NBA Free Agency 2011: Big Men Who Could Be Targets of New York Knicks

Pestering defense and physical play from a big man is what the Knicks have lacked for years. The team needs someone who can fight for rebounds, get his hands up to block shots, and bump an opponent or two around if need be. Amar’e Stoudemire cannot do it alone, and as the team’s star player, shouldn’t be expected to take such a beating each and every night. Ronny Turiaf is the perfect spark plug off the bench, and does provide some physical play and energy along the way, but he is also injury-prone. He is not the answer at center. The Knicks need someone to supplement him. Sure, the Knicks have two promising prospects in Jerome Jordan and the recently drafted Josh Harrellson. Both should be able to help the team down the road, but right now the Knicks need something else. Heading into free agency (whenever that may officially start), the Knicks need a veteran presence down low—someone who can perhaps still anchor or at the very least, be the heart and soul of the team’s defense. ...