12/22/24
February 16, 2004
Isiah Thomas continues to shake things up.: In a three-way deal, the Knicks move Keith Van Horn, while the Bucks get Tim Thomas and Nazr Mohammed. The Hawks got a couple picks and a couple stiffs. Who got the best of the deal and how is Isiah doing do far? Can the Knicks do anything in the postseason?
posted by wfrazerjr to basketball at 11:31 AM - 13 comments
Cezary Trybanski is now the only Caucasian left on the Knicks. In less than two months, Isiah has dumped Slavko Vranes, Maciej Lampe, Michael Doleac and Keith Van Horn - all the white players left over from the Scott Layden era. Trybanski came to New York as part of the Marbury deal, and he's on the Injured List. I'm not going to make any statements about the meaning behind this because I can't prove anything. But I wonder if anyone in the mainstream press has commented on this. I also wonder what people would say if a white GM replaced so many black players with white players over a similar period of time.
posted by Scott Carefoot at 02:07 PM on February 16, 2004
On first read, I thought you meant he had dealt KURT Thomas and I was sure NY was gonna lynch him. Van Horn was a dumb trade to begin with and cleaning house makes perfect sense to me. I'm not sure that's fair value for either team, tho.
posted by forksclovetofu at 02:30 PM on February 16, 2004
The Hawks certainly seem to be blowing up their (admittedly awful) team. So where do they go from here. A probably high draft pick and then what? They don't seriously expect to attract any impact free agents despite all the money they'll have banked do they?
posted by trox at 02:49 PM on February 16, 2004
I just want to thank all of you for typing sentences today that don't include the word "ARod." *kiss kiss*
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:02 PM on February 16, 2004
As for the Hawks, I wouldn't be so sure. Ask anyone in the NBA and you'll here that Atlanta is a pretty damned fine destination for a young star, especially one who likes to go out and get a bit crazy after hours. Helloooooo, Gold Club! I think the possibility exists that the Hawks could start landing some serious talent in the near future. It's also just as likely that they'll suck forever, however.
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:04 PM on February 16, 2004
As soon as the new ownership takes over in Atlanta, there will be some changes. They will definitely want to build around Rasheed.
posted by usfbull at 06:16 PM on February 16, 2004
Rasheed will definitely not want to be built around in Atlanta.
posted by smithers at 10:06 PM on February 16, 2004
Helloooooo, Gold Club!Helloooooo, Gold Club! To bad the Gold Club closed about 3 years ago...I think the owner was arrested for gambling and prostitution, among other charges and the Gold Club was subsequently changed over to the government's hands. I worked at Rio Bravo where five former Gold Club gals also happened to work, and it was kind of interesting to hear them talk about how he was a victim and stuff. Back to basketball, about all we've got left is Jason Terry. A good player who the fans (whats left of them) love. Now, if only the Braves would trade for ARod.
posted by jmd82 at 12:23 AM on February 17, 2004
Upon seeing some posts, previous ownership was building the franchise around Jason Terry. Good player, but not quite franchise material. Also, they traded for Rasheed to clear up more cup room for this upcoming summer as this is the last year in his contract. I'm beginning to expect a mad run at Kobe from the Hawks, though I don't see it coming to fruitition.
posted by jmd82 at 12:26 AM on February 17, 2004
To bad the Gold Club closed about 3 years ago Well, there's always the Cheetah, the Pink Pony, etc., etc., etc. But seriously, no one in Atlanta expects to see 'Sheed next year... unless the Hawks play the next. They will have a ton of money to spend though.
posted by trox at 08:29 AM on February 17, 2004
Isiah just wants to surround himself with talented malcontents, and Rasheed may be next.
posted by chmurray at 02:06 AM on February 18, 2004
Scott: whether intentional or not, it is a very perceptive insight, and at least bears watching as Thomas continues in the GM role. chmurray: Malcontents? Perhaps. But can you tell me they wouldn't be fascinating to watch next year -- and instant contenders in the East?
posted by smithers at 07:51 AM on February 18, 2004
By the way, this guy was apparently not too thrilled with the play of Thomas (Tim, that is). I think Isiah's doing everything he can to make this team better for this postseason, but I don't know about the down-the-road implications of all this. I don't think Van Horn was anything special, but I feel the same about Thomas and Mohammed.