Five Reasons Why the New York Knicks Need to Re-Sign Shawne Williams This Summer

Shawne Williams has been having a great season for the New York Knicks, and he's probably their most valuable bench player right now.  He's been a big key to their success. 

Williams attended one year of college at Memphis where he averaged 13.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.  He also averaged 1.4 blocks.  While playing 36 games at Memphis, he started 34.  He led all Conference USA freshmen in scoring and rebounding. 

He was named MVP of the Conference USA tournament where he averaged 18 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while playing three games in the tournament.

Williams was drafted 17th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2006 draft.  In 2008, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, then in 2010, he was traded to the Nets.  He signed a one-year contract with the Knicks on September 23rd of last year. 

Williams has had a rough personal life.  In 2007, he was arrested in Indianapolis because of possession of marijuana.  In January of 2010, he was also arrested in Memphis for selling a codeine substance. 

However, he is a very good basketball player and has been a great fit for the Knicks.  Take a look at five reasons why the Knicks should re-sign him this summer.

He's a Perfect Fit in Mike D'Antoni's System

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PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 07: Shawne Williams #3 of the New York Knicks puts up a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 7, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Knicks defeated the Suns 121-96. NOTE TO USER: User express

Shawne Williams has really shined in coach Mike D'Antoni's system this year, mainly because he's an outstanding three point shooter, and we all know D'Antoni loves players who can shoot it from behind the arc. 

This season, he's averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from downtown.  I know it doesn't look like outstanding numbers, but if you watch the Knicks, you can see how valuable he's been to the team. 

The Knicks Need 3-Point Shooting Now That Gallinari's Gone

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 24: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Denver Nuggets adjusts his knee brace as he prepares to reenter the game against the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated

As part of the trade that brought Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to New York, the Knicks had to give up a very good young player in Danilo Gallinari. 

Many Knicks fans were upset about Gallinari's inconsistancy with the team, but he was a great fit in the Knicks offense.  His three point shooting was a huge asset to the team. 

Now that he's gone, the Knicks need someone to knock down that clutch three pointer in close games.  In my mind, Shawne Williams can be that player in the future.

Shawne Williams Is a Very Underrated Defender

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat goes to the net against Amar'e Stoudemire #1 and Shawne Williams #3 of the New York Knicks during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expres

We all know that Shawne Williams is a great shooter, however, many people don't know that his defense is very underrated.  In fact, his defense has been a big impact in some of the close games this season. 

For example, when the Knicks played the Heat a couple weeks ago, Shawne Williams was a huge reason why the Knicks won that game.  He made a few key blocks, and he also rebounded the ball very well. 

Williams is able to defend very well against some of the top small forwards and guards in the league.  The Knicks need to improve on the defensive end. Re-signing Shawne Williams would be a big step. 

The New Collective Bargaining Agreement

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: NBA Commissioner David Stern addresses the media before the start of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

As of right now, it looks like there will be a new collective bargaining agreement next year.  This means that the salary cap of each teams will decrease. 

This isn't necessarily a good thing for the Knicks and here's why: Carmelo Anthony makes $17 million a year, Stoudamire makes $16 million a year, and Chauncey Billups makes $13 million a year.  That takes up a huge amount of the salary cap. 

There have been a lot of speculations that point to either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard coming to New York in the summer of 2012.  Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have either of them on the Knicks.  The only question is, with the new collective bargaining agreement, will the Knicks be able to make it happen? It's certainly a mystery.

Anyways, getting back to Williams, he isn't the type of player who's going to get $5 million a year.  This is a good thing for the Knicks.  Williams comes at a pretty cheap price. He's very valuable to the team and they must re-sign him in my opinion. 

This summer, the Knicks should re-sign Williams to a two or three year deal worth about $2 or $3 million per year. 

Williams Will Improve Every Year Playing Alongside Carmelo and Amar'e

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Carmelo Anthony #7 and Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks discuss tactics on the court against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

Here's the main reason why the Knicks need to hold on to Williams: he will improve every season playing with Stat and 'Melo. 

Notice how Toney Douglas has improved ever since Billups became came to the Knicks?  Billups has been a mentor to Douglas for the past few weeks. It will be the same scenario for Carmelo and Williams. 

Carmelo will be a mentor to Williams and teach him how to be a better scorer besides just shooting the three ball.