Matt Bonner is not especially outstanding but he can shoot the three and defend inside, two commodities that are scarce in the Association. Will he play much for San Antonio? If Bonner’s shooting well, he’s another target for Tim Duncan to pass to out of the double team. I think he’s too limited offensively (off the bounce) and defensively (against quicker 4s) compared to the current Spurs line-up. If it’s true that Gregg Popovich wants to play a smaller line-up, this trade is an excellent start; Big Shot Rob can’t last forever. Isiah Thomas got his wish and Larry Brown …
The New York Knicks Are Bad
Recently, the New York Knicks acquired Steve Francis from the Orlando Magic for Anfernee Hardaway and Trevor Ariza. On the surface, it seems like Orlando got a great deal. Digging deeper – and watching the performance of the Knicks – it seems like Orlando got a great deal. I’m under no illusions that the Ariza-Milicic front line will win any titles but they aren’t in salary cap hell for years to come. If I were playing Risk with Isiah Thomas, I’d ask him to trade me Ukraine, which is strong (unlike New York’s D), for Madagascar. Steve Francis can theoretically …
A Bad Trade for Both Teams
The Raptors traded Jalen Rose, a first round pick, and cash to the Knicks for Antonio Davis. Wayne Embry commented that it’s helpful to have cash room when rebuilding. Not to disparage Embry, but that’s in a situation when players want to play for your team. If players don’t like playing in Toronto, the Raptors need talent to rebuild. I would be surprised if there is a large free agent signing this summer and it may have been a better idea to wait and trade Rose for younger players next year. Larry Brown said that the Knicks needed a veteran …