Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

[RMJH4]

He wasn’t supposed to be here.

Three years earlier, Mike Hobbs had landed in New York with little fanfare — a soft-spoken Irishman with a clipboard, a sharp eye for talent, and a résumé built far from the bright lights of the NBA. From 1992 to 1997, he’d reshaped Basketball Ireland from a fragmented semi-pro outfit into a streamlined development program that caught the attention of scouts overseas. But this wasn’t Dublin. This was Madison Square Garden.

From 1997 to 2000, Hobbs worked quietly in the shadows as the Knicks’ Assistant General Manager, learning the system, earning trust, and building alliances. He wasn’t loud. He wasn’t political. But he was always prepared. Always watching.

Now, in the summer of 2000, with the Knicks fresh off a turbulent Eastern Conference Finals playoff exit to the Pacers and a front office in transition, Hobbs found himself in an unlikely position: at the top of the shortlist to become the next General Manager of the New York Knicks.

For the first time in his career, the decisions would be his.

But in New York, power comes with a price — and there’s nowhere to hide when the lights go up.

Part 1 2000-01 Season will be played on NBA2K20 in MyLeague Mode.

Part 2 is on NBA2K9 on the XBOX 360.

Inspirations: trekfan and his MyGm stories, spiderxx7 and the RiverWalk Chronicles over on NLSC years ago.

[RMJH4]

Career History.

General Manager Basketball Ireland 1992 - 1997.
Assistant General Manager New York Knicks 1997 - 2000.
General Manager New York Knicks: June 2000 - June 2001.
General Manager Golden State Warriors June 2001.
General Manager Los Angeles Clippers March 2009 -


2000-01 Season.

Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening.
Knicks fire GM Scott Layden.
New York Knicks appoint Mike Hobbs as General Manager.
Chapter 2 : A New Beginning.
Chapter 3: NBA Draft Night 2000.
Free Agents Get Ready To Cash In.
Chapter 4: What do you think Patrick?
Chapter 5: Recruiting.
NBA Free Agency Roundup 2000.
Chapter 6: Picking up the Pieces.
Eastern Conference Preview.
Western Conference Preview.
Trade Alert.
Teams impressed by Rookie GM Hobbs.
Around the NBA - December 1st 2000.
Trade Alert December 2nd 2000.
Around the NBA - January 1st 2000.
Kidd Charged With Assault After Arrest.
Trade Alert.
Seattle SuperSonics are for sale.
Around the NBA - February 1st 2001.
Chapter 7: A risk worth taking?
'Big Country' in the 'Big Apple'.
Knicks Trade for Glen Rice.
All Star Weekend Review.
Around the NBA - March 1st 2001.
Around the NBA - April 1st 2001.
Around the NBA - April 15th 2001.
NBA Season Awards - 2000/01.
All NBA Teams Awards 2000/01.
Chapter 8: Check in with Dolan.
Sonics sold to Starbucks' Schultz.
2001 Playoffs Round 1.
Conference Finals Matchups 2001.
Jerry Krause resigns as Bull General Manager.
NBA Finals 2001.
Los Angeles honors champs with encore parade.

[RMJH4]

New York Knicks 2000-01 Season.

New York Knicks Depth Chart - 2000-01
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Charlie Ward	Chauncey Billups	Kevin Edwards
SG	Allan Houston	Michael Redd
SF	Latrell Sprewell	John Wallace
PF	Glen Rice	Othella Harrington	Felton Spencer	Marcus Camby (Inj)
C	Patrick Ewing	Bryant Reeves	Slava Medvedenko

[RMJH4]

New York Knicks Schedule 2000-01.

Record 60 - 22. 1st in Eastern Conference.

Game 1 Knicks @ Spurs.
Game 2 Knicks @ Nets.
Game 3 Celtics @ Knicks.
Game 4 Bulls @ Knicks.
Game 5: Knicks @ Magic.
Game 6 Knicks @ Celtics.
Game 7: Kings @ Knicks.
Game 8: Knicks @ Pistons.
Game 9: Knicks @ Mavericks.
Game 10: Cavs @ Knicks.
Game 11: Knicks @ Bulls.
Game 12: Mavs @ Knicks.
Game 13: Hornets @ Knicks.
Game 14: Cavs @ Knicks.
Games 15 - 20.
Games 21 - 34.
Games 35 - 50.
Game 51: Knicks @ Cavs.
Game 52: Magic @ Knicks.
Games 53 - 55. Knicks improve to 37 - 18.
Game 56: Pacers @ Knicks.
Camby returns as Knicks continue surge, tied 42-18 with Bucks.
Knicks keep rolling into April, still tied first with Milwaukee.
Knicks hit 60 wins to top Eastern Conference.

New York Knicks 2000 Playoffs.

Knicks sweep Heat 3-0, advance to R2.
Knicks advance to Conference Finals, beat Raptors 4 -1.
Conference Finals Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers 98 - 102 New York Knicks.
Conference Finals Game 2: Philadelphia 76ers 88 - 91 New York Knicks.
Conference Finals Game 3: New York Knicks 92 - 93 Philadelphia 76ers.
Conference Finals Game 4: New York Knicks 94 - 95 Philadelphia 76ers.
Conference Finals Game 5: Philadelphia 76ers 88 - 97 New York Knicks.
Conference Finals Game 6: New York Knicks 95 - 92 Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA Finals Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers 113 - 116 New York Knicks.
NBA Finals Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers 94 - 104 New York Knicks.
NBA Finals Game 3: New York Knicks 95 - 104 Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Finals Game 4: New York Knicks 106 - 110 Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Finals Game 5: New York Knicks 106 - 126 Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Finals Game 6: Los Angeles Lakers 119 - 97 New York Knicks.

[RMJH4]

Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening.

I awoke to the sound of the phone ringing in my ears, something I had grown quite accustomed to after nearly 4 years as an assistant to the General Manager of the New York Knicks. I expected it to be my boss, General Manager Scott Layden. However I was instead greeted by the deep drawl of new team owner James Dolan.

"Mike?" His voice echoed in my ear.

"Yes Mr. Dolan? What is it?"

"Well Mike, as of now we no longer have a General Manager."

"What?"

"Its all over the news now. Scott was in with us late last night. The loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals was just too much for me to take. We have gone from NBA Finals to Eastern Conference Finals. We are going backwards. So I need to do something drastic. Scott has come as far as he can with us. I mean he's only fully in charge one year, but I didn't hire him. Dad did. I want to put my own stamp on the team. I gave him as long as possible to work some deals and get us some picks for this upcoming draft, or improve the roster to get as close to the NBA Championship as possible."

"Really? I'll be honest with you Mr Dolan, I'm suprised. I felt Scott started off fairly well by keeping the status quo. Team has gotten older though."

"Its very disappointing. He claims he can turn it around in the next year, but I heard that this past off-season. Drafting that French kid Weis over a local hero Ron Artest was a really short sighted move. John Wallace and Andrew Lang are also looking like mistakes. I know you weren't a fan of those. We are running on empty. Nothing to deal, except maybe Patrick, and we want him to still be our centre-piece. I don't know if that is an option now, or whether he will want to leave. He's getting a little long in the tooth."

"So what does this mean for me?"

"Well I have been impressed by your work over the last four years. Scott and Ernie spoke very highly of you. I want to retain you here in the organisation.But in a more prominent role."

"Wow. Really? Like how prominent?."

"General Manager for the rest of the season."

I briefly paused, absolutely dumbstruck. What an opportunity. I couldn't believe my hard work behind the scenes had finally opened the door for me. Yes it is probably one of the the most difficult GM positions in the league, but I have nothing to lose here. If I fail, nobody will really have expected anything different. A rookie GM in one of the toughest cities in the league.

"Thank you very much Mr Dolan, I will gladly accept your offer. Do I start in the morning?"

"Right away. I know you have a mammoth task ahead of you, so get yourself prepped and we'll meet at 9am."

"Yes certainly Mr Dolan. I have a lot of great ideas for what we can do. I have my notebook somewhere. I was going to Scott with them tomorrow."

"Lucky for you he didn't see them, it may have saved his job. See you then Mike."

"Thanks Mr Dolan."

"Call me Jimmy. Good night."

It was unbelievable, I couldn't get over what I was hearing. After all the work I put in, after all my dedication to my studies and this team, my years with Basketball Ireland it might finally be my time, but did Dolan really think I was ready for all that responsibility? More importantly, did I think I was ready?

The phone clicked, as the dial tone rang in my ear. I was still in shock. After all the time taking notes and running errands as an Assistant, I'd finally have the chance to make some changes.

Nowhere to Hide.

[RMJH4]

Knicks fire GM Scott Layden

Scott Layden fired by New York Knicks.

The Knicks, who lost 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals back in May, today fired Scott Layden, their president and general manager, and replaced him with the little known Mike Hobbs.

The Knicks scheduled a news conference this afternoon to make the announcement.

Pressure has been building internally on Layden, who replaced Ernie Grunfeld in the summer of 1999 after the Knicks made it to the National Basketball Association finals. The Knicks roster changes that Layden engineered have failed to pull the team a step closer to the NBA title. However the main reason could be that new owner James Dolan want's to make a hire of his own.

Layden still has two seasons after this one remaining on his 3-year contract, which is believed to be worth $10 million.

Layden has nearly nothing to show for his moves, and almost as few words of substance to explain them. Though he operated in the league's largest market, he established little perceptible public identity, and the Knick team he assembled mirrored this lack of glamour. He started off on the wrong foot with last seasons draft gaffe of taking French Center Frederic Weis over St Johns standout Ron Artest. Artest who was selected with the next pick by the Bulls looks to be a high ceiling prospect.

Hobbs who is originally from Dublin, Ireland has been stateside for the last 3 years working with the Knicks as Assistant GM. First to Ernie Grunfeld and most recently Scott Layden. Hobbs was President of Basketball Operations for Basketball Ireland and recruited many players like Marty Conlon and more recently Cal Bowdler of the Hawks to play for the National Team. Regardless of what Dolan thinks, the Knicks are in a tough situation this season with an ageing team who could go backwards yet again this season.

[RMJH4]

New York Knicks appoint Mike Hobbs as General Manager.

New York Knicks appoint Mike Hobbs as General Manager.

June 1st, 2000.

In the wake of the storm that engulfed Madison Square Garden in the last few hours, some semblance of calm has swept across it after this press conference.

Into the fold now comes one of New Yorks promising new executives. He has served as an assistant to Ernie Grunfeld and Scott Layden for the last 3 seasons. He knows the lay of the land, and despite the bleak outlook, this young man seems to think he can do some work. He moved to New York 3 years ago after being head hunted by former owner Jim Dolan and GM Dave Checketts. He worked with Basketball Ireland for 10 years, as a coach, development officer, competitions officer and eventually as President of Basketball Operations. He got the national league back on its feet and the men's International team gained respectability.

But the work with New York really starts right now. When questioned on this appointment so close to the NBA Draft Hobbs said. "We have a number of draft targets in mind that will fit the identity we are looking for. We will look to start interviews and workouts early next week for the draft."

"It would be remiss of me to suggest that this will be an easy job. Its probably the biggest season of the New York Knicks history. Bigger than two years ago when we made the NBA Finals. We will try and make a big push in the playoffs again this season.

I will be looking to acquire some draft picks if possible. I want to shed some payroll. I want to add youth to the roster too. I feel like I know what style suits our roster best based on our current construction and what moves I have planned out. We already have some guys who can excel playing that way night and night out. Mr Dolan and I are willing to do what it takes to put a winner on the floor."

Asked on whether Patrick Ewing will be traded, Hobbs said "I will do everything I can to build a winner around Patrick. We have no intention of trading him. He may think differently though, you will need to ask him what his plans are."

[RMJH4]

Chapter 2 : A New Beginning.

June 4th, 2000

Four days into the job, after several meetings with Mr Dolan, I had managed to rearrange the front office.

Now what I've learned from Mr Dolan over the past few months is that he really cares about the morale of the franchise. He has a strong moral compass and expects this franchise to be run similarly. He is an impatient owner who expects success from his employee and players, everything and everyone, top to bottom. He hasn't worked well with his GMs so far, but his goal is to put a good product on the floor. It’s up to me now to carry on the great tradition that he his dad and he have started with the franchise in New York.

Now onto my assistant GM Josh Wilson. We go back a long way. We both started out in Ireland coaching high school teams. We earned our coaching badges alongside some business and management degrees. We worked our way up the ranks with National League teams, eventually setting up Dublin Hibernia, the national club team that now competes in the EuroLeague. I was Head Coach and Josh was my Associate Head Coach.

Ireland has always had great players, they just never had the right size or stature to consistently compete internationally.

In the 1980's and 1990's basketball was incredibly big in Ireland, and we both grew up in the midst of all this. American collegiate players who didn't get drafted for the NBA made their way across the pond to play basketball to earn a living in an English speaking country.

Some examples include Kelvin Troy, the Rutgers standout. Sports Illustrated named him one of the nation's top 10 best defensive players prior to the 1979-80 season. A fifth-round draft pick of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, Troy played professionally in Ireland for Killester and still coaches today. We learned a lot from Kelvin, in basketball and in life.

Our other big influence was Gerald Kennedy. He attended Virginia Tech in the late 70s/ Early 80s with Dell Curry. Kennedy is still highly influential in coaching in Ireland with underage teams, schools and clubs. Kennedy starred in the Irish league for years with Sligo All Stars.

Having connections like these he branched into Europe and set up some links in Germany and France were Josh went coaching for a few months. So with all our history together, I felt I needed to get Josh on board straight away.

He's a fantastic negotiator and fantastic at striking trade deals. Josh like me is vastly experienced in the European style of basketball, not only coaching it, but scouting and managing it. He's held similar positions in France recently and has a good feel for their league.

It’s probably why I was hired here too originally. James Dolan seen my NBA internship and coupled with my EuroLeague experience I have a feeling I know what style he would like this franchise to play.

And here's a little summary on him:

Assistant GM: Josh Wilson: Like I've said before. He's a fantastic negotiator and fantastic at striking trade deals. Between the two of us, we're going to make some great deals over our tenure if we get the permanent gig. Josh was on the airplane by the time I finished ringing him to offer a job for the rest of the season.

[kibaxx7]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

My friend, did you actually feel inspired by my old River Walk story? Thank you so much, it means a lot to me! I had a lot of free time back then... I miss those days Following this one, of course!

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

My friend, did you actually feel inspired by my old River Walk story? Thank you so much, it means a lot to me! I had a lot of free time back then... I miss those days Following this one, of course!

Yes I was! One of the first dynasties I ever read!Yeah lots of things happened over the last few years, like myself having a family now, and work!

[RMJH4]

Chapter 3: NBA Draft Night 2000.

Chapter 3: NBA Draft Night 2000.

June 28, 2000.

So here it is the NBA Draft. We have a man we want to get and add to our core. Lets hope he doesn't go off the board before #22. If he does we have a back up plan though.

With the 19th Pick in the 2000 NBA Draft the Charlotte Hornets pick.......Jamaal Magloire.

With the 20th Pick in the 2000 NBA Draft the Philadelphia 76ers select........Speedy Claxton.

As expected Magloire and Claxton are off the board with 19 and 20. Now is where it gets nervy. We want Eddie House. He fits the modern build of a scoring combo guard in todays NBA. Its a close run battle when him and Morris Peterson who is another top guard. So why do we want House more? He's like a Dell Curry clone. A light's out 3 point shooter. There's our perimeter shooting improved massively. If we keep Patrick we need to give him more space to operate inside with Marcus.

Now if the Raptors take House here, which they might, we have the following lined up. DeShawn Stevenson. Super defensive player but shooting and scoring or not high on his list of priorities. He could be a good trade asset.

With the 21st Pick in the 2000 NBA Draft the Toronto Raptors select........Morris Peterson.

Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!Ye s!Yes!Yes!Yes!Yes!

Phone rings:

"Hey Mike, Wally Walker (Sonics) here... So our offer is still on the table..."

"Hey Wally, yes we would love to keep Patrick (Ewing) here.... Not sure we want to do that yet. The public would go crazy if we trade him. I'm not one to be swayed by public opinion, but I could dig myself a hole here before I even start out as a GM..."

"Yes that's understandable Mike. We'll give the Lakers a call."

"Hey don't go too far from the phone, we are looking at your other picks and will see what way the cards fall."

"Ok talk soon, thanks."

So here we go...

With the 22nd pick in the 2000 NBA Draft the New York Knicks select.....Eddie House.

We got our man. The Raptors did us a favour, I felt they would either go with House or Peterson Now lets see what else I can get. Wonder if the Sonics will trade Payton instead..

Later that Night..

All the time the phones stayed quiet on our end. Denver, Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte and Boston didn't want to give up their picks to us. We were on borrowed time here as we thought our man would have been taken by now. We had exhausted almost all avenues. Sonics were up next at #42.

With the 42nd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft the Seattle SuperSonics select Olumide Oyedeji.

He's still there Mike. Let's do it.

"With the 43rd Pick in the 2000 NBA Draft the New York Knicks select........Michael Redd"

And that's a wrap folks. We got the two guys we wanted, and didn't give up anything. A risk worth taking for Redd. We think he can be an Allan Houston lite, can score in bunches but has a very skinny frame. Need to get some NYC food into him and fill him out.

Now onto our roster. Lots of decisions to be made on team and player options. We need to come up with a list of free agent targets too. Busy times ahead.

[RMJH4]

Free Agents Get Ready To Cash In.

Free Agents Get Ready To Cash In.

July 1, 2000.

As the NBA free agency period began at midnight last night, Detroit's Grant Hill and San Antonio's Tim Duncan headlined a lengthy list of players who could be changing teams. Along with Hill and Duncan, Toronto Raptors swingman Tracy McGrady, Charlotte guard Eddie Jones and Portland forward Brian Grant are expected to be the most coveted free agents.

The Orlando Magic has cleared more than $20 million in salary-cap space and is believed to be the leading candidate for Duncan and either Hill or McGrady. All might re-sign with their current teams, although McGrady has said he probably will not return to Toronto.

The Chicago Bulls are roughly $18 million under the cap and also will be a major player in free agency. McGrady, Indiana's Jalen Rose and Milwaukee's Tim Thomas have been mentioned as players they will pursue. The New York Knicks are also expected to chase Grant Hill, but will only be able to offer a $2.25 million exception contract, or have to work out a sign and trade probably involving players like Ewing, Sprewell or Camby.

Rose is not the only free agent among the top players for the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. Reggie Miller, Austin Croshere, Rik Smits and Mark Jackson are expected to re-sign, but a source said the Detroit Pistons might make a move for Rose, who grew up in Detroit and played for the University of Michigan.

Other notable free agents include Maurice Taylor, Glen Rice, Toni Kukoc, Rashard Lewis, Cuttino Mobley, Tim Hardaway, Isiah Rider and Derek Anderson.

Teams can negotiate deals with players through July, but no contracts can be completed until Aug. 1.

Because they are over the projected $35.5 million salary cap, the Washington Wizards have only a league-allotted $2.25 million exception to spend on free agents. Teams may split the exception, but Washington probably will use the full amount to lure a player such as Joe Smith, Corliss Williamson, Laphonso Ellis, Kendall Gill, Scott Burrell or Adonal Foyle, among others.

Washington's main focus is re-signing restricted free agent center Jahidi White, who is expected to come back to the Wizards. Other teams have expressed interest, several sources said.

Teams over the salary cap may re-sign their free agents without regard to the salary cap. Since White has played just two seasons with Washington, the Wizards may offer him a starting salary of no more than $3.8 million.

Washington likely will offer White at least a three-year deal, which would average out to more than $4 million. The only way the Wizards could compete with higher bids is to add more years and incentives. White started 59 games and averaged 7.1 points and 6.9 rebounds.

Wizards President of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan said Washington also would like to re-sign backup point guard Chris Whitney, who stirred some interest around the league.

Yet, with a glut of talented free-agent point guards--Miami's Hardaway and Anthony Carter, Indiana's Jackson, Utah's Howard Eisley and Jacque Vaughn, Portland's Greg Anthony, Sacramento's Tony Delk, Orlando's Chucky Atkins and San Antonio's Antonio Daniels--Whitney might find the money pool shallow outside of Washington.

Washington also will be exploring trades, Jordan said. Ideally, the Wizards would like to work a sign-and-trade deal for Hill or McGrady, in which it could move one of its high-salaried veterans--Juwan Howard, Rod Strickland or Mitch Richmond--in return. But the Wizards probably won't find teams willing to take on such salaries, several sources said.

On another note, if the Indiana Pacers hire Isiah Thomas as their coach, sources have indicated that he probably will ask the Wizards for permission to interview Darrell Walker for an assistant's job. Walker is the Wizards' director of player personnel and former interim coach.

A league source said the Wizards would allow Walker to speak to Indiana and would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave. The Pacers are expected to name Thomas or assistant coach Rick Carlisle next week to replace Larry Bird, who resigned.

Here is a look at the top free agents by position.

* Point guard: Antonio Daniels (San Antonio), Howard Eisley (Utah), Tim Hardaway (Miami), Mark Jackson (Indiana), Avery Johnson (San Antonio).

* Shooting guard: Kendall Gill (New Jersey), Eddie Jones (Charlotte), Reggie Miller (Indiana), Ron Mercer (Orlando).

* Small forward: Grant Hill (Detroit), Tracy McGrady (Toronto), Jalen Rose (Indiana), Austin Croshere (Indiana), Glen Rice (L.A. Lakers), Tim Thomas (Milwaukee), Rashard Lewis (Seattle).

* Power forward: Tim Duncan (San Antonio), Brian Grant (Portland), Joe Smith (Minnesota), Maurice Taylor (L.A. Clippers).

* Center: R-Jahidi White (Washington).

r-restricted free agent

[RMJH4]

Chapter 4: What do you think Patrick?

July 1st, 2000 - Opening Day of Free Agency

I invited Patrick Ewing to my office to bend his ear. I had heard a lot of rumors flying around about what his plans were and I had to hear it from his mouth.

"Hi Patrick, Have a seat."

"Hey Mike, how goes it. Congrats on the promotion. "

"Thanks Patrick. Few things, but let's start with you. You want to stay here?"

"Yeah I sure do Mike. I bleed Blue and Orange. I would like a contract extension though. After all my years here, I think it's the least I deserve."

"Absolutely. You have been a warrior here Patrick. I do have some things I want to run by you first though. I would like to give you an extension, but I am not sure on the timing of that. We are due to have a lot of cap space for next season with you, Allan and Chris Dudley coming off contracts. And next year the likes of Chris Webber are free agents."

"I know that Mike. I want to win a championship here. I've watched the Bulls win 6 of them in my time here."

"Well this is where I'm asking you to trust me Patrick. We can extend your contract now, but I want to finish your career off with a championship ring. Can we come to some sort of middle ground? I want you to see if you can try and convince some guys to come to New York. It's in your and our best interests."

"Yeah I was kind of thinking about that Mike. Our cap makes things a bit difficult though I guess. If we can grab another star, I'll let my contract run out, and sign a new one next season. If we are going to keep the same roster, I want an extension before the season starts."

"Well first I would like you to see and talk to whoever you can. If we get some interest I can see what happens and move some guys to other teams to create space. If none of the big guys are interested, there are plenty of quality role players we can go after too. "

"I'll be honest here and say I'm happy that you are being honest with me here Mike. I'll contact some people and see what I can do. There are some guys I would really like you to go after. For starters Grant Hill. That dude can help us win it all. If we strike out on him, I really like two point guards. Stephon Marbury over in New Jersey, and Jason Kidd in Phoenix."

"I see. I can't argue with any of them Patrick. Off the top of my head we won't get them for nothing though. I can't see Grant taking the $2.25 Mill exception. We would have to move some guys. I think Allan or Latrell would go in that scenario. And even that might not be enough. What's your thoughts on that?"

"I know. Those are my guys though. But to grab any of those three stars, It might be worth the risk. You make some calls and see whats out there. You want me to contact Grant?"

"Yes do. Ive left a message with his agent to try and set up a meeting. I've done the same with the McGrady kid but I think he's set on Chicago or Orlando. I don't know if the Nets will deal us Marbury unless it's an incredible offer. Phoenix might, and I mean might talk about Kidd, but it will take a lot."

"Well as I said Mike, grab one of those guys and I'll take a discount going forward. My main goal is to win a ring before I retire. I would love for it to be here. If we can't move the needle, maybe we should look at moving me somewhere else."

"Alright. I will do what I can Patrick. If we get a callback from Hill's agent will you come with?"

"Count me in. Even for the McGrady kid. He looks like he has a lot of room to grow too."

"Excellent, I'll page you later on. Anything else?"

"Yeah, dream scenario Michael laces them up again and we win a ring, No doubt."

"Yeah keep dreaming Patrick, he's just started as GM, he ain't coming out of retirement!"

[RMJH4]

Chapter 5: Recruiting.

July 2nd, 2000

Got a call back from a few agents at lunchtime so I'm heading off on the free agent trail. Pretty short notice so I grabbed anything I could. I gave Patrick and Jeff a call and told them to meet me at the private jet at 10am.

First port of call Detroit. Grant Hill's agent has hinted that he may be interested in coming to New York, but he will meet everyone at his house in Detroit.

"Hey Grant, nice to meet you, Mike Hobbs, Knicks GM."

Hill "Nice to meet you Mike. I think I know these other guys here well. Patrick, Jeff nice to see you both again."

"Shall we get to it Grant?"

Hill "Yes go ahead Mike."

"So Grant we are here to pitch a couple of idea's your way today. We won't need to keep you long hopefully."

JVG "Grant we would really like to bring you to New York. We feel you are the missing piece to finally get that championship ring to NYC and for Patrick."

Hill "Sounds good Jeff, and Patrick I'm a massive fan of your's. You gotta understand. I grew up a Georgetown fan. The thought of playing with you is something I've dreamed about for years. Hell look at what uniform number I wear Pat."

Ewing "I'm almost embarrassed Grant, you went to Duke though didn't you?!"

Hill "Yeah sure did. Two NCAA Championships proved I made the right choice though. You know what it's all about Pat."

JVG "Grant how do you see yourself fitting into our organisation?"

Hill "Well Jeff I can fit in anyway your system allows. I can play 1-4, handle the ball, defend, shoot, whatever you need me to. I can get Pat better looks than he ever has before. I love your defensive schemes."

JVG "Good to hear Grant, you've given us a tough time over the last few years!"

"So Grant, if I jump to the assumption that you would like to come to the Knicks, there are a few things we need to ask first.

Option 1: You sign a $2.25M room exception for one year, and we resign you for a major contract next season with our capspace.

Option 2: We sign and trade some of our guys to Detroit for you.

What's your preference?"

Hill "Well Mike, guys I'll be honest. The competitor in me says join with the room exception and sign up long term next summer. But my wife and my agent say, sign up for a long term contract now. I'm injured at the moment with this darn ankle, so best for our long term security if I get that big contract."

"Ok for sure Grant. Jeff, Patrick, think we can do a sign and trade?"

Ewing "For this dude? Yeah do what you need to Mike."

"Thanks Pat. Lot of friendships will be broken up though, Jeff?"

JVG "Hey Grant, like Pat and Mike here, we want you and need you. Standing still could get us to the East Finals again, but we need you to win a chip. Let's do it guys."

"Just one more question Grant, let's say we can work something out with Detroit. We could have one more problem. You and Pat wear #33."

Ewing "Let me step in there Mike, if he want's #33 he can have it. I can easily swap to #6. It's not like #33 has brought me a ring in NYC yet."

Hill "Pat I'm honored to hear that... I don't think I could do that though! #6 sounds good to me actually."

"Ok Grant thanks for your time today, we won't keep you any longer. Who you meeting next?"

Hill "Chicago, then Orlando Mike."

JVG "Do we take it you're on board with us?"

Hill "Jeff if you guys can swing that sign and trade, then I'm a Knick."

"Excellent. Thanks Grant."

Wow, have we just signed Grant Hill? I am actually lost for words. He's a big Ewing fan and I think that is swaying it for us. Got to work the phones now before we do the rest of our business.

"Lets go Pat, Jeff, off to Florida next."

[studbucket]

Re: Chapter 5: Recruiting.

I am no fan of the Knicks, but I like how you are doing things here, and it's interesting to see Ewing be the selfless vet and some semi-competent leadership running the Knicks.