New York Knicks Sending Toure Murry to the NBA D-League Soon?

Earlier this week, we wondered why the Knicks (unlike a handful of other NBA teams) have yet to assign any of their young guns to the NBA D-League. Though the minor league season hasn't begun, training camp has. Sending such players to their D-League affiliates can still prove to be beneficial this early on for NBA teams, as it gives those very players an opportunity to build some early rapport with the guys they'll spend some (if not most) of the season with.

Since, it's been reported that the Knicks are still, nevertheless, planning on sending Chris Smith to the Erie BayHawks when the season starts next week.

Something else interesting to consider at this point, is will fellow young gun Toure Murry be joining him?

Speaking with Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco on ESPN's 98.7FM station in New York, Knicks coach Mike Woodson discussed what's gone into his decision-making when it comes to figuring out which players crack the rotation this early in the season. With the Knicks struggling, clearly there are things that haven't been working.

Still, as Woodson aims to create a winning recipe, it doesn't sound as though Murry will be an immediate ingredient. Asked why Murry hasn't been given an opportunity to play thus far (and whether or not he will in the near future), the coach alluded to New York being so crowded at the point guard position already. As it stands, Beno Udrih (who could easily start for any number of NBA teams in the league right now) is yet to crack the rotation himself.

With that in mind, Woodson said that Murry is more likely to spend some time with the BayHawks, rather than first earning minutes with the orange and blue. Given the team's existent depth and the other options available, perhaps such a suggestion isn't the worst idea.

It would appear as though the Knicks enjoy having Murry active (unlike Smith) during games anyway. Even so, he could still end up splitting time with New York and Erie from week to week, depending on respective game and/or practice schedules.

Murry, who spent this offseason with the Knicks in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League (where BayHawks head coach Gene Cross served as an assistant), played a big role for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on their way to winning an NBADL title last season.