Can Eddy Curry Make An Impact?
Former Knicks Starting Center Not Fitting Into D'Antoni's System
Oct 25, 2008
Look at the following numbers over the past five seasons of a certain center - 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 54% field goal percentage. Those are very solid numbers for a fantasy basketball center. Sure 64% free throw percentage and 2.7 turnovers are not the best. But most fantasy hoops fans would be happy to have the numbers that New York Knicks center Eddy Curry has put up the past half-decade.
Suddenly the Odd Man Out
But Curry missed the entire training camp with a bacterial infection and D'Antoni has been disappointed with the 25-year-old's lack of conditions, questionable work habits and underwhelming play in the pre-season. Curry has totaled just 55 minutes and 17 points in five games, including just two minutes against Boston.
Curry Not Happy About Bench
When asked about not starting, Curry told the New York Daily News on October 23: "It would be something I definitely wouldn't be happy about. But it's his team. He's made it clear. It's his team and he calls the shots and I'm just a player here. I just go do my job and try to be ready whenever my number is called."
Long Way to Go
D'Antoni did not rule out Curry returning to the starting lineup but it would have to take a real dedication and effort to do so as the coach told the Daily News: "It didn't take one day to get out of the rotation. It's not gonna take one day to get in either." Another problem is the fact that the Knicks are well-manned in the low post with Zach Randolph, David Lee, Wilson Chandler and Malik Rose. One light at the end of the tunnel was Curry is that at least he does not have to get past Jared Jeffries - out with a broken leg.
Options For Fantasy Players
If Wilson Chandler is available, he might be a worthwhile pick-up on speculation. One note to observe is that he has a mild left knee sprain and is listed day-to-day and may not be ready for the opener.
Other Injuries of Note
No. 1 draft pick Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls sustained a right hip flexor in Chicago's final pre-season game and did not return to action. The Bulls are fighting injuries as Ben Gordon has a jammed left big toe while Larry Hughes will miss at least two weeks with a dislocated right shoulder and Luol Deng is fighting a sore right knee.
Boone Cleared For New Jersey
Another option to replace Curry could be New Jersey Nets big man Josh Boone, who has been cleared to return to practice after passing tests to determine the cause of a rapid heartbeat. Boone played in two games in the pre-season averaging nine points and eight points in 26 minutes.
