New York Knicks: Witness??

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer published an interesting article Thursday. He was covering Stephen Curry of Davidson at the NBA Draft combine in Chicago, and he seemed a little perplexed by Curry's statement that he hoped to be a New York Knick on draft day.

The statement is a little unusual, because most guys give the same "cookie cutter" quotes about how they are just blessed to be in this position, happy for the opportunity, blah blah blah. Curry says he wants to be drafted by the Knicks. One reason it's not so strange is that the Knicks' 8th pick is the first position where Curry seems to be an option, so he isn't really risking "hurting the feelilngs" of any other teams by making this proclamation.

The strangest aspect of the statement is that Curry grew up in Charlotte (while his father, Dell, played for the Hornets), went to college at Davidson (which is basically in Charlotte), and seems to have zero interest in being a Bobcat. Now, don't get me wrong...the management of the Charlotte Bobcats have not done anything to convince me that they have a clue about building a basketball team. Other than the paychecks, there aren't a lot of factors to make anyone want to play for the Bobcats. Sean May doesn't even want to play for them enough to get up from the dinner table (or stay out of the clubs, depending on who you believe).

Anyway, I think there may be one not-so-subtle reason that Stephen Curry wants to be a New York Knick. I also think there may be one not-so-subtle reason that the New York Knicks want Stephen Curry. That reason:



This is a picture of LeBron James during Davdison's game against North Carolina State in Charlotte last season. James and Curry have become friends. Curry worked at James' basketball camp in Cleveland last summer.

LeBron is also going to be a free agent at the end of the 2009-10 NBA season, and the Knicks have been long-rumored as one of his top choices should he decide to leave Cleveland. A scoring point guard, like Curry, on the roster would make the Knicks a very attractive option for James. Add in the fact that they are already friends, and the Knicks become more attractive.

If the Knicks get Curry, and then get James, you will never convince me that it was just "coincidence". But, those two in Mike D'Antoni's offense would be fun to watch.