Knicks Rumors: Steve Novak the Right Choice over James Posey

Right up until the signing of former San Antonio Spurs forward Steve Novak, the New York Knicks were reportedly looking at longtime forward James Posey.

But after acquiring Novak, Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni said of possibly signing Posey, "I don’t think we’re pursuing that right now," per Al Iannazzone of The Record.

And despite Posey having more experience than Novak and being a two-time NBA champion, he simply isn't the same player these days at 34 years of age, nor is he as good a three-point threat.

Novak is strictly a bench player, but it's what he would give the Knicks that makes him a better signing. While Posey has the ability to hit the deep ball, Novak has shot 41.7 percent from beyond the arc in his career. Posey, on the other hand, has shot 34.9 percent from three-point range in his career, and shot just 31.6 percent from beyond the arc last season with the Indiana Pacers.

The Knicks need someone who can keep defenses honest, and Novak provides that. Last season with the Spurs, in limited opportunities, Novak went 23-of-42 from downtown, shooting at a 54.8 percent clip from long range.

Now, as Amar'e Stoudemire posts up and Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis drive to the hoop, they can look for Novak off the bench, and you can bet he will make defenses pay if they crowd the lane.

The Knicks may not have lived up to grand expectations last season, but they look set to be better this season, and a simple signing like Novak could be more vital than it appears at first glance.