Bargnani gets fresh start in NY

Andrea Bargnani (209 cm) is finally out of the Toronto Raptors’ doghouse. For months now the Raptors have been trying to move the former first-overall draft pick (2006). Finally, they have found a trade partner in the New York Knicks.

The Raptors are sending Andrea Bargnani, fondly referred to as “Il Mago” (the Magician) in his home Italy, to the Knicks in exchange for Marcus Camby (211 cm, Massacheusetts’96), Steve Novak (208 cm, Marquette’06), and some other pieces – possibly a 2016 first-round pick. The trade, which has been agreed on in principle by both teams, cannot be executed until July 10. Some pieces of the transaction may still be altered, but it looks like that Bargnani is headed to “the city that never sleeps.”

Bargnani languished on the Raptors’ bench for most of the 2012-13 season as he slowly recovered from injuries while the team formed chemistry with other players in its front line. Il Mago was disappointing, only averaging 12.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg, his lowest averages since 2007. In New York Andrea is expected to be utilized to stretch the floor, possibly serving as a sub for Tyson Chandler. Bargnani has long been criticized for his poor rebounding effort, but he partially makes up for it by being a consistently good free-throw shooter.

Camby on the other hand is making a nostalgic comeback to the team that drafted him second overall in the 1996 NBA draft. Camby turned 39 this March and is expected to play limited minutes off Toronto’s bench, that’ if he’ll be utilized at all.