The Knicks want to play defense.
Fifteen days before the season begins at home against the Boston Celtics, the Knicks completed a three team trade for Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler, a move the Knicks had to make to have any real shot to compete for a conference title out of the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks set themselves up offensively last year when they added Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, but it was the Knicks defense, or lack there of, that was a big problem for them all year.
Chandler changes that. He brings with him an NBA title experience with the Mavs from last season when he averaged 10 points per game and nine rebounds per game last season. At 29, the Knicks will be the fifth team Chander has played for, performing previously for the Bulls, Hornets and Bobcats before joining for Dallas last year. Chandler signed a new four year deal to remain with the Knicks after the deal was completed.
To make room for Chandler, the Knicks dumped Chauncy Billups, the aging point guard, who was not too crazy about playing in New York last season when he was a throw in in the Carmelo Anthony deal with Denver.
It's not like the Knicks are now without a point guard. They did sign Mike Bibby, the former Sacremento King and Miami Heat guard, who was a star with the Kings. Bibby has seen his playing time dwindle the last couple years, but he is sure to see more time as the Knicks starting point guard.
So, it looks like the 2011-2012 Knicks are ready to roll into the season.
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