During his “I’ll go anywhere to get out of Washington” campaign last summer, Arenas thought about the Knicks. Guard-friendly offense, big city that needs a star that can score… seemed like a fit in his head.
Until he heard what D’Antoni said about him, Arenas told Newsday.“I heard he said I wasn’t his type of point guard,’' Arenas said. “I guess because everybody is still stuck in 2006-2007 when I was scoring a lot . . . And I understand when you’ve had Steve Nash all those years, you don’t need a guy out there trying to score 50 or 60.’'
D’Antoni denied Arenas’ statement and said acquiring the once-prolific (and recently troubled) guard from the Wizards was not a realistic option for the Knicks during the offseason. “I don’t even think we had the [salary] cap room,’' he said.
It’s not so much not wanting Arenas as it is not wanting the four years, $80 million left on his deal coming into this season. That was an Isiah Thomas contract. The Knicks just spent two years losing games to get out of deals like that, they weren’t about to take another one on.
So, nothing personal, Gilbert. It’s not you, it’s me. And your ungodly contract. Be sure to have fun in Orlando.
