Jared Zwerling

  (11:59 AM)

Let's go guys ... Look forward to your questions.

Matt (CT)

According to an article I read today, it appears that Patrick Ewing is no longer considered a candidate for the Charlotte HC job. Considering that Jordan is running the franchise into the ground, could it possibly be a 'blessing in disguise' that Ewing's first HC job isn't with this NBA Titanic?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:02 PM)

Yes, the reports said Jordan told him he is no longer in consideration. It might be a "blessing in disguise" as you call it, but I don't think Ewing is thinking that way. It sounds like he just wants a head coaching job, wherever it is. He said on ESPN New York radio yesterday that "I'm sending out my resume to everybody." I think wherever he ends up, he'll be happy. Some bottom-feeder team may give him a shot because he's Ewing, after all, and he'll likely demand the respect of his players. But do I think he'll land a head coaching job for next season? No.

Rodney (Jerzey)

Any chance we get Jamal crawford back?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:02 PM)

Doubt it. Too expensive.

Deven (New York)

Hi Jared. With Boston potentially rebuilding this summer, will the Knicks take over the Atlantic Division?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:04 PM)

If the Celtics' Big Three don't come back next season, there's no excuse if the Knicks don't, especially if they basically have the same roster as last season. They did, after all, finish the season 18-6. That's a very positive sign for what's to come. They just need some tweaks on offense obviously and Carmelo needs to become a more complete payer next season -- the best he's ever been on both ends of the floor. While Philly will be right there with New York, the Knicks are better on paper. Coaching is critical next season.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think that the New York Knicks will select in the 2012 NBA Draft?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:07 PM)

It's hard to really know who the Knicks like. They've only had about three pre-draft workouts so far and they haven't had any in about three weeks. That makes me think there's someone they really want to get or they haven't been pleased with what they've seen. But these are some guys I think they'll like to land with the 48th pick -- and I like, too -- (in no particular order): Scott Machado, Jae Crowder, Darius Johnson-Odom, Yancy Gates, Kim English and Tomas Satoransky.

JEFF (WEST PALM BEACH FL)

I know the Knicks will be able to sign Lin, will they also be able to sign Novak and J.R. Smith? I would love to see Novak and Smith backing up Amare and Carmelo. What do you think?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:08 PM)

Yes, I think Smith will opt in and Novak will re-sign for the bi-annual exception of $1.98 million, especially because I don't see the players' union winning the Early Bird Rights case.

dsull (po town)

wh is going to be the Knicks starting SG on opening night???

Jared Zwerling

  (12:08 PM)

I think Landry Fields and then Iman Shumpert should take over in January if his recovery goes according to plan.

Al(nj) [via mobile]

Who are they knicks looking to sign besides the free agents they have,i think r.felton,along with lin would be nice

Jared Zwerling

  (12:11 PM)

No names have bluntly come out yet. Realistically, these are some of the guys who could be in consideration: Gary Neal, Jonny Flynn and Nate Robinson (point guards); Anthony Parker, Grant Hill, Mickael Pietrus, Randy Foye and Shannon Brown (shooting guards); Lamar Odom, Kenyon Martin and Maurice Evans, whose agent is the same as Jeremy Lin's (forwards); and Marcus Camby (center). Foye, Brown and Camby are probably the least likeliest because they'll likely fetch more money. Raymond Felton said at some point recently that he wouldn't mind coming back to New York, but I think he'll be too expensive for now. Same with Andre Miller and Jason Kidd.

Danny (Bronx, NY)

Is the fact that we haven't heard the decision on Novak/Lin a good sign for the Knicks??

Jared Zwerling

  (12:13 PM)

No, not necessarily. Even before the hearing started, the decision wasn't going to be made quickly. The timing was one to two weeks. I still think the players' union (which means the Knicks as well) will lose their case. NBA salary cap expert Larry Coon thinks so, too. He said the current CBA is clearly worded in this regard. In addition, David Stern believes the league will win.

Paul (Cedar Grove)

With the Knicks only armed with a mid second round pick, lacking tradeable assets, and have already used the maximum 3 million dollars that can be put into a trade (Turiaf trade with Washington) this year, safe to say its going to be a quiet draft night for the Knicks?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:15 PM)

I'd say yes. Keep in mind, though, that's it's a deep draft 20 to 50 -- arguably one of the deepest drafts ever. I think the Knicks can find some value at pick No. 48 for next season and beyond. The Knicks may look to shop around Toney Douglas and Jerome Jordan for a higher pick, however. But I think most of the Knicks' action will start on July 1 with signings and so forth. They may shop around Landry Fields as well at that point, but I see him returning. The Knicks honestly don't have a lot of jump-out-at-you trade bait, and the Big Three isn't going anywhere -- at least that's how it stands for now.

Alex (Anaheim)

What's your favorite NBA city outside of NY?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:17 PM)

I don't really have a favorite, but I would say the downtown LA area where Staples Center, LA Live and the convention center are is action-packed. It's like a little mini NBA city. Definitely fun. But I can see why Boston is a hotbed for the NBA obviously. Their fans are ridiculously loud in the arena and it's like there's another arena right outside. There's a whole strip of bars across the street from the TD Garden filled with Celtics fans. They definitely make their presence felt there.

JJ (NY)

As good as he can take a charge and as hilarious he can look underneath the basket when passed the ball, is Jared Jeffries and his bad knees worth bringing back to the bench next season?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:18 PM)

Yes, I think so. For 15 to 20 minutes a night, for sure. When he's in the game, he has such a positive influence on defense. With that said, the Knicks would love to find a younger version of Jeffries, but with their limited offseason funds, I don't see that happening. Of course, Lamar Odom would help, though. Or even Kenyon Marin.

Brian (Brooklyn)

Our main hole to fill if we do get bird rights with Lin and Novak are? I say we get Odom, backup pg, and possibly Ray Allen. Your thoughts?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:20 PM)

I agree with you mostly, except do you really see Ray Allen coming here for the veteran's minimum? He'll get a higher offer with either the Heat or Clippers, for example. Not to meintion, the Heat have LeBron and D-Wade and the Clips have Chris Paul -- all great penetrators and distributors. Jeremy Lin is on his way, but not there yet. Allen just played several years with Rajon Rondo; he'll definitely want to play with the best possible floor general he possibly can.

Brenden (NY) [via mobile]

Do u know anyone that the knicks are highly pursuing this offseason or even making trades to get a higher draft pick?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:23 PM)

Four guys who I think the Knicks would like to get in the late first round include: Jeffrey Taylor, John Jenkins, Doron Lamb and Moe Harkless, whose repped by the same agent as Amare and Shumpert. Maybe even Fab Melo, who went to Syracuse. How about two Melos? That would be surreal. But how realistic to trade up? I'm not so sure.

Smooth (The Bell)

Right now, gun to your head, predction of the Knicks starting 5 on opening night?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:23 PM)

Lin, Fields, Melo, Stoudemire and Chandler.

Nick (Hell's Kitchen, NYC)

Why bring in an "Offensive Assistant" if the Knicks still own Mike D'Antoni's playbook from last year? I'm sure Woodson, and his Assistants remember enough of the plays and offense to mix it up with isolations, no?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:24 PM)

Even if the playbook is still around, you can't compare that to having the actual offensive assistant there with your team all the time in person.

Hector (Bushwick)

Are the Knicks in trouble if they lose Steve Novak and JR Smith to Free Agency? I know they've both said they love it here, but so did Shawne Williams last year. Money talks. Losing would be a big blow.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:26 PM)

It's a big blow if both leave. Novak obviously became the league's best 3-point shooter last season. As for Smith, his roughly $2.5 million player option doesn't go towards the cap if he leaves.

Nick (Hell's Kitchen, NYC)

Are the Knicks working out any more 2nd Round prospects? I haven't heard anything in at least a week about Knicks workouts.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:26 PM)

Good question. I spoke with the Knicks earlier this week. They're planning to have a couple more workouts. As for which players, I'm not sure.

Ronnie (Canarsie)

Can Jerome Jordan land the Knicks another second round pick? Toney Douglas?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:27 PM)

I think the Knicks would prefer to use Jordan and Douglas as bait to jump higher in the draft, no question. Both players have developed rather slowly. The Knicks would prefer to have an immediate contributor, like Fields and Harrellson were.

Rodney (Jerzey)

I like eddie jordan as a potential o.c. - The princeton offense would be perfect for this team, just like the 02 sacramento kings used to run. Who's your favorite pick from your like of potential o.c?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:29 PM)

My top two are Mike Budenholzer and Jay Triano. Triano is the most realistic.

Brian (Jersey)

Are you optimistic about the Bird Rights case for the Knicks?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:29 PM)

Not really. See my answer to a similar question earlier in the chat.

Zach (Bronx, New York)

Do you see any possible chance the Knicks try to make a push into the late lottery or mid 1st round? So many teams are wanting to deal there picks. If yes, what do you see them offering?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:29 PM)

Yes I do. See my answer to a similar question earlier in the chat. Let me know if you have a follow-up question. Thanks!

Ronnie (Canarsie)

Do people really believe the Knicks issues were coaching problems? Put any coach on the sidelines, and your defense will get better with Shumpert and Tyson Chandler on the floor. That's just common sense, just like, no coach is going to make Melo and Stat fit well together on offense and defense and on the boards. The Knicks have a personnel problem, not a coaching problem.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:33 PM)

They do need some tweaks on offense. I'm afraid that Woodson may be a bit too traditional to win the big game. I know the Knicks were down men in the playoffs with their injuries, but they do need to develop more creative offensive schemes than isolation-heavy basketball. I think the full training camp ahead will definitely benefit the Knicks. That's another reason why Grunwald re-signed Woodson and why he may not change the roster all that much. They're looking for stability and they want to build on their 18-6 finish.

Chad (Charlotte)

Any chance Amare will be traded before season starts? Also, with Shumpert o out, who do you see as starting SG?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:35 PM)

No, I don't see Amare getting traded. I do believe Amare will have a solid bounce-back year. Others I've spoken to around the Knicks believe the same thing. The shortened season hurt many players, including Amare. He's a beast in the training room and prepares well. I expect him back at it this summer and he's still fairly young. I don't see too much reason to doubt him right now. The bigger question is the Knicks' offense, of course, but that sometimes takes a year or two to develop. I think they're on their way.

TONY (CT)

Bosh looked good since coming back from injury esp in the rebounding department. Also brings more intensity than amare. AMARE or BOSH...who you got?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:37 PM)

I'd still take Amare. He's more physical, more intense and has a slightly better midrange jumpshot. Finally in Game 2, Bosh was the most physical I've seen him be in a long time.

Nick (NYC)

I am actually confident that if the Knicks are smart they will be able to sign a few nice additions, regardless of the Bird Right?s outcome. There are some guys out there who may be solid contributors they can get with their cap situation. What are your predictions for how their roster looks next season? Who do you see them realistically adding?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:39 PM)

I definitely agree. See my answer to a similar question earlier in the chat. Let me know if you have a follow-up question. Thanks!

KG (New York)

Do you have any info about Landry's off season training? Do you think he gets that his shooting is abysmal and is inexcusable for next season for a starter? I was hoping he would hire someone like Jeremy's shooting couch who seems to have really helped him.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:46 PM)

Landry's out on the West Coast in the Long Beach area. He usually heads out there (his hometown) every offseason. He did shoot really well during his rookie season, so there is some promise he can get back to that level.

Miguel (Queens)

Tony Wroten is a high risk/reward PG who may slip to the second round. Do you think the Knicks pull the trigger if he's there at 48? They have nothing to lose and everything to gain at this point in the draft right? Why not swing for the fences?

Jared Zwerling

  (12:52 PM)

He's definitely projected to go higher, so if he's there, I think you definitely have to consider him. Wroten will immediately be, at the very least, a solid playmaker and slasher. But his shot really needs work. With the pick-and-roll so prevalent in today's game, that's a big risk to have on the court.

Moshe (NY)

Could the Knicks trade Douglas for late first round pick? We could pick up Scott Machado to go along with Lin. Sign Novak with a veteran's minimum, Ray Allen with the bi-annual exception, and Lamar Odom with another veteran's minimum.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:55 PM)

Sure, the Knicks could look to trade Douglas and Jordan to get into the late first round. Allen will likely demand more than the vet's minimum, from what I've been told. Novak will likely take the bi-annual exception. Odom is a good possibility at the vet's minimum.

Jared Zwerling

  (12:57 PM)

Guys, thank you for your questions and insights. Always great! You can reach me on Twitter @JaredZwerling

Jared Zwerling

  (1:20 PM)

Guys, the chat was actually from Noon to 1 p.m. ET. The page had a time mistake. Sorry! For any questions, thoughts, etc., hit me on Twitter @JaredZwerling ... Thanks!