Updates from Yahoo! Sports and ESPN every day of rumored destinations from Los Angeles, Dallas, Portland and New Jersey to, eventually, his landing to New York.

Carmelo Anthony has gone through a tough nine months, so one would think once he got to New York, his luck would turn, right? You would have thought the team would be better because it has two superstars, right?

Wrong.

In fact, Anthony’s tenure as a Knick has been anything but fantastic. In the 18 games Anthony has played in a Knicks uniform, New York is 6-12.

While Anthony has played at his normal level (25.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game), the Knicks' defense has been concerning. Ranking second in pace is great, but New York hasn’t been able to run the basketball up and down the court, mainly because it doesn’t benefit Anthony’s game.

That fact, along with lingering injuries to Chauncey Billups and Ronny Turiaf as well as lack of a bench, means this Knicks team won’t be getting better any time soon.

Within 10 days, the Knicks went from a team everyone assumed was going to be “dangerous” in the playoffs to a team that might barely get into the postseason by the skin of their teeth.

For all purposes, you can put part of the blame on Carmelo Anthony.

He doesn’t fit into the offense, nor has he shown the will to fit into it for the rest of the season. However, there are a couple of other things to point to as well.

How about Mike D’Antoni? D’Antoni’s constant rush for offense leaves little to no respect for D. The Knicks snatched Corey Brewer from Minnesota, which seemed like a nice move, only to waive him because he wasn’t a strong offensive player.

Then the Knicks added Derrick Brown, a nice role player. What happens to Brown? He doesn’t play because he doesn’t provide much scoring. It’s even got to the point where Jared Jeffries is starting some nights over Ronny Turiaf. Is that a offensive adjustment?

No, it’s just that Turiaf coming off the bench on a team with no big men baffles me.

People forget the Knicks went through years of blowing up the team, moving players for cap space only to come up with Amar'e Stoudemire (who was the perfect fit, but still wasn’t the piece New York wanted) in free agency.

In order to win games and be successful, D’Antoni must increase the rotation from eight to nine. You're probably wondering what adding one player does to a team’s rotation.

It does wonders, actually.

For the Knicks, you have eight players in a daily game set with five averaging 33-36 minutes a night. With back-to-backs and road trips, you simply cannot do that.

It’s honestly inhumane. If the Knicks go into the offseason looking to add another couple players to max out a nine-man rotation, they can be a stronger team next year.

Also, the Knicks will need a new point guard.

I love Chauncey Billups. To be honest, he was the reason I was excited about the trade because Billups is a leader who can control two superstars like Stoudemire and Anthony, but he cannot run this fast-paced offense at his age.

Toney Douglas is a dynamo scoring off the bench, but he isn’t the answer at point guard either. In fact, I’d argue he cannot run the point guard position and that Landry Fields is the true backup point guard of the team. 

With the Knicks having a first-round draft pick in 2011, the team should consider a true point guard. If New York decides that Billups’ $14 million option isn’t worth it, they will need a new starting point guard, and the market this year will be scarce.

As a Knicks fan, I knew this trade wouldn’t be the greatest thing this year. The biggest thing is how the Knicks transition next season, whether it be a new coach, a new system or new players.

Let it be known: The 'Melo deal is just step two of three.

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But something happened.  The Bulls beat Miami and ran through Utah and they seem like a different team.

The team with the best defense in the NBA, seems unstoppable at this point. With the Kendrick Perkins trade to Oklahoma City, Dwight Howard benefited the most offensively, but can’t you argue that Joakim Noah benefited defensively? Noah, who I always felt was underrated coming out of Florida, is a relentless rebounder. In his 35 games this season, Noah’s grabbed 406 rebounds, good enough for a average of 11.6 so far this season. Noah has even seen a slight spike in his scoring this season (10 points last season, 12 this season) and if he can remain healthy for the remainder of the season, he’s going to be tough in the playoffs.

Carlos Boozer is still putting up numbers, even though he hasn’t been able to shake off that injury tag yet. In the offseason, I always thought this was a good signing. Many believed it was a great signing because of Boozer’s tools on the court and how he meshed with Rose out of the best remaining free agents. The only problem was the money and Boozer’s perfect timing to get hurt. People forget, Boozer wasn’t always a horse like he was in his final two seasons in Utah, Boozer missed alot of games before Utah drafted Deron Williams. ALOT.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to talk about Luol Deng. Deng has become the player I always thought he was: 17 points, seven rebounds, a good defender and a solid late game player. Many have argued that Deng should be a all-defensive team member. While I won’t go that far, I will admit he seems more focused on the defensive end. Deng never really had problems late in games, it’s just with Rose and Ben Gordon in Chicago, Deng really didn’t have to be that much of a scorer. Now that Rose has discovered he will be receiving double-teams late, he kicks the ball out to the wings. That wing player? Luol Deng.

Another factor about Luol Deng, he’s probably the most experienced in the playoffs out of the main rotation players. He was there when Chicago reacehd the playoffs in 2004, 2005 and 2006 (where they won a playoff series), so that’s something to look out for.

Alright, let’s chat about Derrick Rose. I argued before that he’s the best point guard in the NBA. He’s unguardable. Before the season, I had Rose as my No. 13 rated player in the NBA. Let’s just say, that’s a little low at this point. I personally think Rose is the best point guard in the NBA, as well as the MVP this season. Let’s us not forget, Rose has playoff experience trailing back to his rookie season against Boston. His jumpshot has improved as well as extending it to three point range. I feel Rose is downright scary.

My biggest question is can they beat Boston?

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Despite the talk of cutting back and looking for smarter contracts, general managers still are struggling with this concept. For the 15 years I watched the NBA, I’ve always been confused as to how 30 people don’t understand how to keep a market down in terms of player contracts. For every good contract (David West, Nene, Anderson Verejao), there are terrible contracts that you can see from a mile away.  Such deals can paralyze a team and jeopardize their chances at contending (Baron Davis is a perfect example).

Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love was rumored to be receiving a five-year, $70 million extension this offseason. Much respect to Love, who I argue is a top 25 player and the best rebounder in the NBA.

But is Love worth 14 million dollars a year?

Personally, I say no way.

As good as Love is, and as much as his great talents are what a title team needs, I really don’t think he’s worth $70 million. For one, Minnesota is talking lottery this season with their 15-49 record. But the biggest problem with this is: Joakim Noah and Al Horford are both better overall basketball players...and both received less. The idea of, "We don’t have much to hold on to, so we have to overpay this player, who seems to be a very good piece for someone else,” is daunting to me.

Would Kevin Love be snatched up in the offseason? Yes.

Would Love leave Minnesota in a heartbeat? Yes.

Would any team in the NBA offer Kevin Love 70 million? No.

Well, let's look at it this way: What’s superstar money? What’s top 10 money? What is the exact amount of money a player can earn where we can agree, "that’s a perfect price"?

I always look at $15 million. Why? It’s a solid number, for a cap number usually in that 45-55 range. As of today, 19 players in the NBA are making over $15 million. In fact, if I were making a NBA team, here’s the ideal contract situation for my top three players:

• #1 option: $15 million
• #2 option: $12 million
• #3 option: $8 million

Alas, there are teams that like to use the “we have to keep him” routine and throw three to seven million dollars extra. Then, when they struggle, it’s the player’s fault for being underpaid.

How about we just not overpay them?

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Let's start with the Atlantic Division. Only one team made the playoffs out of the Atlantic and that team—the Boston Celtics—made it to the Finals and was arguably a Kendrick Perkins injury away from claiming another championship.

A lot has happened since the season ended. Let's take a look starting with the Boston Celtics

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One team who won this years' draft? San Antonio. The Spurs didn't move up or down; they stayed and waited.

The Spurs grabbed two possible role players in James Anderson and Ryan Richards. Both were once considered first round picks. Anderson to some scouts was the best SG behind Evan Turner.

I believe James Anderson could be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year because he might actually start. The Spurs don't have to much firepower off the bench and I could see them using Manu Ginobili as a 6th man and Anderson starting to keep some offense for the bench. If that happens, Anderson could get a lot of scoring opportunities and could push for the rookie spot.

Ryan Richards is interesting. After intriguing scouts with his wingspan in Chicago, Richards was seen as the classic "Let's stash him for a year" player.

When Richards told teams and reporters he was coming to play in the NBA this season? Teams moved off him. San Antonio benefits right away. I believe Richards has the size to be a effective center behind Tim Duncan.

With Tiago Spittler, DeJuan Blair, Antonio McDyess, and Duncan already on the roster, I could see Richards earning his playing time and become effective down the line.

What do you see from the Spurs rookies?

Also, please checkout my blog www.upsidenba.com I just did a two-part series breaking down picks 1-30. The site just started up and I would love to have a couple writers on the blog for future debates and increased writing. Drop me a message if interested.

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Nets fans became excited with the thought of adding Kentucky superstar John Wall to New Jersey until they received the No. 3 overall pick.

Right now the Nets have many expendable pieces. With the rumors of New Orleans courting calls for Chris Paul, the Nets have to put it all on the table.

If I were New Jersey, I would offer:

The 3rd pick, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, and a future first-round pick for Chris Paul.

Why?

Chris Paul is a superstar.

Even in his 45 games last season, Paul averaged 18.7 points and 10.7 assists. Some fans would say, "How will New Jersey get a banger inside now?"

Well, between the 27th and 31st pick, the Nets could add a solid guard behind Chris Paul like Nevada's Armon Johnson and a strong post player like England's Ryan Richards.

The No. 3 pick is a huge risk. Derrick Favors is a potential superstar in this draft, I understand that. If you get the chance to draft a young franchise player, you almost have to make that move.

Another reason New Jersey should pull the trigger?

They need some relevance.

Since missing out on the No. 1 pick, the Nets went from a front-runner for superstar free agents like LeBron James and Chris Bosh to a team that might be able to sign David Lee.

Adding Chris Paul to the Nets could help them add someone like Joe Johnson or Amar'e Stoudemire.

The most intriguing potential addition is Stoudemire because he has dominated when playing next to a pass-first point guard.

What are your thoughts?

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The Thunder have now three top 33 draft picks and could make damage with this draft.

For one, this draft is loaded. There are probably 45 first round talents in this draft. If you don't know, there's only 30 picks.

The biggest issue with the Thunder was the lack of size.

Here are the picks I feel Oklahoma City should make to continue this upward trend to success.

First round pick — 21st overall — Daniel Orton ( 6-10, PF/C, Kentucky)

Draft fans rip Daniel Orton because he only averaged three points and three rebounds.

What some fans don't know is Orton could have been a starter for another team and a legit lottery pick.

I think Orton has the game to be a solid NBA player. He has a NBA body, he's a defensive presence and he has mid range ability. I've seen comparisons to Erick Dampier, I think Orton could be a Kendrick Perkins or Brendan Haywood type player.

First round pick — 26th overall — Willie Warren (6-4, PG/SG, Oklahoma)

I like Thabo Sefolosha and James Harden.

I think next season, we may see more James Harden. If that's so, Oklahoma City loses that scorer off the bench. Willie Warren? He could be that replacement. The issue with Warren is

A) He's not a great defender despite his size

B) He takes bad shots. Change that: He takes TERRIBLE SHOTS

C) He has attitude problems

If OKC could harness the freshman Willie Warren, OKC would have a steal at pick No. 26.

Second round pick — 32nd overall — Craig Brackins (6-10, SF/PF, Iowa State)

This is my favorite pick for many reasons. Craig Brackins was my favorite player in last year's draft until he pulled out.

I believe Brackins could be a effective weapon for Oklahoma City. He could play the four. He wouldn't be a good postup option but could destroy defenders with his mid range game.

Imagine a 6-9 Kevin Durant next to a 6-10 Craig Brackins? Who stopping them on a break?

Second round pick — 51st overall — Lazar Hayward (6-6, SF, Marquette)

At the 50's, teams usually quit and look for NBDL players.

Lazar Hayward could be a better talent. He's a tough nosed player who is undersized but has alot of heart. He's a solid rebounder, has decent range and could defend very well.

I don't think Hayward will ever be a starter in the NBA but a defensive sub? I could see it.

Who do you want OKC to draft? Who should they draft?

Also, Checkout www.dribbledrive5.webs.com. We're a young basketball site and we're looking for writers!

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"What if Len Bias never died?"

"What if Tim Duncan went to Orlando?"

"What if Portland took Durant over Oden?"

Well, I have another one. This one isin't as bad as the three I mentioned. The Orlando Magic are currently looking to sweep the Atlanta Hawks and move on to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. With players like Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson leading the way-one must wonder this:

What if the Orlando Magic didn't waste two lottery picks?

Confused? Well, don't be. I'll bring you back.

June 28, 2005: The 2005 NBA draft. After a ROY season from Dwight Howard, The Magic missed the playoffs and had the 12th overall pick in the draft. The belief was Orlando wanted more beef with Howard inside. Orlando had Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson, and Dwight Howard as their main three.

With the 12th overall pick, The Orlando Magic took Fran Vasquez from Spain. At the time? Great move. Vasquez was seen as another inside player who could bang down low. Draftexpress viewed him as "A poor man's Marcus Camby." Vasquez never came over to play for the Orlando Magic and decided to remain in Spain. At 27, most people believe Vasquez is at best is a NBA rotational player.

Who are the players Orlando missed on? David Lee, Danny Granger and Monta Ellis

June 28, 2006: The 2006 NBA Draft. Dwight Howard continued his progression, posting a 18-12-2 season. The Magic had good role players (Grant Hill, Trevor Ariza, Darko, Keyon Dooling) but after no Fran Vasquez, Orlando needed a impact player to help Hedo, Howard and Jameer Nelson.

With the 11th overall pick, The Orlando Magic selected J.J. Redick from Duke. At the time? Terrible pick. As a Duke fan, I didn't expect Redick to get drafted that early. Redick was a three-point machine, but I questioned if he could defend other SG and get that shot off against more athletic defenders. Redick wasn't a terrible pick. He actually averaged almost 10 points this season and shot almost 40 percent from three off the bench.

Who are the players Orlando missed on? Ronnie Brewer, Thabo Sefolosha, and Rajon Rondo.

Overall, Orlando is still a great team. After not liking their draft picks, Orlando went the Free Agency route and signed Rashard Lewis. Fans could laugh and be like "so what?" but one must wonder how Orlando would look with Danny Granger and Ronnie Brewer or Rondo and David Lee.

Check out more of my articles at www.realsportsnet.com . We need more writers. If you're interested, message me.

Also, Follow me at twitter.com/Qhaynesrsn

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Whoa, calm down NY fans, there are things we can do to prepare for the worst. Right now, were actually in a good spot. With almost all our players free agents next season, we can create a team. Let's assume were bring back players. Here are the players we are looking to bring back

David Lee, Bill Walker, Toney Douglas, Sergio Rodriguez, Wilson Chandler, and Danillo Gallinari.

The Knicks now have two bench players (Douglas and Walker) with four starters (Gallinari, Chandler, Rodriguez, and Lee) we can actually salvage this team.

1. Defense—We NEED defense. I'm gonna sound crazy for this: Bring in Charles Oakley and Dennis Rodman as defensive coaches/assistants. These two guys could help provide the toughness these players need. The Knicks are too finesse. Someone needs to push defense towards these guys.

2. Two big men—The Knicks actually need two big men. They need a center who can be a defensive monster and grab rebounds and a scrappy player who can come off the bench for the rotation. The one player I would love for NY in the draft? Jarvis Varnado. Varnado is a strong defender and has a Ben Wallace style of play when crashing the boards.

3. Defensive player—When D'Antoni was in Phoenix, he had Raja Bell as "the defender," someone who can be the main defender who can come in and just defend.

If Bill Walker can become that guy, D'Antoni can start him and have him be that lead shooting guard but if not, there are some example who might be free agents in 2010: Antoine Wright, Damien Wilkins, Rodney Carney, Ronnie Brewer, and even...Raja Bell.

4. Superstar?—Maybe keeping David Lee could help add a superstar. As of right now, the most likely free agent to me New York can add is Dwayne Wade. Wade is the perfect fit. Maybe he stays in Miami, but if he leaves the Knicks should go add him first.

My New York Knicks nine-man rotation

Sergio Rodriguez, Dwayne Wade, Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari, and Marcus Camby

Bill Walker, Toney Douglas, Rasual Butler, and Jarvis Varnado.

Tell me what you think

Also, Check Out My Website- www.dribbledrive5.webs.com! were looking for writers!

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