Filed under: Knicks, The Works
Today in The Works: What to make of Stephon Marbury's China odyssey; some proposed Hall of Famer fashion lines; and previewing the third season of "Merlin".But first, what's ahead for Wilson Chandler and the Knicks?.
Wilson Chandler Can't Lose
Yesterday, Knicks president Donnie Walsh proclaimed loudly for all the media to hear that Wilson Chandler was here to stay: "Wilson's a restricted free agent and I'm going to sign him. He's a helluva player." It's curious that Walsh added the "restricted" detail, since it either amounts to boasting (whatever it takes, they'll match) or stands as a kind of caveat. As in, "He's a restricted free agent, so don't get too excited about what I'm about to say".Restricted free agency is one of basketball's great mysteries, along with frozen pizza and DeJuan Blair's knees. In a perfect, crystal-clear world, it works as part of the following model: A team locks up its essential young players the summer before they're eligible for any kind of anything. A year later -- where Chandler is headed -- they make a decision on guys who either weren't done growing yet, or they may only be willing to pay a certain price for. The only players who get past that either stink or are Ben Gordon, whose contributions to basketball will never be forgotten.
Chandler wasn't offered an extension last summer; now, headed into restricted free agency, he's considered indispensable by Walsh. That's the language you use for someone now viewed as a big part of the Knicks going forward, a player the team simply can't live without out and takes into account when mapping out future plans.
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