Photo by Kathy Willens/AP

Of the six players on last year’s roster who were 25 or younger, the Knicks kept just one of them – Iman Shumpert. Some of those players were lost through free agency, some were lost through trades (including draft picks) for players whose value were perhaps not worth what they cost. Somewhere along the line, management decided that the Knicks needed more veterans, more experienced players to get them over the hump. Mike Woodson echoed these sentiments himself during the summer.

Although it’s been disproved that ‘old’ teams win championships, the Knicks’ front office was not necessarily in the wrong frame of mind for wanting to form an older, more experience club – one that could level themselves during the rigorous ups and downs of the regular season, and withstand the intense pressure of the playoffs.

It could be a gamble to rely on some of the older bodies to play vital roles on the team, but it could pay off. There is no need to mention Jason Kidd’s rapidly declining numbers, or that Pablo Prigioni, the third string point guard, is a 35-year old rookie. No need to mention the possibility of Marcus Camby (38) and Kurt Thomas (39) not holding up as Tyson Chandler’s back-ups through an 82-game season. All teams have to take risks, and the Knicks are betting against Father Time.

However, it seems that as the offseason comes to a close, the Knicks want to be the ones making old jokes themselves.

First there was the Tracy McGrady workout. Now there are the Rasheed Wallace rumors. Though the McGrady situation seems to have dissolved, the Wallace situation still hangs in limbo, evidently in the hands of Rasheed Wallace himself. If the agreement between Wallace and the Knicks were to be anything more than a training camp invite, that means the Knicks would have just one roster spot to fill before they reach the maximum 15 player limit.

There is a certain belief system that goes like this: what older veterans lack (or eventually begin to lose) in skill, they make up for with intangible qualities. These qualities include leadership, stabilizing presence in games and in the locker rooms, knowledge of the ins and outs of the season, perhaps even hustle or craftiness. If we are to buy into this belief system, the Knicks have all of these qualities sewn up, not just with the older players previously mentioned that were brought in this offseason, but with players like Tyson Chandler, Amar’e Stoudemire, or Carmelo Anthony, none of whom are newcomers to the NBA or inexperience with postseason basketball.

At a certain point, the Knicks odd, continuous search for veteran players becomes fruitless when these qualities have all been filled. If, for instance, players that are being signed bring more ‘intangible’ qualities than actual tangible qualities – shooting, rebounding, passing, defense – , then the Knicks are better off searching for younger, more promising players. After all, how much veteran leadership is needed? At what point does seasonal, ‘big-game’ experience from different players just blend together into similar lessons?

The Knicks don’t need to be working out the  Mcgrady’s and Wallace’s of the world; past-their-prime players, who, perhaps tellingly, are not employed by any other teams. As a reminder, the Knicks’ last two signings in the 2011-12 season were Steve Novak and Jeremy Lin. They should be turning their attention elsewhere.

That gives me a chance to look at what each team has accomplished, or failed to accomplish so far this summer,as I will look at each division separately in articles throughout the week.

With that being said, here’s a look at how all the teams in the Atlantic Division grade out so far this offseason.

Apr 20, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry (31) reacts after making a three point shot during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Warriors 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics

Players Added

NBA Draft: F Kris Joseph, C Fab Melo, F Jared Sullinger
Free Agents: F Brandon Bass (re-signed), C Jason Collins, F/C Kevin Garnett (re-signed), G Jason Terry, F/CChris Wilcox (re-signed), Jeff Green (re-signed)
Trades: G Courtney Lee

Free Agents: G Ray Allen
Trades: F/C JaJuan Johnson, G E’Twaun Moore, G/F Sasha Pavlovic, F/C Sean Williams

Danny Ainge was able to improve the Celtics with the likes of Bass, Garnett, Terry and Lee. Depending how Sullinger pans out, the Celtics could be much deeper and bigger than they were a season ago. The loss of Allen hurts, but not nearly as much as people would like to believe. Boston will be tough in 2013. Grade: B+

Brooklyn Nets

Players Added

NBA Draft: F Ilkan Karaman, F Tornike Shengelia, G Tyshawn Taylor
Free Agents: G Keith Bogans, F Kris Humphries (re-signed), C Brook Lopez (re-signed), G/F Jerry Stackhouse, F Mirza Teletovic, F Gerald Wallace (re-signed), G C.J. Watson, G Deron Williams (re-signed)
Trades: F Reggie Evans, G Joe Johnson

Free Agents: G/F Gerald Green
Trades: G Jordan Farmar, F Anthony Morrow, G Johan Petro, F DeShawn Stevenson, F Jordan Williams

The Nets lost out on Howard for now, gave up a top lottery pick for the right to overpay Wallace, got stuck with Johnson’s ridiculous contract and overpaid Lopez. But this was still a very good offseason as no team in the NBA improved as much as Brooklyn.

They kept Williams and added parts around him. while I still don’t think they are title contenders, they will be very good and may even be a team that can get out of the first round in 2013. Grade: B+

New York Knicks

May 3, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd (2) drives the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Derek Fisher (37) during the first half of game three in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Players Added

NBA Draft: F Kostas Papanikolaou
Free Agents: G/F James White, G Jason Kidd, F Steve Novak (re-signed), G J.R. Smith (re-signed), G/F Chris Copeland, G Pablo Prigioni
Trades: C Marcus Camby, G Raymond Felton, F Kurt Thomas

Free Agents: G Jeremy Lin (restricted), G Landry Fields
Trades: G Toney Douglas, C Josh Harrellson, C Jerome Jordan, F Jared Jeffries, C Dan Gadzuric, F Kostas Papanikolaou

The Knicks let Jeremy Lin walk and committed $15 million to Novak (who scored a total of 12 points in the playoffs) and committed close to 420 million more to aging vets like Camby and Kidd.

The message is simple and that’s the Knicks are going for it. I like the Felton trade, but don’t know if the Knicks did enough to contend. They will likely still add a 2-guard, but it may not be enough. Grade: B

Philadelphia 76ers

Players Added

NBA Draft: F Maurice Harkless, F Arnett Moultrie
Free Agents: F/C Lavoy Allen (re-signed), F/C Spencer Hawes (re-signed), G Nick Young, C Kwame Brown
Trades: F Darryl Watkins, F Dorell Wright

Free Agents: G Lou Williams
Trades: F Edin Bavcic
Waived: F Elton Brand (amnesty)

The Sixers did well to add parts of the future in Harkless and Moultrie, two of the best athletes in the draft, but losing Williams (leading scorer) and Brand (second leading rebounder) may be tough to replace in the short-term.

Young adds some needed shooting, but I really don’t know if the Sixers got much better than what we saw in 2012. Grade: C-

Toronto Raptors

Players Added

NBA Draft: F Quincy Acy, G Terrence Ross, F Tomislav Zubcic
Free Agents: G Landry Fields, Aaron Gray (re-signed)
Trades: G Kyle Lowry

Free Agents: G Jerryd Bayless
Trades: F Gary Forbes, F James Johnson

The Raptors got better with the additions of Fields, Lowry, Ross and Acy. Don’t forget that Jonas Valanciunas will be making his way to the NBA this season, so that’s just like having an additional first round pick.

They lost out on Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin, but getting Lowry for a first was a steal. Add Lowry, Fields and the rookies to Andrea Bargnarni and DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors should be much more competitive in 2013. Grade: B

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Continue to match offers for Jeremy Lin

According to Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports, ”They will match any offer on Lin up to one billion dollars,” said one source to Marc Stein. A very wise move by the Knicks because even with the talents displayed by Lin last season, we still don’t know how good this kid can really be. We only had a truncated sample size that didn’t see him play a single playoff game or withstand the rigors of a full season of great fanfare he garnered in his historic “Linsanity” run.

Bottom line the Knicks need Lin for next season, not only for their immediate success but future success as well. If Lin plays as well as he did at the peak of “Linsanity” he will be great trade bait for the Knicks’ real aspiration at the point guard position: Chris Paul. Indeed I would love to see Lin be a Knicks for a long time but Chris Paul is a rare talent and too good to pass up on. And the fact that he didn’t sign extension with the Clippers this offseason means he may still want to play at Basketball’s Mecca in the future.

Find a Shooting Guard replacement for Landry Fields if he leaves

Mar. 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Shannon Brown during game against the San Antonio Spurs at the US Airways Center. The Spurs defeated the Suns 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

When Landry Fields was drafted two years ago by the Knicks, I was one of many who scratched their heads by  the acquisition because we didn’t know much about the Stanford graduate. But in his first season he surprised everyone by breaking out with 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in his rookies season. Showing a knack to put the ball in the hoop as well as rebound extremely well for a guard because of his size (6’7).

Fast forward to this season playing alongside Carmelo Anthony, Fields saw his numbers dip and struggle at times. Still this offseason Fields has gotten strong interest from the Phoenix Suns in a potential trade for Steve Nash and now he has agreed to a 19 million dollar offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors.  I’m a fan of Field’s attitude and game on this team but matching this offer is on the steep side especially since they’re still other attractive (cheaper)  options the Knicks can make to replace Fields.

The Knicks would first have to decide on either promoting  J.R. Smith or Iman Shumpert to the starting lineup to fill in Fields’ spot. Next they should consider adding another shooting guard to come off the bench and stretch the floor alongside Novak. Some  options the Knicks should consider are Raja Bell, Shannon Brown, and Michael Redd. Both Raja Bell are in their twilight years and are looking to compete for a championship. Bell is reliable shooter and also exceptional defender–although he has definitely lost a step or two. While Redd is still on his comeback trail and produced a solid season with the Phoenix Suns last season and could still shoot from anywhere on the court. But I like Shannon Brown because he’s a younger and extremely athletic option. He could be amazing sparkplug for the Knicks and bring a lot of what Randy Foye–another interest of the Knicks–would bring as well.

Mar 21, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

While it would be disastrous both on and off the court to allow Lin to walk, Knicks’ owner JamesDolan has the final say on anything that will put the team over the luxury tax. Dolan has never been accused of being the smartest owner and doesn’t have a track record for making the best business decisions.

But not even Dolan is crazy enough to put an end to the Linsanity in the Big Apple. Is he?

As mentioned, Dolan doesn’t have a track record for making good basketball decisions, but not even he can screw this one up and that’s saying a lot, given Dolan’s past.

If he were to allow Lin to walk now in order to save the money long term, it wouldn’t just affect the Knicks on the court, as they would be without a point guard, but allowing Lin to leave would hurt the Knicks in other areas as well.

For one the fanbase, who overall doesn’t like Dolan, would officially want his head on a plate.

After the Knicks made positive strides the past couple years, only Dolan could set them back, but he knows the outrage of negativity that would be all over him if he did.

In addition to being a fan favorite, Lin is marketable.

Dolan should see dollar signs in the kid and that could be as important to him as anything Lin does on the floor. It wouldn’t be a shock this year to see Lin as one of the leaders in jersey sales and the possibilities are endless with him.

No, not even Dolan can screw this one up.

Lin is too valuable to him in the long run, and if Lin keeps improving as a player and theLinsanity continues, there are more and more possibilities for Dolan to profit off Lin.

I don’t think I’ve ever said that not even Dolan could screw something up, but that’s the case here.

Not even Dolan can stop the Linsanity in New York.

But imagine the fall out if he did.

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Apr 18, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) waits for play to resume during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Knicks got a dose of good news Monday night when they acquired center Marcus Camby as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Houston Rockets.

The Knicks will send Toney Douglas, Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrleson and a pair of second round picks (2014 and 2015) in exchange for the 38-year old center.

Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Camby’s deal is for three-years and $13.2 million and the final year includes a partial guarantee.

Camby has agreed to a three year, $13.2 million deal with the Knicks, source tells Y! The final year includes a partial guarantee.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 9, 2012

Camby’s presence will be huge as he can backup and lighten the load Tyson Chandler. He will provide a defensive presence who can still rebound, grabbing 9.0 boards per night in 2012. The Knicks didn’t have a capable backup for the Defensive Player of the Year last season and it became quite easy to score on the Knicks when Chandler wasn’t on the floor.

That won’t be the case next season.

If the Knicks can sign Jared Jeffries to a veteran’s minimum contract, the team will have a pair of defensive minded big men to backup Amar’e Stoudemire and Chandler.

The sign-and-trade for Camby allows the Knicks to use the $3 million non-taxpayers mid-level exception for Jason Kidd. The Knicks also were able to keep Dan Gadzuric, which means they could add guard depth by possibly using him in a sign-and-trade for $2 million.

Next up for the Knicks could be re-signing J.R. Smith, according to ESPN’s John Hollinger.

I’m hearing Knicks are now trying to wrap up J.R. Smith deal.

— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) July 9, 2012

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May 6, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Steve Novak (16) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half of game four in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

One of the good stories of the 2011-12 season was the emergence of sharpshooter Steve Novak, who after being claimed off waivers and being buried on the bench half of the season became a fan favorite in the Big Apple.

The ruling to allow the Knicks to keep Jeremy Lin’s Bird rights was big because it also allowed them to keep the Bird rights of Novak, the NBA’s leading three-point shooter as well.

The Knicks and Steve Novak have agreed to terms on a new contract, according to agent Mark Bartelstein. Bartelstein says the deal, which is fully guaranteed, will pay Novak $15MM for four years.

NBA analyst David Aldridge confirmed the signing via Twitter.

Agent Mark Bartlestein says F Steve Novak re-signing with the Knicks.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 9, 2012

 

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported last week that nearly a dozen teams expressed some interest in Novak on the first day of free agency, but said at the time that the Knicks felt good about their chances of re-signing the 29-year-old.

Novak was the only effective long-range shooter on the Knicks roster a season ago and while he didn’t have a particularly good postseason, Novak adds a weapon and some more depth to what should be a talented rotation for Knicks head coach Mike Woodson.

May 3, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd (2) brings the ball up the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 95-79. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

They went from possibly acquiring Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade to watching Jeremy Lin sign an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets (ESPN). Then they went from potentially targeting Raymond Felton (NY Daily News) to eventually signing Jason Kidd away from the Mavericks (ESPN).

In writing this, I’m basically looking at what Lin needs more to improve, a mentor or just more experience. It’s nice to have both, but which is really more important to the future of Lin?

Kidd says he’s in the Big Apple to mentor the young Lin (NY Daily News), but while that’s fine and dandy, it’s not exactly what Lin needs to improve.

He doesn’t need a mentor as much as he needs playing time.

Having Kidd around will be good for Lin, but that’s not going to eliminate his mistakes on the court.

A veteran point guard to learn from is nice to have, but Lin had a pair of those last season in Baron Davis and Mike Bibby, who have a combined 28 years of NBA experience.

No, what Lin needs the most is just the opportunity to play. Nothing is more valuable to a young player than experience.

Whatever concerns there are about Lin’s game—turnovers, shooting, defense, etc.—won’t be cured by Kidd being around. The only way Lin becomes a complete guard is with more playing time.

While having Kidd mentoring Lin is nice, what the Knicks need more is a productive guard off the bench.

At this point in his career, it’s unclear how much Kidd has to offer, not only to Lin, but to the Knicks as a team. He will turn 40 next season and is coming off the worst season of his 18-year career. He averaged a mere 6.2 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting only 36.3 percent from the floor in 2012.

In addition to mentor duties, Kidd is going to have to produce when he’s in the lineup, and there’s no guarantee he still has enough production left in him to warrant being Lin’s backup.

The entire Kidd-Lin thing is a nice story, but it’s not necessary.

Lin’s a smart kid. He will learn from playing time. Plus, learning from his mistakes is the best teaching tool.

Did the Knicks need a veteran point guard around?

Certainly, but one that they are certain has three years of productive basketball left in him might make a little more sense than simply signing one capable of mentor duties.

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Feb. 20, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash during game against the Washington Wizards at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Wizards 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

In the span of hours, the Knicks looked like they could potentially have both Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin in their backcourt, to watching Nash end up a Laker and Lin receive a backloaded offer from the Houston Rockets.

To most Knicks fans, it seems as if everyone around them is getting better, while the Knicks are getting worse by the day. With that being said, where do the Knicks go from here?

Priority No. 1 now must be to match any offer to Lin.

Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reports on Twitter that the Rockets will offer Lin a backloaded deal that puts the Knicks in severe luxury tax problems three years from now, should they match it.

Houston’s multi-year offer to Jeremy Lin includes back-loaded money designed to hit the Knicks hard on luxury tax, source tells Y!

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 5, 2012

While that is something owner James Dolan doesn’t want to do, he’s legitimately out of options at this point.

It’s a big risk though.

When the 2014-15 season rolls around, not only will the Knicks have four players in Lin, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler all making over $14 million, but those four players alone will put the Knicks $2 million over the luxury tax line.

That’s without the nine other players that will have to be in uniform on a nightly basis.

Then there’s the obvious fact that committing over $30 million to a player who has started 25 NBA games makes very little sense from a basketball standpoint.

It may not be something you want to hear, but Lin is still an unproven commodity and there’s just as good of a chance that he flops as there is that he becomes a long-term success.

April 15, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Raymond Felton (5) calls out to his teammate against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

However if the Knicks plan is to go for it, then matching any offer for Lin is what they have to do.

They can clear cap space in three years if they have to, but that likely means another rebuilding process.

Next up, they need to sign Raymond Felton immediately.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that the Knicks are the leading contender to sign Felton and while it’s not the popular option, they need to add a point guard to the roster.

Ideally Felton would be the veteran backup the Knicks are looking for, but if there is any chance that the Knicks don’t match an offer to Lin, at least they will have a capable point guard in place.

After that, the rest of the Knicks’ money needs to go towards a shooting guard, possibly bringing back J.R. Smith, and a big man who can come in and spell Chandler without it resulting in a huge drop-off at the defensive end.

I’m just speculating here, but a guy like Aaron Gray would fill that role nicely and could be had rather cheap.

To say the Knicks offseason hasn’t gone according to plan is the understatement of the year, but there are still options out there. Now it’s up to them to make it work.

Strike out on this round of free agency and what once looked like a potentially deep team on paper could be worse than the 2012 team that ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs.

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Berman tweeted the following about the signing and wrote (vis Sulia):

Prominent agent just spoke to never heard of forward James White, who has played in Italy last two seasons with Dinamo Sassari and VL Pesaro. White is a scorer, led Serie A in 2010-11 with 20.2 ppg. He averaged 17.1 ppg last season. He’s played 10 NBA games, with Spurs and Rockets. Understand Glen Grunwald loves Knicks Euro scout Kevin Wilson. Which is why I think they make offer also to Spanish League PG Pablo Prigioni.

White spent last season playing for Scavolini Pesaro of Serie A, whom he helped to the playoff semi-finals as a starter. He stands at 6’7″ and 200 lbs. and should bring some athleticism to the team as a player who once appeared in the NCAA College Slam Dunk Contest.

White played his freshman year at the University of Florida in 2001–02 helping the Gators to a 22–9 record. He saw action in all but two games, making a pair of starts and averaged 20.5 minutes of playing time. He posted averages of 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

He transferred to the University of Cincinnati, and after sitting out in 2002–03, he became a starter for the Bearcats in his three years with them, including his senior year when he averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks.

White has outstanding athleticism and leaping abilities, earning himself the nickname “Flight White,” thanks to his high-flying dunks.

White is actually an NBA champion, despite having only played in 10 career games, as he spent his rookie season with the 2007 world-champion San Antonio Spurs. During those 10 career games, White averaged 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in only 14.8 minutes.

The Knicks will hope White can provide some rebounding off the bench, especially with the potential loss of Landry Fields, who signed a three-year offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.

With the Knicks having only the taxpayer exception of $3.09 million and the bi-annual exception of $1.96 million to spend this offseason, they will have to look into more moves like these will be needed to fill out the roster.

The next in line to make his way to New York could be Argentinian point guard Pablo Prigioni, who could become the third point guard on the team.

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Mar. 16, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash during game against the Detroit Pistons at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Pistons 109-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Just when it appeared that all possibilities of the New York Knicks acquiring two-time MVP Steve Nash, a day later it looks like the Knicks are the front-runners to land the All-Star point guard.

When the Toronto Raptors signed Landry Fields to a three-year offer sheet on Tuesday, it appeared that stuck a fork in the Knicks chances to acquire Nash via a sign-and-trade deal, as Fields was a guy the Suns had interest in.

But  according to Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter), the Knicks and Suns are in the “critical stages” of negotiating a sign-and-trade deal that would pay Nash $27-30MM for three years.

Knicks, Suns are in the critical stages of discussions on a sign-and-trade deal that would pay Nash $27M-$30M over 3 years, sources tell Y!

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 4, 2012

However it could come at the price of including guard Iman Shumpert in the trade.

ESPN.com’s Marc Stein tweets that the Knicks would prefer not to include Shumpert and are looking to include a third team to join the deal to avoid including him. However, they’ll include Shumpert if they have to, a source tells Stein.

Yet as one source familiar w/NYK thinking told ESPN: “They don’t want to trade (Shumpert), but they will if they have to. They want Nash.”

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 4, 2012

In order to pay Nash a competitive salary and make a sign-and-trade palatable for the Suns, the Knicks will likely have to include Shumpert and a handful of players on expiring contracts, including Toney Douglas, Jerome Jordan, Josh Harrellson, and Dan Gadzuric.

Previous reports have suggested that if the Knicks do part with Shumpert in a sign-and-trade for Nash, it will likely be James Dolan’s decision, as most members of the team’s front office are reluctant to part with the young guard.

Keep checking back to Buckets Over Broadway as we will keep you updated with all the latest Knicks offseason rumors.

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The news keeps getting worse for the New York Knicks this offseason as ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports via Twitter, that point guard Jeremy Lin will visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Jeremy Lin will visit the Houston Rockets tomorrow, sources say.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 3, 2012

HoopsWorld’s Alex Kennedy reported earlier that several teams have been showing interest in Lin and that one team has considered offering the young point guard a “poison pill,” contract, which would be devastating to the Knicks down the road.

Mar 21, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

While both Lin and the Knicks are hoping for a reunion, sources have said that if any clubs offer Lin, a restricted free agent, a backloaded contract that pays him an eight-figure salary in the third and fourth years, the Knicks could be given pause about matching the offer.

The Knicks can offer Lin a four-year deal worth $24.5 million. But an opposing team can offer Lin a poison pill that could go as high as $40 million over four years. Such a contract would pay Lin $5 million in each of the first two years and then go as high as $15 million in each of the last two years.

Matching such a contract would give the Knicks four players — Lin, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler – making more than $14 million in the 2014-2015 season. Those four players alone would have a combined salary of $72 million, nearly $2 million above the luxury tax.

The Knicks have a few options to get depth at the shooting guard position next year. With Iman Shumpert likely out until January, Landry Fields possibly leaving, and J.R. Smith having a $2.5 million player option, the Knicks are in a heap of trouble at the 2-guard spot.

May 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen (20) reacts during the first half in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The salary cap situation became less confusing and complex one at the moment due to Jeremy Lin, and Steve Novak getting their Bird rights.

Back in May HoopsHype attempted to sort out the Knicks salary cap situation. They came to the conclusion the Knicks should have around $6.58 million to sign roughly six players if Lin and Fields’ offer sheets are matched. As of now these theoretical numbers are all we can base hypothetical contract offers on.

Fast forward to last week, with multiple rumors claiming that Roy has confirmed a potential comeback next season, basketball fans have one more thing to be excited for  next season. With Roy not able to return to Portland till his contract expires in 2015, the All-Star scoring guard will be looking for a new home. Here are three reason why the Knicks would be intriguing fit for his much awaited comeback.

1. Roy’s versatility would fit in seamlessly into the Knicks roster.

At peak form, Roy has skills that rivals any scoring guard in the league today. This is simply because the versatility he has established in short tenure in league–averaging at least 16.8 points and at least 4 rebounds and assists during this time. Roy can do virtually anything on the court offensively, and with great size and strength( 6’6 and 211 pounds) he can get to his “sweet” spots at will against most defenders.

Roy’s versatility would be greatly appreciated by the Knicks where they could place him in a variety of situations with success. Whether it’s playing off-guard, being the primary ball-handler, or even playing small forward in a small lineup, Roy brings a lot to the table. Because of Roy’s offensive capabilities, he will be able to relieve some scoring burden from Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire adding a new dimension to the Knicks’ offense by making it even more potent and efficient.

2. The Knicks need a consistent bench scorer.

Mar 25, 2011; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Brandon Roy (7) drives around a pick set by power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) as San Antonio Spurs point guard George Hill (3) defends during the second quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. The Blazers won the game 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-US PRESSWIRE

Although Roy has all the skills needed to be starter is this league, he would be better coming off the bench for this Knicks’ team. With J.R. Smith unsure about his contract option and Iman Shumpert recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus injury, the Knicks second unit will be lacking firepower. Off the bench, Roy will be the focal point of the offense receiving more than enough touches to keep him happy. In essence Roy will be bringing the same type of production, James Harden brings to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the similarity in scoring ability and court vision.   

3. Roy’s competitive drive would establish a winning culture in New York.

Roy has proven to be a fierce competitor willing to take and make the big shots during crunch time. For instance,  despite his knees noticeably slowing his progression, he had a historic playoff performance against the Dallas Mavericks in last year’s playoffs,  scoring 18 fourth quarter points in a come from behind win against the soon to be NBA Champions.

Most importantly, Roy will have something to prove next season. On draft night, Roy saw his draft stock drop because of his knee problem and he has since then made his mission to prove his doubters wrong–becoming rookie of the year and an All-Star thus far. What better place is there  to prove all his doubters wrong than the New York? Who are also trying to prove they’re among the “East Elites.”  Roy’s competitive drive will keep the Knicks hungry and motivated to achieve success this season.

If Roy came to the Knicks, the New York brass had definitely made the move to put the Knicks’ over the hump and will definitely be as  “loaded” as David Stern thinks.

“I wasn’t going to take the job; that’s for sure,” Jackson remarked.

May 8, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson in action on the sidelines in the third quarter of game four against the Dallas Mavericks for the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Lakers 122-86. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Who’s to say the most successful coach in NBA history is wrong? Are the Knicks clumsy? Indeed. They had two different head coaches last year, five different starting point guards, two major winning streaks, and two lengthy losing streaks.

Does Amar’e Stoudemire need to play in an uptempo system, as Jackson claimed? Yes. His best seasons were in Phoenix and under Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offense.

Does Carmelo Anthony need to move the ball more? You’re preaching to the choir, Phil.

Are Stoudemire and Anthony a bad fit together? That still remains to be seen, in my eyes.

Are we to believe Phil Jackson wouldn’t return to New York with a chance to win the city’s first basketball championship since he donned a Knicks uniform in 1973? With James Dolan’s pockets open to him? I have trouble believing that.

Yet through Jackson’s scathing, yet on-point remarks, there is a certain sound of confession. Jackson commented, “They need to have someone come in that can kind of blend that group together.” So is Phil Jackson not that coach?

Many Knicks fans were upset with the organization’s lack of a coaching search this offseason. When there were options out there, the Knicks played it safe when they should have been more experimental. Mike Woodson is a fine coach who did a solid job in his short time with the team, but when names like Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan, or even Nate McMillan are out there, the Knicks should have done their research.

However, Phil Jackson’s system would have been a questionable fit as well. For all of the criticism Mike D’Antoni took for not making adjustments in his time with the Knicks (an often unfair criticism), Phil Jackson coaches teams one way: with the Triangle offense. After 11 championships as a head coach, Jackson would not have come into New York and completely changed his ways to suit the team. Jackson’s offenses function with ball movement, post-play, and strong outside shooting. I was too young to watch the 90s Chicago Bulls with a critical eye, but let us look at the Lakers for example.

Kobe Bryant: an all-world wing player, who thrives on mid-range jumpers and in the post; a talented passer when willing, but far more willing to shoot. The Knicks have that in Carmelo Anthony, albeit with less greatness than Kobe Bryant. There were Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum: two offensive-minded players with strong post games, and Gasol with his ability to knock down jumpers. The rest of the team was surrounded with shooters, the most consistent cog being Derek Fisher who played a similar role as Steve Kerr on Jackson’s Bulls teams.

These last two aspects are what the Knicks lack. Amar’e Stoudemire does not post up, instead opting for the pick-and-roll, or scoring on face-ups. Tyson Chandler dunks the ball.

And outside of Steve Novak, the Knicks did not have consistent outside threats. Their five starting point guards this season – Jeremy Lin, Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, and Iman Shumpert – averaged a combined 29.6% from 3-point range. Not exactly ideal outside shooting.

So maybe Phil Jackson didn’t want the job; maybe he wasn’t right for it. But to be honest, if Phil Jackson didn’t want the Knicks, then as a fan, I don’t want Phil Jackson.