As expected, the Knicks’ two-pronged divorce from Metta World Peace and Beno Udrih became official Monday before their devastating 110-108 loss to the Mavericks at the Garden.
And so now the Knicks will seek a union with preferably a big man and a perimeter defender. Injuries to Andrea Bargnani, Kenyon Martin and Iman Shumpert have forced priorities in those areas.
“If we can find a guy that can defend a little bit at the perimeter spot, that would help. And maybe another big based on the fact that Kenyon and Bargnani are still out,” said coach Mike Woodson who indicated he and general manager Steve Mills have discussed scenarios and could move to fill the roster spots Tuesday. “That’s kind of what I’m looking at. I’ll sit down with Steve and see what he’s thinking.
“Hopefully we’ll make some decisions [Tuesday] based on who’s out there.”
One name that has been mentioned is 6-foot-9 power forward Ike Diogu, who impressed in training camp.
World Peace, who signed for $1.59 million this season with a $1.661 million option for next year, and Udrih, who signed a one-year deal for $884,293, both were bought out and waived.
“I don’t think I was given a fair chance,” World Peace told ESPNNewYork. “People automatically assume that I’m getting old, I think.”
Mills said in a statement: “We are disappointed that it did not work out for Beno and Metta here in New York. We thank them for their contributions this season and wish them well.”
Amar’e Stoudemire, he of the $21.7 million salary, made his first start of the season for the Knicks. Woodson said he made the move because of the success the Knicks had going big against the Mavs in Dallas on Jan. 5. Woodson gave no indication if this alignment would continue. Starting has not been the Knicks problem of late. Finishing games, that’s another matter.
“We’ve got to find a way to win games. We’ve been talking about this the entire year,” said Stoudemire (nine points). “Now we’ve got to figure out how to really buckle down and get stops down the stretch, and then also score offensively.”
The Thunder were willing to trade their first round pick in this year’s draft to the Knicks for the injured Shumpert, according to an ESPN report. The Knicks declined, the report said, because they wanted a player who could help them now and were reluctant to deal Shumpert for an undeniably low first-rounder.
Woodson said he is not certain if Bargnani (elbow) is done for the year, but the Knicks are seeking a big body.
“I don’t know. I think by us maybe trying to go out and maybe find someone that can play 4 or 5, based on Kenyon and Bargnani, that might be the way to go,” Woodson said.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks in scoring for the 50th time. He is averaging 41.3 points over his last four games.
Jose Calderon scored 20 points for Dallas, one of three Mavericks to notch at least 20.