Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald doesn't foresee any reason why point guard Jeremy Lin would not be on the team next season.
"No, not at this time," Grunwald said.
Lin a restricted free agent. Because he has only played two seasons in the NBA, the Knicks can match any offer up to $5 million.
From the sound of it, Grunwald would want to.
"We're happy with our roster. We have two guards [Lin and Landry Fields] that are restricted free agents, so we will be able to retain them," Grunwald said Friday night, during his conference call to discuss coach Mike Woodson's contract extension.
"We can keep him if we want him, and we do want to keep him, and I believe that Jeremy had a great experience here. I believe he wants to come back."
Lin missed the last 22 games of the season, including five in the first round of the playoffs, recovering from a small chronic meniscal tear in his left knee. Woodson said the point guard is now feeling "great."
"He's gone through his rehab process, so he's back running and moving, like we expected him to be," said Woodson, who will travel to Las Vegas in early July to watch Lin to participate with the USA Men's Select Team. "Our doctors did a tremendous job on the surgery and our therapy people putting things back in place. So he will be ready to go, at full go [this season]."
Lin, 23, averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 35 games last season. He sparked the Knicks' resurgence in January, when the floundering team reeled off seven straight wins.
Grunwald also addressed the Knicks' two other top free agents, Steve Novak and J.R. Smith. He said he "would love" for Novak, an unrestricted free agent, to return next season and he hopes Smith exercises his player option of $2.443 million.
Losing Smith, Lin or Fields would further deplete a Knicks backcourt that lost Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis to knee injuries in the playoffs.
"The question is: How do we fill out the rest because Baron suffered a pretty bad injury, so he's not going to be able to play next year," Grunwald said. "And Shump's going to be out for a little bit as he recovers from his injury. So we're going to have to see if we can upgrade the rest of the roster while Shump is out and to replace Baron."
Grunwald was asked about Smith's arrest Thursday night in Miami, but he didn't go into any detail about it.
"No, not at this time," Grunwald said.
Lin a restricted free agent. Because he has only played two seasons in the NBA, the Knicks can match any offer up to $5 million.
From the sound of it, Grunwald would want to.
"We're happy with our roster. We have two guards [Lin and Landry Fields] that are restricted free agents, so we will be able to retain them," Grunwald said Friday night, during his conference call to discuss coach Mike Woodson's contract extension.
"We can keep him if we want him, and we do want to keep him, and I believe that Jeremy had a great experience here. I believe he wants to come back."
Lin missed the last 22 games of the season, including five in the first round of the playoffs, recovering from a small chronic meniscal tear in his left knee. Woodson said the point guard is now feeling "great."
"He's gone through his rehab process, so he's back running and moving, like we expected him to be," said Woodson, who will travel to Las Vegas in early July to watch Lin to participate with the USA Men's Select Team. "Our doctors did a tremendous job on the surgery and our therapy people putting things back in place. So he will be ready to go, at full go [this season]."
Lin, 23, averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 35 games last season. He sparked the Knicks' resurgence in January, when the floundering team reeled off seven straight wins.
Grunwald also addressed the Knicks' two other top free agents, Steve Novak and J.R. Smith. He said he "would love" for Novak, an unrestricted free agent, to return next season and he hopes Smith exercises his player option of $2.443 million.
Losing Smith, Lin or Fields would further deplete a Knicks backcourt that lost Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis to knee injuries in the playoffs.
"The question is: How do we fill out the rest because Baron suffered a pretty bad injury, so he's not going to be able to play next year," Grunwald said. "And Shump's going to be out for a little bit as he recovers from his injury. So we're going to have to see if we can upgrade the rest of the roster while Shump is out and to replace Baron."
Grunwald was asked about Smith's arrest Thursday night in Miami, but he didn't go into any detail about it.
Earlier this month, Mike Woodson dumped agent Keith Glass and chose to be represented by Creative Artists Agency.
Woodson said Friday that CAA's business ties to the Knicks had little to do with his decision to switch agents.
"Not really," Woodson said, when asked about the CAA-Knicks connection. "After my doing my due diligence on their company, I liked what I saw and I took them on. And I'm happy about taking them on. So we'll see where it takes us."
CAA represents Knicks players Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith. It also represents Knicks executive Mark Warkentien.
Woodson hired Terry Prince from the agency to replace Glass.
Glass is the son of Joe Glass, who represented former Knicks coach Larry Brown during his stormy one-season tenure in New York. Brown, who signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Knicks, reached an $18.5 million settlement with the club after being fired.
In the midst of discussing his new contract with the Knicks on Friday night, Woodson said he wanted to "set the record straight" regarding his agent.
"I have no contract with the Glasses. I paid for my services and I elected to move on," Woodson said.
Woodson said Knicks owner James Dolan "had nothing to do with me making this decision. It was Mike Woodson's decision. I had every right to make that decision, to move on if I choose to do that."
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
Woodson said Friday that CAA's business ties to the Knicks had little to do with his decision to switch agents.
"Not really," Woodson said, when asked about the CAA-Knicks connection. "After my doing my due diligence on their company, I liked what I saw and I took them on. And I'm happy about taking them on. So we'll see where it takes us."
CAA represents Knicks players Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith. It also represents Knicks executive Mark Warkentien.
Woodson hired Terry Prince from the agency to replace Glass.
Glass is the son of Joe Glass, who represented former Knicks coach Larry Brown during his stormy one-season tenure in New York. Brown, who signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Knicks, reached an $18.5 million settlement with the club after being fired.
In the midst of discussing his new contract with the Knicks on Friday night, Woodson said he wanted to "set the record straight" regarding his agent.
"I have no contract with the Glasses. I paid for my services and I elected to move on," Woodson said.
Woodson said Knicks owner James Dolan "had nothing to do with me making this decision. It was Mike Woodson's decision. I had every right to make that decision, to move on if I choose to do that."
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
The Knicks on Friday named Mike Woodson their next coach, removing the interim tag from his job title.
The team announced that Woodson had signed a multiyear extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"I'm very humbled and honored to continue coaching the franchise where I started my NBA career," Woodson, who was drafted by the Knicks in 1980, said in a statement. "Our goal is to build off the success we had at the end of last season and to continue our quest of bringing an NBA championship to Madison Square Garden."
Woodson took over as coach of the Knicks on an interim basis when Mike D'Antoni stepped down March 14. Under Woodson, the Knicks went 18-6 and finished the regular season in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
He coached the team to a win in Game 4 of its first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, which snapped the franchise's NBA-record 13-game postseason losing streak.
For the full story, click here.
The team announced that Woodson had signed a multiyear extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"I'm very humbled and honored to continue coaching the franchise where I started my NBA career," Woodson, who was drafted by the Knicks in 1980, said in a statement. "Our goal is to build off the success we had at the end of last season and to continue our quest of bringing an NBA championship to Madison Square Garden."
Woodson took over as coach of the Knicks on an interim basis when Mike D'Antoni stepped down March 14. Under Woodson, the Knicks went 18-6 and finished the regular season in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
He coached the team to a win in Game 4 of its first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, which snapped the franchise's NBA-record 13-game postseason losing streak.
For the full story, click here.
Knicks GM Glen Grunwald said Mike Woodson was the only candidate for the team's head coaching job.
Grunwald said he never reached out to Phil Jackson or any other potential candidate during the interview process. The team announced Woodson's hiring on Friday night.
"I think Woody earned the right to be the first person we talked to and turned out to be the only person we talked to," Grunwald said.
"Obviously, there are some great coaches out there that, had we opened up the search, would have been called. Namely Phil Jackson, who was the most successful coach in the NBA history. We felt Woody was our guy and he showed it during the season and in our discussions after the season."
When Woodson first took over for Mike D'Antoni in mid-March, Jackson and Kentucky coach John Calipari were mentioned as potential replacements.
But there was no indication that Jackson, 66, would come out of retirement, and Calipari repeatedly has denied interest in leaving Kentucky. According to a source, New York was hesitant to reach out to Jackson because of his age and the hefty contract offer that it would likely take to entice him to take the job.
Grunwald said the team never reached out to Jackson -- or any other coach -- because Woodson followed up a strong performance on the bench with a strong interview.
"We told Woody he would get the first crack at the job and he hit it out of the park," Grunwald said.
Woodson, speaking on Friday night, said he wasn't concerned about Jackson.
"Tremendous coach. I know his name's been mentioned a lot, but that was not my concern," Woodson said. "My concern at the time was coaching the New York Knicks the period that I had to coach, and Mr. Dolan decided to bring me back."
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
Grunwald said he never reached out to Phil Jackson or any other potential candidate during the interview process. The team announced Woodson's hiring on Friday night.
"I think Woody earned the right to be the first person we talked to and turned out to be the only person we talked to," Grunwald said.
"Obviously, there are some great coaches out there that, had we opened up the search, would have been called. Namely Phil Jackson, who was the most successful coach in the NBA history. We felt Woody was our guy and he showed it during the season and in our discussions after the season."
When Woodson first took over for Mike D'Antoni in mid-March, Jackson and Kentucky coach John Calipari were mentioned as potential replacements.
But there was no indication that Jackson, 66, would come out of retirement, and Calipari repeatedly has denied interest in leaving Kentucky. According to a source, New York was hesitant to reach out to Jackson because of his age and the hefty contract offer that it would likely take to entice him to take the job.
Grunwald said the team never reached out to Jackson -- or any other coach -- because Woodson followed up a strong performance on the bench with a strong interview.
"We told Woody he would get the first crack at the job and he hit it out of the park," Grunwald said.
Woodson, speaking on Friday night, said he wasn't concerned about Jackson.
"Tremendous coach. I know his name's been mentioned a lot, but that was not my concern," Woodson said. "My concern at the time was coaching the New York Knicks the period that I had to coach, and Mr. Dolan decided to bring me back."
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
Rapid Reaction: Woody named head coach
May, 25, 2012
May 25
6:21
PM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
WHAT IT MEANS: After leading the Knicks to an 18-6 record, their first playoff win in 11 years and getting support at season's end from Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, it seemed pretty clear that Mike Woodson would be named head coach. He officially took the reins on Friday night.
WHY IT HAPPENED: Because Woodson got the guys to play hard every night, and they not only averaged nearly 100 points per game, but also held opponents to 91.5 points per game -- the fourth-best mark in the league after March 14, when he took over for Mike D'Antoni. Even Anthony bought in. In fact, during the Knicks' late-season surge, Melo said he was playing harder and with more energy. That had Woodson written all over it.
So how did Woody do it? With his no-nonsense approach and knowing how to deal with the players. In fact, after the season, Jared Jeffries said on ESPN New York radio that Woodson was better at handling personalities, while D'Antoni was more focused on coaching.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Knicks need some stability. The team has seen nearly 70 players come through New York in three years, and now with Woodson, it can build an identity from the top and solidify a permanent roster, at least for next season.
The biggest question mark hanging over Woodson's head: Can he institute creative enough sets that facilitate better ball movement and give Melo's teammates opportunities to score that cater to each of their strengths? Woody may need an offensive assistant, just like he was a defensive assistant for D'Antoni. That could be a big boost.
Overall, the Knicks have about seven roster spots to fill from now until training camp, so a lot of work remains. But with the support from the Big Three -- the leaders of the team -- Woodson was the best solution to build a culture in New York that demands accountability.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Vegas, baby! Vegas!
The Knicks will participate in the Las Vegas Summer League in late July.
The summer league schedule tips off July 13 and finishes on July 22. The Knicks will play five games. The complete schedule will be released at a later date.
The summer league will be pivotal for younger players such as Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson. Iman Shumpert was hoping to get some valuable time during the summer but he will be rehabbing his torn ACL and meniscus.
It's unclear if Jeremy Lin, currently rehabbing a small tear in his meniscus, will play in the summer league.
The Knicks will be among a record 24 teams to participate. They played in the event for six seasons but, like the rest of the teams in the league, missed last year due to the NBA lockout.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
The Knicks will participate in the Las Vegas Summer League in late July.
The summer league schedule tips off July 13 and finishes on July 22. The Knicks will play five games. The complete schedule will be released at a later date.
The summer league will be pivotal for younger players such as Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson. Iman Shumpert was hoping to get some valuable time during the summer but he will be rehabbing his torn ACL and meniscus.
It's unclear if Jeremy Lin, currently rehabbing a small tear in his meniscus, will play in the summer league.
The Knicks will be among a record 24 teams to participate. They played in the event for six seasons but, like the rest of the teams in the league, missed last year due to the NBA lockout.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
J.R. Smith arrested, released in Miami
May, 25, 2012
May 25
10:39
AM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
The Knicks and Miami just haven't been getting along recently.
It's where Iman Shumpert tore his left ACL and lateral meniscus, where Amare Stoudemire lacerated his left hand and where the team lost to the Heat in the first round.
Now, it's where J.R. Smith got arrested and released Thursday night around 8:30 p.m. in South Beach.
Sgt. Bobby Hernandez told ESPNNewYork.com that Smith was at 1620 Washington Avenue, the address of Fritz's Skate Bike & Surf shop. Police recognized him around 8:30 p.m. ET and knew they had a bench warrant pending against him.
According to Hernandez, Smith was not engaged in any illegal activity when he was arrested. He was then taken to a Miami-Dade County jail, where officials say he bonded out early Friday.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
It's where Iman Shumpert tore his left ACL and lateral meniscus, where Amare Stoudemire lacerated his left hand and where the team lost to the Heat in the first round.
Now, it's where J.R. Smith got arrested and released Thursday night around 8:30 p.m. in South Beach.
Sgt. Bobby Hernandez told ESPNNewYork.com that Smith was at 1620 Washington Avenue, the address of Fritz's Skate Bike & Surf shop. Police recognized him around 8:30 p.m. ET and knew they had a bench warrant pending against him.
According to Hernandez, Smith was not engaged in any illegal activity when he was arrested. He was then taken to a Miami-Dade County jail, where officials say he bonded out early Friday.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Could Johnson-Odom fill a defensive void?
May, 25, 2012
May 25
12:44
AM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
Marquette guard Darius Johnson-Odom was the most impressive perimeter defender at the Brooklyn Nets' draft combine last Saturday. He was the loudest one, calling out pick-and-roll screens and back picks, and aggressively getting up on guys and causing turnovers. His play made the GMs and scouts in attendance look at each other in mutual agreement, and then make a note.
He brought that same intensity to his individual workout with the Knicks, who have the 48th pick in the draft and lost defensive ace Iman Shumpert to a knee injury during the playoffs.
While the 6-foot-5 Shumpert can guard multiple positions, Johnson-Odom's defense could come in handy mostly against point guards -- which is still a plus because of the widespread talent at that position in the NBA. As a senior, he held opposing players to about 30 percent shooting in isolation plays, according to Synergy Sports.
After taking part in 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 drills at the Knicks' training facility with several other draft prospects -- including Scott Machado and Miles Plumlee -- Johnson-Odom sat down with ESPNNewYork.com.
Q: What were you trying to prove out there today?
A: I know what the Knicks need, so I came in with a defensive mindset. With Iman being out, with Baron [Davis] being out, I know that they need somebody who can step up and play D. Everybody knows I can score the ball; that's the least of my worries. But I want to be a player that impacts the team on defense. That's going to be my main focus throughout these workouts. If that means me playing seven minutes in the league and guarding the best player, that's what I'm willing to do.
Q: What's your defensive approach on the court?
A: Always talking, communicating. ... I'm very physical, try to be aggressive on that end -- just try to make it hard on the offensive player. I use my athletic ability. I have a pretty decent wingspan, so I just try to use it as much as possible.
Q: Are there any defensive players in the NBA who you look up to?
A: Young players. Iman was one player that I thought changed the game for the Knicks with his height, his wingspan, his strength, his speed. He was just an incredible defender. He had a huge impact on the team. I haven't gotten to meet him, but hopefully soon.
Q: Anything on the offensive side you want to work on?
A: When I was talking to Allan Houston, a great guy, he said I can play in this league, but he wants me to work on not over-dribbling. I'm going to take that into consideration because he was a great player.
Q: Are you close with former Golden Eagles Steve Novak and Dwyane Wade?
A: I just saw Novak and we were out there kicking it around, so me and Novak are real close. I talk to Dwyane Wade every once in a while. Of course, I'm close with [Bulls forward] Jimmy Butler. We're a big family, man. We usually go back to school for camps and just hang out with each other, because we know we can get in the gym whenever we want. I'm glad to be an alumni of Marquette.
Q: As you watch the NBA playoffs, the highest level of basketball, what do you take away that may help your game?
A: There are a lot of young players in the playoffs, a lot of athletic players, so you see a lot of transition offense. You can't take bad shots; you've got to be patient on offense, take care of the ball. Defense, you're not getting any more easy shots, I'll tell you that. It's not the regular season any more. A lot of guys are making it tough on guys to even catch the ball. You can see how physical the play is, see how much guys really want it, getting into each other's faces. That's the type of player I like. I've been in battles, so I know what it feels to be playing in that type of moment.
Q: What do you enjoy off the court?
A: At the pro level, you don't really hang with your teammates as much, but I love hanging with my teammates. I'm always in the gym trying to work on my game. Movies. I'm a silly guy. I might take it very serious on the court, but off the court, man, I'm probably one of the most talkative, silliest guys you're going to meet. I'm always trying to make people laugh, so they can just try to enjoy their day. That's the type of person I am.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
He brought that same intensity to his individual workout with the Knicks, who have the 48th pick in the draft and lost defensive ace Iman Shumpert to a knee injury during the playoffs.
While the 6-foot-5 Shumpert can guard multiple positions, Johnson-Odom's defense could come in handy mostly against point guards -- which is still a plus because of the widespread talent at that position in the NBA. As a senior, he held opposing players to about 30 percent shooting in isolation plays, according to Synergy Sports.
Jamie Rhodes/US PresswireDarius Johnson-Odom
After taking part in 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 drills at the Knicks' training facility with several other draft prospects -- including Scott Machado and Miles Plumlee -- Johnson-Odom sat down with ESPNNewYork.com.
Q: What were you trying to prove out there today?
A: I know what the Knicks need, so I came in with a defensive mindset. With Iman being out, with Baron [Davis] being out, I know that they need somebody who can step up and play D. Everybody knows I can score the ball; that's the least of my worries. But I want to be a player that impacts the team on defense. That's going to be my main focus throughout these workouts. If that means me playing seven minutes in the league and guarding the best player, that's what I'm willing to do.
Q: What's your defensive approach on the court?
A: Always talking, communicating. ... I'm very physical, try to be aggressive on that end -- just try to make it hard on the offensive player. I use my athletic ability. I have a pretty decent wingspan, so I just try to use it as much as possible.
Q: Are there any defensive players in the NBA who you look up to?
A: Young players. Iman was one player that I thought changed the game for the Knicks with his height, his wingspan, his strength, his speed. He was just an incredible defender. He had a huge impact on the team. I haven't gotten to meet him, but hopefully soon.
Q: Anything on the offensive side you want to work on?
A: When I was talking to Allan Houston, a great guy, he said I can play in this league, but he wants me to work on not over-dribbling. I'm going to take that into consideration because he was a great player.
Q: Are you close with former Golden Eagles Steve Novak and Dwyane Wade?
A: I just saw Novak and we were out there kicking it around, so me and Novak are real close. I talk to Dwyane Wade every once in a while. Of course, I'm close with [Bulls forward] Jimmy Butler. We're a big family, man. We usually go back to school for camps and just hang out with each other, because we know we can get in the gym whenever we want. I'm glad to be an alumni of Marquette.
Q: As you watch the NBA playoffs, the highest level of basketball, what do you take away that may help your game?
A: There are a lot of young players in the playoffs, a lot of athletic players, so you see a lot of transition offense. You can't take bad shots; you've got to be patient on offense, take care of the ball. Defense, you're not getting any more easy shots, I'll tell you that. It's not the regular season any more. A lot of guys are making it tough on guys to even catch the ball. You can see how physical the play is, see how much guys really want it, getting into each other's faces. That's the type of player I like. I've been in battles, so I know what it feels to be playing in that type of moment.
Q: What do you enjoy off the court?
A: At the pro level, you don't really hang with your teammates as much, but I love hanging with my teammates. I'm always in the gym trying to work on my game. Movies. I'm a silly guy. I might take it very serious on the court, but off the court, man, I'm probably one of the most talkative, silliest guys you're going to meet. I'm always trying to make people laugh, so they can just try to enjoy their day. That's the type of person I am.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Melo, Chandler make All-NBA third team
May, 24, 2012
May 24
3:57
PM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler were named to the All-NBA third team, announced by the NBA on Thursday. The All-NBA teams were chosen by a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Joining Anthony and Chandler were Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Dirk Nowitzki.
The first team features LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, and the second team is headlined by Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Andrew Bynum, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook.
Anthony garnered one first-team vote, while Chandler had none.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Joining Anthony and Chandler were Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Dirk Nowitzki.
The first team features LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, and the second team is headlined by Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Andrew Bynum, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook.
Anthony garnered one first-team vote, while Chandler had none.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
When Jeremy Lin's agent, Roger Montgomery, said earlier this week that he doesn't have "assurances" from the Knicks that his client will be back with the team, perhaps Goran Dragic has something to do with that.
Lin and Dragic are viewed as the most attractive young point guards in the 2012 free-agent class -- and Dragic appears to be the clear favorite in NBA front-office circles.
ESPN New York asked six GMs which player they would choose to be their starter now and for the future, and all of them picked Dragic. Lin's and Dragic's averages were nearly identical as starters -- 18.2 points, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals over 25 games vs. 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.8 steals over 26 games -- but GMs and scouts compare Dragic a bit more to Steve Nash, especially because he grew under the tutelage of the two-time MVP in Phoenix from 2008 to '11.
While Lin is the favorite to sign with the Knicks, don't count out the Rockets' Dragic. Even his agent, Rade Filipovich, thinks the Knicks would be a "first-class organization" for his client.
To find out more about the point guards' similarities and differences, ESPN New York consulted with a veteran NBA scout from the Eastern Conference and another from the West. Their insights about the two players were nearly in agreement.
Attacking (Advantage: Lin) -- When Lin penetrates, he's able to get lower and keep his defender out of position. "[Legendary coach] Bob Hurley Sr. always used to say, 'The low man wins, whatever sport it is,'" one scout said. "Defensively, you can't get into your stance well enough. Lin, for his size and height, is pretty impressive at being able to get low to the ground and keep his balance."
Competitiveness (Even) -- One scout was impressed with Lin's game-winner in Toronto on Valentine's Day, saying, "When you have the confidence in yourself and ability to make those shots, that's big." Regarding Dragic, another scout was taken aback by a move he put on Jamaal Tinsley in Novemer 2009, saying, "For him to go right back through Tinsley's legs, after he did it to him, was impressive. It proved to me his fight and how skilled he is."
Craftiness (Advantage: Dragic) -- While Lin has a nice left-to-right crossover, Dragic is quicker and has more lethal moves: a spin, crossover, double cross, behind-the-back and even a "Dream Shake" like Hakeem Olajuwon. "Dragic will drive baseline and then fake up, get the defender in the air and then he'll come back the other way and lay the ball in with the other hand," one scout said. "You can call it the Dragic Shake."
Finishing (Advantage: Dragic) -- They have the ability to take contact near the basket and kick the ball out to a teammate or score themselves. Dragic is slightly more explosive at the rim. Also, this past sesaon the heavier minutes impacted Lin's finishing ability. "I think his stamina was down because he was basically a backup guy playing about 35, 40 minutes," one scout said. "Stamina is definitely a factor, especially when teams are trying to trap more."
Hands (Advantage: Dragic) -- Both have quick hands defensively and play passing lanes well. On offense, the lefty Dragic can finish better with his opposite hand. Also, being a southpaw gives him a slight edge. "I think when there's a sudden change, whether it be a reserve coming into the game or maybe he gets switched on to someone who doesn't normally guard him, there's that instinct you're expecting a right-handed guy," one scout said.
Pick-and-roll (Even) -- They have a bit of Chris Paul's ability to change speeds and directions utilizing screens in pick-and-roll situations. "They can walk their defender into a screen and then explode off the screen," one scout said. "They have the ability where they actually can speed up into the screen and yet still get their defender on their back. They've got a lot of good thrust coming off the screen and then the ability to sink their teeth into the defense."
Shooting (Even) -- They're not great 3-point shooters. "They're both around 33 percent from three," one scout said. "That's still good to me, but when you have guys like Steve Nash shooting usually above 40 percent from three, that kind of raised the bar. If you get a point guard that's up around 37, 38 percent, that's really impressive. The consistency in their 3-point shooting is where you want to see a little bit of an improvement."
Transition (Advantage: Dragic) -- Not only does Dragic put pressure on the halfcourt defense, but he also constantly does it full court. "The thing that struck me was his knowledge of getting the ball inbounds, getting it up the court quickly and attacking," one scout said. "He put pressure on the defense in terms of as soon as the ball went through the hoop, he got the inbounds and he was pushing it right back at you. One of the best guys at that is Steve Nash."
Overall, both scouts said ball control is the biggest reason why Dragic is the better player right now. Lin's turnover rate was a reason for concern last season.
Will Lin -- a restricted free agent and the driving force behind the Knicks' midseason resurgence -- return to New York?
"The Knicks almost can't let Lin go," one scout said. "They would piss off so many fans. Barring something really odd, I think they have to bring him back. In the Knicks' situation, I don't think Dragic would ever fly."
Now, if Lin is granted Early Bird Rights in mid-June, the Knicks would still have a mid-level exception of $5 million to spend on someone else. That could be Dragic, who would likely get the starting nod over Lin in New York. The question is: What will Dragic's asking price be? Insiders predict he'll be in higher demand than Lin.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Lin and Dragic are viewed as the most attractive young point guards in the 2012 free-agent class -- and Dragic appears to be the clear favorite in NBA front-office circles.
ESPN New York asked six GMs which player they would choose to be their starter now and for the future, and all of them picked Dragic. Lin's and Dragic's averages were nearly identical as starters -- 18.2 points, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals over 25 games vs. 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.8 steals over 26 games -- but GMs and scouts compare Dragic a bit more to Steve Nash, especially because he grew under the tutelage of the two-time MVP in Phoenix from 2008 to '11.
While Lin is the favorite to sign with the Knicks, don't count out the Rockets' Dragic. Even his agent, Rade Filipovich, thinks the Knicks would be a "first-class organization" for his client.
To find out more about the point guards' similarities and differences, ESPN New York consulted with a veteran NBA scout from the Eastern Conference and another from the West. Their insights about the two players were nearly in agreement.
Attacking (Advantage: Lin) -- When Lin penetrates, he's able to get lower and keep his defender out of position. "[Legendary coach] Bob Hurley Sr. always used to say, 'The low man wins, whatever sport it is,'" one scout said. "Defensively, you can't get into your stance well enough. Lin, for his size and height, is pretty impressive at being able to get low to the ground and keep his balance."
Competitiveness (Even) -- One scout was impressed with Lin's game-winner in Toronto on Valentine's Day, saying, "When you have the confidence in yourself and ability to make those shots, that's big." Regarding Dragic, another scout was taken aback by a move he put on Jamaal Tinsley in Novemer 2009, saying, "For him to go right back through Tinsley's legs, after he did it to him, was impressive. It proved to me his fight and how skilled he is."
Craftiness (Advantage: Dragic) -- While Lin has a nice left-to-right crossover, Dragic is quicker and has more lethal moves: a spin, crossover, double cross, behind-the-back and even a "Dream Shake" like Hakeem Olajuwon. "Dragic will drive baseline and then fake up, get the defender in the air and then he'll come back the other way and lay the ball in with the other hand," one scout said. "You can call it the Dragic Shake."
Finishing (Advantage: Dragic) -- They have the ability to take contact near the basket and kick the ball out to a teammate or score themselves. Dragic is slightly more explosive at the rim. Also, this past sesaon the heavier minutes impacted Lin's finishing ability. "I think his stamina was down because he was basically a backup guy playing about 35, 40 minutes," one scout said. "Stamina is definitely a factor, especially when teams are trying to trap more."
Hands (Advantage: Dragic) -- Both have quick hands defensively and play passing lanes well. On offense, the lefty Dragic can finish better with his opposite hand. Also, being a southpaw gives him a slight edge. "I think when there's a sudden change, whether it be a reserve coming into the game or maybe he gets switched on to someone who doesn't normally guard him, there's that instinct you're expecting a right-handed guy," one scout said.
Pick-and-roll (Even) -- They have a bit of Chris Paul's ability to change speeds and directions utilizing screens in pick-and-roll situations. "They can walk their defender into a screen and then explode off the screen," one scout said. "They have the ability where they actually can speed up into the screen and yet still get their defender on their back. They've got a lot of good thrust coming off the screen and then the ability to sink their teeth into the defense."
Shooting (Even) -- They're not great 3-point shooters. "They're both around 33 percent from three," one scout said. "That's still good to me, but when you have guys like Steve Nash shooting usually above 40 percent from three, that kind of raised the bar. If you get a point guard that's up around 37, 38 percent, that's really impressive. The consistency in their 3-point shooting is where you want to see a little bit of an improvement."
Transition (Advantage: Dragic) -- Not only does Dragic put pressure on the halfcourt defense, but he also constantly does it full court. "The thing that struck me was his knowledge of getting the ball inbounds, getting it up the court quickly and attacking," one scout said. "He put pressure on the defense in terms of as soon as the ball went through the hoop, he got the inbounds and he was pushing it right back at you. One of the best guys at that is Steve Nash."
Overall, both scouts said ball control is the biggest reason why Dragic is the better player right now. Lin's turnover rate was a reason for concern last season.
Will Lin -- a restricted free agent and the driving force behind the Knicks' midseason resurgence -- return to New York?
"The Knicks almost can't let Lin go," one scout said. "They would piss off so many fans. Barring something really odd, I think they have to bring him back. In the Knicks' situation, I don't think Dragic would ever fly."
Now, if Lin is granted Early Bird Rights in mid-June, the Knicks would still have a mid-level exception of $5 million to spend on someone else. That could be Dragic, who would likely get the starting nod over Lin in New York. The question is: What will Dragic's asking price be? Insiders predict he'll be in higher demand than Lin.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Source: NY would be No. 1 on Odom's list
May, 23, 2012
May 23
9:22
PM ET
By Ian Begley | ESPNNewYork.com
What's next for Lamar Odom?
There's no easy answer there.
The Mavs will attempt to trade Odom before June 29. Any team that has Odom on its roster by that date will be responsible for paying him the $2.4 million in guaranteed money he's owed next year.

If Dallas can't get rid of Odom in a trade, it will likely waive him and be responsible for paying Odom his guaranteed money. That's something Dallas would obviously rather avoid.
If the Mavericks are forced to waive Odom, he would become a free agent. In that scenario, the Queens native would likely be looking at a significant pay cut from the $8.2 he was scheduled to make this season.
Would he be interested in coming to New York at a discounted rate?
A source with knowledge of Odom's thinking says yes. The source says the Knicks would be "on the top of his list" if Odom became a free agent.
"Lamar is big on being comfortable," the source said. "And New York is somewhere he can be comfortable."
It makes sense that Odom would be open to a return to New York.
His versatility -- interior scoring and rebounding in particular -- would be of great value in the Knicks' second unit. He proved in Los Angeles that he can thrive off the bench in a supporting role on a team with stars in its starting five. Odom helped the Lakers win two titles in that role.
Of course, there's a risk involved with bringing Odom in -- even at the veteran's minimum or mini mid-level.
Odom had a rocky season in Dallas after being traded by the Lakers. The Mavs kept him on the inactive list for the final nine games of the regular season in an effort to sever ties while retaining the ability to trade him.
Though Odom's stint in Dallas was heavy on drama, it was light on production. He averaged career lows of 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes.
The source close to Odom says that he's eager to put the experience past him. He has started offseason workouts already, with eyes on an Olympic roster spot and with the motivation to prove that he's a better player than the one who struggled through last season.
"It definitely won't be the fiasco that it was last year," the Odom source said of the 13-year veteran's approach to 2012-13. "He wants to find a place where he can end his career, and New York is ideal. He's won championships in the past and he wants to win another. And to do it there would be great."
Do you think the Knicks should pursue Odom -- either in a trade or as a free agent? Or do you think they should stay away, based on what happened with him last year?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
There's no easy answer there.
The Mavs will attempt to trade Odom before June 29. Any team that has Odom on its roster by that date will be responsible for paying him the $2.4 million in guaranteed money he's owed next year.

Glenn James/NBAE/Getty ImagesLamar Odom
If the Mavericks are forced to waive Odom, he would become a free agent. In that scenario, the Queens native would likely be looking at a significant pay cut from the $8.2 he was scheduled to make this season.
Would he be interested in coming to New York at a discounted rate?
A source with knowledge of Odom's thinking says yes. The source says the Knicks would be "on the top of his list" if Odom became a free agent.
"Lamar is big on being comfortable," the source said. "And New York is somewhere he can be comfortable."
It makes sense that Odom would be open to a return to New York.
His versatility -- interior scoring and rebounding in particular -- would be of great value in the Knicks' second unit. He proved in Los Angeles that he can thrive off the bench in a supporting role on a team with stars in its starting five. Odom helped the Lakers win two titles in that role.
Of course, there's a risk involved with bringing Odom in -- even at the veteran's minimum or mini mid-level.
Odom had a rocky season in Dallas after being traded by the Lakers. The Mavs kept him on the inactive list for the final nine games of the regular season in an effort to sever ties while retaining the ability to trade him.
Though Odom's stint in Dallas was heavy on drama, it was light on production. He averaged career lows of 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes.
The source close to Odom says that he's eager to put the experience past him. He has started offseason workouts already, with eyes on an Olympic roster spot and with the motivation to prove that he's a better player than the one who struggled through last season.
"It definitely won't be the fiasco that it was last year," the Odom source said of the 13-year veteran's approach to 2012-13. "He wants to find a place where he can end his career, and New York is ideal. He's won championships in the past and he wants to win another. And to do it there would be great."
Do you think the Knicks should pursue Odom -- either in a trade or as a free agent? Or do you think they should stay away, based on what happened with him last year?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
The pivotal arbitration showdown between the NBA Players Association and the NBA over the Bird Rights of waived players is expected to take place in mid-June, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
The result of that hearing will be of utmost importance for the Knicks.
At issue is whether a player obtained off waivers can retain his Bird Rights with the team that acquired him. The Knicks picked up both Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak off of waivers.

Bird Rights are exceptions that allow teams to exceed the cap to re-sign their own players.
Teams can sign a player using the Bird exception if the player was with them for some or all of each of the prior three consecutive seasons. The Early Bird rights apply to players who played for the team for some or all of each of the prior two consecutive seasons.
The union is arguing that waived players should be able to retain their Bird Rights with their new team, just as traded players do.
The league says a player's clock should be reset once he is acquired off of waivers.
If the arbitrator rules in favor of the union, it will allow the Knicks to exceed the salary cap to re-sign both Lin and Novak, because they would be eligible for "Early Bird" rights.
If the arbitrator rules in favor of the league, it becomes more difficult for the Knicks to retain both Lin and Novak.
In this scenario, the Knicks will be able to match any offer made the Lin, but they will need to use their mid-level exception to do so.
Using the mid-level on Lin would hamper the Knicks' efforts to re-sign other players or lure other free-agents.
If they use the mid-level on Lin, that would leave the bi-annual mid-level exception or the veteran's minimum as the most likely offers for Novak.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
The result of that hearing will be of utmost importance for the Knicks.
At issue is whether a player obtained off waivers can retain his Bird Rights with the team that acquired him. The Knicks picked up both Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak off of waivers.

AP Photo/Haraz N. GhanbariSteve Novak and Jeremy Lin were crucial to the Knicks' midseason resurgence.
Teams can sign a player using the Bird exception if the player was with them for some or all of each of the prior three consecutive seasons. The Early Bird rights apply to players who played for the team for some or all of each of the prior two consecutive seasons.
The union is arguing that waived players should be able to retain their Bird Rights with their new team, just as traded players do.
The league says a player's clock should be reset once he is acquired off of waivers.
If the arbitrator rules in favor of the union, it will allow the Knicks to exceed the salary cap to re-sign both Lin and Novak, because they would be eligible for "Early Bird" rights.
If the arbitrator rules in favor of the league, it becomes more difficult for the Knicks to retain both Lin and Novak.
In this scenario, the Knicks will be able to match any offer made the Lin, but they will need to use their mid-level exception to do so.
Using the mid-level on Lin would hamper the Knicks' efforts to re-sign other players or lure other free-agents.
If they use the mid-level on Lin, that would leave the bi-annual mid-level exception or the veteran's minimum as the most likely offers for Novak.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
Tyson named to all-defensive second team
May, 23, 2012
May 23
3:56
PM ET
By Ian Begley | ESPNNewYork.com
AP Photo/Lynne SladkySeriously? Tyson Chandler, Defensive Player of the Year, didn't make the all-defensive first team.
But he wasn't good enough to make the NBA's all-defensive first team.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that Chandler was voted to the all-defensive second team.
Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka was the forward on the first team. Dwight Howard was the center.
Some felt Ibaka, based on his outsized statistics (3.65 blocks per game) deserved to win Defensive Player of the Year.
But Chandler won the award, based largely on his impact this year on the defensively-challenged Knicks.
In 2010-2011, the Knicks finished 21st in defensive efficiency, a measure of opponents' points scored per 100 possessions. This season, in Chandler's first with the team, New York finished fifth in defensive efficiency.
But why would Chandler win Defensive Player of the Year and not be named to the first team all-defense?
A select group of media votes on the Defensive Player of the Year. The NBA's all-defensive teams are voted on by NBA coaches.
Chandler wasn't the first Defensive Player of the Year to be named to the second all-defensive team.
Alvin Robertson (1986) and Dikembe Mutombo (1995) were also defensive players of the year on the second all-defensive team.
SHUMP GETS VOTES: Knicks guard Iman Shumpert established himself as one of the league's top perimeter defenders in his rookie season.
Along the way, he apparently impressed a few NBA head coaches.
Shumpert garnered four first-team votes and five second-team votes, for a total of 13 points. He was four points, or two first-place votes, shy of making the second team all-defense.
You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.
Information from ESPNNewYork's Jared Zwerling was used in this report.
Should NYK have considered Van Gundy?
May, 23, 2012
May 23
3:28
PM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
When the Knicks entered the playoffs after having won 18 of their last 24 games under Mike Woodson, many questions thrown at the interim head coach sounded like, "Do you think you deserve to be in New York full-time?"
Since the Knicks' season has ended, it's become increasingly clear that Woodson will likely be named the team's next head coach for a few years. It appears that no other sideline boss was contacted. Many fans would've liked to have seen the organization take more of an interest in Phil Jackson, but that doesn't appear to have happened. Now some are wondering, Why not Stan Van Gundy?
Here are some reasons why Van Gundy, who was fired on Monday by the Magic, was not a candidate for the Knicks' job:
When Van Gundy was in Orlando, he stressed three types of shots on offense: layups, free throws and three-pointers. Why? Because he said those were the most efficient ways to put points on the board. With an offense centered around Dwight Howard and with long-distance shooters surrounding him (Hedo Turkoglu, Ryan Anderson and Jason Richardson), Van Gundy's philosophy was maximized.
What Van Gundy didn't like were midrange jumpers, especially because if they were going to take a shot, he preferred a three-pointer for building a bigger lead on the opponent. Well, guess what? Carmelo Anthony is a midrange jumpshooter, and that's who the Knicks' offense will be run through for the next three years while he's under contract in New York.
While Van Gundy could find Anthony's play out of the post a benefit at times, Melo at his best is an isolation player from the wing. SVG has had most of his success coaching around a dominant big man: Shaquille O'Neal in Miami (from 2004-06) and then Howard in Orlando (2007-12). In addition to their different game styles, Van Gundy and Anthony's opposite personalities had the makings of combustion. While Melo is laid back, SVG is temperamental. Over time, that seemed to get to Howard, who's like Anthony.
On the other hand, Woodson is a Melo-friendly coach, and he holds players accountable on defense just as well as Van Gundy does. The question is whether Woodson can institute creative sets that facilitate better ball movement and give Melo's teammates opportunities to score that cater to each of their strengths?
Perhaps one of the biggest areas where Van Gundy could've helped the Knicks is with player positioning and getting his guys to play with pace without stalling the ball too much. For example, he allowed Jameer Nelson to play his game in transition. In addition, he enabled Turkoglu to flourish as a point-forward. If Jeremy Lin and Anthony can work off each other in the same way, the Knicks will see more daylight on offense.
While Van Gundy probably isn't the best fit for the Knicks because of how the core of the roster is currently constructed, he probably wouldn't have wanted the job anyway. After dealing with all of the drama in Orlando this past season off the court, mostly with Howard, do you really think he would've wanted to come this quickly to New York, the biggest city for theatrical moments? I'd say he needs a breather.
What are your thoughts? Leave us your comments below.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
Since the Knicks' season has ended, it's become increasingly clear that Woodson will likely be named the team's next head coach for a few years. It appears that no other sideline boss was contacted. Many fans would've liked to have seen the organization take more of an interest in Phil Jackson, but that doesn't appear to have happened. Now some are wondering, Why not Stan Van Gundy?
Here are some reasons why Van Gundy, who was fired on Monday by the Magic, was not a candidate for the Knicks' job:
When Van Gundy was in Orlando, he stressed three types of shots on offense: layups, free throws and three-pointers. Why? Because he said those were the most efficient ways to put points on the board. With an offense centered around Dwight Howard and with long-distance shooters surrounding him (Hedo Turkoglu, Ryan Anderson and Jason Richardson), Van Gundy's philosophy was maximized.
What Van Gundy didn't like were midrange jumpers, especially because if they were going to take a shot, he preferred a three-pointer for building a bigger lead on the opponent. Well, guess what? Carmelo Anthony is a midrange jumpshooter, and that's who the Knicks' offense will be run through for the next three years while he's under contract in New York.
While Van Gundy could find Anthony's play out of the post a benefit at times, Melo at his best is an isolation player from the wing. SVG has had most of his success coaching around a dominant big man: Shaquille O'Neal in Miami (from 2004-06) and then Howard in Orlando (2007-12). In addition to their different game styles, Van Gundy and Anthony's opposite personalities had the makings of combustion. While Melo is laid back, SVG is temperamental. Over time, that seemed to get to Howard, who's like Anthony.
On the other hand, Woodson is a Melo-friendly coach, and he holds players accountable on defense just as well as Van Gundy does. The question is whether Woodson can institute creative sets that facilitate better ball movement and give Melo's teammates opportunities to score that cater to each of their strengths?
Perhaps one of the biggest areas where Van Gundy could've helped the Knicks is with player positioning and getting his guys to play with pace without stalling the ball too much. For example, he allowed Jameer Nelson to play his game in transition. In addition, he enabled Turkoglu to flourish as a point-forward. If Jeremy Lin and Anthony can work off each other in the same way, the Knicks will see more daylight on offense.
While Van Gundy probably isn't the best fit for the Knicks because of how the core of the roster is currently constructed, he probably wouldn't have wanted the job anyway. After dealing with all of the drama in Orlando this past season off the court, mostly with Howard, do you really think he would've wanted to come this quickly to New York, the biggest city for theatrical moments? I'd say he needs a breather.
What are your thoughts? Leave us your comments below.
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Carmelo Anthony
|
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Rebounds | T. Chandler | 9.9 | ||||||||||
| Assists | J. Lin | 6.2 | ||||||||||
| Steals | I. Shumpert | 1.7 | ||||||||||
| Blocks | T. Chandler | 1.4 | ||||||||||






