Dennis Velasco, our resident New York Knicks fan has passed on this guy a total of 20 times during this draft blog. Not that this is any indication of this player’s perceived fantasy value, as in the drafts that I have seen, he has often been drafted before this point in our draft blog. With his ability to score he has lots of value in a two-center league. It is just a matter of whether reality can see eye to eye with those expectations by the end of the year.

Round 7, Pick 8: Channing Frye, PF/C, New York Knicks

It will take some time to see how things shake down in New York with Isiah Thomas at the coaching helm. Stephon Marbury has the starting point guard spot, and Eddy Curry should be the starting center to start the year. Last I heard, Steve Francis and Jamal Crawford will split the time at the two and Quentin Richardson has won the starting small forward job.

Frye will be hard-pressed to be among the top three scorers on his own team. Of course, knowing Isiah, a trade or two is bound to happen once the season starts. But I am not asking Frye to be the next Patrick Ewing. If he can average 12 points and 6-7 rebounds again like he did last year while shooting well and blocking about a shot a game, then I will consider this pick a success.

Looking at this team, the Gasol pick was made before his injury at the World Championships. Since then, the players picked were targeted because they are proven scorers and shoot well from the floor. This team still needs a second guard who can dish some dimes and another center to keep the seat warm for Pau. Treys are also a problem and if this was for a head-to-head league, I am almost in punt mode for that category.

So do I want some Frye with that Brand Name Burger and Peja sauce? Yes, please.

Other team members:

1.8. Elton Brand, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
2.5. Pau Gasol, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies
3.8. Lamar Odom, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers
4.5. Peja Stojakovic, SF, New Orleans Hornets
5.8. Richard Hamilton, SG, Detroit Pistons
6.5 Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs