Amare to the Knicks

Ryan: What do you think about Amare going to The Big Apple? Personally, I think Lee is a better fit for the offense and is a far superior rebounder, but Amare is the big name they want so badly. He hasn't signed yet, but do you think signing Amare would benefit the Knicks? Save the Franchise? Screw the Franchise? Or my pick...perenial 6 to 8 seed, never advancing past the Conference Semi-Finals, and wishing they didn't sign a Power Forward who doesn't do anything but score (can't rebound, can't pass, can't block...ugh)

Jason: While I agree that Lee (20 ppg 12 rpg) may be a better player than Amare (22 ppg 7 rpg) the Knicks need to sign Amare over Lee because of star power. The Knicks desperately need a big name signing to ease the horrible public perception the currently have. Also one big name signing for the Knicks could lead to another. Lebron, Wade, and Bosh would be more intrigued by the Knicks offer if the have Amare. Lee doesn't have the same pull that Amare does. For that reason I believe that it is very important for the Knicks to sign Amare and do so quickly.

Ryan: Amare is a force, sometimes. D'Antoni's offense will do him wonders that's for sure. However, I know Bosh doesn't want to play with Amare, Wade would prefer playing with his buddy Bosh, and LeBron just isn't coming to New York. LBJ would play with Bosh, he would play with Wade, and he would play with Joe Johnson. Amare doesn't do anything but score, and this is why he and Steve Nash were never able to make the Finals. The big stars know that, and they won't be lured by Amare, despite his popularity with the fans.

It really bothers me that the Knicks want to cure their perception rather than win basketball games, I hate that argument (though I know it's the truth). A better strategy for them would be to, you know, try to put a winning team together. That usually is a better strategy than trying to be popular, and it will inevitably lead to that. Bring back Lee/sign Boozer to get good rebounding. Attempt to pry Brendan Haywood from Dallas to actually get some defense for once. Sign Felton to run the point, and get a fantastic 2-guard, like Joe Johnson. A starting of Felton, JJ, Gallo, Lee/Boozer, and Haywood has all of the tools a team needs to compete. But, the Knicks are going to sign Amare, not get anyone else, and ultimatley become less popular....so sad.