Has Preseason Revealed New York Knicks' Best Fit at Center?

Tyson Chandler's departure left a question mark in the middle for the New York Knicks, but there are some viable replacements currently on the roster. 

Samuel Dalembert and Jason Smith may not be former defensive players of the year, but both men are solid enough to hold the middle down for the time being. 

New York needs rim protectors and hard-nosed defense in the post, and each man fills some of those voids.

Samuel Dalembert

Dalembert is at his best as a weak-side shot blocker, but he isn't exactly a slouch as a rim protector.

His attitude and passion can fluctuate at times, but when he's focused and happy, he's a solid stop-gap replacement for Chandler.

Former Knick Willis Reed had some encouraging words to say about the newcomer:

Dalembert runs the floor well, and he finishes around the rim. He's made 10-of-14 field goals thus far and has taken advantage of the easy looks he's received. 

Unlike Chandler, he's also worked on his jumper a little, via BasketballInsiders.com, “I’m not necessarily a scorer, but in this offense anybody can be open. It’s so versatile as a big. That’s why it’s really good that we work on our shooting because when we get the opportunities or wide open shots, we’ve got to be able to make them at a high percentage.”

Smith, however, is more polished offensively.

Jason Smith

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Smith may not have the explosiveness or leaping ability that Dalembert possesses, but his offensive repertoire will do wonders to help spread the floor for New York. 

The newcomer has a tremendous mid-range jump shot that fits perfectly in head coach Derek Fisher's triangle offense. 

In only a small sample size of two games, Smith has gone 8-of-16 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He'll be very useful in pick-and-pop situations, and his teammates can count on him to cash in on any open looks. 

Although he may not be as athletically gifted as some, Smith's motor and toughness have him pegged as a consistent defender who can be counted on to be physical in the post, as well as on the glass. 

Smith could be a little too overzealous defensively at times—and a little too physical—but he isn't afraid of confrontation. He is the antithesis of Chandler in that regard—he doesn't complain or whine about contact, he simply does his job as best as he can. 

A combination of Smith and Dalembert will give New York a more balanced approach and outlook from the center position.

Both men run the floor well and are far better scorers than their predecessor. If they can be level-headed, the Knicks have two athletes who will impact the team positively each game.

This duo in the middle gives the franchise depth and reassurance that they won't be pushovers for opponents.