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Although it may not be saying much, for a team that had an average of 7.5 players to work with in an active, professional rotation - they did a heck of a job to compete with some emerging powerhouse teams this season.
The entrance of Chris Duhon hinted at a winnable formula with the Knicks, and an intelligent coaching staff and management have identified the missing ingredients, or so they say. Al Harrington blew all the critics away with a fire under his ass to rejuvenate his career, Nate Robinson directed attention to himself, which may be really beneficial to less camera-friendly team-mates, and the door continued to revolve for those that couldn't hack it for Donnie.
They lacked a few elements to their game, suggested by their atrocious .390 record. The numbers back up the obvious, as well. The Knicks were a high-scoring team, 4th in 08-09 at a 105.2 p/pg average. They were also scored on the 28th out of 30th, at a staggering 107.81 p/pg average. Only a -2.61 margin difference.
Top-rated college center, Hasheem Thabeet, has been easily speculated to be selected in the top 5 of the 2009 NBA entry draft. The Knicks, although not particularly in a position of probable draft power, may still land that high, or always have the ability to trade up. With Donnie Walsh having his finger on the button, don't be surprised if you continue to see a slew of moves in his campaign.
Why would Thabeet be so valuable to the Knicks? Because of the defensive presence that the Knicks so desperately needed in 08-09. Averaging 4.2 blocks per game while leading UCONN to the Final Four last year, while also contributing 13.6 p/pg, Thabeet could be the young, energetic defensive presence that could turn that -2.61 differential into a playoff team.
With a reliable defensive center, players like David Lee could be utilized in the offensive roles they were born to play. Lee, the NBA's leader in double-doubles (65) has shown his biggest strengths in his low-post play off the dribble, particularly from Duhon.Speaking of David Lee, he will need to be re-signed. I am in total support of moving players around to establish a winning record - but I believe Lee is a pivot of this organization. He would not be as valuable to another team as the support he gives the Knicks. If he is used primarily as a scoring threat, furthermore, with defensive support to another big man (Thabeet! Thabeet!), we would see his ambi-dexterity do what it is meant to - score big points. I cannot stress how valuable his deep-game prowess is for a team that led the league in 3-point attempts.
Do whatever it takes to get Thabeet [and keep Duhon and Lee]!
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