http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/24111/source-knicks-targeting-sean-williams

A source familiar with the Knicks' free-agency plans told ESPNNewYork.com that the team is considering signing forward-center Sean Williams, who was waived by the Rockets this week.

There has been some speculation that the Knicks are interested in unrestricted free agent Josh Howard, but according to the source, they are not into him. Instead, the team wants to add a big man -- likely to serve as a backup to Amare Stoudemire on the depth chart. Currently, they don't have one.

There are more attractive bigs on the market, like Kenyon Martin, Andray Blatche, Louis Amundson, Chris Andersen and D.J. White. But those players have been looking for more than the veteran's minimum, which is all the Knicks can offer.

Williams, on the other hand, is in the Knicks' price range. The former New Jersey Net, whose career averages are 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in four NBA seasons, made less than $1 million in 2011-12 with the Mavericks and Celtics. While the former 2007 first-round draft pick out of Boston College hasn't made his mark yet in the league, Celtics coach Doc Rivers was impressed with his development last season. And that was on defense, which is Mike Woodson's mantra.

"He has a chance to be a shut-down defender, a shot-blocker, a guy that you can bring in and change the tempo of the game," Rivers said in July. "He rebounds the ball. He has that skill set in him. He has to marry himself to that."

While the Knicks technically have 15 players on their roster, Chris Smith, J.R. Smith's younger brother, is only under contract through the preseason. Williams, who's also reportedly on the Heat's radar, could be the team's final signing. Regardless, the Knicks can bring him to training camp (which starts Sept. 29) because the NBA has no limit on invites.

callmened wrote:WAIT a second...im not saying i wouldnt sign sean williams...but the knicks would rather go after THIS headcase (drug issues in the past, injuries and has never played a fullseason) instead of a. blatche whos been labeled a headcase simply cuz he was pouting in washington...at least he put up 16 & 9 (forget last yrs stats, he was injured)

Perhaps Blatche's camp has given the the indication that he is unwilling to commit for the Vets minimum. If this is the case, Williams is a good pick up.

callmened wrote:WAIT a second...im not saying i wouldnt sign sean williams...but the knicks would rather go after THIS headcase (drug issues in the past, injuries and has never played a fullseason) instead of a. blatche whos been labeled a headcase simply cuz he was pouting in washington...at least he put up 16 & 9 (forget last yrs stats, he was injured)

Edit: Forgot that Blatche was amnestied. So vet min is a possibility. But I don't think he is coming here. He is more of a starter, not a 3rd string back-up.

RonRon wrote:

I have always liked Sean Williams with his first stinct with the Nets, especially now, with Tyson Chandler/Camby/Kurt Thomas to mentor him a bit.
He has the ability to rebound, block shots, play defense, run the floor well, ability to play PF/C, and I think is a low risk player.

He is still very young, athletic, legit size, and has good upside, has grown up over the years with maturity issues and has the chance to resurrect his career.
Going from a former starting center, down to a D League, and Euro, he has a chance to mature and develop here.

I agree. I tried to follow him in the d league and heard good things about his effort, work ethic etc. He is very talented, young, has tremendous athleticism and size. The Knicks have a lot of high character gets. They have a coach who players respect and who seems to be very good at mentoring young men. I hope they sign him. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have a younger guy being developed on the team.

I think I read he would want starter minutes to show he is matured? To show he is not a bone head?

Who says our Vets would mentor a kid like this? Why do we assume the vets are paid to help the younger guys or the idiots?

This is the NBA which employ professionals.

Blatche can hire a personal coach if he wants to get himself straight.

Basketball wise backing up Amare is a good gig and he can figure to get some starts when Amare sits out.

Blatche gets paid this year via his contract and if he keeps his wits he can turn it around in a support role.

BLatch and JR hitting the clubs would make for an interesting evening.

Caseloads wrote:blatche is working with john lucas as a personal coach, and looking for vet min from mia.

i'd do blatche before sean williams. sean williams is a good backup though.

callmened wrote:i just have a problem with having an "alleged" pedophile on my team...call me crazy...it just bothers me...besides, hes not that good anymore...kmart, id "settle" for but hes not that good either..id prefer blatche first...if we can afford him, then sean williams

Wasn't the pedophile thing debunked?