Time to tighten up

Let go the nonsense written about Isiah Thomas link with the organization. Forget about Phoenix, 7 seconds or less and Steve Nash. Totally ignore Carmelo, and CP3 for now. Open your eyes and see what the Knicks have become after being in limbo for the last two years. They have come full circle and become a team that defends like their tradition indicates. Nobody could have predicted the Knicks would be leading the league in blocks like they are. They are averaging nearly 3 times as much as they did last season. It shocks me to write that. What shocks me even more is actually watching games and witnessing it first hand. Tack on the amount of changed shots by sheer intimidation and you realize this is no early season fluke. The 2010/11 Knicks defend that rim.

What's the buzz amongst fans though? What are the reporters reporting? They are talking about everything I asked you to ignore at the beginning of this piece. The asking price for Carmelo is probably too high at this time. Yes the Knicks need another alpha dog but they need not sell their soul to do it. Why the hell are people still talking about Chris Paul when Raymond Felton has been playing very well against the leagues best. He's gone toe to toe against Rondo, Andre Miller, Derrick Rose, and John Wall. He's basically gone even in each match up with comparable statistics.

What are we looking at and how can these Knicks improve? To answer that you first need to ask this question. Who are they trying to beat? Boston, Miami and Orlando...hello?!?!? Ronnie Turiaf has been a joy to watch but his energy needs to be preserved. The future at the center spot is Timofey Mosgov. He's not ready yet. He could possibly find his game by December or towards the end of the year. The Knicks time is now. I never thought I'd endorse this Guy, but Erick Dampier is a free agent right now. He's looking for a team. Ignore the fact he's been a huge under achiever and embrace the fact this man is a huge steal at a veterans minimum salary. He's gonna rebound, and defend plus he's only 35 years old. Inserting him at starting center allows Turiaf to go nuts all year backing up the 4-5 spots all year. I believe this is the cheapest way to solidify the front court. It also allows the Knicks freedom to toy with finding that true second option on offense. Another name I'll throw out there is Samuel Dalembert. He's an expiring contract on a sactown roster that includes that rookie Phenom Demarcus Cousins. Maybe the Kings do Dalembert a solid and laterally trades him to a team he can start on? Both Dampier/Dalembert take an already furious shot blocking team makes them downright scary.

Quietly the Knicks are awaiting the emergence of Azubuike from his patella injury that deleted his entire season last year. Patella tendons aren't acl's. Players tend to bounce back faster from this injury. Buike is the answer at the 2 spot. Landry Fields has been great and Walker solid. Buike is a legit scorer in this league. He could give you 13-18pts per game as a starter. Think John Salmons with a 3pt shot. I believe its absolutely crucial to make a move at center that compliments the defense now to coincide with Azubuike's emergence.

The timeframe between now and the trading deadline is absolutely critical for the Knicks season. Carmelo Anthony is out there. Denver could wait to trade Melo at the deadline. The Knicks need to know who they are by then. Defense, and a balanced offense. The time is now to tighten up before bad habits begin to set in. A move should be made not now, but right now.

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