Here’s a shocker – Eddy Curry may not be a good fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system. D’Antoni already told reporters that he doesn’t expect to use Curry in the Knicks opener Wednesday night against the Miami Heat.
New Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said he doesn’t plan to play Curry in the team’s season opener Wednesday against the Miami Heat, simply responding “no” when asked Tuesday if Curry would be part of his eight- or nine-man rotation.
Curry’s minutes were limited in the preseason after he missed all of training camp because of a bacterial infection, and D’Antoni said he could have a hard time playing catch-up. D’Antoni also has not appeared confident with how Curry would fit in his high-tempo offense.
After playing in four of the seven Knicks’ preseason games (including one DNP/coach’s decision), Curry was surprised by the news that he is not part of his coach’s regular rotation.
“Definitely stunned, especially being that [D’Antoni] didn’t tell me that,” Curry said Tuesday. “I haven’t talked to him. I’m here with him every day. All he has to do is tell me. I’m definitely stunned to hear that.”
Curry thinks he can play in D’Antoni’s system, which emphasizes quick shots and working the ball on the perimeter.
“I don’t need [the ball] to go through me,” Curry said. “I don’t need it to be my team.”
I always find it interesting when coaches break the news to a player via the media. It seems like if each player had a regular meeting with the coach that it would serve to clear the air and open the lines of communication. Now there’s apparently a rift between Curry and D’Antoni, and it doesn’t appear that D’Antoni cares all that much.
Curry can opt out of his contract after the season, but has a player option for two more years. Since he’s due to make $21.8 million over those two seasons, and is unlikely to find that kind of money on the open market, he’ll probably extend his contract. It’s up to the Knicks to find a taker.
Based on his career stats, it shouldn’t be too hard. Curry is just 25, and has posted good numbers as recently as the 2006-07 season when he averaged 19.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 58% from the field. He doesn’t offer much in the way of blocks, steals or assists, but he can score and rebound when he wants to, and his contract is not unreasonable.
Look for the Knicks to move him this season.
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