NBA Free Agents 2011: Signing Gilbert Arenas Horrible Decision for NY Knicks

Mike D’Antoni never had anyone to play basketball against as a kid; he only shot around. It took years for someone to introduce him to the defensive side of the game.

In all seriousness, D’Antoni’s teams have always been lacking on the defensive end and his current New York Knick squad is no different.

NY just signed Baron Davis to fill the hole created at the point guard position when they amnestied Chauncey Billups, but according to ESPN’s Mark Stein, they may add Gilbert Arenas, too. That wouldn’t be a bad idea if they already hadn’t signed Davis, but bringing in both would be a huge mistake.

First off, they already signed Mike Bibby and drafted Iman Shumpert in the first round. On top of that, they still have the young and developing Toney Douglas. Signing Arenas would take valuable minutes away from Douglas and Shumpert, slowing their progression.

Despite Davis' back injury that could take weeks to heal, attempting to revive Agent Zero is a waste of time. Arenas is a below-average defender, but at 6’4”, 215 pounds, at least at the point he boasts a size advantage over most.

If the Knicks plan to play Arenas at the 2 alongside Davis-Douglas-Bibby, though, his size edge disappears and at the same time, his defensive effectiveness plummets. With Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire in the starting lineup, NY will never lose a game because they couldn’t put the ball in the basket.

They don’t need an offensive-minded player like Arenas; once again, the Knicks need a potential lockdown defender on the wing.

The addition of Tyson Chandler won’t be enough to shore up the defensive side of the court. If they go after a guard in free agency, it should be DeShawn Stevenson.  Mr. Tell-Me-How-My-Dirk-Tastes would bring an attitude to the Knicks they’re lacking, along with a dedication to defense.

NY has no shot at getting past the Miami Heat if their perimeter defenders are Davis, Arenas and Melo; they need a stopper.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer. Follow him on Twitter.