NBA Rumors: The New York Knicks desperately need to upgrade at the point guard position this summer, but won’t be interested in Jeremy Lin or Ty Lawson
There’s no question that the New York Knicks desperately need to upgrade their point guard position this summer – something tells me that the combination of Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon simply won’t cut it.
Though, in somewhat of a weak point guard free agency class this summer – with the only big fish being Mike Conley – there are still lengths that the Knicks aren’t willing to go.
For instance, signing Jeremy Lin or Ty Lawson. At least that’s what’s being reported by Marc Berman of the New York Post.
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"It’s not a strong crop of free-agent point guards, with Memphis’ Mike Conley leading the top tier. Resurgent Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony‘s choice, is next, but some in the organization believe he hangs onto the ball too much. Brandon Jennings, D.J. Augustin, Ty Lawson, Jeremy Lin, Miami’s unsung Tyler Johnson, Aaron Brooks and Mario Chalmers are also free agents. Sources have indicated the Knicks consider Lawson’s off-court issues too big a risk and Lin’s defense too gaping."
And this isn’t really much of a surprise, either. First, Lawson isn’t at the point of his career where his on-the-court value outweighs his off-the-court issues. He’s simply not that level of player anymore.
Teams – in this case the Knicks – aren’t going to be willing to roll the dice on such player. Expect to hear more of the same when it comes to Lawson’s market in free agency this summer.
As for Lin, I don’t think anyone thought he’d be welcomed with open arms in New York, either. While he endured somewhat of a career resurgence this past season with the Charlotte Hornets, there’s still that rumored awkwardness between him and Carmelo Anthony.
Whether those whispers are true or not remain to be seen. In any event, Lin still has his issues on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s not worth the risk either.
At least not for the New York Knicks.
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I’m not sure what exactly awaits New York this summer, especially with the huge elephant in the way of Carmelo Anthony’s no-trade clause still in the locker room, but I believe it’s safe to say that it’s either Mike Conley or bust for this team when it comes to free agency point guards.