LAS VEGAS – Malik Rose will reserve judgment on the Zach Randolph blockbuster, realizing complications can still take place not just off the court but on it.
Rose flew here yesterday from Paris, where he and his wife attended the Tony Parker/Eva Longoria wedding. While Randolph is still a no-show at the Knicks’ voluntary mini-camp, Rose made it despite being jet-lagged.
“Everybody will have an adjustment,” Rose said. “Eddy’s adjustment will be a little bit bigger. Can it happen? I definitely think so. Will it be hard? No doubt. It’s going to be difficult because both [players] like to post-up on the same block. If anyone can make it work, I really think its [Isiah Thomas]. But it will be hard.”
The Knicks’ voluntary mini-camp has been very voluntary. It was supposed to allow Curry and Randolph to get acquainted. Neither has shown up.
Regarding the oft-troubled Randolph’s transition to New York, Rose said, “That was Portland. It’s easy to get in trouble in Portland. It’s real hard to be in trouble in New York.”
Rose, if he’s not traded, will attempt to show Randolph the right way.
“I went to South Africa with him; he’s a real nice guy,” Rose said. “I hung out with him two weeks. I got a good vibe from him. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time sometimes, or having the wrong people around you, can definitely be a factor on what happens to you. Hopefully we can all keep him surrounded by us and shield him.”
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To date, David Lee, Quentin Richardson, Fred Jones, Mardy Collins and Rose have been going at it, The lack of attendance is not surprising since NBA contracts are guaranteed, unlike in the NFL.
Stephon Marbury met yesterday with Mayor Bloomberg to discuss details of his $4 million pledge to NYPD, FDNY, EMT and NYC Teachers fund. Marbury is channeling profits from his children’s books and Starbury sneaker and apparel line toward the donation.