NBA Rumors: Kenyon Martin Would Add a Much-Needed Defensive Presence for Knicks

I can see the Knicks attempting to add some defensive emphasis, but old habits die hard. Amar'e Stoudemire still plays like Carlos Boozer on defense, and Melo still plays like...Melo on defense. Still, there are improvements, especially on key possessions.

One player who may be able to add some toughness and defense come March is Kenyon Martin. I guarantee you Kevin Garnett will not grab K-Mart's neck. Martin has negotiated his buyout from the Chinese team he signed with during the lockout, but he can't sign with another NBA team until March. Marc Berman is reporting that the Knicks have the flexibility to sign Martin.

Beyond that, Martin plays tough low-post defense, so it would be nice for the Knicks to not have to depend on Tyson Chandler exclusively for that task. The injury to Iman Shumpert will hurt in the short term, but he's a keeper. His ability to play and defend both guard spots is huge.

I fully expect to see him on Derrick Rose if he's healthy when the Knicks play the Bulls. 

It would seem acquiring Martin would give the Knicks the opportunity to play a big lineup featuring Shumpert, Anthony, Martin, Stoudemire and Chandler. It would only be effective for stretches, as Shumpert would surely see pressure, but it would be long, athletic and it features the three best defenders potentially.

Martin seems to only be considering contenders, so how the Knicks play from here on out will have something to do with his decision, but it is an interesting match. Even though Martin doesn't offer much in the way of offense at this point of his career, the Knicks don't need him to.

He is a good fit for the long playoff grind the Knicks hope to go on this spring.