The NY Knicks Have the Best Front Court in the NBA with Chandler Playing Center

I know I'm not the first to say this, but it's time people start looking at the Knicks once again as contenders, even coming out of the tougher than ever Eastern Conference.

With the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, the Knicks have improved their chances for the title by way more than people give them credit for.

This is not because Chandler is the best center in the league. He's a good player, but he's far from a star.

However, the package and skill set he brings to the table for the Knicks is exactly what they were lacking last year after Carmelo joined forces with Stoudamire in New York.

Without a doubt, Carmelo and Stoudamire both rank among the top players in the league with ten all-star appearances between the two. However, like many superstars in the NBA, they are not for their defense.

Throughout Stoudamire's career he has been positioned at the five, yet it is clear to see that he true position is at the four. When he was in Phoenix they tried to bring in and old and battered Shaq to play alongside him, but even this did not prove to be enough to bolster the talent team to playoff success.

But let me assure you, Tyson Chandler is enough.

He is one of the most athletic big men in the league who can protect the basket and has no problem finishing around the rim. Of course his offensive game isn't as polished as many would like it to be, but who needs anymore offense when you have Carmelo and Stoudamire on your team.

All he has to do is do exactly what he did for the Mavericks in New York and the Knicks have just a good a shot at the title as any other team in the NBA.

People may want to write them off due to their guard play. The starting point guard will be either Mike Bibby or Tony Douglas playing alongside Landry Fields. 

Fields is an extremely talented young player who continues to improve, while Douglas has no problem running an offense.

After struggling in the playoffs for the Miami Heat, if Bibby can get back to being a knockdown shooter, he will see a lot of playing time for the Knicks.

Granite, they don't have the talented guard play of many other teams in the NBA, but I truly agree they have the best front court in the league.

This is very hard for me to say considering the big Heat fan that I am, but what wins my vote at the end of the day is Tyson Chandler.

Lebron/Bosh and Carmelo/Stoudamire may be a toss up. LBJ and Bosh might even have a slight edge but whether the Heat start Curry, Anthony, or Pittman, Tyson Chandler is a better inside presence than all of them.

Expect the Knicks to give contenders trouble throughout the year and even in the playoffs. Let's not forget Carmelo is one of the most clutch players in the league.

They may not have a so-called big three, but they have more than enough to compete.

Watch out for those pesky Knicks.