HoopsHype.com Rumors

Chris Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told ESPNNewYork.com on Friday that the Knicks are planning to give the rookie forward a qualifying offer for next season. Spencer also said his client "really wants to return" to the team. "He loves the city, he's from Jersey and he wants to play as well," Spencer said. "There's no better bright lights where guys want to play other than New York, and he wants to try to find a way to stay in town." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, Chris Copeland 

Spencer confirmed that not only does Copeland want to "play and contribute" next season, but he also "wants to get paid." Spencer said Copeland believes he has earned his stripes playing overseas in five different countries and now proving with the Knicks that he belongs in the NBA. Per 36 minutes this season, Copeland averaged 20.3 points per game and shot 42.1 percent from 3-point range. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, Chris Copeland 

Spencer envisions Copeland's value to be in the $3.5 to $5 million range. Spencer compared his client to Steve Novak, who's in about the $4 million range, and said that because Copeland is more versatile offensively as a stretch 4, he'll be an attractive free agent. In fact, a source familiar with Copeland's situation said three teams at this point are interested in negotiating with him come July 1. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, Chris Copeland 

Considering his numbers, versatility and a changing league bent on 3-pointers, Copeland may seek Steve Novak money, according to a person familiar with the situation. Novak landed a four-year, $16 million package last summer. Copeland has become a more versatile scorer — a 3-point specialist who can put the ball on the floor and score in the post. Novak got the big number from the Knicks because, through an appeal with the Player’s Association, they were awarded Novak’s early Bird rights. New York Post

New York Knicks, Steve Novak, Chris Copeland 

The Knicks won’t have any such rights in retaining the obscure Belgian Leaguer. The only other team that sent a scout last season to the Belgian League to watch Copeland was Miami, according to a source. It was quite a find by European scout Kevin Wilson, who is regarded highly in the organization. The Knicks will extend Copeland his $900,000 qualifying offer to keep him restricted so they can match an offer. But they may be prohibited from matching any offer more than $3 million. They would have to use one of their precious exceptions — the $1.9 million biannual exception or the $3 million mini mid-level exception given to luxury taxpayers. The Knicks don’t have the full $5 million mid-level because of their lousy cap situation. Copeland makes the league minimum, $473,000, this season. New York Post

New York Knicks, Steve Novak, Chris Copeland 

Nate Taylor: Mike Woodson said Chris Copeland will play & see the court early in the 1st half. Twitter @ByNateTaylor

New York Knicks, Mike Woodson, Chris Copeland 

Marc Berman: Copeland still wearing tape on his left shoulder, which is why had t-shirt. Said shoulder "could be better.'' Twitter @NYPost_Berman

New York Knicks, Injuries, Chris Copeland 

Howard Beck: Chris Copeland (East) and Damian Lillard (West) named Rookies of the Month. Twitter @HowardBeckNYT

New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard, Chris Copeland 

Frank Isola: Woodson wants to keep Jason Kidd, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin as back-ups. Chris Copeland could replace Pablo Prigioni as a starter. Twitter @FisolaNYDN

New York Knicks, Mike Woodson, Kenyon Martin, Jason Kidd, J.R. Smith, Pablo Prigioni, Chris Copeland 

Q: You were a psychology major at Colorado. How did you decide to do that? That's not an easy major. Chris Copeland: I've always been pretty interested in the mind and how it works, the thought process. I'm quiet but I'm observant, so I pay attention to things. I took a couple of classes early on, I fell in love with it. It's definitely difficult, but it's fun. I learned a lot about myself, actually. It was cool. Q: Do you psychoanalyze your teammates, then? Chris Copeland: Truth be told, sometimes. Truth be told. But it's not something I tell them. I notice things and I might put a theory behind it or something. Cleveland Plain Dealer

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland 

Tina Cervasio: #Knicks Chris Copeland told me on Tues he took 2 hr train from London to Belgium to visit former team, said they r thrilled for him in #NBA Twitter @TinaCervasio

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland 

In May 1997, Copeland’s only sibling, Vincent Alphaquan, slipped into a coma when a drunk driver struck him in a hit-and-run accident on Central Avenue in East Orange, a few blocks from the Copelands’ home on South 18th Street in Newark. He regained consciousness for a couple days, but six weeks after the accident, he unexpectedly died. Vincent, engaged to marry that June, was 22. Copeland, whose father was absent, credits his brother — a basketball standout at Seton Hall Prep and Columbus High School in New York before he played at Jackson State — as his basketball inspiration. "I remember everything about him. He’s the reason I’m here today," Copeland said. "He put the ball in my hand, and I always had dreams of making it since." Newark Star-Ledger

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland 

But when his brother died, nothing seemed normal anymore. Upon their chance encounter with the coaches at Hermitage, Terry Copeland decided she and her son would leave New Jersey. They had only recently relocated to Edison from Newark. She quit her job as a senior administrator for Unity Hospice in Newark and packed their belongings. By October 1999, Chris was enrolled at Hermitage. His mother is now an accountant. "What happened that weekend when Chris met the coach and started playing the guys, he just kind of lifted a cloud off his head and he began to have maybe a little bit of sun and remember his life. His life," Terry Copeland said. "It was seeing him rejuvenated, thinking, this is going to work for Chris. This is going to help him. It’s over. We’re done. We’re out of Jersey. We’re moving." Newark Star-Ledger

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland 

The day after he got the word from the Knicks that he was staying, Copeland crossed the Hudson to Newark. He attended a service at Good Neighbor Baptist Church where his uncle, the Rev. George Blackwell, is a pastor. Afterward, Blackwell drove him to a cemetery in Belleville. Copeland wanted to share the news with his brother. Newark Star-Ledger

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland 

When Chris Copeland sees Celtics assistant coach Jay Larranaga on Monday night at the Garden, he will have a huge smile and hug awaiting. Without Larranaga's help in 2011 -- he was coaching the Knicks' D-League team, the Erie BayHawks, at the time -- Copeland would not be in a blue and orange uniform. "It was Jay Larranaga who really pushed the button," Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told ESPNNewYork.com. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Jay Larranaga, Chris Copeland 

While Larranaga wasn't available for an interview, he told ESPNNewYork.com he's "really happy for the success Chris is having." Copeland also gives major props to Spencer for first connecting with Larranaga. "He's a great dude," the rookie said. "I wouldn't be here today without the work John has done. He played overseas and knows the business." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Jay Larranaga, Chris Copeland 

Al Iannazzone: Knicks rookie Chris Copeland will be wearing pajamas on the flight to LA after the game. The vets, mainly Camby, are behind this. Twitter @Al_Iannazzone

New York Knicks, Marcus Camby, Chris Copeland 

“He’s one of us,’’ Camby added. “There is no ego in (Anthony). Even though he is the best player on our team he always makes sure to carry himself as the 15th guy as Chris Copeland. He’s always laughing and joking and he works so hard. That’s good when your best player is also your hardest worker.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby, Chris Copeland 

The Knicks sliced their roster to their final 15 yesterday, cutting a player who started their first preseason game and keeping a player who was forgotten about until the second half of the second game. The team waived four players — forward Mychel Thompson, guard Oscar Bellfield, forward John Shurna and center Henry Sims. The Knicks kept forward Chris Copeland, who averaged 15.5 points in the preseason. New York Post

New York Knicks, John Shurna, Mychel Thompson, Henry Sims, Chris Copeland 

The 6-foot-8 Copeland is such a great underdog story and is "optimistic" of making the final cut, but the low-key and humble player also said he's not taking anything for granted. “I can’t say I know what they’re looking for, but I hope so," Copeland said when asked if he thinks he made the final cut following his 16-point performance against the Nets in the team's preseason finale. "We’ll just have to see what happens. I’m just still happy to be here. It’s a blessed opportunity and I’m grateful for the chance they gave me, but I still have to prove myself. There’s a lot more work to do and a lot more to go." Head coach Mike Woodson said he agrees, adding while he's done mostly good things, Copeland still has "a ways to go." Newark Star-Ledger

New York Knicks, Chris Copeland