Sep

9

Randolph Could End Up In Memphis; Walsh Ponders Deal

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Trades 

The human mind works in strange and mysterious ways. Here is a perfect example; when ever I think of New York Knicks controversial power forward, I automatically think of Spike Lee. Yes, that Spike Lee, celebrated film director, and avid New York Knicks fan. Why do I associate the director of “Do The Right Thing“ and many other superb films with Randolph? It all stems from an interview Lee did on the night of the 2007 NBA Draft. On that night former Knicks Team President Isiah Thomas traded for the former member of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Lee was in the crowd in New York where the draft was taking place. Soon after the trade was announced, a reporter interviewed Lee who was ecstatic about the trade. In his mind, the acquisition of Randolph was going yo put his beloved Knicks into the NBA Post Season.

By mid-season of the 2007-2008 campaign, any talk of the playoffs had vanished. Randolph had worn out his welcome with the Knicks, and the fans in the “Big Apple“.  Randolph along with Stephon Marbury, and center Eddy Curry were perceived as malcontents, and did nothing to stop the New York season from becoming an effort in futility.

At the end of the regular season Knicks CEO James Dolan, apparently shook off the magic spell that Zeke had him under the last few years. Although Thomas is still employed by the team he had been relieved of his duties as Team President, and head coach. It is now up to new Team President Donnie Walsh to try to get the Knicks back to being a contender again in the NBA.

Tuesday “Newsday” reported that talks have heated up between the Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies that would send Randolph to Memphis in exchange for Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric. The holdup in the deal is that the Grizzlies also want a Knicks first round draft pick, and Walsh is reticent to give it up. If I am Walsh I make this deal before somebody can advise Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace to pull the offer off the table. Although Milicic has never lived up to expectations, Jaric is a quality guard. Even more importantly though the Knicks get rid of a player who has a reputation for being a cancer in the locker room, and clear salary cap space. This is the perfect example of addition by subtraction! So Donnie, bite the bullet give up the first round pick and make the deal. As far as Chris Wallace goes, Wallace spent the entire off-season earning back respect after the Gasol trade to the Lakers last season. The acquisition of Randolph, could sink Wallace’s reputation once again, and this time for good.

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