More Moves for the New York Knicks: Raymond Felton and Timofey Mozgov
The Knicks have been extremely busy post-LeBron fallout. In a matter of 3 days, they have acquired 5 news players: 3 from the Warriors in a S&T for Lee , Bobcats PG Raymond Felton, and now a young 7-1 center from Russia, Timofey Mozgov.
Felton, a tough slashing PG vows 'to make everybody better' but also gives the Knicks flexibility to go after Chris Paul in 2012. Felton signed to a 2 year deal, expiring just in time for the courtship of CP3. The upsides of Felton are not to be overlooked though. Felton is a cerebral PG, and will work the pick and roll well with Amar'e. He is in his prime and is coming off one of his best seasons in which he helped the Bobcats clinch their first ever playoff birth. He's solid from 18-20 ft out and can slash.
Timofey Mozgov. Russian Center. 7-1. 24 years old. Tremendous upside to this pickup. Mozgov is a great inside-outside guy. He can intimidate in the middle and due to a Russian philosophy for young centers, has not logged any serious minutes. Most importantly, the Knicks now have a true center. Above 7 feet tall, this will alleviate Ama're from having to bang with every NBA big on a nightly basis.
What's more impressive about the Knicks dealings since July 1 is how young they are now. Besideds Eddy Curry, Amar'e is the oldest player on the team. It will be interesting to see how Galo, Chandler, Douglas, Randolph, and the two new rooks will develop. There is now potential and hope that the Knicks may be better than on paper.
But, if all else fails, the Knicks, with the expiring contract of Curry, will have enough cap space in 2011 to court Melo - a much needed scorer. And on top of that, 2012 and the signing of CP3 or Deron Williams. NYK was shut out this year from acquiring LBJ and DWade, but things are looking up as the Knicks could be major players in the East for 2012.
