari to be at full strength when he returns to the Italian national team next week for a key tournament in Europe."

"The Knicks have agreed in principle on a two-year contract to sign free-agent guard Anthony Roberson, with the deal likely to expediate the departure of Stephon Marbury, The Post has learned. Knicks president Donnie Walsh appeared to be waiting to add another backcourt player before he made a move with Marbury. And now he feels he has it in Roberson, a 6-2 combo guard who is playing for the Knicks summer-league team here and excelled in his debut, scoring 22 points, including three 3-pointers."

"A sore lower back prevented Danilo Gallinari from even attending Tuesday's practice and could keep him from playing in the Knicks' second Vegas Summer league game. "It's just precautionary," said Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni. "He'll be okay." Gallinari, the sixth pick of last month's NBA draft, complained of back pain during his debut on Monday and was forced to sit on the bench for all but three seconds in the final five minutes. Gallinari, the 6-10 Italian forward, scored 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting with six rebounds and four turnovers. He failed to score in the first half and missed his first five shots."

"Knicks rookie Danilo Gallinari can stand to eat a few canolis. In the most illustrative play of Gallinari's mixed-bag debut, Cavaliers center Tractor Traylor backed in on Gallinari and sent the 6-foot-10 small forward flying to the floor, allowing an uncontested layup in the second quarter. It was all part of a miserable first half for the 19-year-old Gallinari, who looked light as a feather and raised questions on whether he'll be overpowered on defense."

"It would be akin to a badge of honor for those Knicks players who lived through the worst of times to be around when this franchise finally finds long-lost success. Perhaps they'll hand out T-shirts that read: "I Survived the Isiah Thomas Era." David Lee, whose name has come up the most in trade rumors, probably would like to have one. "I'd love to be part of this when it turns around," Lee said, "because I've earned the right to be part of it when it turns around after all the stuff we've been through the last few years as a team." Ironically, one of the most popular and widely respected players of the Blunder Years happens to be the one most likely to be among the casualties of ..."

"Get used to the odd frontcourt alignments in the Mike D'Antoni Era. Today vs. Cleveland, Knicks summer-league coach Phil Weber will start rookie Danilo Gallinari, Renaldo Balkman and Wilson Chandler up front. That sort of center-less alignment may not bode well for Eddy Curry this season, as D'Antoni likes to be creative with his frontcourt. In fact, D'Antoni said David Lee is the one player who gives them an opportunity this season to be creative, with the Knicks coach eyeing the 6-8 forward as a potential center. Meanwhile, the Knicks will be without guard Nate Robinson for at least the first two games, as he's not due in until tomorrow."

"As Italian forward Danilo Gallinari makes his Knicks debut today at UNLV in their summer-league opener vs. Cleveland, the status of David Lee becomes murkier. Lee, the team's most popular player and among the league's best rebounders, admitted yesterday he is bracing for the worst. Lee, who arrived in Vegas Friday to work out with the summer league team, had lunch with Mike D'Antoni and the Knicks coach explained to him why his name has come up in trade talks."

"It's a long way from Milan to Caesars Palace, but that's nothing compared to dominating the summer league to becoming a top flight NBA player. Nate Robinson was the MVP of last year's Vegas Summer League, only to return to his role as a backup for a 23-win Knicks team during the real season. Danilo Gallinari's career will not be made or broken on how he performs here. This is merely a start - for the Knicks' rookie and a new regime."

"There will be change with the roster, that much is certain. How much and how soon remains to be seen. Walsh already proved he will work at his own pace when he turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers for Zach Randolph, whom Walsh had been shopping for a while. The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer."

"Q: What won't you tolerate on and off the court? A: Selfishness. That drives me crazy. Q: How about off the court? A: Selfishness. Because most players are who they are on and off the court. You do have some variance, but if you're a good guy off the court, you're usually a good guy on the court. In this business, we do have to put up with it to a certain degree, but if I can extinguish it or eliminate it, I would."

"Mike D'Antoni's offense requires a pack of thoroughbreds, so what better place for the new era to kick off than Saratoga. D'Antoni revealed the Knicks will hold their Oct. 1 training camp at Saratoga, the quaint village 30 minutes north of Albany and home to the famed Saratoga Race Course. The Knicks would stage their camp at Skidmore College, officially ending their 17-year run in Charleston, S.C. D'Antoni and Donnie Walsh felt it was time to break with tradition, considering the club has posted seven straight losing seasons."

"It's just two summer-league practices in a high school gym in the desert, but Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni sounded relieved yesterday after watching Italy's Danilo Gallinari be everything his Italian friends said he would be. In truth, a part of D'Antoni was nervous about taking the 6-foot-10 Italian Stallion without ever having seen him play live. The workout Gallinari gave the Knicks before the draft was a solo session. "Europeans are great 1 on 0 because they have all the skills," D'Antoni said. "But I saw film and talked to my Italian friends and they told me this guy is really good. He can play.""

"Stephon Marbury bounded off the Knicks' team bus at Vegas' Valley High last night - a new tattoo inscribed on his left temple. The "3" logo found on his Starbury sneaker and apparel line is now a permanent part of his bald head. Good thing the permanent tattoo ink wasn't used on his Knick jersey. Even the cocky Marbury knows he may be giving up his Knick jersey in a couple of months, with team president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni contemplating waiving him before the season opener"

"At least two Knicks guards of the past think the embattled Knicks guard of the present, Stephon Marbury, can survive the transition to the Walsh-D'Antoni Era. Walt "Clyde" Frazier and John Starks both spoke out yesterday in support of Marbury, whose future with the team is in question. Thanks to his tumultuous 2007-08 season, the arrival of new team president Donnie Walsh and new head coach Mike D'Antoni, and the signing of free-agent point guard Chris Duhon earlier this week."

"Stephon Marbury joined the Knicks â?? summer-league team for its first practice Friday, as the franchise took its first awkward steps toward the future."

"Stephon Marbury's career with the Knicks is in jeopardy and his business partner, Steve & Barry's, just filed for bankruptcy, but the Starbury sneakers will live on. Marbury was in Seattle Wednesday, striking a deal with Amazon.com to sell the cheap sneakers online, The Post has learned. However, Marbury reports because of the failing economy, the Starburys will go up in price from $14.98. Marbury told The Post that $1 of each sneaker sale will go to charities."

"Tonight, the Knicks' summer league team gathers at Las Vegas' Valley High for its first practice. The official summer league press release states Wilson Chandler, Nate Robinson, Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins headline the Knicks' squad. That can hardly be further from the truth. The headline act in Vegas is the 6-10 forward from Italy's fashion capital. Knicks fans finally get to see him play Monday against the Cavaliers on MSG Network when the club kicks off a five-game slate."

"Paul Pierce  knows all about monumental turnarounds. The year before they won the NBA title, the Celtics won just 24 games. So the NBA Finals MVP knows one move that would help the Knicks rebuild from the rubble of the Isiah Thomas Era"

"Donnie Walsh called it filling in a blank, he hailed it a major answer and yet, the signing of Chris Duhon still left the Knicks' president with a whole bunch of questions. And a whole lot of blank stares. The Knicks introduced Duhon on Wednesday, confirming they'd signed the fifth-year point guard to a two-year deal with their midlevel exception. But, as Walsh said he expected Duhon to compete for the starting role, and as the almost-26-year-old said that opportunity was why he chose the hapless Knicks' offer over an identical one from Orlando, there was no erasing the specter of the Knicks' ostensible incumbent, Stephon Marbury."

"On the day Donnie Walsh welcomed Chris Duhon to the Knicks at a Garden press gathering, the team president didn't say the magic words - that Stephon Marbury will be a member of the Knicks this season. While trying to defuse speculation Marbury is finished here, Walsh remained noncommittal on whether the point guard will be bought out. It's a saga that could drag into October's training camp. "I haven't said anything about that, not even to my confidants," Walsh said. "I haven't projected it that far. The players that are on this team are on this team."

"Jerome James may be another casualty of Donnie Walsh's purge. Donnie Walsh signed two players - Danilo Gallinari and Chris Duhon - over the last two days while reminding reporters that he has the entire summer to revamp the Knicks. Trading or releasing Stephon Marbury is one move that is expected to take place between now and training camp. Another player the Knicks are looking to part ways with is Jerome James, who earned more than $1million per minute last season. The Knicks, according to a league source, are trying to convince James to retire based on his recent medical history, which includes left knee surgery last November. James appeared in just two games last season and ..."

"The Knicks publicly insist that Chris Duhon’s arrival does not indicate Stephon Marbury ’s departure. But the team president, Donnie Walsh , said little Wednesday to dispel the notion. Walsh called Duhon, who signed a two-year contract, a “true point guard” and a “defensive-oriented” player who could “fill in some of the blanks that we had” and be “the kind of guy that coaches will rely on.” It sounded like a list of things that Marbury failed to do as the starting point guard for much of the last four years."