I like Hughes the most of our vet guards (Hughes, Duhon, N8). I He plays defense, gets people involved, he can rebound, and will score when he's "on."
Leaving Curry & Jeffries aside, these four have chances to return next year: David Lee, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington & Darko Milicic.
DAVIFD LEE as the most talent but I just don't see the Knicks retaining his services. So far this year, he's taken a big step backwards. He just doesn't really impact games when it counts and his defense is a major liability. I think the moment they drafted Jordan Hill, Lee was a goner. If nobody wants to pay him money (and he wont be getting anything close to a max deal) I could see the Knicks scooping him up for about 6-7 mil a year (depending on what shakes down in free agency)- but this is a LONG shot.
AL HARRINGTON seems like the ideal candidate, of the four, to place your bet on to be the one to return. He likes the system, is a local boy, likes Walsh, and seems willing to take less to be in the right situation. He is a solid 6th man, bringing offense off the bench. The only question is what Al wants: If he wants the most money, then he too is a goner. If he's willing to work with Walsh, I'm sure they'll find a way to slip him 4-5 mil a year for 4-5 years (or something.
LARRY HUGHES is in the same boat as AL. Having Hughes and Douglas serve as the backup guards, is a good thing for a championship caliber team. Having a savvy vet who plays defense and can score, as well as facilitate-distribute; compliments having a young, budding combo guard who can score and play defense. The problem is (unlike Harrington) will Hughes be successful as the 2nd guard coming off the bench, and possibly seeing dwindling playing time? I would welcome him back if he's accepting of his reserve role.
Darko Milicic is a work in project and gets an incomplete right now. He suffers b/c we are focused on dumping Jared Jeffries somewhere. This is taking Darko's playing time away. Unless we see something by the end of the year, I have to wonder if he has any worth?
It all comes to this: one way or another, either Darko or Jeffries will return next year. We need a backup center. Only on stays though. Of the other 3, I think we only keep one (Lee, Harrington & Hughes).
I wonder who is easier to retain? I mean, LEE will be seeking more money. SO, while he seems like the obvious choice to flee, it may come down to the fact that nobody wants to pay him. Meanwhile, a role player like Hughes and Harrington aren't seeking max deals, so some team might pay them a little extra to lure them in. In the end, we need to fill roster spots, and we'll have money to sign one of these 3.