Marc Berman of the NY Post reports that the New York Knicks are trying to move into the 1st round of the upcoming draft. Oddly enough, the Knicks had possesion of the Lakers 1st rounder this season, but traded it to Vancouver in the Erick Strickland-Othella Harrington deal.

Latrell Sprewell demanded "size and toughness." Soon-to-be Free Agent Antonio Davis fits that bill. But as Chris Broussard of the NY Times writes, the chances of Davis re-uniting with Mark Jackson in New York are slim.

Richard Sandomir of the NY Times reports that Tim Leiweke, who runs the Staples Center in Los Angeles and Stan Kasten, president of the Atlanta Hawks, Braves and Thrashers are the final two candidates for the post of MSG President.

In his Sunday column, LA Times writer Mark Heisler discusses the removal of the Knicks' Dave Checketts. "Even among New Yorkers, connoisseurs of a good scapegoat, grilled to perfection, this was a shocker."

Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel writes about how a Webber trade could benefit the Kings and news from around the rest of the NBA.

Miami Herald writer, Barry Jackson writes about Jason Williams' possible trade request, Jeff Van Gundy's unhappiness over the resignation of Dave Checketts and other news from around the NBA.

Does Dave Checketts' departure leave Allan Houston in a pinch? Is Chris Webber planning a future with T-Mac? If so, what does this means for Indiana, New York, Houston, the Lakers and Sacramento?

In addition, Vecsey suggests that the Knicks committed foul play by talking contract with Allan Houston prior to July 1. It's important to note that this would be a problem if Houston wasn't currently property of the Knicks.

Marc Berman of the NY Post writes: "The man who may be Garden king is in London now, on Radio City business. Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports, is not expected back until next week, but when he does return to the States, he could find himself in charge of the Knicks and Rangers, succeeding the ousted Dave Checketts."

Marc Berman of the New York Post writes: "Knicks GM Scott Layden sits on the hot seat, the hottest seat at the Garden today. No one is on the spot more than Layden, who faces a mountain of salary-cap and personnel problems Checketts left behind."