(Big C) On draft night the New York Knicks drafted two scorers and not one point guard. This can only be a good sign for Knicks point guard Toney Douglas.

So much has been about the Knicks looking for a point guard and now it looks like Toney Douglas could in fact be the Knicks starting point guard for next season.

The legendary Walt Frazier spoke about Douglas saying, “he's been working hard.” When asked about the chance of him starting next season Frazier said, “he wants it, he's been training for it, now he has to come and get it.” In other words, the job is his if he can show what he has improved on and prove that he really wants it.

At the end of last season we saw Toney Douglas looking good playing the point and running the show. However, during the last few games he lost his starting spot to Chris Duhon.

It's hard to tell if Mike D’Antoni was making a statement about Douglas' game or if he just wanted to showcase Chris Duhon since Duhon was playing his last few days in a Knicks uniform. Besides that, we have seen Toney Douglas play pretty good under pressure at the point guard spot.

Fans saw Toney Douglas playing in tough situations and come out strong For example; the game against the Nuggets when Douglas hit the big shot in the clutch. He also showed that he has good ball control. He rarely turns the ball over. This is a good asset for a point guard.

Other advantage of Tone Douglas playing the point guard is he has already had a year to study what Mike D’Antoni wants out of the position and he showed last year that he is willing to apply his skills at the point.

At the end the season we saw Douglas pushing the ball as well as playing the halfcourt offensive. At the close of last season Toney Douglas still had room to improve on his passing and running the pick and roll. For most teams a point guard running the pick and roll might not be important. However, to coach Mike D’Antoni the pick roll is essential.

It is the Knicks best play. Douglas not being able to perfect the pick and roll could have been the reason Toney Douglas did not get playing time in the beginning of the year. In Douglas' last interview he said during the off-season he would focus on learning to run the pick and roll and different passing drills.

Patience is the key element missing from Douglas running the pick and roll. He needs to let the play develop instead of just going through it quickly. Douglas could certainly obtain those skills and, according to Walt Frazier, he has been working out every day to improve his game.

Besides just working out Douglas has been studying the NBA's best point guards. “Douglas is a student of the game” Frazier said.

If the Knicks are able to get a player like a Joe Johnson or Lebron there is no reason not to think Douglas could not start at point. Like Walt said, the job is his he just has to step up and claim it.

(Big C) If Chris Bosh is not available Amar'e Stoudemire should be the Knicks next option. He is probably the best scoring big man in the league. However, two things that concern me when I think about the Knicks signing Amare and those are his injuries and his poor rebounding for a big man.

I think with Amare's athletic ability he should at least be pulling down 10 plus rebounds a game. He also has to step up in the man-to-man defense area. However, I see him improve his defense last season.

Overall getting Amare would be huge. Right now there is no one in the league that can contain him. Plus he already knows how to be effective in Mike D's system.

Whether if the Knicks go to the halfcourt offense or the conventional run and gun offense Amare is a beast scoring either shooting the midrange shot or driving off the dribble.

Amare is one of the few players left in the league that can drop 40 plus points on any given night with ease. We can talk about Lebron, Kobe, Wade all you want but Amare puts in work on the offensive end.

Name any big man in the league and I will tell you that Amar'e has gone off on them and that includes Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Paul Gasol..... Here are the positive and negative effects of having Amare on the Knicks:

Positives:

1. He can take over a game and be a go to guy that the Knicks are lacking.

2. His midrange shot is as good as any big man in the game and probably most guards.

3. He can create his own shot. This is very important for a team that lacks players that can create for themselves.

4. He can pass out of the double team with and is one of the best passing big men.

5. Amare takes high percentage shots and knows when to shoot or pass.

6. He can block shots. For years the Knicks have lack a player that can block shots. Amare can be that guy the Knicks have been looking for.

7. He knows how to be effective in the halfcourt with the post up game or running with the pick and roll.

8. He can run with the best of them on the fast break.

9. He has a good feel for the game of basketball and decision making.

10. Most importantly he already knows Coach Mike D'Antoni and how to be successful in his system.

11. The Knicks would have a chance to have a top NBA player on their team.

12. If healthy he can be one of the top scoring leaders in the league.

Negatives:

1. He is not a good rebounder for a guy with his size and athletic ability.

2. He has a tendency to pick up easy fouls.

3. He may ask for a huge contract that may hurt the Knicks from getting future players if things do not work out.

4. He gets injured too much. The season before last he only played 53 games and has had major surgeries before. If he gets injured again he might turn out to be damaged goods. We do not need to see another Antonio McDyess.

One postive is Amare was healthy last season.

Overall Amare on the offensive end is better than Bosh because he can not be stopped. The problem is Amare really only plays one end of the court compared to Bosh playing both ends of the court.

If the Knicks sign Amare this could be either a slam dunk move or airball depending on Amare's health. I would not mind having either player on this team because it is clear that we need a low post presence and shotblocker on this team.

(Big C) As the off-season continues there will be many new players added to the Knicks roster as well as five players from last year’s team who are expected to return. One of those players is Eddy Curry.

In recent years Eddy Curry has not been in the best condition. Last season he was injured for almost the entire season. Not to mention his player value has taken a dip like never before.

Last season every time Curry made attempts at a comeback on the court he was hit with another injury. Another reason Curry did not play much was because Mike D’Antoni did not feel Curry could make a contribution to the team. There were many games that Curry was ready to play and Mike D’Antoni did not even look his way to get playing time.

That being said, on the positive side, Curry did lose weight last season. Also, in the few games Curry did play last season we saw him scoring in the paint with ease. Regardless of how you feel about Eddy’s production last year, he wants to get on the court more than anyone.

The upcoming year is Eddy Curry’s final contract year. I’m sure there is no one more disappointed with Eddy Curry’s performance in the last few years than Eddy Curry himself. Curry wants a payday and to become a solid player again. In order for that to happen he must play great in the 2010-11 season.

We have already heard about Eddy Curry has been contacted by Lebron to workout this off-season which is a plus. This should come at no surprise since Eddy Curry and Lebron James share the same agent. If anyone can motivate Curry and inspire him as far as working out it is Lebron James.

Curry getting in shape is not an impossible task. He lost weight before, i.e. last season and the season before he left the Bulls. Aside from his injuries, the real heart of the matter is his ability to maintain his weight loss at his ideal size.

One person that has been on Eddy Curry’s side throughout his struggle to comeback to being a dominate force is Donnie Walsh. Donnie Walsh still feels that Curry can still be an impact player in this league.

Let’s face it, there are not too many dominate centers in this league. Especially ones that can drop close to 20 points a game and draw double teams the way Curry did in the 07 season. That was the same year where Curry even looked like he could give Dwight Howard a run for his money.

If Eddy Curry returns and plays ¾ of the way the did under Isiah I think he would be a solid contributor on the Knicks team; especially if the Knicks are able to get Lebron James or Chris Bosh.

So little has changed over the years in the NBA. A big body in the middle can still be useful. Despite Curry being injured and having problems off the court, he stills has skills offensively that can’t be touched. He has post-up moves from his jump hook, to his spin move going baseline to taking his opponents off dribble for a guy his size. If he is in shape he can get up and down the court.

As of right now, Eddy Curry is not going anywhere. So if the Knicks do get two superstars and sign some veterans it is very possible that Eddy Curry could be the center the Knicks have been looking for. If not Eddy Curry is still an expiring contract that the Knicks can use mid season before the trading deadline.

With many teams looking for contract relief Curry’s contract could be what a team needs to get rid of a big contract.

At the end of the day Curry still has value because:

1. He can be a dominate force in the middle which the Knicks are looking for
2. He can help the Knicks win games and take pressure off other players on offense
3. He is a real center which is a position that the Knicks do not have.
4. He has an expiring contract that has value that teams needing cap relief can use.
5. If all else fails, this is the last year and of Curry’s contract. His contract will be coming off the books at the end of 2011.

Overall, If Curry plays well this season he can help the Knicks win games. Even if Curry does not play well his expiring contract has value if the Knicks want to trade for a better player with a big contract.

At the end of the day why waste time rooting against Curry? He could be the key to the Knicks gettng a good player for years to come. Whether he becomes that player or he is traded to bring that player. At the end day we will see what Curry brings to the table next season.

The #NY 3 LEBRON movement was inspired by Jason and Corey Grant, 12-year old twins living and playing basketball in the Bronx who wanted to do something special to get LeBron to play for the Knicks.

With encouragement from their parents, and an introduction to some of their parents' friends, a grassroots committee of Knicks-loving kids and fans was formed to make some magic happen.

There was Cory, a huge Knicks fan who works in marketing, Michael and Tom who work in creative technology, and then there was Lindsay, MC, Stephanie, Hess, Chuck and Aaron, who all love making cool things real. And as the ideas started to flow, things started to get done.

Together – the kids, their parents, their friends, and the friends of friends of friends – made it all happen. In a week. This Facebook Fan page for Jason and Corey. A website to track the love coming from all the New York kids and fans (NYHeartLeBron.com). And probably our favorite part: one-of-a-kind, custom-built LeBron Buttons that are being put up in gyms and courts and special places around our great city as fast as we can build them.

The goal of all of this is a simple, but important one: Show LeBron the real love of New York’s kids and fans to get him here.

To help them out, you can:

This Saturday, June 19th at the South Street Seaport, the Sprite Slamdunk Showdown is gearing up to find the best amateur dunkers in the area and taking them to compete against other non-pro, non-collegiate dunkers across the country.  If you are a dunker or know someone who can throw it down please submit a video of yourself dunking or tell your friend to submit their video to NBA.com/dunk.

If you're not a dunker but you love "criticizing" the art of dunking then log onto NBA.com/dunk.  Online dunks fans will be able to help select the winners from each event as well as the top videos submitted to At NBA.com/dunk. Top dunkers will win cash prizes and have a chance to compete at the NBA All-Star weekend in 2011.

I can't wait to check out NBA.com/dunk for the good, bad and ugly dunks.  But of course nothing beats seeing some of this stuff first hand.  No doubt I will be at the Sprite Slamdunk Showdown in person this coming Saturday 19, 2010.  Hope to see you there.

Don’t forget, to participate as a contestant or to vote online go to http://nba.com/dunk.

Also, for more information on the Slam Dunk Showdown go to...

(Big C) As Lebron James waits for July 1, 2010 he and his team (friends) will have to decide where he will play next season. This summer Lebron will be the most sought after superstar he NBA history. Here is a breakdown of Lebron’s options for next season:

Chicago

I don’t think Lebron James will play for the Bulls but I would not rule it out just yet. If he joined the Bulls he would be playing on a better team than he is currently on.

The Bulls have Derrick Rose who is one of the best point guards in the league. Besides Rose the Bulls have the young up and coming Joakim Noah, who steadily makes progress.

That being said, I find it interesting that think people feel Lebron would be scared to come to Chicago because he would have to compete with Michael Jordan’s legacy.

I think the media is more concerned with this than Lebron or the fans. In baseball, fans are concerned with a player’s legacy. This really isn’t the case in football or basketball.

Even right now many Bulls occasionally think of Jordan. Basketball fans are more concerned about the current state of their team.

When Kevin Garnett won a title no one said he is no Kevin McHale. When Shaq won a title in L.A. no said he is no Wilt Chamberlain. The truth is Lebron will always be compared to Jordan as long as he is in the NBA and remains to play at a superstar level.

It does not matter if Lebron is playing in Alaska he will still be compared to Jordan. Let’s face it, Lebron is one of the best scoring and dominating players we have ever seen on the court. Being compared to Jordan is a given regardless if he comes to Chicago or not.

After all, if Jordan is the best player ever to play basketball, being in Jordan’s shadow is not a bad thing. Another point in Chicago’s favor is that if Lebron does go to Chicago he’d have a chance to select who coaches his team.

The downside for Chicago is that Lebron’s earning potential in Chicago will never compare to being in New York.

The Lebron to Bulls Probability: 20%

New York

If Lebron came to New York he would be bigger than life. Even Derrek Jeter and Mayor Bloomberg would have to take a backseat to Lebron. Lebron’s ideal situation is to become a legendary billionaire.

In New York reaching that goal would be a short distance away. Lebron could get ownership of franchises, guest appearances on everything from SNL to The Tonight Show. Lebron’s face would be all over the city. Hell, he might as well start thinking of names for his own talk show and restaurant chains.

Don’t forget Lebron’s “team” of friends are all lawyers, agents, and marketing execs. They too would elevate their respective practices in the financial capital of the world. Lebron would be the new face of Wall St.

Knicks

There is no other city in the world that can compare to winning a championship in New York. Lebron would literally be on top of the world.

If Lebron James joined the Knicks along with two other superstars winning a championship would be very possible. After watching the playoffs in recent years it is clear that you need two to three or even 4 stars in order to win. No one can do it by themselves. So if the Knicks want Lebron they will have to sign one of the following players with Lebron: Wade, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, or Amare Stoudemire .

If not they would have to find star talent the following year like Carmelo Anthony. For the Knicks to win a title with Lebron he would need a solid starting lineup and great bench. Even if the Knicks are only able to get Lebron and re-sign David Lee they would still be one of the better teams in the East.

Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, David Lee, Bill Walker, and Toney Douglas would be a good start. Lebron’s presence on the court would elevate the status of every player on the team… and Lebron knows it.

As far as Knicks fans are concerned, if the Knicks get Lebron and make the playoffs we will be content.

The Lebron to Knicks Probability: 45%

Nets

When was the last time you traveled to Newark New Jersey to watch a Nets game? Nets have talent with Harris, Lopez, and maybe even John Wall if he gets drafted but then what?

Lebron going to the Nets would be as exciting as attending bingo night at the local retirement home. I do not believe Jay-z is even a factor. Jay-z being Lebron’s friend has nothing to do with it.

If anything Lebron would want to be his own man not a player for Jay-z. Besides, if anyone thinks the city of Cleveland is un-glamorous try being stuck in Newark for 3 years. Lebron won’t see the bright lights of Brooklyn for another 3 years when the Nets relocate.

The Lebron to Nets Probability: 3%

Cleveland

There is a strong chance he might just stay in Cleveland. He might feel the pressure of abandoning the people of Cleveland who depend on Lebron not just for entertainment.

Lebron brings in money and jobs for the people of Cleveland. You’ve heard the expression “Money Makes the World Go Around”. Well for Cleveland it’s “Lebron Makes the City Go Around.” That being said there is nothing for Lebron to come back to. Shaq is on his last leg.

The Cavs are not under the cap so they cannot pick up a superstar free agent. Not to mention his supporting cast does not deliver in the playoffs. If Lebron returns you can expect him to be eliminated in the first or second round of the playoffs next season too.

The only real Cleveland advantage is that they can offer more money than any of the other teams.

The Lebron in Cleveland Probability: 25%

Miami

It sounds great to have Wade and Lebron on the same team. However, can two mega superstars of this magnitude really happen? Really how many times have you seen Superman and Batman team up together?

I think Lebron and Wade playing together on the Olympic team and an annual All-star appearance are enough for both players. Lebron and Wade have had their own independent identities which would make it difficult to generously share their franchise status with someone else.

If Lebron goes anywhere he is going to want to a city of his own and not feel like a visitor in someone else’s house.

The Lebron to Miami Probability: 7%

July 1, 2010 is fast approaching. We at From the Baseline.com will be adding a “Lebron Countdown” clock shortly.