Marcus Camby and NY Knicks: What Do Bench Additions Mean for NBA Title Chances?

With arguably the most talented frontcourt in basketball, the Knicks already had a great trio to lead the team to playoff contention.

Now, with Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby and James White added to a bench that returns J.R. Smith and Steve Novak, the Knicks have as deep a roster as anybody in the league.

Camby's presence ensures that the Knicks won't suffer much on defense when Tyson Chandler goes to the bench, and there is a lineup with Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire or even Steve Novak at power forward. 

Plus, the experience of Kidd and Tyson Chandler on the 2011 Dallas Mavericks team will give both Jeremy Lin a mentor and maybe allow head coach Mike Woodson to add some new defensive schemes that Dallas used against Miami in the NBA Finals, including zone. 

The New York Knicks will not be a complete team until Iman Shumpert returns from his torn ACL.

There are still chances the Knicks can somehow add another veteran shooting guard like Tracy McGrady, add a true power forward like Kenyon Martin or bring back Mike Bibby,

If moves like this are made, the Knicks will both be able to survive without Shumpert and be able to match up with any team in the league when he returns.

Even if the Brooklyn Nets somehow get Dwight Howard, the Knicks still have as good a shot as any to win the now-loaded Atlantic Division with the Nets and Celtics also competing for the division crown.

With Camby and Chandler at the center position, the Knicks now have the 2007 and 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winners, respectively, and an outstanding veteran leader from the Knicks' last championship run in 2000 in Camby.

With a full offseason, the experience of Anthony and Chandler on the US Olympic team and the plans for Amar'e Stoudemire and possibly Chandler to work with NBA legend and post-up coach Hakeem Olajuwon, according to ESPNNewYork.com, the New York Knicks may finally be ready to compete for an NBA Championship next season.

Remember, without these bench pieces and with Mike Woodson taking over midseason as coach, the Knicks finished the regular season 18-6 and competed impressively in their first-round series against the Miami Heat.

If the Knicks play up to their talent level, they could be the biggest Eastern Conference obstacle for the Miami Heat.