Did the Knicks get the better end of the deal? Yes. I believe so and here's why:
Eddy Curry
Last year if the Bulls had still gave up Tyson Chandler and kept Curry, they'd probably beat Detroit. Slide Wallace to the PF position, with Eddy at the 5 and you definetly have the low post scoring threat that they so sorely lacked. As well, you take a run at the title with Big Ben's defense and rebounding while Tyrus Thomas learns how to navigate the NBA waters. 3yrs from now you're still a threat with Curry, Thomas, Deng, Gordon and Hinrich. And the run continues with you starting five intact for four years. Just a thought. By the way, does anyone here really care what Scott Skiles really has to say? Did anyone think he was gonna talk up Curry's or Chandler's development when he ran them both out of town? Notice how they both had break out years as soon as they left his so called tutelage?
Renaldo Balkman
The position the Knicks need help at the most I believe are SF and PF. Now we have people on the team, who could easily fill these roles if they take this off season to develop. Balkman is a wash for talent with Tyrus Thomas. Balkman is a better on ball defender than Thomas, and a much better ball handler. So if he develops a jumper with his abilty to go to the basket he'd have the makings of an injury free Larry Johnson. Explosive post presence, if the shot develops, the abilty to pull up and stretch the D.
Frye and Lee
Both these guys have high ceilings for what they can achieve. The just need to work hard. However, I like the fact they're young and coachable. as well, that they aren't KVH or Tim Thomas two 6'10 guys that are sometimes impossible to find on a basketball court. KVH was so useless he is no longer in the league (no he's not on Dallas anymore) and Tim Thomas won't be sited again till he needs his final contract.
The Bulls will soon be over the cap. They have to resign Deng, Gordon, Nocioni, Duhon. By the way only three teams will be under the cap (Projected at 55 to $57.5). They are as follows:
Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago*, Milwaukee*, Orlando, Sacramento*, Seattle* and Toronto* (* Depicts teams that do not have a full roster under contract for 2007/2008 season)
Ultimately did we win getting Eddy? Yes, cause now we have a plan.