NBA Draft 2011: Why New York Knicks Must Improve Size, Defense Via the Draft

As sports fans, we hate to imagine the possibility of a star player on our favorite team suffering a serious injury. Some of us are so superstitious that we believe simply mentioning it is a bad omen.

The Phoenix Suns were concerned enough about the health of Amar’e Stoudemire’s surgically repaired left knee, which was operated on in 2005, that they were unwilling to offer him a maximum contract during last summer’s free agency bonanza. Taking a chance on him when other teams wouldn’t, the New York Knicks made Stoudemire their $100 million poster boy.

Sure, Donnie Walsh knew Stoudemire could be a ticking time bomb since history has shown microfracture surgery may only be a temporary fix. But, Walsh recognized that not only did the franchise need him, the city did too. Stoudemire provided a glimmer of hope that had eluded the Knicks faithful for far too long.

Stoudemire keeps himself in incredible shape, and by no means can he be considered fragile, but constant wear and tear on even the fittest athlete’s body will cause it to break down.

By the third week of next season (assuming it starts on time), Stoudemire will turn 29. While that’s still relatively young, from an NBA standpoint it typically means you have four or five years left before the downward spiral begins.

Although it didn’t seem too serious at the time, Stoudemire says his back still bothers him as a result of an injury sustained during pregame warm-ups of the Boston Celtics playoff series. The fact that it hasn’t entirely healed two months after the fact could mean Stoudemire is already showing signs of age.

There should be a giant red flag flapping before Donnie Walsh as he heads into draft night—a warning that if Stoudemire continues to be overworked due to a lack of help on the blocks, both he and the Knicks may be headed for their demise.

Like a young pitcher who throws more innings than his frame can withstand, Stoudemire hardly ever got a breather, played center when there was no alternative and even was forced to guard Dwight Howard because none of his teammates were capable.

He took all of this in stride and performed at a level that eclipsed all expectations with nary a complaint, except for two words that told the whole story: I’m tired. When a professional athlete utters this phrase, it’s obvious he’s reached his physical breaking point because no prideful competitor ever willingly admits it.

If the Knicks intend to compete with the powerhouses in the not so distant future, they need a true center and, at least, one more power forward that can play with or without Stoudemire in the lineup. All of these additions should bring energy with a concentration on defense and rebounding; being offensively blessed isn’t a necessity considering the elite scorers already on the roster.

Between Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, Brendan Haywood and even Brian Cardinal, the Dallas Mavericks were stocked with guys who fit the description of the style of player New York needs. And, all of them contributed to a title by doing things that didn’t necessarily show up in the box score.

Unless the Knicks trade up for a lottery pick, it might be difficult to obtain a marquee forward or center. However, there should be some suitable options hanging around when pick No. 17 is called.

USC’s Nikola Vucevic is probably the highest ranked center New York has access to at their current position. He may not be intimidating or play above the rim, but he’s one of the largest players in the draft at 6’10” and 260 pounds.

Vucevic uses his physique to gain an advantage on the boards and is a modest shot-blocker as well. He’s rather comparable to Timofey Mozgov with a softer outside touch.

It’s unlikely, but if Kansas power forward Markieff Morris is still available, the Knicks should swipe him. Standing at 6’10” and 245 pounds, Morris is an explosive physical specimen who is skilled around the rim. He knows how to position himself in order to grab rebounds with regularity, and he will swat the occasional shot into the seats.

What makes him intriguing on the defensive end is his tenacity. Morris’ nose for the ball allows him to be a good one-on-one defender.

Florida State’s Chris Singleton and Tennessee’s Tobias Harris are practically interchangeable, and both are projected to be drafted somewhere in the vicinity of the Knicks. Each player offers adequate versatility to play either forward position.

Both are lean, long and extremely athletic. Singleton edges Harris by an inch in height at 6’9”, but both weigh in at around 225 pounds. Singleton and Harris are dynamic enough to guard players on the perimeter or in the post, but overall, the defensive supremacy is in Singleton’s favor.

Walsh is sure to have something up his sleeve, so look for him to spend some of Knicks owner James Dolan’s cash on another pick or two. Any players chosen supplemental to the first selection will probably be second-rounders, but as I mentioned in Monday’s story, quality inside options such as Syracuse’s Rick Jackson will be available there.

When Thursday arrives, and the clock is ticking on the Knicks’ selection, Walsh needs to forget about finding the next Reggie Miller and choose a post player (or two) capable of complementing or backing up Stoudemire, which would simultaneously assist in extending the captain's shelf life.

So it’s your last hurrah before returning to the Hoosier State. Make sure you leave a positive impression on the team, the fans and especially Spike Lee. Do the right thing Donnie. Go big or go home.