New York Knicks: Five Reasons Knicks Need Another Year Until They Are Contenders

New York has had a turn around season.

It all started with the signing of Amar'e Stoudemire in the offseason, and the rebuilding continued into the season when they traded away half the team to acquire Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and a few role players.

The Knicks are a brand new team, but they still aren't contenders.

They need to add a few more pieces, change around their play style, and adjust a few rotation problems before they can be true title contenders.

Depth Is Key

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CLEVELAND - FEBRUARY 25: Toney Douglas #23 of the New York Knicks and Daniel Gibson #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fight for a loose ball during the game on February 25, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

The Knicks traded away a lot of their depth in the trade for 'Melo, but it's not like they have no bench.

They might have found a diamond in Toney Douglas, who is providing huge minutes off the bench. The way he's contributing, he should be able to take over the starting point guard spot once Billups hangs up his shoes.

Other than Douglas, Jared Jeffries is the only other player who gets any real playing time off the bench.

This is a big disadvantage for New York, as the starters log too many minutes. The extra wear and tear is bad, especially in a high-octane offense like the Knicks employ.

Bringing in another big man or two, and adding another guard to the rotation, would work wonders for New York. The starters can get a much needed rest, and the coach can be sure the team won't miss a beat with the subs in.

Defense, Defense and More Defense

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t

Stoudemire has been swatting shots left and right this season but, much like his own one on one defense, the team defense leaves a lot to be desired.

Carmelo has shown more commitment on the defensive side this season, especially when guarding the other team's best player, but he has a long way to go.

Bringing in Billups was a good move, as he helped bring a defensive mind set to the Denver Nuggets when he was traded there.

A key addition for New York could be signing Shane Battier in the offseason. His defensive presence would be a huge boost, and he can shoot the three as well.

A defensive big man like Tyson Chandler or Greg Oden can make a big difference as well.

Defense is just what championship teams need, and no team can get by without it.

Chemistry Is Still Building

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 10: Roger Mason Jr. #18 and Ronnie Turiaf #14 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on March 10, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograp

This Knicks team is generally a "new" team. Not many players have too much experience playing with each other, outside of Carmelo and Chauncey.

Chemistry is a big key to winning, and right now the team just doesn't have it. A year or two would do the team good—to build chemistry between the newly acquired players and those who have been on the team already.

Carmelo also needs to build chemistry with Amar'e, and learn to run the pick and roll with him more often. A pick and roll where the two weapons being used are Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony would surely scare the daylight out of most defenders.

Develop Landry Fields Even Further

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Landry Fields #6 of the New York Knicks and the Rookie Team goes up for a layup in the first half during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at Staples Center on February 18, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo

Landry Fields is a rookie. I know it may come as a surprise, but be assured this is his first year in the NBA. The guy plays like a seasoned vet out there, which is really scary considering he hasn't even hit his prime yet.

He is the perfect compliment—if the Knicks add a legitimate big man to the roster, they could become the best rebounding team in the NBA, due to Landry Fields.

His knack for getting the ball helps him pull in over seven rebounds per game. That is a huge number for a rookie. Did I mention he's a shooting guard? In fact, he's leading all guards in that category.

He is also a capable scorer. He has shown signs of becoming a threat from downtown, and is good on the go. His deceptive athleticism helps him finish over, under and around defenders.

His defense is a bright spot too, as he is one of the only capable defenders on the team.

Who knows what will happen when given another year or two to develop his game even further?

Slow Down a Little

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 10: Forward Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on March 10, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is cons

The Knicks need to slow down the offense and take advantage of their deadliest weapon, Carmelo Anthony.

He is the league's best scorer—maybe not statistically speaking, but he knows how to put the ball in the basket better than anyone else.

He can hurt you in the post, on the drive, spotting up, or with isolation plays.

There is no limit to what he can do with the ball in his hands, and he is the hardest player in the league to stop from scoring.

He also has the occasional game where he will blow up for 50 points, which should come as no surprise, given his skill level.