New York Knicks: Marc Gasol and 4 Other Players Who Can Be Key to Contending
The New York Knicks are a very talented team.
Despite all the star power, they lack some key pieces to the puzzle.
Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups are the best players on the team, but after them the only player who really contributes to the team is Landry Fields.
They lost a lot of depth in the trade for 'Melo, and they have to try to make up for it.
Nolan Smith
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Smith might be a perfect fit for the New York Knicks. His main weakness is his inability to play one-on-one, something he wouldn't have to do in New York, as the offense is centered on working the ball around the perimeter and pick and rolls.
Offensively, he can slash with the best of them, and he has a respectable shot.
He has a high IQ with the ball in his hands, being able to create shots for others on the fly while he is driving, and knows when to go strong to the rim, or float the ball over bigger defenders.
He may not be the greatest athlete, but he possesses all the tools needed to run the fast-paced New York offense.
Tyson Chandler
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Tyson Chandler has quickly become one of the premier post defenders.
He's a huge reason Dallas is succeeding this year, so why can't he be the reason New York succeeds?
Tyson is one of the best at what he does. He patrols the paint, and makes sure no one gets a good look down low.
He also rebounds, and he is on pace to have the highest true shooting percentage in league history, so he's pretty efficient down low on offense, too.
It'll be hard to pry him from Dallas in the offseason, especially with the success they are enjoying this season, but who wouldn't want to play for the rising New York Knicks?
Marc Gasol
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Marc Gasol's play style is totally different from his older brother, Pau's.
Both Gasols use height to their advantage, but in different ways.
Marc uses his strength and height to bang down low. Pau uses finesse combined with height to get shots over defenders.
New York is missing a big body down low, and Amar'e is playing out of position due to it. Gasol can give them a fundamentally sound center, who can produce, too. This year, Gasol is averaging 11 points per game to go with seven rebounds.
They may not be amazing stats, as there has been a slight drop-off from his 14 and nine two seasons ago, but in a faster-paced offense, Gasol's statistics won't really matter.
He will be needed to defend down low and rebound. The scoring load will be slightly lightened for Stoudemire with Gasol, but do not expect him to average more than 16 a game.
Brandon Knight
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Knight is an amazing athlete, who thrives in the open court. He can finish and find teammates for open shots.
He also has a nice jumper and one-on-one game, and is an excellent defender.
He fits what New York needs perfectly.
His draft stock has dropped a little since the beginning of the college season due to less-than-stellar production in his freshman year, but he is still one of the most talented guards in the draft.
He would initially come in as a backup point guard, but in time he can take over Chauncey Billups' starting job, and Chauncey can take him under his wing and mentor him to develop into an All-Star-caliber guard.
Greg Oden
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I recently wrote an article on how good of a fit Greg Oden would be in New York, and since that time I have only grown more attached to the idea of acquiring a player of Oden's talents.
Like Marc, he'd be relied on to defend and rebound, except at a higher rate than any other center available.
Greg Oden would also be expected to score and intimidate on the court, and provide a positive presence in the locker room.
He is a perfect fit for a team looking for a defense and a big body down low like New York.
A healthy Oden in New York could lead to a championship.
