MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: David Lee came up with a career season ahead of the contract negotiations and led the league with 65 double-doubles. He was lacking on the defensive end, but averaged 16 points and 11.7 rebounds. Bob McAdoo and Patrick Ewing are the only other Knicks to finish with 16 and 11.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Eddy Curry endured more than his share of drama this season, much of it self-induced. He came into training camp heavy, took ill, and never recovered. Curry only played 12 minutes because of cranky knees and off-the-court issues, so it won't be easy to get rid of his contract, which extends beyond next season. FREE AGENT FOCUS: Chris Wilcox is the only unrestricted free agent. It would be a surprise if he even gets an offer from the Knicks. David Lee is expected to come looking for $10 million a season. Nate Robinson wants to make $6 million per. That's more than Knicks president Donnie Walsh feels he can part with.
PLAYER NEWS:
--F Al Harrington wants to be part of the future. He grew up in New Jersey rooting hard for the Knicks, and made a strong impression after landing in New York. The shot selection wasn't always great, but Harrington led the team with 20.3 points a game.
--G Chris Duhon plans to spend most of his time off this summer working to increase his fitness level. He was great for the Knicks early on, but the body did not hold up. Duhon averaged 12.5 points and eight assists before the All-Star break, 8.7 points and 5.6 assists following the All-Star break.
--F Quentin Richardson played in 72 games this season, which is seven more than any of his first three seasons with the Knicks. He can opt out in July, but isn't likely to walk away from the $9.3 million left on his deal. Richardson averaged 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Danilo Gallinari (back surgery) is expected to resume basketball activity at the end of May and might be ready for summer league.
