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MavKikiNYC · 04-30-2006, 10:09 AM

KNICKS EYE K-MART By MARC BERMAN
April 28, 2006 -- The Knicks will again bid for Kenyon Martin now that he assuredly will be traded by the Nuggets this summer, but Larry Brown has also asked Isiah Thomas to target another potential injury risk: Miami's free-agent center Alonzo Mourning. Brown is desperate for Thomas to obtain an inside banger, a rugged rebounder and shot-blocker. Brown does not appear to believe that Eddy Curry or Channing Frye will become stout defenders.

Martin is as available as ever - though the Knicks are one of few potential suitors, as they were at February's trading deadline - because of Martin's long-term contract ($54 million over four remaining years) and knee problems. He missed 26 games because of tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee. He's now at war with coach George Karl, who suspended the power forward for two playoff games.

Mourning, whom Brown loves, plays it year by year. Despite his kidney illness, Mourning had a ferocious defensive season, averaging 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.66 blocks. Playing against the Knicks in November, he notched nine rejections. He returned from a partially torn calf muscle, playing in Game 3 of the Heat's series against the Bulls last night in Chicago. As a potential draw, some of Mourning's kidney doctors are based in New York.

Mourning made just $1.7 million this season and the Knicks could easily outbid the thrifty Heat by using all or part of their $5 million mid-level exception. Owner James Dolan's generosity gives the Knicks the advantage of extending long-term deals to risky players.

The Nuggets will likely look to dump Martin for an expiring contract; the Knicks have two of those, in Maurice Taylor and Jalen Rose. Last February the Nuggets were interested in Penny Hardaway's expiring deal but also wanted Frye in a larger package. The Knicks instead made the Steve Francis trade.
*
Thomas returned yesterday from a European scouting trip. In Paris, he saw 6-11 Ukranian center Oleksiy Pecherov, slated to be drafted from 15th to 25th. The Knicks have picks Nos. 20 and 29.

Herb Brown will be enshrined Sunday in the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Commack, L.I., along with former Knick center Neil Walk. Larry Brown was inducted 10 years ago.

04-30-2006, 10:09 AM	#18
MavKikiNYC Diamond Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 8,509	It's hard out here for a gimp...... KNICKS EYE K-MART By MARC BERMAN April 28, 2006 -- The Knicks will again bid for Kenyon Martin now that he assuredly will be traded by the Nuggets this summer, but Larry Brown has also asked Isiah Thomas to target another potential injury risk: Miami's free-agent center Alonzo Mourning. Brown is desperate for Thomas to obtain an inside banger, a rugged rebounder and shot-blocker. Brown does not appear to believe that Eddy Curry or Channing Frye will become stout defenders. Martin is as available as ever - though the Knicks are one of few potential suitors, as they were at February's trading deadline - because of Martin's long-term contract ($54 million over four remaining years) and knee problems. He missed 26 games because of tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee. He's now at war with coach George Karl, who suspended the power forward for two playoff games. Mourning, whom Brown loves, plays it year by year. Despite his kidney illness, Mourning had a ferocious defensive season, averaging 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.66 blocks. Playing against the Knicks in November, he notched nine rejections. He returned from a partially torn calf muscle, playing in Game 3 of the Heat's series against the Bulls last night in Chicago. As a potential draw, some of Mourning's kidney doctors are based in New York. Mourning made just $1.7 million this season and the Knicks could easily outbid the thrifty Heat by using all or part of their $5 million mid-level exception. Owner James Dolan's generosity gives the Knicks the advantage of extending long-term deals to risky players. The Nuggets will likely look to dump Martin for an expiring contract; the Knicks have two of those, in Maurice Taylor and Jalen Rose. Last February the Nuggets were interested in Penny Hardaway's expiring deal but also wanted Frye in a larger package. The Knicks instead made the Steve Francis trade. * Thomas returned yesterday from a European scouting trip. In Paris, he saw 6-11 Ukranian center Oleksiy Pecherov, slated to be drafted from 15th to 25th. The Knicks have picks Nos. 20 and 29. Herb Brown will be enshrined Sunday in the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Commack, L.I., along with former Knick center Neil Walk. Larry Brown was inducted 10 years ago. Last edited by MavKikiNYC; 04-30-2006 at 10:10 AM.