New York Knicks Rumors: Chris Paul Won't Solve Knicks' Biggest Issue

Knicks fans have been salivating over the potential addition of Chris Paul, but New York's front office should turn its attention elsewhere.

Yes, Paul is the best pure point guard in the league and would form an unstoppable pick-and-roll tandem with Amar'e Stoudemire.

But point guard is hardly New York's biggest issue.

Chauncey Billups proved last year that he is still a championship caliber floor general. He averaged 16.8 points per game and hit 40 percent of his threes.

At 35 years old, he's entering the twilight of his career. But if Jason Kidd can play 35 quality minutes per game in the playoffs, so can Billups.

The much more glaring need for New York is center.

They gave up 45.4 points in the paint per game last season, which was fifth worst in the league. They also finished 20th in rebounding and 26th in opponents' field goal percentage.

Mike D'Antoni has always been a "defense be damned" kind of coach, but the Knicks won't have any postseason success if they don't pick up a quality defensive center.

It's no coincidence that the four 2011 conference finalists employed Joakim Noah, Joel Anthony, Kendrick Perkins and Tyson Chandler. If you can't protect the hoop, you will not advance in the playoffs.

Chandler, an unrestricted free agent, would be an incredible pickup, but the Knicks won't have the cap room to sign him.

More realistic options are DeAndre Jordan, Samuel Dalembert and Kurt Thomas.

Jordan is a restricted free agent, but the Knicks may be able to pry him away from the Clippers. He is one of the league's best shot blockers, swatting 1.8 shots in just over 25 minutes per game last season.

If they can't get Jordan, New York should turn their attention to Dalembert. The 30-year-old has always been productive, averaging 8.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during his career.

The relatively ancient Thomas doesn't put up the same numbers as Jordan or Dalembert, but the former Knick would be a solid addition.

He makes up for his old age with swagger, toughness and just by being a badass in general.

All of these Chris Paul rumors are fun, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere without a defensive presence in the paint. Ronny Turiaf is solid, but he can't do it alone.

New York needs to put its Chris Paul thoughts on hold and focus on picking up a quality center.