Briefing: April 9
Knicks play final road game, Hezonja on point, Frank's pep talk, and more!
Good Morning,
Knicks travel to Chicago to play their final road game of the season. Otto Porter (shoulder) and Zach LaVine (thigh) have been ruled out for the game, while Kris Dunn (back) is doubtful. Noah Vonleh (ankle), Allonzo Trier (calf), Kadeem Allen (concussion), and Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) are out for the Knicks.
Hezonja on point: David Fizdale says he plans on keeping Hezonja at the point guard position for the team’s final two games. The Croatian has had two of his best games of the season (career?) as the Knicks’ lead ball-handler.
Others interested: Marc Berman reports that a handful of contenders asked about Hezonja at the trade deadline.
Free agent value: There’s a big difference between wanting to take on an expiring contract in Hezonja for a playoff push and wanting to sign him to a long-term deal this summer. I’m not sure what the market will be for the former lottery pick, but don’t let the past few games distract you from the larger sample size. Hezonja is shooting 30 points below what he shot last season. His three-point shot is connecting at a career low rate of 27.8%. And he is turning the ball over as much as he dishes out an assist.
Frank Ntilikina received a pep-talk after the Knicks’ loss to Houston. Knicks scout Makhtar Ndiaye, who scouted Ntilikina in the French League, gave Frank a 15-minute pep talk outside the locker room in Houston last week.
Trade buzz: Marc Berman thinks the Knicks could deal the French guard for a draft pick (and resulting cap space) on draft night. If the Knicks land the top pick and sign two max free agents, they might need some extra wiggle room to bring back a player like Allonzo Trier. It will be an interesting last few weeks of June.
Keep the Durant/Irving rumors coming:
The belief is that Durant will only join the Knicks if another high-level free agent agrees to sign with the Knicks as well. [The Athletic]
So sure are some executives and player agents of a Durant-Irving pairing in New York that one agent told The Athletic that Durant and Irving are debating on who will sign first. [The Athletic]
MUST READ: Playing defense in the NBA isn’t easy in 2019, but the Knicks are historically bad by Mike Vorkunov
Los Angeles native David Fizdale on the death of rapper Nipsey Hussle:
“It’s really really unfortunate that this stuff is still happening in my neighborhood. I know a lot of people that know the guy, know that kid. He had a huge impact on the community. We all grew up around that same area and I know basketball’s a big part of his young life. It’s just really unfortunate that a young life, a young talent like that is taken from the community.” [Ian Begley]
Remember when…
April 9, 2002: Patrick Ewing plays one last time at Madison Square Garden. Orlando brought him back on the court for the final few minutes. He grabbed a rebound, took one last shot, and received praise from the crowd. (Vivek Dadhania with more)
April 9, 2013: Knicks clinch first Atlantic Division title since 1993-94 with a 120-99 rout of the Wizards at the Garden, extending the club’s winning streak to 13, the third longest in franchise history. Knicks tie franchise record with 20 made three pointers on 36 attempts.
April 9, 2006: Jamal Crawford pours in a game-high 31 points to key a 101-86 comeback win at Boston, capping a 3-1 Knicks week in which Jamal earns Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
April 9, 1972: Knicks win in Baltimore 106-82 to grab a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
April 9, 1971: Knicks take 2-0 series lead in Eastern Conference Finals with 107-88 victory over Bullets.
April 9, 1947: Knicks win first playoff series in franchise history, defeating the Cleveland Rebels 93-71 in the deciding Game Three of the Quarterfinals. Bud Palmer scores 26 points and Stan Stutz adds 25 points to lead the way.
NBA Buzz
Kyle Korver reflects on racism, white privilege. (Read more)
Lonzo Ball chooses CAA as new representation. (Read more)
Thanks for reading, talk to you tomorrow!