First off, the Knicks are not going to be good in the next 4 years. As they've already announced, they're going "young." So the fact that you tie up $71 million dollars in a player like THJR does look excessive in a vacuum, but within context, what's the alternative? Where else do you spend the $71 to get back clear superior value as the Knicks?
I would spend that 71 million (or similar cap space) absorbing picks and bad contracts. The Carroll deal being an example of how to extract picks to help people clear space. That is the new currency and the way business is done in the NBA.
The problem with the Hardaway deal is you overpaid on the bet that he's going to get better. But BY overpaying, you end up eliminating a lot of the value, even if he does improve. At 17M per, he would have to become a perennial all star to feel like you got a good deal for his contract. To feel like he OUT-PLAYED $17M per year.
That is not smart business. That is why I don't like the deal. I DO like putting young talent next to KP. I like putting some of that young talent on the wing, as a scorer to take the pressure of Porzingis, especially if Melo gets bounced.
But I care about value, because getting better value for your deals allows for better fitment and a stronger overall roster.
I'm going to try to go with a metaphor here, and it won't exactly be 1-to-1, but bear with me:
Picture buying a brand new Benz, you go for an AMG E Class with some fixings. Acoustic Sound package, Panoramic Moon roof, 20" wheels with the black accents, got the Logos all deleted so the shyt is looking mad mysterious, but also has a sense of grandiose and poise. You opt for tan leather on the inside, for a touch of class, the seats are ventilated and heated, and the Black paint has a slight metallic tone.
It is a dream ride for some, right. And for $80K it's a lot of money, but you know what that thing can do... and it is a fine piece of german engineering. You know how it will perform on the road, you know how it will make you feel to drive and own, and you know how people are going to react when they see you in it. There is upside there, a car is social status, and it brings some gravitas when you hop out of that thing for a meeting.
But the thing is, your apartment isn't that nice. Maybe it's in a decent neighborhood, but the truth is if you pick somebody in your car, and then bring them to THAT apartment, there is going to be a definite discord. Like, the car can help you, but only so much.
Wouldn't it be a smarter move to pick up a used E class from 2014 or 2015? Save the extra $30K+, and maybe use, let's say HALF of that money, to a nicer apartment building? Maybe also upgrade your wardrobe? Hit up suit supply, grab a nice fit off the rack, get it tailored, maybe come some AE's on sale... now when you roll up to the work meeting you look great, your car is still impressive, and if you happen to get a number at the bar, during that post-meeting drink, you bring somebody back to your place, and the place confirms that you are a person of taste, means, thoughtfulness, and above-average love-making performance.
Aaaaaanyway.
Basically what I'm saying is, I don't like the idea of paying a premium for a commodity that may not be able to move the needle on its own, when that flexibility allows you to accrue multiple assets at once, all of which will help you more, long term. Tim is great, but by the time this team is any good, assuming that was because he made a great leap, and is now WORTH that contract, we'll have to pay him again as he opts out.
when KP ignores the team all summer because of the dysfunction
@ Baker getting $9 mil to spend half his time in Westchester
