NBA Free Agents 2011: Richard Hamilton is the Answer at SG for New York Knicks

Richard Hamilton is no longer a member of the Detroit Pistons. The buyout will make Hamiton a free agent, and he will avoid waivers since Detroit didn't use its amnesty clause.

Hamilton is a former NBA champion with the Pistons and one of the great defenders ever to play the game. Even at 34 next season, Hamilton will still be able to hang on the offensive side of the ball having averaged 14 points per game in limited action last season.

It was limited because of Hamilton's problems with former coach John Kuester, who benched the guard when the two didn't see eye to eye.

But that's past and the New York Knicks are looking to build some defense to go around their talented offensive players, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

Hamilton would give the Knicks great defensive effort to complement their offensive ability, and along with Tyson Chandler, Mike D'Antoni might have a legitimate defense for the first time in his coaching career.

Signing Hamilton for the veteran's minimum would mean Landry Fields would go to the bench, which isn't much of an issue considering Fields is still young and certainly needs more time to develop. He would be a great asset off the bench as a great rebounder with scoring ability.

Not to mention, at this point in his career Hamilton is looking to win a title and this team gives him that opportunity.

This gives the Knicks more depth and experience as they continue to put together their entire roster. New York won't find a better package of skill and experience for this money, and that's what makes Hamilton the answer.