Of course we all want Elton Brand and Eddy Curry, but it isn't likely at all to happen so I started to think of some players that were more attainable and make more sense for us to discuss. Obviously we need a a good PF or C. What is less obvious to many of you, is that we need help at 3 with Penny and TT likely gone by next off-season, and Ariza stil developing.

Dan Gadzuric (C/PF)- Still a project but his size, athleticism, and rebounding/shot blocking play are just what the knicks defense has been begging for. He runs the floor well. Not to mention the developing 12 foot jumper. Steph could do with him what we saw of Nazr the beginning of this season, but more, Dan is more athletic. He can be had with some or all of our MLE and I would love to see him in a Knick Uniform next year. He's 26.

Steven Hunter (C/PF)-Even rawer than Gadzuric, but brings pretty much the same things to the table minus the developing jumper. And he is only 23. I'd cetainly give him a shot, he would come relatively cheaply, and he couldn't be any worse than Nazr (thats becoming my new way of loooking at big men).

Shareef Abdul-Raheem (SF/PF)- At 28 years old he is a very talented player. He plays well in the paint, and has range all the way out to the 3. He is a decent rebounder, but his defense is not the best. He is not a dominating player, but none of that should take away from the fact that he can give you a low post offensive presence, far better than most players that are within reach of the knicks. Not to mention the fact that bigs with a career avg of 20 & 8, are not exactly a dime a dozen. He is still young and athletic and versatile enough to play 2 positions, SF & PF which is also a plus. Would most likely have to be acquired in a sign and trade, but it would be worth it, he would be a nice addition to the roster. How could you say no to a bigman who can score 20 points in the post? Furthermore, his presence would open up lane for both Steph and Crawford to drive to the hoop. He could also be a piece that could make Phil Jackson's decision a bit easier.

Antoine Walker (PF/SF)- Another, versatile, 28 year old small/power foward who can play in the paint and shoot from the arc. Like SAR he also has career averges of 20 & 8. I think he played some of the best basketball of his career last year with Dallas, coming up just shy of a triple double frequently. He showed he can be an excellent passer (when he passes) and he could draw double teams down low because of his many quick and slippery maneuvers. He also handles the ball for man of his size and could run a fast break. While he certainly would be an upgrade over Kurt Thomas (who isn't?), he is my least favorite of our big man options.

Walker's career knock has been his erratic shooting and poor shot selection. He has never shot better than 43% from the field or 36% from the arc. He is also a dismal free throw shooter. Defense has also been a problem for him. In addition, while he can play in the paint, and possesses a nice array of moves, his penchant for hoisting up 24 footers often keeps him off the blocks and that would not help a Knick team with a swingman (Crawford) who has the same achilles' heel. He could come in a trade, sign and trade, or he could sign for the MLE, but I would have mixed feeling about him in a Knicks uniform because I don't see him as a viable answer to our problems.

Kwame Brown (C/PF)- Although many say he is a bust, he has also continued to intrigue many others during his stretch of great games at the end of last season. An injury has hampered him this season, but he will be a RFA this season and seems as if he wants out of Washington.
This will also require a sign and trade, most likely also involving a knicks pick and he is still a risk.

Kwame has been injured twice already in his short career and there is no guarantee he will be worth what the knicks would have to give up to get him. However, there are not any centers outside of Eddy Curry who have the potential Kwame Brown has. At 22, it is still too early to write him off. There are no sure things in this years draft and the best looking prospects will likely be out of NY's reach. If Isaih can pull off a deal for Kwame, he'd be wise to do it. In the beginning of the season, he could have had Curry for Nazr and Sweetney which at this point seems like a no-brainer. Championship building requires risks, and this is one I think would be worth taking.

Bobby Simmons (SF)- Averaging 15, 6rebs and 3assists, Bobby Simmons has turned into quite a player this season. He is a UFA this off-season and the Clipps will likely have to be ready to pay to keep him. They might be willing to deal him for the right price. Bobby would be a nice addition to our team, a young athletic player at the 3 who, makes smart decisions with the ball, hits the open jumper, and plays good D (exactly what we are grooming Ariza to be). It would be nice to have him to split time with Ariza at the 3. With Penny and TT likely out the door next year or this offseason, he would be a very nice addition. I believe he is a MLE player and if our search for a big comes up short, and the clippers slip, he would be a nice addition.

Who else am I mising that is a possibility?

Stromile Swift C/PF is another possibility.

forget about Simmons, we have Ariza who has alot more upside...i think he can average those same types of numbers as Simmons w/another year under his belt if he is given the starter's role...

we need to focus on getting a good defensive minded backup SG who can shoot the ball when left open to guard other team's best scorers & allow Marbury & Crawford to concentrate more on the offensive end, along w/the primary need we have for a defensive minded C who can block shots, rebound & BOX OUT.