The Knicks have been rumored to be interested in a number of targets at this year’s trade deadline — Andre Drummond, Victor Oladipo, Lonzo Ball, and more. Should they be interested in those players? A panel of our experts weigh in.

The New York Knicks could be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline for the first time in years. With a newfound vigor thanks to Tom Thibodeau and Julius Randle making the team a playoff contender, New York could look for some upgrades for this year for the stretch run, or use some of their roughly $15 million in empty cap space to absorb some contract(s) and facilitate a deal for another team. Their cup runneth over! Luckily, the decision doesn’t just have to be on Leon Rose’s shoulders — we got together a small panel of our experts to weigh in on some of the biggest names linked to the Knicks.

All the chatter on deadline eve was about Andre Drummond potentially being a Knicks target. Kevin O’Connor says the Knicks have serious interest. Ian Begley reported earlier in the day that the Knicks didn’t have any interest as of early in the week. Marc Berman reported that the Knicks are interested, but might be more interested in Drummond on the buyout market. What’s your take on the Drummond situation?

Ted: I don't believe KOC or Berman know more than Begley about what the Knicks are thinking, so I don't think Drummond will be a Knick. That aside, I'm not a big fan of Drummond — he's a high usage, inefficient big whose defense is poor. He has a ninth percentile eFG% for a big this season, despite taking 72% of his shots at the rim, per Cleaning the Glass. Even in seasons where his rim finishing isn't terrible, his eFG% and TS% have been below average. He's turned it over more often than he's assisted a teammate every year he's been in the league, and he further jams up the paint and drags down the spacing that Randle and RJ need on offense. Drummond flat-out doesn't make sense with the roster as constructed. If the Knicks do plan on acquiring him, one of Mitch or Noel have to be going, unless they plan to play Drummond alongside one, or both, of those two, which I would just hate.

Alex Wolfe: I smell some agent shenanigans here. As far as I’m concerned, unless something comes from Begley, chances are it’s smoke. He’s usually really good about corroborating stuff that comes out almost immediately, and he’s been silent thus far since KOC tweeted about the Drummond interest. The Knicks employ a former Cavs employee (Brock Aller), Leon Rose is a relationships guy, and now the Knicks are suddenly being inserted as “seriously interested” the day before the Cavs will pull the trigger on a deal for Drummond? Yeah, it’s smoke.

That said, if the Berman report is legit and the Knicks have interest in Drummond as a buyout candidate, I don’t hate it as much as most. I know he shoots horribly for a center, but how much of that is the fact that his last couple stops have been on bad teams where he’s been playing with no structure? I think if you can suppress his wildest tendencies, he could be good on this team. As we saw when the Knicks played the Cavs like 22 times earlier this year, Drummond can affect a game on defense when he’s locked in. That, plus his prodigious rebounding, could be good for the Knicks if he’s coming here basically for free. And maybe he chooses the Knicks over a more accomplished suitor because he thinks a half season under Thibs with major PT could fetch him a bigger contract than playing somewhere else. The only question then becomes what this all means for Mitch, which is obviously a big question.

Dallas Amico: I would be shocked if the Knicks traded for him. SHOCKED. The Knicks have an elite defense, in large part on the back of Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel. Mitch, especially, should be looked at as the Knicks’ future 5. Everyone basically gets that he's an elite defender, but many wonder about his offensive value. Even without speculating about his potential for growth on that end or changes in team context that might make his offensive value greater, let me note that he's already an elite rim runner and offensive rebounder. But, of course we should speculate (a little bit!) about those other things. Regarding the latter, imagine — if you will — Mitch playing next to someone with elite off-the-dribble 3-point gravity. Point of attack defenders have to go over screens, and bigs have to choose between getting up to the level to stop said 3-point threat and letting Mitch behind them (good luck having a 3 try to stop him from dunking all over them) and leaving the POA defender on an island. Mitch, next to an elite pull-up threat who can toss lobs, is a phenomenal complimentary offensive piece. AND even more, it's highly unlikely he gets paid to his actual value. Even after watching LA and Miami's defenses carry them to the Finals, most teams are going to value bucket-getters more than defensive stars. And the Knicks will likely be able to lock Mitch up for less than he's worth (in terms of value).

SO, all that to say, Drummond better not be on the way to take his place. Would Drummond be happy in a backup role? I don't know. Does he fit there? Maybe! Maybe he'd add a little bit of extra passing to the second unit (which desperately could use an influx of passing). But it's not clear to me how much of an upgrade he is on Noel. In the end, I'd wager he's worse on defense, but a slight bump on offense. Ultimately, Noel is happy to play within his role and to allow others (ahem, Quickley) to shine. And I think in a year where we're not going to be competing for a championship, it's okay to stay pat with what's been working. And stay pat with the (very promising!) developmental trajectory we have our young guys on.

Do we chat now? BECAUSE I'M READY TO CHAT.

Alex: Yes, we chat now. So for those of you reading at home, Dallas said before we started this that he didn’t have any takes. I’m calling bullshit.

Dallas: I like your point about rebounding Alex! Noel isn't that great of a rebounder. And Drummond would be a giant upgrade in the second unit in that respect.

Alex: I think he’s also a better defender than he’s given credit for, honestly.

Dallas: He's pretty dang good, I'm skeptical that he's as good as Noel. Probably better at putting bodies on guys though. Ted's point about his shooting numbers is also.... WOOOOOF. I haven't watched the Cavs much. But ninth percentile for bigs around the rim? I guess maybe if you stack enough bricks you'll end up with a defensive wall.

Ted: Ninth percentile eFG%, fourth percentile at the rim on 263 takes.

Alex: So, I’m just throwing this out there, but as far as the counting stats type stuff… Per CTG, Drummond is in the 67th percentile in BLK%, 98th in STL%, 95th in ORB%, and 100th in DRB%. Dude is literally the standard-bearer for rebounding. I’d argue that whenever Randle is on the bench, this team tends to have a pretty hard time rebounding the ball.

Ted: Maybe I've been too harsh on his defense, but in his near 1000 minutes in Cleveland, opponents shoot 5% better at the rim when he's on the floor versus off, and have a close to 3% better eFG% when he's on than off in that same span.

Dallas: Do ya'll think he'd play on the second unit? Because that's where I could see his rebounding adding value (and passing). Mitch/Randle have the rebounding locked down fine in the starting unit.

Ted: I think he'd rather go to Boston or LA and start.

Alex: I’d tend to agree. If he came here, I bet he’d expect to displace Mitch. And therein lies the rub. He’d need to humble himself here.

Dallas: NOPE. No thank you.

Alex: Yeah, ultimately, I think I’m with you guys that I wouldn’t be on board if it meant Mitch getting displaced. Noel I could care less about.

Ted: The Knicks have the ninth-best opponent ORB% for the season, that goes up by 3% when Randle's off the court, which would be around 25th for the season.

Alex: That’s surprising!

Dallas: I don't care TOO much about Noel. But he is pretty great defensively, AND he's underpaid, and likely to continue being underpaid. That's not a bad guy to have a good relationship with and keep around long-term.

Ted: Noel's a good backup big, and we saw how seamless the transition was between him and Mitch when Mitch got hurt. If we were to replace him, I'd want someone who can shoot… and catch.

Shwinnypooh: Y'all said a lot of words but Andre Drummond is 100000000% not gonna be a Knick. You can bank my good name on it.

Alex: OK, OK, I’m dead. Stop shooting me with your truth bullets. Let’s move to the next topic!

Victor Oladipo has come up for weeks (months?) in connection with the Knicks. The asking price is apparently pretty high for him (rumors say Houston asked Golden State for either the Timberwolves’ first round pick this year or James Wiseman). Chances are, Houston’s not going to get nearly what they want… but even if Oladipo is somewhat attainable, is that a move the Knicks should make?

Dallas: I'm going to say no again. I like the idea of an Oladipo type on this roster — someone with some pull-up shooting, who can get to the rim and defend. BUT, as we're seeing now, Oladipo doesn't seem like a very moveable guy. And I'm not very confident that he's still able to do all of those things effectively (I'd be really interested to see the numbers on him getting to the rim this season, if either of you have them). Combine that with his injury history, and the price he'll likely ask for? Unless you get him for a second and filler, I'm not really feeling it.

GOD KNOWS we need someone who can get to the rim, though. So, if one of you has some data on that, that could change my mind.

Alex: I don’t think so. Oladipo just isn’t the player he once was. Is he a good defender still? I’d say yeah. But his efficiency is gross. He’s in the 14th percentile for guards in eFG% since joining the Rockets, and the 20th percentile for 3-point scoring, per CTG. That’s pretty much been the story for him every year since his breakout season in 2017-18, which of course was underscored by a gruesome knee injury. I think his prime is done. I also think he’s dead set on going to Miami this summer. Why in the hell should the Knicks give up anything, even a second round pick, to bring in a guy who’s not a significant ceiling-raiser as a half-season rental, who’s probably gonna bolt for the fucking Heat?

Ted: I've gone back and forth a bit on Dipo this season. His rim finishing has actually been significantly better than career average (63% on 95 attempts, making up 28% of his shots this season), but his eFG% is an atrocious 47.2%, because his midrange shots aren't falling — a frigid 35% on 132 attempts. He's a pull-up three threat and passes well — 25.8% AST%. If you believe both the rim finishing and midrange shooting return to career averages, Dipo can be a good player for the Knicks. If you believe that the poor midrange shooting is going to be permanent, Dipo's just not it for a team struggling offensively.

Dallas: I feel like someone has some built up animosity towards the Heat. But I'm a big enough person to not point any fingers

Alex: Dallas to answer your Q, he’s in the 62nd percentile shooting at the rim this year (63%), and is in the 69th percentile getting there (28% of his attempts).

Oh wow, Ted said that already. LATE.

Ted: It's worth noting that Dipo's been a below-average rim finisher every season except his 17-18. And that version of Dipo isn't coming back.

Alex: I’d be lying if I said I’ve watched enough of him to confirm this, but I wonder if his lack of midrange success has to do with not being able to elevate like he used to pre-injury? Considering he’s an undersized player as it is

Ted: I watched a couple of his games, but can't say for sure. That is possible. He did shoot 46% from mid last year on 78 attempts.

Dallas: So, I don't care THAT much about the finishing. I want him to get there quick and with gravity. One thing the Knicks have struggled with this season is getting deep in the paint, and getting there quick. RJ can get there, but he often does it slowly enough that defense can help and be set and ready to sprint out to shooters. Other guys (besides Randle), just don't get there. Quickley, Burks, Frank, etc. mostly get stuck somewhere around the free throw line, and so never really draw help far enough off shooters to begin with. Elf gets there but never passes

Forcing defenders to help down, and immediately change direction to get out to shooters is a split second thing, but split seconds matter enormously in the NBA.

But ya, I sort of think it's possible that the Indiana year was pretty outlier.

Ted: From what I watched, Dipo is still very fast and makes pretty quick decisions. He's also still great defensively, but the Knicks don't really need help on that end.

Alex: I’d kinda argue the Knicks might get that particular shot in the arm when Derrick Rose gets back from COVID. So I’m not SUPER desperate to go after someone like Dipo as a result. Not that there’s a cap on how many guys on a roster you can have that put pressure on the rim

Dallas: Yeah, Rose definitely helped in that regard. He's no long-term solution, though.

Also, no more than two of those players are allowed! It is decided.

Alex: I guess my sticking point here is I really don’t think Dipo is a long term solution. I think he has “rental” written all over him.

Ted: This season he's averaging 12.9 drives per game.

Dallas: That's a solid number.

Ted: Exact same as LaVine and RJ.

Dallas: What's the explanation for why you think he wants Miami so badly?

Shwinnypooh: Cocaine’s a hell of a drug.

Alex: Reporting! Granted, Kevin Durant really wanted NY once upon a time based on reporting, but there’s been a lot of speculation out there that Oladipo wants to play in Miami.

Ted: Yeah, it’s possible he's a rental. Could be worth taking a risk he likes NY enough to stay. If you think he's good, if it's Knox or a second round pick, I wouldn't mind.

Dallas: Ahh. I see. I tend to not be connected to the rumor mill. Interesting tidbit!

Alex: OK, that’s enough of this future Miami Heat player. Moving on to our next topic.

Dallas: Allonzo Trier!

Lonzo Ball. He’s only 23 years old, but the Pelicans are reportedly shopping him, perhaps even as an attached asset in exchange for some team taking on Eric Bledsoe or Steven Adams. First off, what’s your interest level in Lonzo for this team, and what’s the max you’d be willing to part with to get him? And would you take on Bledsoe and his nearly $20 million 2021-22 salary to get the deal done, knowing that Lonzo also is scheduled to get paid this summer?

Alex: I think Lonzo’s a great fit for this team. He’s a good ball handler, has a high basketball IQ, is a great defender, and can hit the three off the catch and on pull-ups. According to NBA.com stats, he’s hitting 41.2% from deep on 5.5 catch-and-shoot attempts this year, and 31% on 2.2 pull-ups. That pull-up number might seem low, but consider that pull-ups are traditionally a lower-percentage three, and anything over 30% is generally enough to keep teams honest. As a guy that can do some damage on the ball or off it, he’d be a fantastic fit when RJ Barrett or Julius Randle are handling the ball on some possessions. Plus, he’s improved every single year of his career, so even if you invest a decent sum of money in him this offseason, he should have some value towards a potential trade for a bigger star down the line, if that’s a route you want to go.

Dallas: I like Lonzo a lot! I love his shooting, I love his ability to push the ball in transition (something the Knicks sorely need), I like his ability to function as a connector piece around ball dominant players on offense, and I like his team defense. Lots to like! I don't like his inability to get to the rim, but... if he could do that, he'd be looking at a lot bigger payday. I'd be cool taking on salary in order to get Lonzo, BUT that's a heck of a lot of salary. And Bledsoe really isn't the ideal point guard archetype to slot in next to Randle/RJ/Mitch and company (although what's ideal next to them is changing as rapidly as Randle and RJ's shooting numbers are improving). I'm not really a cap person, though, so I'll leave it to resident expert Jeremy to offer his thoughts on the ramifications of taking on that sort of salary, should it happen.

Ted: I do not think Lonzo Ball is the move for this Knicks team — giving up significant assets, or sacrificing all of your cap, for a player I don't believe is a play creator seems like a mistake. The Knicks need to acquire players who create plays, not finish them, as Ball has done in New Orleans. He's not going to be a point guard who comes in and drives and kicks all game — he's averaging just 5.1 drives a game this season, and he's not going to significantly improve the Knicks’ half court offense, if he improves it at all. He's spent most of this season playing off Zion Williamson, who drives to the rim at historic rates, and has benefited from that. No one on the Knicks can do what Zion does for Ball. While he likely would improve the Knicks’ transition offense, how much is that worth? Is it worth almost all of the Knicks’ cap space this offseason, as it will if he's traded here with Bledsoe?

Dallas: Counterpoint... Julius Randle?

Ted: While Randle does kick out well, I think it'd be a misapplication of assets to use it on Ball. RJ and Randle will look much better next to another creator than next to Ball

Dallas: On the transition point, because a reasonable bit of that is scheme related, he may actually not improve the Knicks THAT much, although I'm sure he'd hit some hit aheads.

I think the question you're getting at is a good one. What archetype of player do you need to put around RJ/Randle? What kind of creator do you have in mind? I think, ultimately, the Knicks will either need to find a legit primary or have one of: RJ, Quickley, or Randle take big leaps.

But part of Alex's point, I take it, is that Lonzo might be able to be a stepping stone to that sort of guy. But, perhaps you're skeptical about how moveable he will be on his next contract, Ted?

Alex: I actually almost think that RJ and Randle will/would look best next to a part-time creator rather than a ball-dominant one. Just look at how good they look with IQ! In fact, think about how nasty a IQ/Lonzo/RJ/Randle/Mitch lineup has the potential to be. Four players that can handle the ball, four players that can shoot, and one elite PnR threat/rim runner.

Ted: Lonzo isn't a part-time creator in the half court.

Dallas: That's my sense too. But he is a good half-court connector.

Ted: He doesn't create at all in the half court. It's not about ball-dominance, it's about advantage creation. Ball doesn't do that in the half court at all, and I really think that's what the Knicks need.

Shwinnypooh: I'm with Ted here. The Knicks have enough guys who can capitalize on advantages created for them, and they have guys like Randle and RJ who can create those advantages against the buttjuice defenses of the NBA.

What they don't have is the type of perimeter shot creation and dribble penetration you need to win at the highest level. Focus on getting that instead of upgrading shit you're already good at.

I'm not anti-Lonzo. I just believe there are alternative routes which are better options.

Dallas: This is the gooooood stuff!

Alex: But haven’t RJ and Quickley been doing that? So even if Lonzo is a transition maestro and a spot-up threat in the half court, that’s pretty valuable to me.

Ted: While the increased space would be nice, I don't think the Knicks need Ball for that. In fact, the benefits that Ball gives this team could be gotten by just getting rid of Payton, for the most part.

Dallas: Ted, can I hear more about why you think that's what's needed?

Ted: I think it's really important to get defenses rotating, and to make rotating happen, I think you need players who quickly drive to the cup (or are, like, Dame or Steph from three). When RJ and Randle can attack closeouts or mismatches after a penetrator starts the offense, they're going to look way better

Alex: Ultimately, it all comes down to cost for me, and that’s probably where I’d balk if there’s any sort of bidding war for him.

Ted: It is the cost with Ball for me. I think he's a good player! But at the cost he's going to run the Knicks, I'd rather use the assets on someone else.

Dallas: I guess, in response to you Alex, I'm not yet sure that Randle/RJ/Quickley will be good enough to win it all without a legit primary next to them. In which case, while they do look good with a supporting type player next to them, they'd NEED a creator type.

Ya, I'm with you there Ted! That was exactly what I was getting at with the Dipo discussion.

(That said, RJ is ELITE at getting to the rim.)

(…even as-is.)

(…which is wild.)

Ted: Agreed, but he does it thru strength, not quickness, which is different imo

Dallas: Yup! And craft. He has lots of craft!

Alex: OK, once again I’ve been murdered in cold blood. Why did I pick such smart people to do this roundtable with me? Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z!

Next!

Dallas: In Cold Blood is an excellent book, and Alex is the best Editor OR Chief. SERIOUSLY THE BEST. Also, I'm totally on board with your signing contributors on flippable contracts that you can flip for bigger fish idea. So, definitely not murdered at all. Alive and well. ALIVE (and well).

I've also enjoyed several beers tonight (for the world's information).

Here’s three names to chew on that the Knicks haven’t really been explicitly linked to, but are reportedly available and could be intriguing options: Malcolm Brogdon, Evan Fournier, Norman Powell. Think of what you think each might cost in your head, and with that in mind, make your case for which guy would be the best pickup.

Dallas: I honestly haven't watched enough of those guys to have really informed opinions (tough to justify watching the Magic or the Pacers when you could be doing something enjoyable with your time!). But I think Brogdon could definitely fit the bill as a flippable contributor type. And... A big contributor at that. He's probably going to cost you AT LEAST a first and a young asset. Something like this year's first, Detroit's second, and Toppin or Knox, is where I'd guess the cost came down. And I don't hate that!

Ted: I would love, love Brogdon on this team. Good driver (14.6 drives/game, 40% of his shots come at the rim, 85th percentile for a point this season, and just 23% of those takes at the rim are assisted), and I think he's a legit shooter. I think he'd look great next to Randle and RJ. But I think Indy wants at least a first and young player, or maybe even two firsts. But if they want that trade package Dallas suggested, I'd probably do that.

Dallas: A big part of the reason why I don't hate that, is that I'm pretty confident he will be flippable.

Also, I LOVE that you've got these stats on hand. Or CTG on hand. Either way, it's much appreciated. Between the two of you, I don't have to look anything up!

Alex: I think Brogdon’s the dude, even though I understand that he comes with the heftiest price tag. And understand that I’m a big supporter of potentially getting Evan Fournier in here as a better version of Alec Burks, and I think that Fournier could probably be had for a totally reasonable package of like, Kevin Knox and a couple seconds (if he has indeed told the Magic that he’s gonezo). But Brogdon is really good, and I think I’d go so far as to include Knox, Toppin, and both Dallas picks to get that done. He’s in his prime, and he’s good enough that he could turn this team from a plucky 7-8 seed into a dangerous 5-6 seed in the wide open East. Think “Sprewell in 1999” type of energy and talent infusion. He’s extremely versatile, and his numbers from three are just stupid — 44.1% on three spot-ups per game, and 36.6% on 3.5 pull-ups per game. Add to that that he’s a defensive menace and built like a brick shithouse (meaning, switchy), and he’d be an ideal Thibs player to complement RJ and Randle.

Shwinnypooh: Rare great argument by our fearless leader, but Alex, my supreme chancellor, is correct. I'd give up both Dallas picks in a heartbeat for sure. A guy like Brogdon doesn't get you over the hump of contention, but he gets you to the point that getting a legitimate star would put you over the hump.

Ted: Fournier I'd be interested in, but he's definitely more of a finisher than a creator. He's a legit shooter (close to 40% over the past two seasons) and would buoy the Knicks’ spacing. Biggest thing with Don't Google is the price. If Orlando wants just a second or two or someone like Knox, I'd do that.

Dallas: Alec Burks’ defense has been real atrocious lately, so Fournier would fill his shoes perfectly (plus! on the offensive end).

Alex: I’d actually argue that Burks’ D has been better lately! At least on-ball. But that’s not really this discussion.

Dallas: There's a super cool RJ Barrett/Sprewell "mirror" card that I just picked up today. Brings back some good memories.

Alex: I want that card, that sounds amazing

Dallas:

Alex: I’ll trade you a vintage Pokemon card for that. Deal? Deal.

Dallas: I'll totally mail you one if you want one! Just share your address in the roundtable.

Ted: Are we finished with the roundtable?

Alex: That’s a very valid question considering we’re going off the rails real quick! But no, I have one more question for us.

Ted: I’ll send you that card if you give me your SSN, Alex.

Dallas: LMAOOO

Alex: I would trust you two not to do anything bad with that info, so sure, I’ll send it in a minute. But first…

Shwinnypooh: Is this the Pen15 club?

Last question: In your heart of hearts, what do you think the Knicks do at the deadline? And what’s an outcome that would make you really happy?

Dallas: WOJ BOMB — Delon Wright/Cory Joseph plus seconds GETTING SWAPPED AS WE SPEAK. ⏰ 🔥

It's the big one!

Ted: The league, truly, will never be the same

I think this trade deadline is going to be boring, for the Knicks. And that's okay. I wouldn't be shocked if the deadline passes and the Knicks haven't made a single move. While I would like to potentially nab Fournier or move Rivers for a second or two, standing pat isn't the worst outcome for a young team with extra picks and cap space this offseason. The one outcome that would make me really, really happy is getting Elfrid Payton off the team.

Dallas: More seriously, the Brogdon trade would make me happy! But I'd also be very happy with standing pat. I feel like the Knicks — for once! — have awesome team chemistry, and guys are developing in the context they're in. I wouldn't mind a few marginal trades (which, if I'm making a prediction, I'd guess that either [a] nothing will happen, or [b] a minor trade around the margins will happen [Burks, Rivers, Payton, or Knox all seem like possible guys that I could imagine the FO moving {although no more than one or two}]) (Ed. note: And the winner for most parentheticals in a single sentence goes to…), but I think there's value in keeping the majority of what they've got together.

On another note, it's gotta be wild to be an NBA player on a trade night. Literally no clue if you'll still be working for the same employer/living in the same city in the morning.

Alex: I think the what the Knicks will do and what would make me happy are one in the same. I think they won’t do anything too crazy, maybe another deal or two around the margins similar to the Derrick Rose deal to bring in a contributor or two for the stretch run on the cheap. I think Brock Aller won’t allow the Knicks’ famously open cap space to remain open past the deadline, and he’ll weaponize it by taking in at least one undesirable contract with a draft pick (or two or three) attached. Austin Rivers will get moved for a second rounder or two. In a surprise move, I think that Alec Burks will also be moved, and one of those “around the margins” guys will take his place in the Knicks’ rotation, netting the Knicks positive assets all around. And finally, the hopeful cherry on top is that the Mavs will make some sort of big deal that requires a first rounder, and will subsequently remove the protections on their 2023 pick owed to the Knicks.

Dallas: That sounds like a dream. I'd miss Mixtape Burkes, but.... ya! That'll do.

Alex: Right? Maybe I’m too starry-eyed. But that Yaron Weitzman/Leon Rose story in the Post really made me think that the Knicks have been eyeing an active trade deadline since the offseason

Dallas: What about that story made you think that? I got lost when Wes took his shirt off.

Alex: The story more or less said that Aller won out as far as creative vision for the team over Thibs by signing guys like Burks and Noel with the intent of trading them around the deadline.

Ted: Normally I love scrubs who can randomly go off offensively, but I cant stand Burks.

Alex: Yeah, Burks runs hot and cold as far as my affections are concerned. One night I love him, the next I hate him. I won’t shed any tears if he goes, though I’d miss him for the moments that he made me love him.