By Greg Hutchins - Senior Columnist

Nate Robinson's return is just what the doctor ordered for a team desperate for depth in the backcourt. Robinson played a stellar game in Sacramento and appears to be fully recovered from the groin injury he sustained back on November 25th. Robinson got the start in Sacramento, but figures to return to his role as a sparkplug off the bench when Quentin Richardson returns from flu-like symptoms. Robinson - like David Lee - is up for a contract extension at season's end and the 4th year guard is coveted by several GMs across the league. Robinson is posting career highs in scoring (14.1), assists (4.1), steals (1.5) and minutes (29.1) per contest. If Donnie Walsh is committed to recruiting LeBron James, he may have to open the vault and re-sign Robinson as King James is a big fan of Lil Nate's game.

Chris Duhon is amongst the leaders in minutes at 39.9 per contest and is averaging the same number of assists per game (8.4) as D'Antoni's former floor general Steve Nash. Duhon is an early favorite for the "Most Improved Player of the Year" award. The former Bulls backup has adjusted to playing increased minutes and has silenced his critics who judged him based on his questionable behavior and limited production in the Windy City. Duhon has been a model of consistency for Walsh & D'Antoni and figures to merit a contract extension.

With a roster spot now available as a result of Cuttino Mobley's retirement, Donnie Walsh has the flexibility to add a player by trade, free agency or an NBDL call-up. Walsh has publicly stated he's in no rush to add to the roster, but look for Patrick Ewing Jr. to join the team before the All-Star break.

On the Stephon Marbury front, published reports had the much-maligned Knick en route to the West Coast for a personal get-away. Marbury may indeed be heading west, but one of our Garden Grasp staff members spotted Marbury at the AMC movie theatre on 34th St. last Friday night. Marbury caught "The Day The Earth Stood Still". Of all the theatres in the metro area, Marbury decided to take in a movie across the street from The Garden. Starbury never ceases to amaze.

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