Knicks Interested In Bobcats' Augustin

The New York Knicks are interested in Charlotte Bobcats point guard D.J. Augustin, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

The teams play each other Tuesday night, when the Knicks go for their fifth straight win and sixth in seven games.

But New York, by all accounts, remains unsatisfied with point guard Chris Duhon, who has a stranglehold on the position with rookie Toney Douglas and the banished Nate Robinson unlikely to take away any of his minutes.

In addition, Augustin has been on the radar of Knicks president Donnie Walsh, who tried to obtain him as part of a larger deal last season, according to the Daily News. The newspaper described the past communication between the Knicks and Bobcats about Augustin as "extensive talks."

Citing sources, the Daily News also reported that Bobcats coach Larry Brown -- who is notoriously demanding of his point guards -- has been "open" to trading Augustin, an idea that has been shot down by his boss, Michael Jordan.

Walsh declined to talk to the Daily News about Augustin, but it's possible that Walsh and Brown -- who are long-time friends -- would have discussions about basketball matters.

It has been no secret that Brown has been unhappy with Augustin, who has averaged just 5.2 points and 2.0 assists in 18.6 minutes this season. The old-school Brown, who demands defense and unselfishness from his point guards above all, has been unhappy with the second-year floor general on both fronts.

Of course, Brown, a former Knicks coach, spent most of his time in New York complaining about a lack of savvy from his point guards, including complaints about Stephon Marbury and Robinson, players known for clashing with coaches.

It does not seem as though Augustin falls into that category. But as the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft, the 22-year-old just may not have matured as quickly as expected.

The Knicks, though, are on the prowl for a point guard, with Duhon and Robinson -- who is in coach Mike D'Antoni's doghouse and unlikely to be back with the team after this season -- both free agents on July 1. New York's search has become necessary after it passed on talented rookie points Ty Lawson and Brandon Jennings in favor of seldom-used forward Jordan Hill with the eighth overall pick in June.

Despite its recent surge, it is possible that New York could end up back in the lottery after this season, a position that would do the franchise no good thanks to the 6-year-old trade with the Phoenix Suns for Marbury. The blockbuster deal included two first-round picks, one that was traded to the Utah Jazz, who now own New York's unprotected first-round selection in the 2010 draft.

No Lawson, no Jennings and no shot at John Wall, the electrifying Kentucky point guard who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the draft (He even rubbed it in the face of the Knicks by lighting up Madison Square Garden in a win over Connecticut last week).

With that in mind, Augustin doesn't seem like a terrible back-up (back-up, back-up) plan. Though, the Knicks no doubt are being mindful of Augustin's $2.54 million salary for next season because, according to Magic Johnson, LeBron James will be coming to midtown Manhattan.

And how could we discuss the Knicks without talking about LeBron?