MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jamal Crawford still throws up questionable shots, but he took another step forward in terms of stepping up to fill voids. When the Knicks lost Stephon Marbury for extended periods, he slid over and played the point. When the Knicks needed a voice in the locker room, he spoke up. Crawford averaged 20 points and five assists.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Stephon Marbury did not like hearing blame for the Knicks' slow start and bolted a road trip for home. He took an extended leave following the death of his father, then shut down in January to have surgery on a cranky ankle. Marbury only appeared in 24 games, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists, both career lows. FREE AGENT FOCUS: Getting under the salary cap is a priority for new team president Donnie Walsh, but he's going to have to wait. He won't be shedding a lot of salary this summer by letting the likes of Fred Jones and Randolph Morris hit the free agent market. Both are role players who probably don't fit into future plans.
PLAYER NOTES:
--G Stephon Marbury was among the players allowed to complete an exit interview before the Knicks played their final game. He indicated to Donnie Walsh that his preference is to play the final year of his contract in New York, but the Knicks have not made a commitment. The new head coach is likely to have a say in the matter.
--G Jamal Crawford wore No. 11 in honor of Isiah Thomas and was sad to see his mentor leave the sidelines. There was some consolation in knowing Thomas was only a phone call away.
"I just want him here in some capacity," Crawford said. "I love being around him. I love picking his brain."
