Knicks center Samuel Dalembert admitted the Knicks’ season has been “a tragedy’’ and a “tragic thing.’’ And there’s a chance he could escape it soon because of a quirk in his contract.
Only $1.8 million of Dalembert’s $3.8 million pact is guaranteed. Non-guaranteed NBA contracts become fully guaranteed on Jan. 10. According to a source, that stipulation applies to Dalembert’s contract, and it’s known the Knicks are considering everything.
If Dalembert is waived before Saturday, the Knicks would save $2 million and open up a roster spot for a young player from the D-League or a waived player from another NBA club.
Though Dalembert was ready to play Sunday in an eventual 95-82 loss to the Bucks after a three-game absence with a sprained ankle, Fisher gave him a DNP — an ominous sign. Fisher said it was a bad matchup because of Milwaukee’s small lineup, and he should trot Dalembert out Monday against the big Grizzlies and center Marc Gasol.
According to a source, Dalembert is in the dark about the Knicks’ plans and said as much in an interview before the game. The source indicated Dalembert wouldn’t be broken up to land on a contender in February as he will be a free agent this summer anyhow.
The flip side for the Knicks in keeping Dalembert is they are desperate for big men and could net an asset in a trade before February’s trade deadline for a club looking to add a defensive big man for a playoff push. The Boston Globe reported there could be several teams interested in the former Seton Hall shot blocker.
“Maybe you know more than me,’’ Dalembert said. “I love it here. I love the team we have. Unfortunately we’re going through what we’re going through right now. It’s a great organization. I would love for my career to finish here, but it’s business. A lot of times it’s beyond your control. I’ll still see how it goes and enjoy the time.’’
Dalembert didn’t sugarcoat the trials of these Knicks. They have lost 11 straight and 21 of 22. The Bucks and Knicks will meet again in London on Jan. 15 — if England allows Phil Jackson’s team inside the country.
“If somebody would tell me this would happen, I’d say hell no,’’ said Dalembert. “It’s surprising to me. I’ve been on teams at Sacramento. We had some problems, issues but nothing like this. We ask ourselves the question, keep looking at ourselves in the mirror. What can we do better?’’
“It’s a tragedy. It’s a tragic thing. We still believe we’re competitors. Guys on this team try our best. But the outcome is not what reflects on how hard we push ourselves. We’re going to keep fighting.’’
Jackson will soon decide the best thing for the Knicks is playing the younger players, which could affect Amar’e Stoudemire’s status. He missed his fifth straight game and perhaps he’ll be eventually waived to open a roster spot.
The Post reported Sunday Jackson has Westchester Knicks point guard Langston Galloway on his radar. Galloway attended the game Sunday.
The Knicks will face Gasol, a free-agent-to-be center, Monday when they face Memphis. The Post reported they believe their chances at landing Gasol this summer aren’t strong.
Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani will make the Memphis-Washington road trip but Stoudemire won’t. Fisher didn’t rule out either playing. Fisher said Saturday Anthony could sit out “a week or so.”
Stoudemire said he’s unsure of a timetable but said his right knee didn’t need an MRI exam yet. “When you overuse something, it takes time to calm down,’’ Stoudemire said. “We know what the soreness is. That’s the problem right now. I wish I could give you a date or time frame. You got to listen to your body when it’s being overused.’’