New York Knicks Rumors: Available free agents who can still help the Knicks
By Matt Shetler
The New York Knicks aren’t done shopping this offseason yet as they are still looking to add a point guard and some size upfront.
However like many other franchises the Knicks are stuck playing the waiting game.
Since the Knicks can only offer potential free agents the veterans minimum and most free agents on the market are still hoping to land contracts that would at least pay them the mini mid-level exception, the Knicks are stuck in a holding pattern until the price comes down for those still on the market.
Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Sebastian Telfair (13) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With that being said, here’s a look at some players that the Knicks should have their eyes on the rest of free agency.
Point Guards
Bobby Brown- The Euroleague sensation worked out for the Knicks twice and a contract offer could be coming sometime this week. He has developed his game in Italy, but who knows how that will translate to the NBA. However he would be the perfect low-risk, high-reward type of signing. New York can only give Brown the minimum salary, which isn’t as much as a Chinese team is offering him. But he has said he is willing to sacrifice money to play in the NBA.
Sebastian Telfair- He’s nothing special, but the Knicks still remain interested as Telfair would be a decent third point guard. Given the point guards that are left, you could probably do worse than Telfair. He won’t do much to impress, but at least you know what you are going to get with him.
Josh Akognon- He’s coming off of a very strong Summer League performance and after being let go by the Dallas Mavericks, the Cal-State Fullerton product could be worth a look. Akognon has good vision and can make things happen on the floor. He can also knock down open jumpers, which is a bonus.
Daniel Gibson- Gibson isn’t a traditional point guard, but he is a guy who can play both guard spots and can shoot the ball fairly well, which would fit nicely in this Knicks offense.
A.J. Price- Price is an intriguing option and the longer he remains unsigned, the more the Knicks might be interested. The four-year pro is solid in the pick-and-roll and can shoot the three. But he struggles some on the defensive end, which ultimately could turn out to be a liability. The Knicks already have one Raymond Felton, they don’t need another.
Nolan Smith- The Knicks had some interest in Smith early in free agency, before he was injured in Summer League. Smith has a nice pedigree and a high basketball IQ. But despite having good size for the position, things haven’t really clicked for Smith in the NBA. He would still interest the Knicks because he is cheap, but Smith has had problems handling the ball and finishing.
Beno Udrih- Udrih is a solid guard who would be a great fit for the Knicks. He takes great care of the basketball, is a creative finisher in the paint and has a very nice mid-range game. He struggles some to defend quicker guards, but he would be a nice addition to the Knicks bench. Unfortunately he is a guy who will likely sign somewhere for more than a minimum contract.
Frontcourt Players
Kenyon Martin- here aren’t as many frontcourt options as there are backcourt options, but re-signing K-Mart should be the top remaining priority for the Knicks. Unfortunately he is holding out hope to get some more money elsewhere, but if that fails then the Knicks should be waiting with open arms.
Ivan Johnson- Johnson isn’t a center, which the Knicks really need, but he adds what the Knicks need badly- rebounding, toughness and grit. He finished Top 10 in the league last year in rebounds Per 40 minutes and would be a very nice addition to the Knicks bench. Unfortunately he is another guy who will likely be out of the Knicks price range.
DeJuan Blair– Blair would look nice coming off the Knicks bench, but he is another guy who is still holding out hope to get a contract in the $3 million range.
Anthony Tolliver- Tolliver is only 28 and is a great athlete but hasn’t been able to really put things together. He did show in 2010 that he could be a double-double guy in the NBA, but he is a long shot. The Knicks would be better off adding any backup center than a power forward that has uncertainties, but Tolliver is intriguing as he could help on the glass.