There will be a number of extremely difficult questions Knicks president Donnie Walsh must answer before he gets this organization in position to make a play for a talented free agent class in the summer of 2010.
What to do with Zach Randolph is among them. Right now, the numbers are very intriguing. The productive forward is averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds. He's recorded eight consecutive double-doubles, which is attracting some attention from teams who might be looking to add low post help in the future.
The contract is heavy, with $33 million due over the next two seasons.
Even so, it wouldn't be impossible to move Randolph. It's a deal that could very well prevent the Knicks from making a playoff run, though. And that has to be taken into consideration. David Lee can't step in and replace that production and Danilo Gallinari may not play again this season.
Walsh, though, may not have many opportunities to unload that salary.
He seems to be making decisions based on the economic future of the Knicks more than anything, so a legitimate offer might result in the departure of Randolph.
MAVERICKS 124, KNICKS 114 (OT): After leading for nearly 47 minutes, the Knicks went cold at the worst possible time. They lost a seven point lead in the final minutes of regulation, and then went 0-for-9 in overtime.
The pained reaction by a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden told the tale.
"I thought we played well," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We had a chance to win. We missed (our last) 13 shots and three at least were layups. It just happens. We should have won it in regulation, and we didn't, and gave them a little hope."
Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard combined for 70 points to lead Dallas.
Zach Randolph led the Knicks (6-4) with 27 points and 18 assists. Chris Duhon has 16 points and 12 assists, but he also committed three turnovers.
"It's tough when you play so well," Quentin Richardson said. "I don't know if it was fatigue. They made the plays down the stretch."
