The Knicks, it seems, have been on a quest for a third point guard to replace the newly retired Jason Kidd who has since taken over the head coaching job in Brooklyn. As they are only able to offer minimum contracts the pickings are even slimmer.
The best and most logical fit for the Knicks would be Euroleaguer point guard Bobby Brown. Currently two other teams, Memphis and San Antonio have shown interest in the 28 year old as well. Time is not on their side as Brown just signed a tentative agreement this week to play for the Chinese Basketball Association, a deal that can only be broken before August 15th.
Playing for the Italian League, #6 Point Guard Bobby Brown had a 41 point-7 assist game vs Fenerbahce Ulker in the Euroleague last January. Photo: euro-ballin.com
The Knicks are Brown’s first choice, so much so that he has said that he is willing to take even less than the reported $1 million he’s due to earn from the deal in China. However the Knicks first choice is Beno Udrih who played with Milwaukee and Orlando last season and averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 assists in around 22 minutes per game. The likelihood of that deal coming to fruition is slim as Udrih, who made $7 million last year would need to see his salary drop to the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million.
Brown, who played in the Italian League last season, is a much better fit even though he lacks the NBA experience of a veteran like Udrih. (Brown has played in only 113 NBA games for several teams) He’s been compared to a taller version of Nate Robinson who can score more than Pablo Prigioni. Last season Brown averaged 19.3 points and 5.4 assists in Euroleague action and would be a nice change of pace off the bench for the Knicks.
We think the 6′ 1″ Brown will be with N.Y. next season and with his speed and excellect shooting skills will make a pleasant, inexpensive replacement to Kidd. But Glen Grunwald’s window on Brown is closing as the August 15th deadline nears. Hopefully he’ll wind up getting the point (guard)…
(Excuse the color commentator on the video below because it is, after all, the Euroleague, but check out #6 Bobby Brown’s dunk on a fast break and then his bullet pass for an amazing assist a few plays later)…
FANTASY FURNACE 