ducks
12-03-2006, 09:56 AM
CHANNING'S STARTING JOB IN DANGER
By MARC BERMAN
'FRANCHISE' DRIVE: The Knicks Steve Francis drives to the basket during the first half of last night's game against the Raptors.December 3, 2006 -- The idea of trading Channing Frye last season was blasphemy - as much as Larry Brown tried.
But with David Lee emerging as a major force, Eddy Curry becoming the go-to guy in the post and 6-foot-11 Jared Jeffries soon to return, Frye appears to have lost his status as one of Thomas' chief building blocks - and perhaps is close to losing his starting job.
Frye's trade value was sky-high last season, but Thomas would not budge. His value has dropped, but there's still interest in the 23-year big man selected eighth overall.
The Cavaliers have taken a long look at Frye this season, according to a source, before he got injured eight days ago, spraining his left ankle. Thomas has always had interest in Drew Gooden of the Cavaliers, whom he wanted to swap for Kurt Thomas before Cavaliers ownership put the kibosh on it two years ago.
The Lakers were so enthralled with Frye they were willing to depart with Lamar Odom in a package last season. Sadly, it looks like Thomas erred big-time in choosing Frye over Lakers teenage center, Andrew Bynum of Metuchen, N.J, who is averaging 8.3 points-per-game. If Frye wasn't there, Thomas would have taken Bynum, which at the time was considered a major reach, but now would look pretty good.
Frye said believes he's still two weeks away from returning, though he ditched the crutches a few days ago. But Isiah Thomas gave a hint that Frye's role might be decreased, and he could be removed as starter. Plus, Thomas this week called the Knicks Eddy Curry's team.
When asked if Frye would regain his starting job, Thomas said, "Definitely." But then he added, "Unless Jeffries comes back first."
Thomas would not elaborate but Jeffries was signed for his versatility. If Thomas is really stuck on having Lee come off the bench, he could insert him at power forward and keep steady Quentin Richardson at small forward.
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Thomas, fighting for his basketball life, said in Detroit he felt this was "professionally, the most pressure" he has faced. It was a stunning remark considering how many big playoff games and championship-round games Thomas has played.
"It's different now you have to inspire, motivate and educate," Thomas said last night. "You have to do it in an environment that's particularly tough where you have a lot of doubters and have a lot know-it-alls.
"You don't have quiet classroom to teach in. We do have obstacles. That's not to say we can't overcome them. Don't misunderstand me. They're not complaints. They're acknowledgements. You acknowledge the pressure and acknowledge the atmosphere."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12032006/sports/knicks/the_frye_is_falling_knicks_marc_berman.htm
By MARC BERMAN
'FRANCHISE' DRIVE: The Knicks Steve Francis drives to the basket during the first half of last night's game against the Raptors.December 3, 2006 -- The idea of trading Channing Frye last season was blasphemy - as much as Larry Brown tried.
But with David Lee emerging as a major force, Eddy Curry becoming the go-to guy in the post and 6-foot-11 Jared Jeffries soon to return, Frye appears to have lost his status as one of Thomas' chief building blocks - and perhaps is close to losing his starting job.
Frye's trade value was sky-high last season, but Thomas would not budge. His value has dropped, but there's still interest in the 23-year big man selected eighth overall.
The Cavaliers have taken a long look at Frye this season, according to a source, before he got injured eight days ago, spraining his left ankle. Thomas has always had interest in Drew Gooden of the Cavaliers, whom he wanted to swap for Kurt Thomas before Cavaliers ownership put the kibosh on it two years ago.
The Lakers were so enthralled with Frye they were willing to depart with Lamar Odom in a package last season. Sadly, it looks like Thomas erred big-time in choosing Frye over Lakers teenage center, Andrew Bynum of Metuchen, N.J, who is averaging 8.3 points-per-game. If Frye wasn't there, Thomas would have taken Bynum, which at the time was considered a major reach, but now would look pretty good.
Frye said believes he's still two weeks away from returning, though he ditched the crutches a few days ago. But Isiah Thomas gave a hint that Frye's role might be decreased, and he could be removed as starter. Plus, Thomas this week called the Knicks Eddy Curry's team.
When asked if Frye would regain his starting job, Thomas said, "Definitely." But then he added, "Unless Jeffries comes back first."
Thomas would not elaborate but Jeffries was signed for his versatility. If Thomas is really stuck on having Lee come off the bench, he could insert him at power forward and keep steady Quentin Richardson at small forward.
*
Thomas, fighting for his basketball life, said in Detroit he felt this was "professionally, the most pressure" he has faced. It was a stunning remark considering how many big playoff games and championship-round games Thomas has played.
"It's different now you have to inspire, motivate and educate," Thomas said last night. "You have to do it in an environment that's particularly tough where you have a lot of doubters and have a lot know-it-alls.
"You don't have quiet classroom to teach in. We do have obstacles. That's not to say we can't overcome them. Don't misunderstand me. They're not complaints. They're acknowledgements. You acknowledge the pressure and acknowledge the atmosphere."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12032006/sports/knicks/the_frye_is_falling_knicks_marc_berman.htm