This week we watched Alex Rodriguez come up with another tall tale – I can’t wait to hear what he makes up next week. He’s also one of a long line of Yankees who throw their family members under the bus when concocting their steroids defense. Roger Clemens implicated his wife, Andy Pettitte dragged his father into his story and now A-Roid has his cousin along for the ride. This week’s prize for the Hot Stove Player of the Week: You get to borrow a Yankee family member for a day to take the blame for something bad that you did.

Winner

Nate Robinson: The little guy is the first two-time Hot Stove Player of the Week, though he didn’t have much competition this time around. He won the Slam Dunk contest last weekend, beating out Dwight “Superman” Howard, and even dunked over Biff on the Late Show With David Letterman last night. And Robinson led the Knicks to a rare win over an elite team when he poured …

When the New Orleans Hornets C Tyson Chandler failed his physical it was a blessing in disguise for the New York Knicks. Chandler was supposed to be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder forwards Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and the rights to DeVon Hardin. With that deal rescinded the Knicks acquired the 26-year-old Wilcox for F Malik Rose and cash. The former Terp brings immediate depth to a small front line and runs the pick-and-roll well. His $6.75 million dollar contract expires at the end of the year. Rose was buried on the Knick bench and his contract also exprires at the end of  season.

Wilcox was selected eighth by the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2002 NBA Draft. The Raleigh native came out in his second year and averaged 12 points and seven rebounds as a sophomore. He was a key player in guiding Maryland to their first NCAA national title that season. Even though his averages were not overwhelming NBA scouts were impressed with his athleticism, toughness and intangibles for a big man.

During the 2005-06 season he was traded to …