Ranking the New York Knicks' Offseason Acquisitions

The first offseason for the New York Knicks under Phil Jackson was a largely successful one.

Retaining one of the best offensive players in all of basketball in Carmelo Anthony was obviously the headlining move, but the Knicks made a few small additions to hopefully kick-start a new era under head coach Derek Fisher.

With the Knicks incorporating more triangle tendencies offensively, it's important to view the acquisitions this offseason through that lens. 

For this exercise, we'll rank the top five acquisitions via free agency or trade (other than Anthony) made by the Knicks based on the impact they'll have this season as well as down the road.  

5) Quincy Acy

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When the New York Knicks traded Jeremy Tyler and Wayne Ellington to the Sacramento Kings for Quincy Acy and Travis Outlaw, it was primarily to balance the roster and add depth in the right places.

Here's what Knicks general manager Steve Mills told Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com:

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Knicks general manager Steve Mills said part of the team's motivation in trading for Acy and Outlaw was to balance the roster and provide depth at forward. New York had a surplus of seven-footers on the roster in Cole Aldrich, Jason Smith and Samuel Dalembert, so the 6-11 Tyler was deemed expendable.

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"He defends, he can play multiple positions (and) he runs the floor, blocks shots. I just think he adds a level of energy that we think is missing when we look across the roster," Mills added.

While Outlaw is the bigger name, Acy has a far greater upside and should contribute more this year. Acy is an explosive athlete with a great motor, and his shooting ability from range makes him more than just the grinder he'd be otherwise. There's some skill here.

Acy's toughness and ability to make an impact on the game without getting the ball should mesh well with the rest of the frontcourt, which is much more focused on getting their own shot than anything else. Keep an eye on Acy as a surprise contributor, particularly if Andrea Bargnani or Amar'e Stoudemire misses time with injuries.  

4) Samuel Dalembert

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At least in theory, you would think that Samuel Dalembert can reasonably replace a lot of Tyson Chandler's production. He has a similar body type, can block shots and can rebound pretty well.

That's selling Chandler's importance short, however, even though his effort waned in a lost season with a hopeless defensive team. Chandler was a much better two-way player than he got credit for during his time with the Knicks, as his efficiency offensively and ability as a screener in the pick-and-roll game cleared up shots for everyone else.

While Dalembert isn't on the same level on either end as Chandler, he can put up some decent numbers. It's doing the little things and maintaining a consistent effort level that are the big questions with Dalembert, as he's largely been able to do that over the course of his career.

Here's Marc Berman of the New York Post on Dalembert:

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Dalembert, best known as a shot-blocker, has been surprisingly healthy since missing the 2002-03 season with the 76ers because of a knee injury. The 33-year-old has played in 854 games in 12 seasons.

Last season, Dalembert appeared in 80 of 82 regular-season contests for the Mavericks, starting 68. He shot a career-best 56.8 percent from the floor, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 20.2 minutes.

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Again, Dalembert may post similar numbers to Chandler, but the big test will be how well he defends and how unselfish he is offensively. If he's in shape and committed, Dalembert has the size and skill to provide valuable minutes at the 5. 

3) Jason Smith

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It's a little risky to say that Jason Smith will be a bigger contributor than Dalembert, particularly after another knee injury last season.

If he's healthy, though, and given enough time, Smith is a better fit in the triangle, primarily because he's a better mid-range shooter and works harder on both ends.

Here's Dan Favale for Bleacher Report:

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While Smith was limited to just 31 games last season courtesy of a right knee injury, he managed to remain productive, averaging 13.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes. He has offensive range for a 7-footer, fights for rebounds regularly and does something the Knicks aren't built for at the moment: play defense. 

At $3.3 million for one year, how could the Knicks not take a flier? They're thin on defense in general and don't house a legitimate rim protector. Smith can come in and start at center if head coach Derek Fisher isn't comfortable rolling with Samuel Dalembert or one of the two less popular options, Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani.

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Smith can protect the rim a bit thanks to his size, and he'll help clean the glass. He's not great in either area, but he's certainly serviceable. 

Smith's biggest asset is that he's a dangerous shooter in the pick-and-pop game, and he can help space the floor a bit for Anthony to operate out of the post and from the elbow. While you don't want him playing 35 minutes per night, Smith could easily slot in as the starting center if he can avoid injuries. 

2) Shane Larkin

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It may be a little surprising to see Larkin ranked this high, but it's possible that he develops into the point guard of the future for the Knicks.

Although Larkin was underwhelming in his first year, a new system and increased opportunities could help him display his incredible natural gifts.

Here's what Larkin told Marc Berman of the New York Post:

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I’m a change-of-pace guard,’’ Larkin said. “With Jose coming in, I think I offer a different type of game from him. He’s more of a floor leader, always composed, takes control of the game. I’m a guy who can bring a different energy and pace and try to speed it up.”

“I think I can bring a lot to the triangle offense,’’ Larkin said. “Derek Fisher wasn’t the tallest guard, but what he did is succeed and have a great career. I’m looking forward to learning from him. I’ve never played in the system, so I want to get there early.

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Larkin will need to become a better spot-up shooter, but he can cause problems defensively with his speed and on-ball skills.

He's a nice change-of-pace to Calderon for now, but if he develops as a shooter, he could work as a three-and-D type of point guard that the triangle tends to create.

1) Jose Calderon

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The best acquisition for the Knicks this offseason was Jose Calderon. While there are some losses up front from dealing Chandler, Calderon is a great point guard in the triangle who should be able to play perfectly with Carmelo Anthony.

Here's what Phil Jackson told Justin Tasch of the New York Daily News about Calderon: “Jose is a thoughtful guard,” Jackson said. “He’s got great control of the ball. He pushes the ball up and accelerates it up the court. He’s a very good three-point shooter. He organizes a team quite well, and we anticipate he’ll fit in to what we’re trying to do.”

Calderon is a massive upgrade over last year's starter Raymond Felton, and his ability to hold onto the ball and be one of the most efficient shooters in the league every year should give New York's offense a massive boost.

While Calderon isn't a good defender, his offensive contributions more than make up for it. Teams simply won't be able to leave him alone on the perimeter, which is a huge part of having a post-heavy offense hum properly. 

Because Calderon (32) isn't really reliant on athleticism, he should be able to play at a high level for at least three or four more years. Acquiring him and clearing a space in the middle may also help woo fellow Spaniard Marc Gasol to New York, as he's an unrestricted free agent next offseason and would be dynamic next to Anthony.

That's looking ahead, but even if he can't help bring anyone else, Calderon was the Knicks' best acquisition this offseason by a large margin.