Listen to the Knicks Sports Desk as they talk about players in the draft that would be good for the Knicks to draft.

If you have not heard yet the Knicks have signed D-League player Chris Hunter according to NBA.com.

NEW YORK, April 14, 2009 – The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent forward/center Chris Hunter has been signed to a contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed. Hunter, a member of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, became the 24th GATORADE Call-Up of the 2008-09 NBA Development League season.- NBA.com

Chris Hunter averaged 19 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a game in the D-League playing for the Mad Ants. Hunter stands at 6'11 and weighs 240 pounds.This is not a major move by Donnie Walsh but it is a good move. It looks like Donnie Walsh is trying to evaluate as much talent as he can from the D-League. Signing D-League players right now will pay off in the long run. Even after the draft, there will be players that will go un-drafted by NBA teams. With Donnie Walsh evaluating most of the talented right now from the D-League it will be make life easier for him when it comes to selecting players for the summer league and next years team.

Who will be going and who will be staying? That is the question. With the Knicks finishing with a bad record you can expect that there will to be a major shake up within this team.
The last month was a disaster. The Knicks players acted as if they were forced to do their jobs or maybe they knew the writing was already on the wall. With this current roster I only expect the following players to return next year.

Wilson Chandler

It seems like every post game report from Mike D’Antoni has started and ended with complements to Wilson Chandler’s production on the court. That alone should tell you Chandler is a key player in the Knicks future. So don’t expect him to go anywhere.

Jared Jeffries

His contract does not end until 2011 so I don’t think he is going anywhere. Jeffries’ strength is his defense and most players that are in demand are players that are offensively talented, or players that block shots and get steals. None of those are characteristics of Jeffries.

Eddy Curry

Curry is coming off his worst season in the NBA plus his contract does not expire until 2011 like Jeffries. With Curry being out of shape and having a contract that does not expire anytime soon I do not expect Curry to go anywhere. See you next season Curry.

Danilo Gallinari

Gallinari showed signs that he could be helpful when he does return. The kid can flat out score and is one of Mike D’Antoni’s favorites. Gallinari has a cheap contract plus he is talented so he is here to stay for now.

Chris Duhon
As much as Duhon finished the season stinking up the court, I feel that because he started the season strong and the fact that Mike D’Antoni brought him to the Knicks, Duhon will be the Knicks point guard next season. However, don’t bank on him making the team past his contract which expires in 2010.

Quentin Richardson

Like Duhon, Quentin Richardson is another player I feel is not going anywhere.
Richardson was heathly this year but he still does not have the numbers to make him tradable. I think the Knicks will just let Q Rich’s contract expire at the end of next season. Quentin Richardson is also a player that is well liked by his teammates and coaching staff.

Players I do not expect to see next season

David Lee

As much as David Lee is a fan favorite I feel he will not be back because the Knicks are not willing to pay him 10 million a year or even 9 million a year. The Knicks have made it clear that they are looking for flexibility in 2010. Signing Lee would make the Knicks only be able to sign one star. The Knicks are looking to sign two big stars.

Nate Robinson

I think there was a chance for Nate to return next season but the way he finished up was not strong. Plus it seems like Nate and Mike D’Antoni do not see eye to eye. Nate Robinson is the most talented player on the team. However, just like Lee, it will be a money issue and a chemistry issue for Coah D’Antoni to determine if Nate returns. We will see how much Nate wants a year and if Mike D’Antoni feels Nate Robinson is a key player to the Knicks future.

Chris Wilcox

Wilcox is a nice player to have on this team but I don’t think there are any signs the Knicks want to retain him in any shape or form. As much talent that Wilcox has, he has yet to get real minutes on this Knicks team. A month ago he was barely in the rotation.

Al Harrington

Al Harrington right now has trade value with his contract expiring in 2010 plus he is averaging 20 points a game. With all the offensive capabilities that Al has he still has too many breakdowns at the end of games. There is no way I see Harrington and Mike D’Antoni butting heads into next season. There have been times when Mike D’ Antoni did not play Harrington late in games. I do not see these two butting heads into next season. Do not be surprised if Harrington is traded on draft night or before the season starts next season.


Up in the Air

Larry Hughes

I think there is a possibility that he could be traded or remain on the team. Hughes has a big contract so most teams many not be interested get Hughes unless they give the Knicks a big contract back.

Hit the Road Jack