Hooped Up

Jamal Crawford denied telling a Seattle newspaper that he wants the Knicks to trade him. “I’m happy where I’m at,” Crawford said Monday night. In a blog that appeared on the Seattle Times Web site, a reporter said that he had had a conversation with Crawford following Saturday’s Knicks’ loss to the Sonics and that the veteran shooting guard had expressed his desire to be dealt.

NY Daily News

All this winning at Madison Square Garden is beginning to feel a little monotonous. The Knicks followed their victory two nights earlier by beating the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, 105-93. For those keeping count, that is two wins in two games.

So maybe the Knicks have struggled mightily this season. But it has not felt that way recently. They have won three of their past five games, after winning three games in all of December.

“Is it safe to celebrate?” a security guard stationed near the Knicks’ locker room said.

Hold the Champagne until Wednesday night, when the Knicks (11-26) go for a season-high three-game winning streak against the Nets in New Jersey.

 New York Times

Before the game, Zach Randolph said he was “shocked” when Isiah Thomas informed him during the morning stretch that he wouldn’t be starting. Asked if he would try to play his way back in, Randolph uttered an expletive and said, “I ain’t played my way out of it.” Even so, Randolph wound up only one rebound shy of his usual double-double, recording 22 points and nine rebounds in 33:07. Crawford had 29 points and eight assists, Lee 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Robinson 16 points - but no assists - in 25:51. Richardson was 3-for-12 from the field, including three air balls, for eight points in 36:29.

NY Newsday

It is unlikely that Francis will return next season. The Knicks reneged on a buyout agreement with Francis after Jamal Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury. A Cavs source said that the team was made aware of Steve Francis’ pending buyout and had internal discussions about acquiring him.”

New York Daily News

Knicks center Eddy Curry woke up with a stiff back this morning and did not participate in the morning shootaround. The Knicks still say he should play but who knows. They also said Quentin Richardson would play many times and he did not. Curry’s sore back goes along with the sense he’s hitting the wall. He’s also missing Jamal Crawford too much.”

New York Post

Jamal Crawford’s surgically repaired ankle may have cost James Dolan close to $20 million.

The Knicks and Steve Francis were working on a buyout early last week, but according to a Knicks source, those plans changed dramatically when Crawford was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ankle.

Francis is scheduled to earn $40 million over the next two years, including his remaining income from this year’s contract. Francis and the Knicks had negotiated a buyout for approximately $30 million. According to a source, Francis was convinced that he could sign for the mid-level exception over the summer to make back the money.

New York Daily News

The chances of Jamal Crawford potentially returning for the playoffs - if the Knicks make it - increased yesterday after he underwent successful surgery on his ankle. “He’ll be back for the second round,” Isiah Thomas said to laughter. Crawford will be on crutches for a week, a Knicks spokesman said, with rehab starting in 10 days.”

New York Post

The Knicks have explored signing free agent swingman Jimmy Jackson to fill the massive void left by Jamal Crawford’s season-ending stress fracture injury, according to the New York Post.

Jackson played last season for the Suns and Lakers, but was not picked up this year. He has been working out at his home in Toledo, Ohio.

The Knicks made inquiries into Jackson following Wednesday night’s crushing loss to the Celtics, the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks fell behind by 23 points to Boston in the first half in their first game without Crawford.

It is believed one of the Knicks’ brass interviewed Jackson yesterday.

New York Post

Jamal Crawford will have surgery today to repair a stress fracture in his right ankle.

The Knicks have not given a timetable for Crawford, who is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

New York Daily News

When Jamal Crawford informed Stephon Marbury on Tuesday morning Crawford was out for the season, the Knicks point guard thought the combo guard was joking. When Marbury realized Crawford was serious, Marbury broke down and cried for more than a minute, according to a team source.

Marbury said of his initial reaction to Crawford’s season-ending stress fracture: “I was shocked. I thought he was playing at first.

“It hit me hard because of everything that’s going on, as far as making the playoffs and just for him, because of how much he’s grown since he’s been here,” Marbury added. “It’s been an uphill battle for him and finally he got to this point and has an understanding of what he can do on the basketball court. It’s tough to see a young player go through that.”

New York Post