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View Full Version : Renaldo Balkman...anyone?



SenorSpur
02-24-2011, 11:49 AM
Another Knicks update on Balkman...and a possible new trade target - Corey Brewer. Maybe it's me, but this possibly has CIA Spurs written all over it.

Latest update, according the ESPN:

As we've previously noted, the Knicks are looking to sign a free agent big man after the deadline -- possibly Earl Barron.

But to do so, they'll need to clear a roster spot as they're at the maximum of 15.

And according to Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD via sources close to the team, they're shopping both Renaldo Balkman and Corey Brewer to clear room.

"If the Knicks cannot find a deal for one or both players, Renaldo Balkman could be bought out to clear at least one roster spot," Kennedy wrote.

In addition to Barron, it's been reported the Knicks could sign someone from the D-League. Buyout candidates such as Jared Jeffries and Troy Murphy are also a possibility.

Earlier update: According to ESPN

The Knicks are targeting free agent center Earl Barron and Jared Jeffries, who will probably be waived by March 1 whether he's stays in Houston or is traded on Thursday.

The Knicks need to get rid of a player because they already have the limit of 15 on their roster. Marc Berman of the New York Post suggests the player "likely" to be released is Renaldo Balkman, who was just acquired from Denver and previously played for New York.

Balkman is signed through 2012-13 and makes $1.67 million per season. The Knicks could try to buyout his contract which would lower their future payrolls.

The Knicks could also open up a spot on the roster by waiving Anthony Carter or Kelenna Azubuike. Both of those players will be free agents after the season.

Obstructed_View
02-24-2011, 11:53 AM
The Spurs are last in line to claim him, right? If he's available for them to claim, it basically means he's not worth claiming. :lol

PS: Can he actually play?

coyotes_geek
02-24-2011, 11:53 AM
If he gets released, sure. He's got to be on the list of people to consider.

SenorSpur
02-24-2011, 11:55 AM
Here's the book on Balkman, according to Hoopshype:

http://hoopshype.com/players/renaldo_balkman.htm

Plays with great energy. Always around the ball. Good rebounder. Runs the floor well. Not much offensive game. Inconsistent.


Perhaps Pop could mold into a defensive stopper. Certainly if the Spurs took a flyer on the Centerpiece (Bogans), they would likely have to have some discussion on this guy.

jjktkk
02-24-2011, 11:56 AM
Balkmans a good defender, but no offense at all. I would hope the Spurs could do better.

Steve-O-Matic
02-24-2011, 11:58 AM
It comes down to this: Do you want a one-dimensional 3-pt specialist (Novak) as your 12th man, or one-dimensional perimeter defensive specialist (Balkman). Given the makeup of the rest of the roster, I'd take Balkman. So yes, I'd be interested, but only for that reason and nothing more.

Darkwaters
02-24-2011, 12:00 PM
I personally wouldn't mind looking at him, but I doubt hes anywhere on the Spurs radar. The guy can't shoot at all - especially not from 3. He wouldn't be horrible though.

Still liking Tracy McGrady or Tayshaun Prince though. C'mon Detroit!

Mr. Body
02-24-2011, 12:14 PM
Wasn't he part of that Knicks young core of Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson, that was pretty decent a few years ago as rookies? Weird that they're all elsewhere now.

SenorSpur
02-24-2011, 12:15 PM
Wasn't he part of that Knicks young core of Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson, that was pretty decent a few years ago as rookies? Weird that they're all elsewhere now.

Sure was. That was before he did his unheralded, unnoticed and unforgettable stint in Denver.

coyotes_geek
02-24-2011, 12:21 PM
It's hard to judge Balkman off of his Denver stint. If you can't shoot the 3, can't attack the basket and aren't a high-flyer in transition George Karl has no use for you.

Darkwaters
02-24-2011, 01:43 PM
Wasn't he part of that Knicks young core of Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson, that was pretty decent a few years ago as rookies? Weird that they're all elsewhere now.

I'm pretty sure you were in the Garden when Balkman was drafted. Hard to forget all the Knicks fans booing their underachieving franchise as it drafted a no-namer.

Seventyniner
02-24-2011, 02:40 PM
I'm pretty sure you were in the Garden when Balkman was drafted. Hard to forget all the Knicks fans booing their underachieving franchise as it drafted a no-namer.

They also booed the selection of Landry Fields.

Isiah was actually pretty solid in the draft; too bad he was absolutely horrible at trades and free agency.