Vin Baker Signs For The Knicks

[mike18946]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Baker, who was declared a free agent by an arbitrator on Thursday, has chosen the New York Knicks over the Miami Heat, a source familiar with the situation told Bloomberg News on Friday.


The former All-Star had the remaining two years and $35 million of his contract voided by the Celtics on Feb. 18 after he was suspended twice for violating his alcohol-treatment program. He has filed a grievance to get the contract reinstated, and an arbitrator will hear the case next month. Baker will earn the prorated portion of the veteran's minimum salary of $1 million, or about $11,000 a game.


Baker will join the Knicks tonight in Philadelphia for their game against the 76ers, the source told Bloomberg.
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Vin will be a soild signing If he can bring at least half of what he did in Boston. You can never have enough depth.

 

[the MDE]

As long as he stays out of trouble, Vin should help the Knicks alot because this gives them another bigman in the incredibly thin Eastern Conference.

 

[Nylex]

Though his PT will eat into Sweetney's...

 

[TMac_OwNz]

Great for the Knicks , Vin Baker was going to be a plus in any team right now , specially those trying to be in the playoffs (from 6th to 12th) , Hopefully he will do a good job with the Knicks.

 

[Emo]

I still feel it's risky to sign Vin Baker knowing all the troubles and failures he's gotten himself into. Although, this was the team that he's always wanted to play for, so maybe he'll make the best of it, and help out the Knicks inside.

 

[Erin]

Let's hope this doesn't turn into a mistake.

 

[King James X3]

It's a risking move, but I think this signing is right up Isiah Thomas's alley because he's a risky guy in the front office.

Vin Baker can still player, he's tremendously talented and he can contribute downlow without a doubt. Prior to Vin Baker "falling off the wagon" he was putting up remarkable numbers, I believe he was averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds before he began violating his aftercare program and boston cut his minutes. He can goto a place like New York, perhaps get a solid 25-30 minutes per game, and is likely to average 11 points a 6 rebounds. What team in The East wouldn't want that kind of production down low?

 

[magicfrankie]

nice signing by the Knicks.. he still can play... although he won't be allowed to play in the playoffs I believe... since the deadline has passed already..

 

[jbbCourtVision]

I don't think going to the Knicks would be beneficial for both parties. First of all, this guy is not even sober enough to play yet. Second of all, after he fell off the wagon his minutes/play diminished. I can't see this guy playing under the New York spotlight because it could just cause him to drink even more.

 

[Ming637]

This is a great time to sign Baker. Sweetney is improving his game lately and them too can dominate up post.

 

[jbbCourtVision]

I don't think we can say Sweetney is a low post threat as of yet. He can rebound but down low he ain't that effective

 

[30 standing ver]

Barkley was saying that he shouldn't sign this year so he could get his life together because his situation is bigger then basketball. He has a point, but I do hope Vin does do well with the Knicks and stays out of trouble.

 

[Warrior]

I like the signing. Baker looked ok last night against Philly and once he's had a few games under his belt I think we can expect production to increase. He's going to be coming off the bench unless Mohammed goes into a slump. Nazr has been playing real well lately. Another smart move by Isiah.

 

[hollagr8]

I hope he doesn't do well for the Knicks and that the Knicks get eliminated from playoff contention. Having the second highest salary in the NBA and not even being able to compete with the best in the East means garbage in my books. Vin Baker can take his alcohol to a city that accepts it.

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 30 standing ver:</div><div class="quote_post">Barkley was saying that he shouldn't sign this year so he could get his life together because his situation is bigger then basketball. He has a point, but I do hope Vin does do well with the Knicks and stays out of trouble.</div>

I disagree, I think being on a team in the playoff race will give Vin something to focus on other than his off court problems. I think this is a good signing by the knicks. The Knicks frontline has lacked scoring since Van Horn was traded away, Vin Baker can help with the frontline scoring. If everything works out this will take some of the pressure off the backcourt.

 

[PG2]

NNNNNNNoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo......... Vin will be real good but this will heavily cut into Sweetneys time of play and Sweetney was playing so well too.

 

[DajuanWagner#2]

Nice addition by Knicks, but was he signed early enough to play in the playoffs?