Grant Hill isn't the only Lon Babby client the Knicks hope will be on their club come October. In fact, the Knicks may have found their "Almond in the Rough."
In another sign of Nate Robinson's looming exit, the Knicks signed Morris Almond, Utah's 2007 first-round pick out of Rice, to their summer-league team. According to a team source, the Knicks fully expect to sign the free agent sharpshooter for next season as long as he performs decently in Las Vegas. The summer league begins July 14.
Hill, 36, will visit the Knicks on Monday as the club looks to add a character player with leadership skills. The Knicks had no captain last season.
That both Babby clients are heavy Knicks targets is no coincidence. The Knicks would prefer to use their lower exception ($2M), but probably will have to use a portion of their $5.7M mid-level exception to get Hill for one year.
Walsh declined to comment on Hill, but said Almond is being heavily considered to be signed for next season. Walsh revealed he tried to trade for the 6-foot-6 Almond last season when Almond played just 25 games and spent time in the D-League.
"We're looking for shooting," Walsh told The Post. "We acquired some of it in the draft (Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas), but he's someone you have to look at."
Robinson is receiving interest from the Lakers, Magic and Sacramento, and his return to the Knicks is unlikely as the Knicks look for a cheaper bench option in Almond.
__________________ "Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man." - Four Star General Ann E. Dunwoody
"Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege." "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
Why did he wash out in Utah? I chalked up his first year to Jerry Sloan not playing rookies, but after two full seasons, he's only scored 100 career points. They didn't even see enough potential to pick up his bargain-bin option.
He was touted as a major sleeper a couple years ago and did great in the D-League. Just not athletic enough? No defense?
Berman: Knicks Going Nuts For Almond
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