Chris Duhon, formerly of the Chicago Bulls, has signed a free agent deal with the New York Knicks. Reports indicate that the value of the contract is $12M over two years.

While Duhon was only a spot starter in Chicago, he could become the opening night starter at point guard for the Knicks. With new coach Mike D’Antoni in charge, the Knicks needed a pass-first point guard who can distribute the ball. Enter Duhon.

While Duhon isn’t much of a scorer, he is a good passer. He makes smart passes and doesn’t try to force the issue too much. When it comes to scoring, Duhon relies on three-pointers and catch-and-shoot jumpers.

Although Duhon fantasy basketball stock won’t be overly high heading into the 2008-09 season, he definitely is a sleeper. D’Antoni helped Steve Nash turn into a Hall of Fame point guard. While Duhon doesn’t have that sort of potential, he could turn into a player who averages around ten points, eight assists and a good amount of steals and three-pointers.

Can Mike D’Antoni work his point guard magic with Chris Duhon?

Photo: Newscom

While one rumor has Mike D’Antoni going to the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks are now also vying for his services. D’Antoni has all but ended his relationship with the Phoenix Suns and is now talking to other teams about head coaching jobs.

Reports indicate that the Knicks are offering big money to woo D’Antoni to the Big Apple. If D’Antoni takes over the Knicks, he’ll have a big challenge on his hands. The Knicks have been a disaster in recent years – on the court, off the court and in the locker room.

D’Antoni would likely try to make the Knicks run, run and run some more. With a deep, talented and athletic roster, D’Antoni might just be able to coax wins out of the Knicks. Even if he can’t get wins, fantasy basketball owners will be keeping a close eye to see which players start to flourish in D’Antoni’s system.

As has been the case since he began coaching the Suns, D’Antoni is a very fantasy basketball friendly coach. Players on the Knicks who could thrive under D’Antoni include Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Zach Randolph and Nate Robinson. Basically, if you can score, D’Antoni will play you.

Photo: Newscom