Knicks Sign Jerome James

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I think what you guys aren't understanding is the tallest person on the roster was we needed a center. Swift might not have signed with us. Let's face reality, we can't dish out big bucks at all unlike thw Hawks. It's very unlikely we could get Swift for the MLE when he could go to another team for more money.

The same thing applies for Hunter, too. With so many teams interested in him, he could easily have slipped passed us. If that very likely situation took place and we decided to pass up on James, what would we do? We secured a legit 7-foot shot blocking big man who could help us where we need the most help. He's about to be 30, but you can't have enough veterans on a team especially with the Knicks getting younger.

All we need from him is defense and size; that's it. We're not making him our center for the future, we're making him our center for the present and once Frye gets ready (which will hopefully be soon), he'll play backup. Also, let's take into consideration he's playing in the East. Need I say more?
 
This signing has me scratching my head.
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After drafting Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson, plus trading for Q-Rich, I thought the Knicks were trying to put a more athletic team on the court for next season. I thought Channing Frye was going to masquerade as the starting center and the Knicks were going to run, run, and then run some more.

Now Isiah Thomas changes up the plan again by bringing in a 30 year old, hack center. Jerome James had one good series against the Kings, where's he been for the last 7 years? It's not like the Sonics have had any dominant big men the last few years holding back Jerome James. Calvin Booth, Vitaly Potepenko, Predrag Drobnjak, these are all scrub centers he fought for minutes against.

Not to mention giving him a 5 year deal on top of everything else. The Knicks were just finally starting to trim their salary and once again Isiah feels obligated to keep the team payroll in the $90 Million range.

The Knicks have three young players capable of being their future frontline in a year or two. Mike Sweetney, Channing Frye, possibly Jackie Butler, so instead of giving them more minutes, Isiah is putting an unproven 30 year old scrub center into the starting lineup.

The last time I checked, there wasn't much interest from other teams involving Jerome James. Isiah should have grabbed Randolph Morris since he went undrafted, if he wanted a big man. At least Morris still has 'potential' and would be less expensive.

J0se said it best ... "I felt like Isiah didnt go for better, and settle for less."

I would have given DeSagna Diop and Sun Ming Ming a chance over Jerome James.

I thought the Knicks could have had a solid frontcourt with Sweetney and Frye in the paint. They compliment each other because Frye is quick enough to guard the quicker PFs in the league, and Sweetney is big enough to bang with the bigger players in the league.
 
While not the most athletic big man around, I?ve heard James is capable of running the floor and is more athletic than given credit for. The Knicks desperately needed size and James was available. I would have wanted a younger guy, but with teams overpaying this summer and the Knicks having no money to compete, it?s possible the Knicks could be stuck with the same roster with Frye the rookie being their only legit center. Now that they have James, they only have a solid starting center to block shots and bail out the Knicks sometimes on defense who will be able to handle what the East has to offer.

The reason why I don?t think he flourished in Seattle was because the Sonics didn?t really have a major use for them. The Knicks need him much more than the Sonics have probably ever needed him so I expect him to finally step up to the plate and lead the Knicks on defense which they so desperately lack.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">While not the most athletic big man around, I?ve heard James is capable of running the floor and is more athletic than given credit for. The Knicks desperately needed size and James was available. I would have wanted a younger guy, but with teams overpaying this summer and the Knicks having no money to compete, it?s possible the Knicks could be stuck with the same roster with Frye the rookie being their only legit center. Now that they have James, they only have a solid starting center to block shots and bail out the Knicks sometimes on defense who will be able to handle what the East has to offer.

The reason why I don?t think he flourished in Seattle was because the Sonics didn?t really have a major use for them. The Knicks need him much more than the Sonics have probably ever needed him so I expect him to finally step up to the plate and lead the Knicks on defense which they so desperately lack.</div>
I disagree, if he could play consistently the Sonics would definitely have used him more. They had to rely on Danny Fortson, Reggie Evans, and Nick Collison, because they couldn't count on Jerom James staying on the court long enough. The Sonics have an undersized team just like the Knicks.

Adding size is fine, but there were and still are better options. Let's keep in mind, the Knicks have two expiring contracts that are valuable. They also have three 1st round picks next year (I believe). Why rush into signing James, when you have all that to offer a team?
 
Don't worry shape, Sweetney, Frye, and Lee will still get their minutes. James couldn't go more than 20 minutes without getting at least 4 or more fouls.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trueplaya4real:</div><div class="quote_post">Ya people so negative man. At least the Knicks add it on a piece they could use. What ya wanna see Channing Frye get dunked on in his first game. The thing is that James is a big body and the Knicks need some bigs.

**** hes about to turn 30 but so wat, Jordan delivered for the Wizards at 40!!!!!!. The Knicks are gonna kick ass next season and when they do ya gonna wish ya never talked about Jerome like that.</div>


when you say that jerome james is a launching pad for the knicks to kick ass next season you seriously should think about getting your head examined
 
Knicks shoulda just went with Steven Hunter..Hes younger, cheaper, wouldve been the big you need to clog the lane up. Hes also more mobile than Jerome James.

O yeah..Jeromes offense isnt as bad as you guys think, he can post up alot..But if you want him to average 10 pts per game your going to have to run pick and rolls like Luke did for JJ in the Sacremento series. I still dont see Jerome playing more than 20 minutes per game, he commits a lot of retarded fouls.

And his defense is ok..not spectacular or above average..He blocks shots every now and then, but its not like he does it on a game by game basis like your average shot blocker.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">All we need from him is defense and size; that's it. We're not making him our center for the future, we're making him our center for the present and once Frye gets ready (which will hopefully be soon), he'll play backup. Also, let's take into consideration he's playing in the East. Need I say more?</div>

If Isiah only signed him for the present, how does it make sense to give <u>Jerome James</u> a 5-year deal paying him $6~7 million a season? I don't know man.. as per Tribute to H20, "Anyway, I think Isiah Thomas should be fired."
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">Really? Marion averages 9 rebounds every year, Richardson averages 6, Amare averages 9, doesnt Johnson average 5 too? basically you have a solid rebounding squad

and if "He also gets rebounds, because the high number of shots taken in a Suns game" was true, why couldn't Amare average 10 - 12 rebounds?</div>

If Amare chooses to expend more energy of defense and rebounding its highly possible that he will average 10-12 rebounds.

When Amare comes off the court, the only player above 6'8 for the Suns last season was Steven Hunter. It shouldn't be too difficult to grab the defensive boards if you are with an undersized powerforward and your team plays in a tempo that has a large number of FG attempts.

Its just in my opinion that Hunter had it easy in Phoenix, that he appeared better because of the unit he played with and the role he played.
 
Who didnt have it easy in Phoneix?

Ranks #2 in the NBA in Blocks Per 48 Minutes(4.68)

that was the 04 - 05 season

Who are you calling an undersized PF? Marion or Amare? if Amare, he's 6"10, if Marion, he plays like he's 6"11, Marion has the quickest jump in the NBA, 6"7 210 guy averaging 9 rebounds consistantly each year is stellar.

Anyway, the point is, Isiah sucks, Hunter should of been the main target, theres no excuse to signing a back up caliber 30 year old center to a 5 year contract.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">Who didnt have it easy in Phoneix?

Ranks #2 in the NBA in Blocks Per 48 Minutes(4.68)

that was the 04 - 05 season

Who are you calling an undersized PF? Marion or Amare? if Amare, he's 6"10, if Marion, he plays like he's 6"11, Marion has the quickest jump in the NBA, 6"7 210 guy averaging 9 rebounds consistantly each year is stellar.

Anyway, the point is, Isiah sucks, Hunter should of been the main target, theres no excuse to signing a back up caliber 30 year old center to a 5 year contract.</div>
I was talking about Marion as the undersized PF, Amare is strong enough, tall enough and quick enough to play PF anyday.

Well Jerome James ranks #5 in Blocks per 48 minutes... So its pretty even in that statistic. Blocks per 48 minutes isn't that useful, Shawn Bradley is 9th woo! Adonal Foyle is 4th. It doesn't seem to be useful for pointing out a good center.

Marion usually has his hands full boxing out Western PFs that are considerably bigger than him like Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, KG, Elton Brand(outweighs him), Nene, Dirk, etc.
 
You're a raptors fan....you're happy we got James, being it as it was a bad move, lol
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I disagree, if he could play consistently the Sonics would definitely have used him more. They had to rely on Danny Fortson, Reggie Evans, and Nick Collison, because they couldn't count on Jerom James staying on the court long enough. The Sonics have an undersized team just like the Knicks.</div>
I see what you're saying, but the Knicks have players like Sweetney, Lee, Malik and JYD who they could rely on just like the Sonics. They also will have Frye playing some minutes too and he's a decent shot blocker. While James might not be always dependable, he definitely is a major upgrade for us.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Adding size is fine, but there were and still are better options. Let's keep in mind, the Knicks have two expiring contracts that are valuable. They also have three 1st round picks next year (I believe). Why rush into signing James, when you have all that to offer a team?</div>
They only have one next year and if they don't make the playoffs, they'll have two. I know they could use one of those huge expiring contracts, but I'd rather wait until the trade deadline where anything can happen.

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting legendisdope:</div><div class="quote_post">Knicks shoulda just went with Steven Hunter..Hes younger, cheaper, wouldve been the big you need to clog the lane up. Hes also more mobile than Jerome James.</div>
What will happen if Hunter decided to go somewhere else? Of all places, why would he decide to go to the Knicks when he can go to another team and make much more money in another place? Same thing applies for Stromile Swift. If both of them wound up somewhere else, what would we do? James could have been gone by then. The Knicks basically locked up a player and did the safe thing.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">O yeah..Jeromes offense isnt as bad as you guys think, he can post up alot..But if you want him to average 10 pts per game your going to have to run pick and rolls like Luke did for JJ in the Sacremento series. I still dont see Jerome playing more than 20 minutes per game, he commits a lot of retarded fouls.</div>
I don?t care too much about his offense. We don?t need him to score at all; just play defense. I think many of his fouls have to do with him knowing his playing time. If he knew he was playing a certain amount of minutes, he probably thought about just being reckless because of his time. Let?s also remember that James won?t have to play the KG?s or the Duncan?s on a regular basis, too. Even if he does play 20 minutes a game, it will greatly help the Knicks out believe it or not. While James is on the bench, Frye can step in for the rest of those minutes and maybe a little bit of Jackie Butler next season.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">And his defense is ok..not spectacular or above average..He blocks shots every now and then, but its not like he does it on a game by game basis like your average shot blocker.</div>
I think his defense is better than ok. Even if it was just ok, the Knicks are such a terrible defensive team that an ok defender will make a difference. In terms of shot blocking, I believe you should give James more credit. In terms of blocking shots, every now and then doesn?t describe someone who ranks 5th in the league in blocks per 48 minutes.


<div class="quote_poster">Quoting VinKanaddy:</div><div class="quote_post">If Isiah only signed him for the present, how does it make sense to give <u>Jerome James</u> a 5-year deal paying him $6~7 million a season? I don't know man.. as per Tribute to H20, ?Anyway, I think Isiah Thomas should be fired."</div>
James won?t be getting 6-7 million a season. It?s a 29 million dollar deal that starts at 5 million and stays around there with a possible 6 in it?s final year or so. It?s highly unlikely he?ll get 7 million in one year.


--

I don?t see what the problem is. Even if we could?ve gotten better, we are much better than we were with the acquisition of Jerome James. No one can dispute that point; in fact, RealGM called us the best team in the Atlantic with this move. All we can do is wait and see how the signing turns out.
 
It's pretty simple. The main problem is with how much Isiah gave James. If Jerome James plays like he did in the playoffs, this is gonna be a great signing. But if he plays like he has the rest of his career, that's just one more headache Isiah's created for himself.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting R_ChutneY:</div><div class="quote_post">It's pretty simple. The main problem is with how much Isiah gave James. .</div>
Is that really a problem???? Money a problem for NY???

I think for the Knicks being over the cap doesn't seem to be an issue for them... They sort of accept the fact that they will be perpetually over the cap.
 
I have a question. I'm not too familiar with Jerome James but I understand that he suffered a potentially career ending injury. Could that be the reason why his minutes were so limited up until last year's playoffs?


Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
 
I don't recall anything happenening to him. Perhaps one of the Sonic diehards would be able to answer that for you.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I have a question. I'm not too familiar with Jerome James but I understand that he suffered a potentially career ending injury. Could that be the reason why his minutes were so limited up until last year's playoffs?


Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div>
Yeah he was injured when he was playing for Sacremento, I heard his injury was so bad Sacremento told him to find another profession cause he couldnt play basketball.

I forgot what the injury was, but it mustve been a serious one..Because JJ took like 2 years off the NBA to go play somewhere else.

I think JJ always had the potential to play like he did in the Sacremento series, he just doesnt show his potential and doesnt play up to it, hes just lazy probably.
 
The Samuel Dalembert deal makes the Jerome James deal seem like a kid's first step. $75 million for an average starting centre desrves an "Are you kidding me?" At least SD can play and is still young.. but you will be kicking yourselves when Jerome James is 35 years old and get $6 million not to play.
 
MrJ, you're one of my favorite posters, and I like you personally but....sometimes your homerism gets in the way. This was a bad signing and further buries us into the ground, plain and simple.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">MrJ, you're one of my favorite posters, and I like you personally but....sometimes your homerism gets in the way. This was a bad signing and further buries us into the ground, plain and simple.</div>

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Hmm.... lol j/k.
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MrJ is just trying his best to stay optimistic about the situation. He is right about one thing, this is an improvement for next year in their frontline. However, the Knicks will regret signing him to such a long contract, because of his age.

There's nothing wrong with at least giving it a chance, if the Knicks end up with Jerome James of the Sacramento series for the next 3 or 4 seasons, this deal looks like a steal.

I did not watch much of Jerome James during the season, but from what I did see, he plays a lot better on defense when he gets touches early in the game. Scoring translates into defensive energy for this guy, so the Knicks should find ways to get him easy baskets early on to keep interested on defense.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">MrJ is just trying his best to stay optimistic about the situation. He is right about one thing, this is an improvement for next year in their frontline. However, the Knicks will regret signing him to such a long contract, because of his age. </div>

My sentiment exactly.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">MrJ, you're one of my favorite posters, and I like you personally but....sometimes your homerism gets in the way. This was a bad signing and further buries us into the ground, plain and simple.</div>
I don't think my homerism is kicking in right now; although it has kicked in many times in the past. I don't think it was such a bad signing because in terms of cap room, the Knicks have none and were never close to getting any, either. If Jerome James turns into the same one in the Sacramento series, than it will be an excellent signing. The only question is: will he be able to do that? He deserves a chance and until he shows us in the regular season, we shouldn't criticize the signing yet.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">
Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div>

Please don't, it's moves like this that give me a big laugh in the wake of Mr Sonic departing Seattle after a quarter of a century there.

I'm not sure what's funnier - the fact that you're paying him around six mill a year, or the fact you've got him for five years!
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<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Not really; in effiency, James is more productive, but who knows if we would have signed Hunter? What if we wait around and Hunter decides to go to another team? All of that waiting could have stopped us from signing a big man at all. Also James will help us offensively. He's got a decent offensive game and you need to take into consideration the picks and intangibles he will create.</div>

There's really no debating that Hunter would have been a better signing and Swift better still, as you stated yourself, but nevertheless, I'm actually a little surprised at the initiative the Knicks took this time. I think this signing is actually a solid one. Not great, but nevertheless, there are some overwhelming positives here. Mostly, a guy who can log good minutes and stop some shots. The most important thing in this deal is defense, boardwork, and clogging the lane. If he can get his passing act together, even better.

At the very least, he will block shots, one and a half to two a game, and there aren't many center on the market who can provide that. Overpaid? Yeah, but who on the Knicks isn't? (Aside: forgive me the small anti-Knicks transgression.)

Isiah went out and got his man. With the combination drafting of a good point guard to complement a strong shooting game, to go with the signing of a solid defensive center, you've got yourself a markedly better offseason.

41 to 42 wins will be something to shoot for, because despite the bleatings of Knicks fans, they are in a stronger conference than they think, and although it sounds petty, there is almost always something that throws a Knicks team for a loop and has them lose more than they should. Good examples go all the way back to the last time they were in the finals against the Spurs. That season itself was a good example. They had a subpar year, scraped into the playoffs and then made themselves a worthy foe with everyone back and healthy in time for the postseason. The stars aligned right at the last week of the season, they scraped in as a #8, and made a huge impression. Ever since, we've seen something of the same story, last year was no exception. Injuries ravage the lineup, guys played roles that were bigger than their abilities and they end up out in the cold for the second year in a row.

Will they make the playoffs? Probably not, a slim bench has them losing again. But will Jerome James make them more formidable than they were? Absolutely. And here's to hoping common public opinion is wrong, and he can prove himself to be a harder worker than he has, because he still has to prove he can handle significant minutes for a whole season. Lazy won't do, but if there's anyone who knows about lazy big men, Herb Williams does. Too bad Laimbeer ousted himself from contention for that job, he'd be the perfect guy to tell James all about that role.

Again, with the slights, I'm sorry guys, I didn't mean to make this a mean article. I still think James has a lot to prove to us, but it's not great leap of faith to think he can handle it. And at least he's tougher than Frye.


(There I go again.)
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Please don't, it's moves like this that give me a big laugh in the wake of Mr Sonic departing Seattle after a quarter of a century there.

I'm not sure what's funnier - the fact that you're paying him around six mill a year, or the fact you've got him for five years!
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</div>
If he plays to his full potential like he did in the Sonics/Kings series, I assure you it won't be as funny.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">If he plays to his full potential like he did in the Sonics/Kings series, I assure you it won't be as funny.</div>


But let's be realistic about that, he played one good series in his entire career, and now we expect big things?

The man is thirty years old, and has played to his potential one time, against a weak interior, I think that warrants mentioning. He is a good pickup, but only because he's fills a truly GAPING void. Not because he will be special, or maybe even notable. I don't think the whole deal is funny, but I don't think he's going to make anyone miss him in Seattle.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">If he plays to his full potential like he did in the Sonics/Kings series, I assure you it won't be as funny.</div>

Well if he does that for long enough to justify a five year deal then I'll leave this site for good.
 
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