Chandler climbing into the shadow of Pat Ewing. 10 pts 9.4 reb per game and a ring last season

The Knicks appear to be on the verge of getting Tyson Chandler and letting Chauncey Billups go.  It’s a great move for the Knicks because Billups, although still effective, is often injured and aging.  Big shot Chauncey is still effective in an slower paced offense that plays mostly in the half court but he’s not at a level to quarterback a championship team that wants to get out and run at this stage in his career.

*Update the deal went thru, Welcome to New York Tyson

Chandler proved last season that he is a top flight defensive center and a real team guy who plays with emotion.  Great locker room guy by all accounts.  I try not to think about the possibility of getting Chris Paul because I don’t want to be crushed if he ends up elsewhere.  Assuming the Knicks don’t get the point god from the Hornets and end up with Chandler, I think the Knicks compete for a championship this season with what they will have in place if this deal goes thru.  This is based on the thought that Chandler will be healthy, he has a history of injuries and only missed eight games last season.

STAT is a monster with the ball in the paint but he clearly doesn’t play good enough defense to have Ronnie Turiaf next to him and protect the rim.   I’ve been bombarded with rumors that the Knicks are going to offer Amare Stoudemire for Chris Paul.  Now, while I can’t confirm or deny these rumors, I don’t believe it.  I don’t believe they would trade an athletic freak that gave them 25 points and 9 rebounds last season, it wouldn’t make sense despite Stat’s age and past health problems.

Chandler is a perfect fit because New York has what it needs on offense and don’t really need anyone to come in and score.  Carmelo Anthony is the most dynamic scorer in basketball for my money 26ppg. West  B-More’s finest can get to the rim, has a post up game, mid-range jumpers, three point shot, will take you off the dribble, has handles, a spin move and on and on… he has the full arsenal on offense. Anthony combined with Stoudemire are capable of  providing a knockout punch every night.

That would leave the Knicks light in the backcourt but what they have isn’t nothing.  Toney Douglas is a former first rounder out of Florida State who got the 9.7 ppg 3.5 ast off the bench in 22 minutes per game.  He is athletic and can play the type of fast paced game that D’Antoni has always and probably will want to run.  He can drill the open 3 but his biggest challenge will be his ability to know when not to shoot it as he has had the tendency to just fire away without regard for situation. I believe the Knicks will add a veteran on the cheap who can split time with Douglas.  Rookie Iman Shumpert has the ability to play on the ball when called upon.  The Knicks are very high on Shumpert, a 6-6 guard who is an incredible athlete who is outstanding on the defensive end.  He’s been a point guard in the past but I see him more as a shooting guard in the league.

Landry Fields would have to play at the other guard spot.  The jury is still out on fields but he has good size at 6’7″ and can shoot the ball a little.  Had a great first half of his rookie season and then a bad second half after the Melo trade.  Bringing another guard to town for cheap would be the new priority if indeed the Knicks acquire Chandler, which would be a huge blow to the Mavs chance at a repeat.