Steve Popper: Knicks' rebuild had a good week, at least on paper

DETROIT _ It was a good week for the Knicks. Not on the court, of course, where they have continued to chase the record for the worst season in franchise history. But if you are keeping score in the realm that the Knicks are counting on _ the future of their rebuild _ they went 3-0 recently.

First, Anthony Davis announced that he wanted out of New Orleans and placed the Knicks on a short list of teams he would consider signing with long-term. Then he was not dealt before the trade deadline, leaving the opening for the Knicks to chase him this summer. Then Kyrie Irving arrived at Madison Square Garden the day after Kristaps Porzingis was dealt away, creating the massive cap space that could be utilized to sign an elite free agent, such as Irving, and walked back his preseason promises to remain in Boston for years to come.

And finally, Kevin Durant spoke. After eight days of silence, he finally sat down on a stage and, well, ranted. But the part that was most interesting to the Knicks was his declaration, "I have nothing to do with the Knicks. I don't know who traded (Kristaps) Porzingis. That's got nothing to do with me. I'm trying to play basketball." That sounded a lot like a child announcing he didn't break the lamp, which the parents hadn't accused him of breaking.