NBA Free Agency 2010: New York Knicks Should Pursue Marcus Camby

People always say defense wins championships. The Knicks, however, are further proving that playing no defense will result in no wins at all.

After suffering a blowout 113-93 loss to the league-worst Nets Saturday night, in which the Knicks gave up a 16 point lead, it is unfortunately becoming more and more apparent that David Lee cannot hold his own defensively against the other centers of the league.

Brook Lopez, who arguably would have been an all-star had the Nets been having a better season, scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds against Lee.

Lee, who has thrived under offensive guru Mike D’Antoni as the team’s offensive focal point, only grabbed six rebounds against Lopez and has recently expressed displeasure in playing out of position.

The Knicks need a defensive presence down low. Although not an overall defensively strong squad to begin with, having a big man that blocks shots and takes some rebounding burden off Lee would perhaps make the Knicks competitive again.

This is where the Knicks’ summer focus on Marcus Camby becomes crucial. Camby would be the perfect player to headline a supporting cast for a maximum contract star(s) this summer.

Although Camby turns 36 in two weeks, he is still one of the league’s best defensive players. His older age and past New York ties could translate into a discount for the Knicks if Camby sees Donnie Walsh is building a winning monster.

Signing Camby would provide Lee with the perfect complement, but could also very well mean Lee is being shown the door.

Camby putting on the orange and blue again would mean that the Knicks have come to terms with Lee’s inability at center. Chris Bosh should be the team’s first priority at power forward this season, which could mean Lee would only return as a backup plan in case the team cannot sign Bosh.

As everyone continues to long for the awaited summer, the Knicks travel to San Antonio where Lee will have to match up against all-star Tim Duncan and the Spurs.