Carmelo Anthony To New York Knicks Depends On Anthony Randolph?
There are reports circulating that the key to bringing Denver Nuggets superstar Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks rests on Anthony Randolph.
Randolph is currently averaging just over nine minutes played, 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Randolph has a ton of untapped potential, though, which is why he is one of the top five most attractive trade pieces for the New York Knicks.
Randolph could develop into a solid player, he just has not been given the playing time yet. The long, 6’11”, 21-year-old LSU prospect was drafted in 2008 by the Golden State Warriors and projected to be the starting power forward of their future. That dream died when he was part of the trade that brought David Lee to Golden State.
Luckily for the Knicks, there is still interest in the project.
The Daily News is reporting that the Houston Rockets, among “several” other teams are currently contacting the Knicks about acquiring Randolph. The Rockets could send New York a first round draft pick, which could in turn be the key for New York bringing superstar Carmelo Anthony to New York.
The Knicks are currently on a six-game win streak behind the All-Star performances of Amar’e Stoudemire and Raymond Felton. The Knicks haven’t done this well this early in the season in what seems like forever.
Because it’s been so long since the Knicks were this good and entertaining, many are wondering if management should even risk breaking up the chemistry.
Rookie Landry Fields has been fantastic for New York.
He is averaging 10.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and one steal in just over 30 minutes played per game. Fields may have to be part of a deal for Anthony that would also include the first round pick, Eddy Curry’s expiring contract and Danilo Gallinari.
Gallinari is the biggest loss for the Knicks to acquire Anthony.
The young sharpshooter could potentially develop into the next Dirk Nowitzki once he puts on more muscle and weight and begins to bang in the paint more.
So is it worth it in the long run to keep Gallinari and see if he morphs into the superstar head coach Mike D’Antoni believes he can be?
Gallinari is averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in just under 34 minutes played per game. His numbers match last year’s averages thus far, even though his field goal and three-point shooting percentages are down a tad.
If the Knicks could acquire a player of Anthony’s superstar status, they have to do so. Anthony is an upgrade over Gallinari at the moment.
Essentially, the Knicks are just giving up Fields to acquire Anthony.
Anthony’s presence would continue to inject interest and enthusiasm back into Madison Square Garden and New York basketball, which is the ultimate goal for Knicks management and Stoudemire, as they strive to bring a Championship to New York.
