12 Comments
Jul 28, 2022Liked by Tommy Beer

It’s been a while since I’ve been this entertained by an article—great writing!

I generally agree on who has/will have hand. However, I think there’s a chance the Knicks’ bargaining position could get worse relative to other teams. For now there is no one that can offer anything similar, but that could change quickly if someone like OKC decides it’s time to compete now by trading for a star. Also, if DM takes a step to 30 ppg, it’s conceivable the asking price could even increase. These are probably less likely than the possibilities you noted, but my scenarios would not surprise me either.

The demand by Ainge is probably just too high, so the Knicks should probably decline based on that, but I wouldn’t count on the pressure shifting in the Knicks’ favor to get a deal done later.

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Jul 28, 2022Liked by Tommy Beer

Brilliantly written!

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Tommy Beer

As a fan I wouldn’t be devastated if we didn’t land Mitchell, but I would be if we lost picks and young talent to obtain him. Obi, Grimes, Cam and Deuce should be off the table if they want picks. Picks and talent is not the way, it’s better to hold that hand for later usage on a better deal.

Also, contrary to popular opinion, I think Dolan has changed and will not meddle anymore. I don’t think he would be that upset at Leon Rose for not landing Spida. There is other fish in the sea. Yes, Leon was hired to bring talent, which he has by getting us our much needed PG, J. Brunson. I hope he got a bonus for that signing because we cleared up cap room to sign someone and this time they actually signed with us in the off-season. Rose is a magician with acquiring picks, making trades and drafting low. He rectified our last years failed signings into more draft capital and look who we have drafted late 1st and 2nd round, IQ, Grimes and Simms, all rotational players. He moved down to get them all.

Dolan knows he’s going to get killed in the media over anything he does and why he has learned to stay away. We haven’t heard anything from him since Leon got there. Am I right? He hates the NY media and that’s why they were not even allowed at their last two press conferences (Sorry, Tommy Boy, lol). Jimmy Dolan is not the same governor as the one when we got Melo and why I don’t think we are going that route again, meaning giving up draft capital and young talent to acquire a superstar and then be crippled for a decade. I really hope this is his logic moving forward.

Great article btw love the juxtaposition with Seinfeld, I remember that episode.

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Any article that quotes Seinfeld is okay in my book!

On the Knicks and “hand,” I think you are right about leverage being on Ainge’s side right now. However, I am not sure it changes before, during or after training camp. Mitchell has three seasons left on his deal. If Ainge wants to, he can wait two years, easy. Would the new coach be handicapped? sure. Would Mitchell be unhappy? most likely. I just don’t think Ainge cares. The only way the Knicks get “hand,” is if Mitchell opens his mouth and expresses his displeasure. Doesn’t have to be now, as he is probably giving Ainge space to do a deal now. But if training camp rolls around, and Ainge has not budged from his original ask despite Mitchell playing along, then Mitchell might be mad enough to go public.

If Ainge does not become more reasonable, as much as I want the Knicks to get Mitchell, I would not want them to give up that haul.

And heck, maybe it’s better to give Brunson some time to establish his leadership position and role on his new team.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by Tommy Beer

Another good article Tommy. Thank you.

My quibble is you said "The Knicks need a superstar. Period."

The holdup is that Mitchell is a star but not a superstar. If Ainge had a young superstar (e.g. 1st team All-NBA level Giannis, Booker, Tatum, Luka, Jokic) -- we should be willing to give up whatever we need to give up. But, at this point, I think most Knicks fans understand that Mitchell is in the top 15 - 25 range. So, we would still need a real #1 after getting Mitchell. That's why I think most Knicks fans understand we want Mitchell and won't mind a bit of an overpay. But, they will be unhappy if we give up everything. If we lose out on Mitchell, Leon can just leak what his best offer was and so long as it was not a low ball, I think most fans will understand.

I think Dolan is capable of understanding the distinction between star and superstar as well.

Also, Dolan is benefiting from receiving luxury tax payments instead of paying them.

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