SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Knicks president Donnie Walsh disagreed with Ron Artest’s assertion that players don’t want to play in New York because they are “afraid” of the media and booing fans.
Walsh did not return phone calls, but in an e-mail the Knicks president wrote, “A lot of players want that atmosphere as well.”
Coach Mike D’Antoni said he didn’t think the New York spotlight is too bright for a player to perform effectively.
“There’s truth in everything,” D’Antoni said. “It is a place you’re expected to perform. But I don’t know how other players view it. They have to answer it themselves. But you guys [the media] aren’t that tough.”
Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant, Olympic teammates with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, expects them to give the Knicks a look. Bryant is likely going to sign a contract extension soon, so he will be out of 2010 consideration.
“It’ll be interesting,” Bryant said late Tuesday after the Lakers beat the Knicks 100-90. “I know the guys want to sit back and see their options. New York will definitely be one of the options. Whether they go or not, I don’t know.”
Bryant made a curious remark that the Knicks had never had a star before. Bryant should read his history books and study up on Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe and Patrick Ewing.
“It’d make a difference,” Bryant said. “That city has never had that. They’ve never had a flashy or marquee guy. They’ve never had a star so this would be the first time they had one of those guys. When you look back to the year they won championships [1970, 1973], it’s always been a team effort.”
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As for Tracy McGrady speculation, the Knicks plan to monitor the progress of the 6-foot-8 former superstar and scout his games when he returns to action, according to a source.
By no means are the Knicks hot on McGrady’s tail, and the Rockets will not look to deal him if he looks healthy enough to help a playoff push. As such, the Knicks also will not be interested unless he looks healthy after undergoing microfracture knee surgery.
McGrady returned to practice Tuesday and might play within two weeks, a source said.
The Knicks have a slight interest in McGrady because he has an expiring contract and wouldn’t hurt their 2010 cap.
The Rockets could be interested in their expiring contracts, in particular, Cuttino Mobley‘s. If the Mobley case resolves itself this month and a league arbitrator rules in the Knicks’ favor, insurance will pick up a large majority of his $9 million contract for a career-ending injury. Mobley was forced to retire because of a heart condition that might have put his life at risk if he continued to play.