5 New York Knicks Not Named Jeremy Lin Who Were Vital to Team's Resurgence

Throughout the resurgence of the New York Knicks' season, Jeremy Lin's incredible story has been in the forefront of discussion regarding the team, and in the process, many other important players have been left out.

Sure, Knicks fans are well aware of the guys who have stepped up during the beginning stages of the "Jeremy Lin era," but do basketball fans around the country realize it's been about more than just one man?

As the great Notorious B.I.G. said: "If you don't know, now you know."

Here are five Knicks players vital to the team's resurgence not named Jeremy Lin.

Steve Novak

Sorry, Aaron Rodgers. I know you've won an NFL MVP and a Super Bowl, but Steve Novak has been reppin' Rodgers' "Discount Double-Check" belt and reppin' it well.

Novak has been lights-out for New York since Lin has taken over, hitting several clutch threes in big wins for his team. He's forced coach Mike D'Antoni to take him off the bench and get him more minutes on the floor.

Novak has shot an incredible 47 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 11.7 PPG during the month of February. Next to Lin, Novak has been the most important Knick during the past month.

The chant, "Novak! Novak! Novak!" has become a regular occurrence at the Garden. Almost as regular as, "Jeremy! Jeremy! Jeremy!"

Jared Jeffries

When Amar'e Stoudemire missed time after the death of his brother, Jared Jeffries filled in for Stoudemire and did a terrific job in the process.

Jeffries has never been known as a gifted offensive player and certainly not in the same class as Stoudemire, but he has shown there are several other parts to his game as well.

Along with great rebounding, Jeffries has drawn a ton of charges on the defensive side of the ball and taken advantage of easy points as a result of the Knicks' new-found point guard.

Not to mention, Jeffries has developed a respectable jump shot from medium range, and with his great play, the groans that were the norm when he took the floor at Madison Square Garden are a bit quieter these days.

It took him long enough, but Jeffries appears he's finally maturing as a basketball player.

Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert may only be a rookie, but he has shown the ability to be a lock-down defender capable of shutting down any team's best scorer. Any time the Knicks were getting their brains beat in by one player, Shump has been called on to stop the bleeding and has done it well.

Shumpert is among the league leaders in steals and has come up with some huge turnovers in key spots during the Knicks' run.

Along with his defensive prowess, Shumpert has shown a knack for attacking the basket and developed a solid jump shot that, with some work, could turn him into a huge offensive threat.

The Knicks' rookie is the type of defensive player that all championship teams need, and New York is fortunate to have Shumpert on their roster.

Landry Fields

Once Carmelo Anthony joined the Knicks, Landry Fields became a shell of himself in regards to the form he showed during the first half of his rookie season. The stagnant, isolation basketball New York was playing certainly stunted Fields' growth.

But now that Lin has arrived and the Knicks are playing more team-oriented basketball, Fields is flourishing. While his shooting has left something to be desired, Fields has done a great job of penetrating and dishing.

He's been an energetic spark plug for New York and is emerging as Lin's second in command when the inevitable double-team hits the Knicks' point guard after Lin crosses the half-court line. As a result, Fields' ball-handling skills are improving, and that could help keep opposing teams honest with the extra help on Lin.

Fields has also been a great boost defensively, and with the current starting five of the Knicks lacking defensive-minded players, Fields' role on the other end has become that much more important.

His defense alone is what will keep him in the starting five moving forward, while Fields' offense and unmistakable chemistry with Lin are added bonuses.

Tyson Chandler

Twelve million dollars for a defensive center?!

That was the common thought when the Knicks signed Tyson Chandler to the deal they did, but that "questionable" move is already starting to pay dividends.

Chandler has proven to be a feisty defender down low and has come up several huge blocked shots during the Knicks' recent run. His presence in the paint has been a huge difference-maker, taking New York from one of the worst defenses in the NBA last year to the middle of the pack in 2012.

Chandler's impact on the boards has been significant, but what hasn't shown up on the stat sheet is the countless times he tips the ball out to keep the possession alive for New York.

He may not score a ton, but Chandler has certainly proven to be vital to the Knicks' success in several other areas of the game.

Now if he can just work on keeping that mouth shut and avoiding technical fouls.