Not sure how all in EITHER the Knicks nor Dallas would be on a sign and trade, involvling Evan Fournier and perhaps even Taj, if Gibson is needed for the Burnson numbers to line up, with the caveat/understanding that the Mavs would waive or buy out Taj so he could return to the Knicks on a vets minimum, and be groomed in the long term to be Thibs' all purpose plug and play Herb Williams-cum-Big Man Coach.
Fournier is clearly the most logical move, as he is an actual asset, and despite Facil's obsessive, immutable, relentless 24/7 erection for us to ship Julius out on a slow boat to China, THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF GOING ALL IN ON THE 25 YEAR OLD BRUNSON IS TO relive Randle & Barrett of facilitation responsibilities, and get them easier looks in rhythm with enhanced efficiency. PLUS...Fournier's departure, while not something I long for, would give us money for Mitchell and Jalen, as well as opening up more playing time for Reddish and Grimes and Quickley. Isaiah Hartenstein apparently, according to the Blogospehre, is a serious target, and likewise some interest in Andre Drummond.
INTERESTING.
IH is only 24. In 17.9 minutes over 68 games for the Clippers, averaged 8.3 ppg, and curiously, in hoisting 30 threes last season, he made 14. Posted a .689 FT% based on 91-132, with 2.4 assists, 4.9 baords, and 1.1 blocks.
Drummond is 28. Still a lousy FT shooter, but gave the Nyets a respectable 11.8 ppg, 10.3 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.0 block in 22.3 minutes over 24 games.
Based on youth, offensive efficiency, skills as a facilitartor and the luster of his fiance, a former Miss Texas, my vote is Isaiah.
Chicago is purportedly interested in Isaiah, as well as Bomba. So, we shall see.
If we signed IH, would be a nice complement to Mitchell. Then again, banging against Drummond in practice would be good for Robinson, and they could practice free throws together.
IH is younger,
has a prettier girlfriend, and there is clearly still room for growth in his overall game, whereas Andre is what he is, though reasonably durable, a native of the metropolitan area, and still a beastial finisher, offensive rebounder and imposing physical specimen--not chopped liver. I liked Noel, a lot, but his fragility was surely an issue.
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