Knicks Land Marcus Camby from Rockets

Knicks Land Marcus Camby in Sign and Trade with Rockets

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/125.png&w=350&h=254

The Knicks were able to land another important piece today in center Marcus Camby.  He will backup both Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire and can start at either power forward or center if injuries do occur.

The Knicks signed Camby to a three year $13.2 million deal, with the third year being only partially guaranteed.  It will turn into a 2 year $10 million if the third year isn’t picked up. 

Most people are under the impression that the Knicks have no cap space, so the first thought that comes to mind is how do the Knicks keep adding players? In this scenario, it was by a sign and trade.

The Knicks agreed to send Toney Douglas, Jerome Jordan, Josh Harrellson and second-round picks in 2014 and 2015 for Camby. The deal cannot be finalized until July 11^th, once all deals can be finalized for NBA players. 

The 38 year old and 16 year veteran had narrowed his choices down to the Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat ultimately choosing the Knicks because of money.  The Heat and Nets could only offer the veteran’s minimum, with no assets to trade.  The Knicks had assets to trade, in turn being able to give Camby more money.

Camby has still been productive even this late into his career.  He averaged 7.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in 59 games between the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.  The addition of Camby gives the Knicks one of the best one-two punches at the center position in the NBA. 

This will be Camby’s second go-around with the Knicks, as he played with them from 1998-2002.  Hopefully his tenure this time can be as successful as his first time, as he started for the Knicks in the NBA Finals in the 1999 series against the San Antonio Spurs.  

Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks Post Game Recap March 24

Final Score: Detroit Pistons 79 New York Knicks 101 

The Knicks made sure to not let another lottery bound team roll them over tonight, hammering the Detroit Pistons 101-79. The Knicks took care of business and improved to 24-25, moving closer to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are now 6-1 under Mike Woodson and are rolling going into a huge game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. 

-Inside Dominance 

The Knicks dominated the paint tonight, leading to easy buckets and a blow out victory. Tyson Chandler came out like a man possessed after back-to-back lackluster performances. He came out aggressive and took advantage of a small Pistons front court to the tune of 15 points and 17 rebounds. When Chandler is worked into the games, slashing to the basket for easy lay-ups/dunks and making an impact in the paint, it gives the Knicks an edge in their games. As a team, the Knicks out-rebounded the Pistons 54-30 and outscored them in the paint 52-30. 

-Bench Production 

After struggling against the Raptors on Friday night, the Knicks bench went back to doing their thing. Steve Novak continued his hot shooting, knocking down 2 more three pointers in the process and J.R. Smith added 14 points and a surprising 7 rebounds. Josh Harrellson added some much needed muscle in the minutes he received because of Jared Jeffries injury, grabbing 7 rebounds and playing good defense. It is also nice to see players at the end of the bench Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby and Jerome Jordan get some action. 

-Amar’e Dominates Again, Injury Looming? 

Amar’e Stoudemire had another dominant game, scoring 17 points to go along with 8 rebounds in only 25 minutes. He brought energy and intensity on the defense end of the court as well, having another 2 blocked shots and playing stellar defense against an over-whelmed Pistons front line. The only negative was that Stoudemire headed to the locker room towards the end of the 3rd quarter with what they are calling a sore lower back. Coach Mike Woodson says his back stiffened up on him, it was not a specific play in which he was injured. He will be re-evaluated tomorrow and will hopefully come out to good news because with how he has been playing he is an irreplaceable player for the Knicks. 

-Carmelo Finding His Niche? 

Carmelo Anthony went through yet another rough first half tonight, shooting 1-7 and scoring 7 points. He was seen smiling at one point as to say give me a break. But coming out for the 2nd half his mindset was different. The Knicks got him more post-up opportunities and had Anthony working closer to the basket, which made for easy scoring opportunities resulting in 4-5 shooting and 8 points in the 3rd quarter. It was encouraging to see him work closer to the basket because it not only makes it easier for him, but also opens up the offense for his teammates. 

-Turnovers Again a Problem 

At times the offense lacks cohesion, which is expected with a coaching change because there will be a time period needed for adjustments and new plays. But that is no excuse to turn the ball over 22+ times in consecutive games to inferior opponents. The Knicks had 14 turnovers in the first half; the Pistons just were not able to take advantage. Knick players at time are looking more hesitant and uncertain at times in the new offense, which leads to the turnovers. The Knicks need to fix that up heading into the stretch run of the season because better teams will take advantage of such short comings and bury the Knicks. 

The next Knick game is Monday, March 26 against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 P.M ET. It is probably the biggest game of the season for the Knicks, who will go into the game 1 ½ games ahead of the Bucks for the final spot in the Eastern Conference.