NBA Free Agents 2011: Cheap Options for the New York Knicks

Tomorrow, December 9th, is the big day.  Sure, we've known for a week or two that there was going to be basketball. But it will really sink in on Friday.  That's when transactions begin anew as the NBA's threatened nuclear winter makes way for a free-agent spring.

And the New York Knicks will be in the mix, but they'll be frugal on the ingredients.  In the hopes of landing (signing) Chris Paul or another big name in 2012-13, New York will be bargain-hunting its way through free-agency.

Of the many players the Knicks are suiting for , we all know it's the bigger and more defensive cagers that are the most important roles to sew up.  Some bench depth would be nice. 

And, of course, you can't stop head coach Mike D'Antoni from looking for more offense, either.  In a way, you can't blame him.  New York's offense puttered out down the stretch and into the 2010-11 postseason.

All those needs need to be filled cheaply and shortly (read: one-year contracts).

Here are reasonable and possible options that have been on the rumor mill for the Knicks this free agency period.

Jared Jeffries

What better place to look than home?  I guess.

To the chagrin of many fans (including yours truly), the Knicks will re-sign Jared Jeffries to one of those one-year contracts.  This one is for a reasonable $1.4 million.

You wonder what Mike Woodson, the new “defensive coordinator,” is thinking about this.

Jeffries—the tallest Knick at 6’11”—can come in off the bench to back up Ronny Turiaf; just please don’t give him the ball (especially under the basket).

I can’t possibly see him starting at center or relieving Amar’e Stoudemire unless the game is out of hand one way or the other, or STAT is longing for a rest.   So the Knicks will need to beef up both of those situations, regardless.

Jeff Foster

Well, Jeff Foster is not really cheap, but he can be the Knicks’ mid-level exception, which makes him cheap, in a way.

Only a portion of Foster’s salary would hit the cap.  He made almost $7 million last year with the Indiana Pacers, but is worth less now at 35 and having not played a full season since 2008-09.  Maybe $6 million or even $5 million on the nose.

In any case, Foster would definitely contribute in a better-than-Chris-Dudley sort of way, if he stays healthy.  He actually had a career-high of 13.4 rebounds per 36 minutes last year.  That’s better than everyone on the Knicks—who were a woeful 20^th in the league in rebounds.  Hmm.  Make that $7 million.

Grant Hill

Apparently Grant Hill—and his Grammy-nominated artist wife Tamia—love the big city.  Who knew?

Grant Hill also wants to start, and thinks that could happen in New York.  What?

Before you pan that, Hill probably would relegate Landry Fields to the bench.  The now 39-year old outpaced Fields in just about every category last year.

Don’t get all up in arms though, Fields fans.  Imagine Landry off the bench?  Now that’s hot.  And it will keep some extra gas in his tank for the playoff run.

Hill, too would qualify for the mid-level exception.  Problem is, rumor just came down the pike that he, and his wife, are staying in Scottsdale.  But he hasn't talked much to the Phoenix Suns either.

Aaron Gray

The key words here are cheap and big.  Gray has been mentioned along with a mountain of other men in the Knicks’ search for a true center, once he opted out of his contract back in June.

He’s not very good, though, and has yet to play a full season in four years.  Still, Gray brings rebounds and some D and is serviceable…when serviceable.

Aaron’s best buddy is the Knicks’ salary cap.  New York might get away with something less than a $2 million.  But why would Gray sign anywhere for just one year after opting out? Clearly the seven-footer wants something longer.

Anthony Parker

Leave it up to Mike D’Antoni to press for more offense.  That’s where 36-year old Anthony Parker comes in, supposedly.

The hype doesn’t match the reality, though. Considering the Knicks’ more important needs (cough; center, defense), why blow dough or one of your exceptions on the waning Parker, who was under 40% from the field (long and short) last year?

Sure, it would shore up the bench, but having the $2 or $3 million Parker solely backing up Landry Fields doesn’t make much financial sense.  He’s a good insurance policy, though, and might be worth it.

Bostjan Nachbar

Along with Anthony Parker and the “sharpshooter” line comes “Slovenian forward Bostjon Nachbar” who has been playing in Turkey the last couple of years after a six-year foray in the NBA (2002-2007).

Nachbar has already played for D’Antoni with Benetton Treviso, and worked out for the Knicks just this week.  He brings some versatility to the forward position and some surprisingly potent offense to the table.

Nachbar can add up to 10 points a game off the bench spelling both Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire— if he can get back into NBA shape.

Shawne Williams

Believe it or not, Shawne Williams is one of the more expensive options on the list, especially considering how it is doubtful the Knicks would exercise one of their precious exceptions on him.

New York might look to cut some cost here and go elsewhere.  There’s competition for Williams too, who wants a multi-year contract, which will up his price.  He made $3.5 million last season.  That might be worth almost two other players on the market.

It's hard to conceive of Dolan drawing up a three or four-year $15 million contract without a place to squeeze Williams into the starting lineup.  And therein lies another issue: Williams is not able to maximize his offensive output without additional playing time.

Alexis Ajinca

Who?  Mike D’Antoni’s European tastes might bring Alexis Ajinca, Toronto Raptors' backup to the backup center, to New York.

Ajinca has proven little in his short time in the NBA, but you can’t blame him just yet.  He doesn’t get enough time.  Still, he is 7’-2” and his specialty is blocking shots.  At only 220 lbs. though, he must bulk up.

And with the time being now for New York, why sign a project, even if it will wind up being the cheapest free-agent contract on the team?

Richard Jefferson

San Antonio Spurs’ amnesty casualty Richard Jefferson would be a solid addition to the Knicks, adding some versatility to the starting lineup.

Jefferson’s shooting is still off the hook (FG – 48 percent; 3P – 44 percent).  He’s got plenty of playoff experience too, including two trips to the NBA Finals.

What will be Jefferson’s reduced rate though?  It may still be too high.  Even though he’s on the downslide, Jefferson’s salary was $15 million last year.

Other Options: Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan

The Knicks can make a move internally, too, signing either their second-round draft pick Josh Harrellson or Jerome Jordan—neither are NBA free agents but their rights are "owned" by the Knicks. They will come very cheap.

Harrellson, though, is a big question mark and is unlikely to make much of a dent on the team's season.

Jerome Jordan is more promising and should be given a shot.  He has experience, at least overseas, and can make an immediate impact.