The New York Knicks are pushing their roster depth to the limits in the final two months of the regular season. With Carmelo Anthony out, the scoring pressure falls on the rest of the players as New York simply tries to keep their head above water before hitting free agency. With their focus now shifting to the upcoming offseason, the Knicks might be able to get their hands on players originally thought to be unavailable.
There is trouble brewing for the Dallas Mavericks and Rajon Rondo. On Tuesday the tension between the point guard and head coach Rick Carlisle came to blows as the two got into a shouting match courtside causing Rondo to be benched for the final 20 minutes of the game along with getting suspended for matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. According to ESPN.com, Rondo and Carlisle are odds due to the point guard wanting more play-calling control. What makes the issue more interesting is the fact that Rondo's free agency status is still very much open.
When the Mavericks traded for Rondo, they beat out the likes of the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers for the point guard. Owner Marc Cuban made it clear that Rondo was not being viewed as a one-season rental and the team would sign him to an extension in the offseason. However, the power is in Rondo's hands. If he does not like his place on Mavericks, a departure is a very real possibility.
If Rondo hits the market, the Knicks will place a max contract right in front of him without thinking. The team was preparing to do the same with Goran Dragic and Rondo would be no different. Jose Calderon is not the point guard of the future for New York. He is expected to be out via trade or release come the offseason. The Knicks want someone they pair with Anthony and Rando or Dragic is that point guard.
New York is likely crossing all fingers that Rondo becomes available. Right now, the team is resting on players like Tim Hardaway Jr, Langston Galloway and Calderon to take care of scoring. Rookie Cleanthony Early is running out of time to prove he can be a threat for the team. Andrea Bargnani is hot and cold on the court. Survival is the short-term answer for the Knicks while the long-term could be Rondo or Dragic is available.