It's time for Knicks to move Tim Hardaway Jr.

If there was ever a chance for a player in the league to literally catapulte their star power, it was this year for Tim Hardaway JR.  With the lack of any supporting cast it looked like he was in a great position to at the very least take over the offensive production night after night. 



Instead we saw a player that more or less lacked any desire.  Now I agree playing for this team this year could put many people in snooze mode, but given the opportunity he had this was not what most expected. He also lacks on defense and he does not show any desire to be a leader. 

But he is only making a few million dollars for the next 2 years. I think total it's under 4. I understand that increases his value. That's why I would shop him for a late first round pick.  A team may see him as a cheap NBA refined option of a out of college draft pick.  Better teams picking late could like this deal. Late in this years draft you can find another wing with character and work ethic that will be fitting for a team that will hopefully filled with new players focused on a deep playoff run. 


Knicks 5 Realistic Offseason Moves - #4

So we started off this offseason projection with Wes Matthews. Now we put him in the number 5 slot due to somebody we have higher on the list that plays same position. With that said Wes is a realistic option and personal favorite for Knicks to sign. Let's jump to number #4. 

Tobias Harris
"I'm coming home tell the world I'm......" Just messing around but he his a Long Island raised New Yorker.  He's a big athletic player the can move between the 3 and 4. Sound like someone you know?   He actually said that he wants to mirror his game to Carmelo Anthony's.  Placing him at the 3 will move Melo to 4 where he can thrive against those slower power forwards. Also Tobias can rebound so we would still be able to handle the boards. This season he has shown he's not afraid of taking the last shot which just bodes well for his confidence which you need in the Mecca. 

I think the biggest reason he's on this list is that he wants to be a Knick.  I have a feeling Phil does not get one Max guy this offseason, so Tobias with a few other pieces may be what suits up next season. 


Knicks 5 Realistic offseason moves - #5

It's one week before the all-star break in 2014-15 NBA season. I felt this was a good time to give my initial thoughts on the offseason priorities. I compiled a short list of 5 players. My disclaimer is these are more basketball related moves with less thought on details of the financials. Also, only realistic chances in my opinion (sorry Marc Gasol and Kevin Love fans).  I will update again once season is over and more details on specific players arise but let's start with number 5:

Wesley Matthews



So the Knicks have been lacking a 3 ball shooter the last 2 seasons (We miss you Novak!).  Wes has shown he can stretch the floor and triangle aside, when teams double Melo or we get some penetration, he can be the catch and shoot guard we need. 

Oh we have not had two-way guard in some time either.  Yes, he plays defense. 

He will attract other teams this offseason which would force Knicks to spend but I do believe he can bring in value against his future contract.  He won't command max Jimmy Butler money but will be more expensive than a Danny Green.  

He looks like a great fit to start at the 2 and I respect his sneaker choice of the Kobe 9 elites. I think there's a real chance he is a Knick next year. 

Knicks Cavs Commentary Was Unbearable!

Once a hater, Always a hater
Knicks vs Cavs, nationally televised, TNT broadcast, and REGGIE.  

For the entire pre-game, I listen to how bad the Knicks are.  How they can't run the triangle.  First half all I hear is that Lebron has jitters and it's understandable.  How Melo is never gunna be able to fit in this offense.  Then with minutes left to the game he's hitting me with how the knicks are not a playoff team and Melo threw away the triangle and reverted to his old ways.

Reggie do you remeber watching the Bulls or Lakers?  In the 4th quarter Jordan and Kobe took over because that's what is needed from a star in crunch time.  

The Lebron love-fest from Reggie and Charles was bad enough but to completely bad mouth a Knicks team that put together a great 2nd half and really entire game was just bad commentary.  Barkley is always down on the Knicks but at least he pointed out some of the positive play.  

Thank god for the MSG Network.  

1 too many 2's

Let me get the introduction out of the way.  If you come across this blog I would like to say thanks for supporting us and of course the New York Knicks.  Also please continue to follow us on twitter and Instagram @abovepenn and we will be actively blogging throughout the year.  Now onto our first post…

When you look at our current lineup its obvious the abundance of talent at the 2 spot.  An the inevitable outcome is that 1 of our 2’s will get moved.  With Tim Hardaway Jr, Iman Shumpert and JR Smith we have 3 similar yet very different players.  Most of us have picked our favorite of the 3 from a fans perspective.  But lets look at it this equation from a basketball standpoint and see who can help the knicks by no longer being a knick.  

Of course were going to start the one the man the myth the legend JR Smith.  Legend may be pushing it but between is sometimes brilliant offensive play sometimes unexplainable antics and behavior he is always a player up for discussion.  One year removed from a 6th man of the year award winning season JR s*** the bed last year.  However I am one of the firm believers that is still capable of huge offensive production.  He is the oldest of the 3 turning 29 in September and does command 6.3 million in salary for 2015, the year we need the we need the most cap room possible. 

Iman Shumpert is the best on ball defender on the team.  Arguably one of the best in the league.  His offensive game regressed slightly last year but he fully recovered from an acl injury and doesn’t look like he lost a step in quickness.  From a basketball standpoint he is a NEED for this team that lacks defensive prowess.  And in a league now dominated by guards he can defend 3 positions.  Problem here is he is a restricted free agent in 2015 and depending on his production this season he will look to get paid.  Also he hasn’t shown he is a consistent shooter from deep and may not fit great in the triangle offense.

THJ is a confident scorer. Extremely confident.  He continued where he left off from last season with a strong performance at the NBA summer league in Vegas.  The kid can flat out score and should fit into a sixth man role that provides instant offense off the bench.  It looks like he will fit into the triangle real well.  he will not be a restricted free agent til 2017.  He does get carried away sometimes and may need to pass on some shots but all in all he is not going anywhere.  

So whats the outcome? Obviously Phil and the front office have a plan, and its mostly geared around 2015 and 2016.  From reading the facts, unloading JR Smith’s contract seems to be the move but like i said i believe he is capable of huge offensive production and will be need especially this year with a slimmed down roster.  My thought, LET EM PLAY.  Keep all 3, play all 3, showcase all 3.  By moving one of these 2’s you are not going bring in a stud 4 or 5 this season.  We should play them all this year, see who fits the scheme designed by Phil and Coach Fisher.  Sometimes a 3 good 2’s is better then 2.