Knicks-Nuggets Forever Connected

By Michael Schneid

Several media sources have reported of a rumored trade between the Knicks and Nuggets involving Iman Shumpert and Kenneth Faried. This trade would be interesting for many reasons, but the most interesting part would be the continued evolution of connections between the two teams.

Nuggets would have Nate Robinson, Iman Shumpert, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Timofey Mozgov.

While, the Knicks lineup would be Ray Felton, JR Smith, Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and Kenneth Faried. All 5 are former Nuggets.

In 2009-10, Melo, Kenyon, and JR were all teammates. Faried never played with Melo and Felton was part of the original Anthony trade from Denver to New York.

Meanwhile with the Knicks, they sent Chandler, Gallinari, and Mozgov to Denver together for Melo. Shumpert was drafted a year later and Robinson traded the year before the Knicks traded those guys, but Nate still had experience with Chandler and Gallinari.

Anthony Randolph is also aformer Knick, for about 17 games, as part of the Anthony trade, moving from Minnesota to NY.

All, but Nate, were originally acquired or drafted by Mike D'Antoni. Considering current Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw got his coaching start in LA, maybe we can send D'Antoni and Jordan Hill (another former Knicks draft pick) to Denver for Brian Shaw. Maybe the Knicks should hire former Nuggets head coach George Karl? Karl coached all of those players in Denver as recently as last season.