Knicks roster taking shape

Do the Knicks FINALLY have what it takes to bring a title home?

Following their blockbuster addition of Tyson Chandler, which instantly catapulted the Knicks into the top four in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks attempted to round out their roster, trying but failing to find the pieces that the team believes can complete their roster makeover. 

Despite the Knicks' efforts, Jamal Crawford spurned their advances, instead opting to sign with Portland. A breakout member of the 2010-2011 Knicks, Shawne Williams, chose to sign with the neighboring NJ Nets over the Knicks.

Undaunted, the Knicks continued on with their "game-plan," insisting that this will be a season where they will be one of the main contenders for a NBA title.

"I think [if] we do what we got to do we're definitely one of the teams to beat in the East," Carmelo Anthony said. "We keep working the way we [are] doing and get everybody on the same page we're going to be good. I'm very confident in this team we have."

The Knicks have given Carmelo Anthony good reason to be confident, as they have accumulated star pieces along the front line over the last year, pairing Carmelo Anthony with Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, the former center for the defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.

The most glaring issue left for the Knicks to address is their suspect back-court. To say they are thin at the guard spots is an understatement, as they will be at times alternating between the recently signed and aging Mike Bibby along with solid but unproven Tony Douglas, whose decision making has been openly criticized in the recent past by Coach Mike D' Antoni. Second year player Landry Fields, who had a stand-out rookie campaign but faded in the Knicks short-lived playoff run, and highly touted rookie Iman Shumpert round out the supporting cast at guard.

Hoping to shore up depth for these critical positions, the Knicks have silently expressed interest in veteran guard Baron Davis. Davis was recently waived from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who applied the amnesty clause to rid themselves of his sizable contract. Davis' agent has revealed that Davis has suffered a herniated disk and will be sidelined at least eight to ten weeks.

Responding to news of the recent injury revelation, Amar'e Stoudamire stated "This guy's out for eight to ten weeks man," "He's not our concern at all. We can't do anything about his injury. Right now we can't afford to have any setbacks. We have a positive thing going. We feel great about our guys. We've just got to keep it going."

"I don't know the whole situation," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Right now he's on waivers so really there is nothing we can talk about. We'll continue to monitor the situation moving forward. [GM] Glen [Grunwald] is going to keep his eyes and ears tuned to the league and then we'll try to better the team if we can."

So the Knicks will continue to press on, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of quality players to round out their already talented and imposing roster.

Despite being on the precipice of a new season, many teams around the league are still scrambling to tighten up their roster, as some times have fewer than eight signed players. Obviously, the effects of the lockout still are being felt as the the compacted season and its strains are already beginning to take their toll on teams.

There is an old saying regarding luck, "luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Those teams that are best prepared for the coming season, will be the ones best suited to make a run in the playoffs. Ultimately It will all come down to bench depth, physical conditioning, and for the Knicks, an understanding of what their team identity is, and a dogged commitment their new defensive philosophy. Time will tell if they are up for the challenge.