NBA Trade Rumors: If No 'Melo, Who Should The New York Knicks Target?
All Knicks fans know about the possibility of Carmelo Anthony coming to New York at the trade deadline.
Actually, I should say that there's a great chance, not just a possibility. But what if the Knicks don't land Carmelo? What's next for them?
I will break down seven key players who they should make a run for.
Daniel Gibson, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Raymond Felton is averaging 38 minutes per game this year. Even though he has been spectacular for the Knicks this season, he's exhausted.
Therefore, New York should make a run at the young and talented Daniel Gibson as a backup point guard. Gibson is one of the leaders in the league in 3-point shooting and can provide a spark off the bench. He also gives Felton time to rest.
Look for the Knicks to make a run at Gibson.
Omir Casspi, SG, Sacremento Kings
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I don't think there's any question the Knicks need a scorer coming off the bench.
Toney Douglas has been very inconsistent this year, but at times he's been a real key to the Knicks' success. Ronny Turiaf is a defensive player, and then there's Shawne Williams, who has been pretty good knocking down shots from behind the arc, but that's all he's really known for.
The Knicks need a true shooting guard who can fill Landry Fields' spot when he's on the bench. They should make a run for Omri Casspi, who is a great scorer, and he's also not bad defensively. Perhaps sending a few draft picks for Casspi to Sacramento would get him to New York.
Tyson Chandler, C, Dallas Mavericks
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Tyson Chandler is a very solid player at the center position in the NBA. He isn't bad offensively, but more importantly, he's a great defensive player, which the Knicks really need.
Chandler can start at the center position for the Knicks, moving Amar'e Stoudemire to power forward and Wilson Chandler to the sixth man.
If the Knicks get Chandler, he could really help down the stretch of the season.
Nene Hilario, PF/C, Denver Nuggets
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Nene Hilario is one of the best centers in the NBA. He can score, play defense and rebound as well as anyone. If 'Melo goes elsewhere, look for the Knicks to make a run at Nene.
Perhaps the Knicks send Danilo Gallinari and a few picks to the Nuggets for Hilario. He would be a great fit in New York playing alongside Stoudemire.
Raja Bell, SG, Utah Jazz
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Raja Bell has always been known as a great perimeter defender, which the Knicks could really use.
Basically, the Knicks just need defense from anyone.
Bell would be a great fit in New York coming off the bench for Fields because he can shut down most shooting guards and small forwards in the NBA. When it comes playoff time and the Knicks face off against either Miami, Boston or Chicago in the first round, Bell can defend great players like Ray Allen, Dwayne Wade or Luol Deng.
He's not really on the list of players the Knicks are going for, but they should think about Bell.
Andre Iguodala, SG, Philadelphia 76ers
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This has been the Knicks' back-up plan if they lose out on 'Melo.
Andre Iguodala could do it all. He's a great perimeter defender, and he's a great scorer. Maybe he wouldn't sell out the Garden as much as 'Melo would, but he would be a great help to the Knicks in the playoff run.
I have always thought the Knicks should make a run at both 'Melo and Iggy. I think it would be great for the city, and it would make them a top team in the Eastern Conference along with Miami and Boston.
Imagine the lineup: Felton, Iggy, 'Melo, Chandler and Stoudemire. Wow! Imagine that. Although it's unlikely New York gets both of them, we could always dream. However, I think the Knicks have a great chance of getting either 'Melo or Iggy.
Gerald Wallace, SF, Charlotte Bobcats
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Gerald Wallace would be a great fit in New York. He's a prolific scorer, and he would play well alongside Stoudemire.
If the Knicks lose out on 'Melo and add Wallace, they would give any team a very hard time in the playoffs. He provides energy and would give the Knicks a lot more talent.
