NBA

Knicks’ Walsh tired of Carmelo questions

HOUSTON — A feisty Donnie Walsh said he’s tired of getting asked questions about Denver’s superstar Carmelo Anthony and feels his answers are being distorted.

“I’m not saying anything about Denver,” Walsh said. “Nothing. Because it get misconstrued and rearranged.”

Walsh is trying to stay above the fray of the Anthony sweepstakes and was disturbed that his Monday remark that he “probably could obtain two first-round picks” got linked so heavily to Denver’s obsession with gaining multiple picks in a trade for Anthony.

Walsh was actually answering a question about Anthony Randolph, whose agent Bill Duffy has requested a trade. The Knicks are convinced they can get a first-rounder for Randolph from Minnesota.

As the Nets try to pry Anthony from Denver, Walsh is waiting to swoop in if that deal collapses. Privately, Walsh also thinks the Knicks are being used as leverage.

“I’m not saying I’m trading for anybody and you guys are acting like I am and [I] haven’t said a word that way,” Walsh said.

However, Walsh admitted he is exploring trades “every day.”

“That’s what we do here. (But) it takes two to tango,” he said.

Walsh mentioned the complexity of making any big deal. Sources say Walsh doesn’t want to break up the team for Anthony.

“You have to ask, does it make us a better team,” Walsh said. “You got to give up something to get something. In that process, do you become a better team?”

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Center Ronny Turiaf
(hip), who Walsh said was missed dearly vs. Phoenix for his defense, is expected back tonight vs. Houston.

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Knicks assistant general manager Allan Houston
won the vote for Player of the Decade for 2000-09 and will be honored Feb. 23 at halftime. The decade featured nine straight losing seasons.

“The fact we can even have an award speaks for the history of the franchise,” Houston said.

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Eddy Curry
was active in scrimmages yesterday, but D’Antoni won’t budge yet on dressing him.

“He’s doing better. He’s still not quite in shape,” the coach said. “He can’t do it until he’s perfectly in shape.”

Curry’s agent, Leon Rose
, spoke to Walsh on Friday. Walsh said he doesn’t believe Curry’s weight is a factor.

“I don’t think it’s a hindrance to him,” Walsh said.

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Sports Illustrated reported that before Chris Paul
‘s infamous toast at Anthony’s wedding, LeBron James
made a crack to Anthony: “If you want any chance against us in Miami, you’d better team up with Stoud in New York.”