The Knicks are referring to Jonathan Bender as part of "the future."
New York coach Mike D'Antoni said that Bender gives the team a chance to win without changing their up-tempo style, referring obviously to the situation surrounding center Eddy Curry.
Bender's one-year contract won't be guaranteed until Jan. 10, but D'Antoni said that the forward, who hadn't played in several seasons before signing with the Knicks, could return next season.