Knicks Rumors: Jamal Crawford Will Be Welcomed Back to New York with Open Arms

The Tyson Chandler coup has not satisfied the New York Knicks' appetite, as they now have their eyes on reuniting with free agent Jamal Crawford, a move that would be welcomed, to say the least.

Crawford was one of the few Isiah Thomas acquisitions that fans did not incessantly chastise, although he did come overpriced. That is all in the past, though, as the Knicks are not willing to part with the assets that would allow them to overpay the combo-guard this time around.

Crawford is one of the most explosive scorers in the league. When he gets hot, there is no limit to how many points he could put up. He is also versatile enough to handle the point duties when called upon, which would prove vital if Toney Douglas struggles in a starting role.

It has been no secret the Knicks have been after another weapon for the perimeter, and in this market, they cannot do better than Crawford. The team would surely prefer a true point guard, but the only one left worth pursuing in J.J. Barea is reportedly headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That leaves Crawford as New York's top target. He is familiar with the city and would be a great fit within Mike D'Antoni's high octane offense. And even better, Crawford has already proved he can thrive in any role he assumes, whether it be a starting slot or sixth-man-type position.

Though the Knicks grossly overpaid Chandler, he is a great start in terms of pieces need to make the team title contenders. That being said, he is only a start, as New York has an array of other needs that still need to be addressed.

New York has filled the front court out quite nicely, but now it's time to shift the team's focus to the back court, where the Knicks could use an offensive savvy veteran to run the show.

And in that case, there is no player available who fills that void better than the sharp-shooting Crawford.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter @Dan_Favale.