New York Knicks: 5 Most Important Players Besides Jeremy Lin

Linsanity may have dominated the recent headlines, but the New York Knicks' role players are just as important to the team's success.

Jeremy Lin has become a star in the last couple weeks and will form a Big Three in the Big Apple with Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

However, the Knick's 7-1 record in the last eight games has been characterized by drastic improvements in team defense and ball movement.

The current run has truly been collective effort, and everyone in the rotation deserves credit.

Here are the five role players who are most important to the team.

5. Steve Novak

Steve Novak is in his seventh season in the NBA but has only recently gained notoriety with his pinpoint accuracy from three-point range.

The 28-year-old is shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc and has a lightning-quick release.

In the Knicks' last game against the Mavericks, he went 4-of-5 from downtown and scored 14 points. He even showed a little bit of swagger by doing the "discout double check" after hitting his fourth trey.

Novak gives New York a lethal kick-out option for Jeremy Lin and will continue to knock down threes in Madison Square Garden this season.

4. Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert started the season as the Knicks' point guard but has transitioned nicely into a swing-man role since Jeremy Lin has taken over.

Shumpert is an exceptional athlete and will display his leaping abilities in this year's dunk contest.

The rookie's quickness and speed have been a huge boost to New York's defense, and he is averaging two steals per game.

Shumpert exemplifies the relentless hustle that has characterized the new-look Knicks in the last eight games.

3. J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith did not take long to get comfortable in Madison Square Garden.

After coming off the bench in the first quarter of his debut with the Knicks, Smith hit three shots from beyond the arc and had nine points in the period.

He finished his first game in New York with 15 points and proved that he has not lost a step while playing in China.

In addition to his three-point shooting abilities, Smith provides the Knicks with another athletic perimeter player who can beat his man off the dribble and finish at the rim.

2. Landry Fields

In addition to providing Jeremy Lin with a partner for the now famous "Nerd Hand Shake," Landry Fields has been a reliable back-court mate for the point guard.

The Stanford grad showed promise when he started for the Knicks last season as a rookie, and has continued to improve in 2012.

Next to Lin, he is the most complete guard on the roster. Fields is athletic enough to finish at the rim, plays solid defense, has reliable range from behind the three-point line and makes good decisions with the basketball.

He is a consummate role player and fits perfectly within the Knicks' scheme.

1. Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler is worth every penny of the $58 million contract the Knicks gave him this offseason.

The center's shot blocking, rebounding and vocal leadership were an instrumental part of the Mavericks' title run last season, and he has brought the same qualities to Madison Square Garden.

He instantly earned the respect of his peers and has set the tone defensively for New York. 

Chandler's hustle and selflessness opens up the game for his teammates, making him the Knicks most important role player.