New York Times Article On Fortson & Knicks Pursuit

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Thanks to BSG for mentioning the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/080300bkn-knicks.html

Knicks Begin Pursuit of Fortson
By CHRIS BROUSSARD


 Determined to toughen up by adding another power forward to their
roster, the Knicks will entertain Danny Fortson, the 6-foot-7-inch free
agent from the Boston Celtics, today.
Even though he played only 15 minutes a game last season, Fortson has
established himself as one of the league's best offensive rebounders in
his three years in the National Basketball Association and would
unquestionably strengthen the weakest area of the Knicks' game.

"We're going to show him the city and our practice site, and we'll have
him up to Westchester for a little while," said Scott Layden, the
Knicks' general manager. "Then he'll stay in the city and leave the next
day."

Though he apparently will not get the yacht ride afforded Portland's
Brian Grant last month, Fortson has been a priority for the Knicks since
July 1, when they telephoned him shortly after midnight and mailed him a
team jersey with his name on the back. In an attempt to assure
themselves of getting a valuable player in return for Fortson, the
Celtics extended him a multiyear contract offer, but when the Knicks
offered point guard Chris Childs, Boston was unmoved.

After failing to fill their shooting guard position with either Ron
Mercer or Tariq Abdul-Wahad, however, the Celtics may now be willing to
take Childs. They have turned their attention to signing a point guard,
and the Knicks' backup looks especially good considering what is left on
the market.

To make such a sign-and-trade deal work, the Celtics would need to
include another player, perhaps Doug Overton. The Knicks might prefer to
sign Fortson for the $2.25 million mid-level exception, and while
Raymond Brothers, Fortson's agent, has said his client would not play
for such a small salary, the likelihood of his accepting the exception
is growing.

The market is awfully thin, and Fortson may not be able to get more
money elsewhere. Last week, he was enamored with the Golden State
Warriors and spoke as if he would join them for $2.25 million, so it is
likely that the Knicks will be able to sell him on the merits of playing
a key role for a conference contender.

Fortson will be the second power forward behind Washington's Aaron
Williams, a 6-9 journeyman, to visit the Knicks this week.

Though he is not as good a rebounder as Fortson, Williams is more
athletic and might be offered the $2.25 million exception if the Knicks
are not able to get Fortson. <snipped>