Originally Posted by The New York Times; March, 2006

''It's going to always be around,'' Richardson said of the emotion surrounding his brother's death, ''until I have a chance to get home and just completely recharge.''

For a time, it seemed that Richardson would never emerge from a dense fog of personal and professional strains that began last summer. He was crushed when the Phoenix Suns traded him to the Knicks in June. His engagement to the singer Brandy broke off before the season. A chronic back condition and other assorted injuries have hampered his game.

His brother's death overshadowed it all, but every element played a role in what Richardson concedes has been his most challenging season ''definitely, with the injuries and the family situation, definitely.''

It would appear, though, that Richardson is emerging from the distress, just in time to lead his and the Knicks' resurgence.

It started in mid-January, when Richardson -- long known as merely a scorer -- suddenly became the best perimeter defender on the team. He got physical with Cleveland's LeBron James, then took his turns on the Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Houston's Tracy McGrady, among others.

Coach Larry Brown, who seemed to have little use for Richardson earlier, began praising him for showing the kind of grit that the Knicks otherwise lacked. Brown returned Richardson to the starting lineup, then kept him there even after the team traded for Jalen Rose and Steve Francis.

Along the way, Richardson regained his shooting stroke. He has scored in double figures 10 times since Feb. 1, after hitting double digits only eight times from November through January. Over the last 12 games, he has averaged 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Now is ''probably the healthiest I've felt all season long,'' Richardson said, adding, ''My back isn't hurting anymore.''

Although Richardson's shot faltered Tuesday night in Indiana, he grabbed 11 rebounds and his sturdy defense against Peja Stojakovic and Stephen Jackson helped fuel a surprising 107-92 rout of the Pacers.

''He was phenomenal,'' Brown said.

Richardson's play has been so strong that it has forced Brown to keep Francis on the bench. Brown said recently that he wanted to use Francis in the starting backcourt with Stephon Marbury, pushing Richardson to small forward or to the bench. But with the Knicks having played four straight strong games, winning the last two, Brown is hesitant to disrupt his lineup and rotation.

Beyond the numbers, Richardson has emerged as a locker-room conscience and has come to embody the Knicks' newfound will. In a team meeting in early February, he traded angry barbs with Marbury, earning respect in the locker room. But several other teammates also called out Richardson during that meeting. Coincidentally or not, he has played his best since then.

Even on nights when his shot is not falling, Richardson has remained aggressive and confident. ''If we win, I don't care if I score negative points,'' Richardson said.

Originally Posted by Samuel

He'd be another 'buy low, sell high' acquisition, and his contract is similar to Miles': 4 years topping out at 9.5 million. There is a player option on that year, however, which could reduce his deal to 3 years instead of four. The good thing is, QRich is 26 and a 3-4 year rental is essentially buying him for the prime of his career.

The big con of this deal is Quentin Richardson's back. He only played 55 games last year.
If you look at Darius Miles' availability, however, this could be considered a wash. Miles has always had nagging injuries, and is one of those players (like Theo Ratliff) who makes his own gametime decisions.

I found this encouraging tidbit from a Times article last year. It shows QRich to be a hustling defender who can hit the 3 and a vocal leader in the locker room. QRich played for the Suns and experienced the environment of a playoff contender. He'd be a positive guy to have around this organization.

If we do this deal, though, Juan Dixon is as good as gone, as QRich can play the 2.





If Jeffries doesn't go through, sign me up for this one.

Originally Posted by Blazer Ringbearer

He's played both positions in his career. If we had Richardson, Martell, Roy for the 2/3 - I don't think it matters that much which guy is playing which position.

It's funny when you read an article like that. It makes me think, man, if the Knicks could get more guys like that, they could really turn things around. But of course, they would trade him away for Darius Miles... crazy Isiah.

I would love the deal. I wasn't expecting Darius' value to be high enough to pick up someone like Richardson who is essentially equivalent or greater talent. He has similar problems, but I think they are mostly of injuries, not attitude.

Originally Posted by mediocre man

It's his back. that's the only reason they would trade him for Miles.

Originally Posted by SheedSoNasty

If he could somehow return to how he played with Phoenix, that trade would be an absolute steal for us. Either way, I'd probably do it just to get rid of Miles.

Originally Posted by SheedSoNasty

If he could somehow return to how he played with Phoenix, that trade would be an absolute steal for us. Either way, I'd probably do it just to get rid of Miles.