In my opinion I see three glaring needs that must be addressed in order for us to acheive our goal of winning a championship. It might take a few seasons and offseasons, but it is possible with a little luck. All three of these needs have equal weight in my opinion and should be taken care of when the best opportunity or player presents itself.

1. Post Scoring - We need points in the paint. It is not only easier to score this way but it forces the defense to collapse and opens up tons of looks. Aside from Ewing and LJ, who were both past their prime, Allan Houston has never played with a great post player. He would not have to create his own shot and would thrive on the perimeter hoisting up threes. Houston may turn into a Dell Curry type player if his knees don't get better and that won't necessarily be a bad thing if we have a post guy that commands a double team. Elton Brand clearly fits the bill as well as Sheed but they are probably unavailable.

2. Perimeter Scoring - It is very clear that Houston is getting old and if he does evolve into a Dell Curry type guy, he would be better suited as a 6th man. We need a young, high energy type guy that can flat out score and get to the rim. We need to create more fouls and easy baskets. Shandon Anderson and Penny Hardaway just can't do either of those things. Guys like Stephen Jackson and Jamal Crawford who have been brought up fit the bill but we may need to look in unlikely places. What would it cost us to get Gerald Wallace here? This is probably the easiest bill to fill and we should look to fill the other two needs first.

3. Interior and Perimeter Defense - In order to get to the next level, we need to be one of the top 10 defensive teams in the league. Look at Dallas and Sacramento -- neither will win a ring due to their lack of defense. Look at teams like the Lakers, Spurs, and Nets. All put an emphesis on defense and have some great individual defenders in Kobe and Shaq inside, Bowen and Duncan, and Kidd and Martin. Look at the Pacers this year with Artest. The Pistons, especially their second unit. The Wallace brothers patrol the paint and guys like Mike James and Lindsey Hunter get after people. They created soo many easy baskets against the Bucks. The Nets did it against us -- Great defense leads to offense. Shotblocking is a glaring need for us because then our perimeter defenders can get after people and know they have help. Especially with Houston's lack of defense, we need a great, young perimeter defender such as Jackson or Pietrus (who is definitley not available). This is why guys like J-Rich and J-Craw worry me because they are dreadful on defense. I am opposed to A Walker for the same reason. We need to take babysteps at first and signing guys like Chris Anderson to the vet exception rather than Vin Baker is what we should be thinking about. Spliting the MLE between guyslike Mike James and Trenton Hassel wouldn't be a bad idea if we strike out everywhere else. My first realistic option, however, is Stromile Swift. He blocks shots, is athletic, plays good defense, is longer than his height and can play the 4 or 5. He is a restricted free agent and many think the Grizz won't let him go but they play him for about 20 mins a night. The full mle for a 20 min a night guy? If Jerry West gets the center he wants, Stro's mins will further reduce. I'm not sure if its within league rules, but what about offering a second rounder for them to not match our MLE offer?

I like this post a lot.

1) If Sweetney develops into a post scorer (he did it at GTown), then the problem there is solved. Zach Randolph really got it going at the end of his 2nd year and his 3rd year he blew up. Sweetney is farther along than him, and I'd say they are similar players. For this reason I'd wait on post scoring and look to fill other needs like #2 and #3.

2) I'd love Stephen Jackson. I think he gives the Knicks the versatility in the backcourt they'd need. They'd have so many different players. Defense and ballhandling (Frank), ability to set up and penetrate at will (Starbury), fantastic outside shooting (Houston), versatility and leadership (Penny), an athletic guy who plays both ways (Jackson), and garbage (Anderson). (I love the generic last names like Jackson, Anderson, Thomas, and Williams.) Not to mention Tim Thomas, who brings fugazy-like toughness and an all around game starting at SF. They'd have a lot of different players, which is good.

3) I've been for signing Chris Anderson for the longest time. I'm hoping they can get him, but I doubt they will. Building a contender will take a few years, but finalizing the perimeter players this year and working on the frontcourt next year is always a possibility. If they can't sign Anderson they'll resign Baker.

I'd try to deal the expiring contracts for one of the above, either a post scorer or big man in general, or a solid wing player.

very good post, but I would like to add... first of all you are right we need a post scorer, period. As far as houston goes, he is 32 and his game is based on that sweet jumper, he is really not that old. I heard the same thing about spree last year and this year he looked as good as he has in the past few years, so the old thing with Houston is well... Getting old..

I do like Jason Richardson who I think will be available, the warriors are high on pietrus and for the right price, he can be had..

Sweetney, I think can develop into a low post stud but we need a good weakside shot blocker and a guy like Tyson chandler would fit the bill...

If we could add a chandler and Richardson via trade, then sign a player like Etan thomas or chris anderson with the MLE I would be very happy...

Posted by Mac:

I've always been a firm believer that defensive fg percentage is a sign of good defense ...

Surprisingly, NY is one of the top 10 defensive fg teams in the league...

Good point. However, we are tied for 20th in the league in steals. We are 16th in blocks (Thanks in large part to Mutombo who most likely won't be with us next season). And in my opinion the most important statistic, we are 23rd in opponents turnovers.

Although we may play solid team defense, as shown by your opp. fg percentage stat, we do not have the individual defenders that will take us to the next level. We need a perimeter defender who can pick up before the halfcourt line. We need a shotblocker inside to allow our perimter guys to get after people to try and create steals. If they get beat there will be help which we do not have right now unless Mutombo is in the game.

[Edited by - ray15 on 05/01/2004 02:34:35]

What about Marcus Camby? He would give you nearly everything you could ask for. He gives you energy and hustle. His Playoff Performances this year reminded me alot of these days when he got us to the finals.
An healty Marcus would be a very good fit to play alongside sweets. IT maybe would be enough to pry him here, but theres the caracter thing with Dolan.

EnvySpree_ Could you explain what u meant by the Knicks having Marbury and Moochie? I would've expect u to say Marbury and Frank.