Cheikh Samb is almost a Knick

by Matt Watson on Feb 23, 2009 9:28 PM EST

The Knicks appear to be closing in on a deal for D-Leaguer Cheikh Samb, who may be best remembered for being included in the Allen Iverson deal this season or for being posterized by Brandon Roy.

The 7-foot center, originally drafted by the Lakers in the second round, was one of the players that worked out on Monday for the Knicks, who have two available roster spots.

Nothing is official just yet but Samb has the inside track on one of the two roster spots. He is the very definition of a project. He’s already been on three team's rosters - the Pistons, Nuggets and Clippers - the latter of which released him on Feb. 16.

It's not really accurate to call him a "D-Leaguer" -- he's played more games in the NBA (16) than in the D-League (nine) this year, and hasn't played a D-League game since Jan. 2. But whatever, I'm glad to see he's latching on with another team. Not that I think he'll actually play much for the Knicks, but I think he could be a good fit in Mike D'Antoni's system -- he's athletic enough to get up and down the court in a hurry, he can initiate fast breaks with a big block and he's not scared to shoot from beyond the arc.

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I think that the Knicks will edget the Pistons out for the last playoff spot.

With the addition of Wllcox and Hughes then now have a pretty good 9 man rotation and all nine of those get played. Those 9 don’t even include Gallinari

by Mike on Feb 23, 2009 10:29 PM EST reply actions

I don’t see a chance in hell we don’t make the playoffs. That’s just stupid to think we won’t. Oh yeah and good for Samb, hopefully he makes the team.

by Restructure_It on Feb 23, 2009 11:24 PM EST reply actions

R_I: I think there’s a better than even chance the Pistons either miss the playoffs or sneak in as the No. 8 seed (which, IMHO, would be worse than missing completely).

by Matt Watson on Feb 23, 2009 11:43 PM EST reply actions

If we go on to win the championship, it would be great if we sneak in at the eighth spot. I think making it to the conference finals again would be great.

Having said that, the way we have been playing lately I would be surprised to make it out of the first round of the playoffs. It would be better to miss the playoffs than be swept by Cleveland or Boston in the first round.

by Peter on Feb 24, 2009 12:13 AM EST reply actions

Congrats with the upgrade Cheikh!

by Jesse on Feb 24, 2009 12:34 AM EST reply actions

So should I be happy that they realize it, or angry that it took this long?

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2009/02/pistons_antonio_mcdyess_we_don.html

by Keegan on Feb 24, 2009 12:56 AM EST reply actions

Another story says that the Knicks were trying out “several D-Leaguers” along with Quincy Douby (A.K.A. Acie Law’s twin brother).

by TDP on Feb 24, 2009 1:28 AM EST reply actions

Keegan, reading that story really solidified the fact for me that we need to hand the rest of this season over to the young guns. Starting Stuckey, Max, Afflalo and Amir will be more beneficial in the long term – since, evidently, that’s what we’re all about this year.

by TDP on Feb 24, 2009 1:31 AM EST reply actions

I think if anyone needs to stand up and take this team as their own it should be Rip or Tay. It doesn’t matter that he isn’t starting, he has been there long enough to say what he feels needs to be said. I was hoping Tay would be that guy, as an Olympian and one of the best players on the team he should easily command the respect of his team mates.

On whether it would be better to miss the playoffs or sneak in as an eighth seed: I would not care either way. As long as the coach is sacked either sooner or at seasons end, I am not bothered. It is true that anything could happen in the playoffs and this team might click and get to the ECF. I do have one sobering truth for those that are resting their hopes on that scenario:

MCIAFI

by Laughton on Feb 24, 2009 2:12 AM EST reply actions

I thought the scouting report on Samb was that he was slow. Maybe he’s not quick but fast?

by Birdman on Feb 24, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions

The problem starts with the head coach the pistons have no leadership at the top did anyone see the cleveland game the pistons just quit!!! that means it’s a lack of leadership from the top! if the pistons would fire curry they would win some games rip should be starting not a.i. then we would be a better team a playing some DEFENCE

by FRED W. CAPEL on Feb 25, 2009 3:19 AM EST reply actions