MVN: Most Valuable Network

In a matter of 24 hours, Knick GM and President Donnie Walsh traded the Knicks top two scorers. First, Jamal Crawford was dealt to the Warriors for Al Harrington. Now, Zach Randolph was dealt with guard Mardy Collins to the Clippers for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.

This is Thomas's second stint with the Knicks. He spent part of the 2003-04 season with the Knicks after being traded from the Bucks for Keith Van Horn. With the Knicks that season, Thomas averaged a career-high 15.8 points per game in 24 games. Thomas spent the entire 2004-'05 season with New York, averaging 12 points a game in 71 contests. Through 10 games this season, he's averaging 9.5 points per game. As a Clipper, Thomas never really found the shooting stroke that carried him in his time with the Knicks and later on, the Suns.

Cuttino Mobley coming to New York answers the question to the earlier trade of dealing Jamal Crawford to Golden State. Crawford's departure left a huge void at shooting guard, where he's been the most consistent Knick over the past two seasons. While that might not be saying much, Crawford's scoring ability fit well in Mike D'Antoni's uptempo system. It fits even better in Don Nelson's system with the team in need of a playmaker on the perimeter to take some heat off of Stephen Jackson.

While Mobley might not be the long-term answer for the Knicks, he's still a serviceable option. Cat was averaging 13.7 points per game through the first 10 for the Clippers. His departure from the Clippers opens up more minutes for Clippers rookie, Eric Gordon.

The Clippers addition of Zach Randolph gives them the offensive presence at power forward that they lacked since Elton Brand opted out. Ironically, the Clippers are in Philadelphia to face the Sixers tonight. Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy claims he still has the text messages on his phone from Elton saying that he was planning to return. Now, with the addition of Randolph, the Clippers can move on from the loss of Brand.

Stay tuned to NBA Outsider for the players of the week for November 14th-20th. Send feedback to jburkett@mvn.com. Thank you.