New York Knicks Notes, Quotes 2009-10-02 News New York Knicks

--C Eddy Curry's offseason dedicated to conditioning resulted in a 40-pound weight-loss, but for the second straight year the star-crossed center will miss training camp. Curry went into camp with a tight hamstring and calf muscle and during the first scrimmage he pulled up lame with a calf strain. It was later diagnosed as a torn plantaris muscle, which is a vestigial structure and, therefore, was not expected to be a long-term issue. He was given a three-to-five day return window.

Still, the news came just days after Curry said his fitness level was "the best I've felt in a long time," which may speak volumes about just how bad it got last season, when he ballooned to as much as 358 pounds.

The team needs him to bounce back this season after his disastrous 2008-09 campaign, if not to help them win games, at least to raise his trade value enough to move his $11.2 million off the 2010-11 ledger. If Walsh can trade Curry for an expiring contract before the end of the season, the Knicks could almost have enough room to offer two max contracts next summer, which perhaps could entice LeBron to New York if he knows he can bring a running mate (Dwyane Wade?) with him.

--While Eddy Curry's physical issues have carried over into this season, F Danilo Gallinari appears to be completely recovered from season-ending surgery to correct a back issue that plagued him all throughout his rookie season. The Knicks are so giddy about the Italian forward's potential, Coach Mike D'Antoni went as far as calling Gallinari "the best shooter I've ever seen." There's little question the multi-talented 21-year-old will be a major focal point in the offensive system and, perhaps, the reason why the Knicks can maintain playoff hopes this season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I hope they do get LeBron (James). I hope I'm here when he comes. If not, I think the city deserves a player like him." --C Eddy Curry, on the talk of 2010.