The New York Knicks have spent the offseason trying to bolster their roster in hopes of contending for a championship in the 2013-14 NBA season. While traditionally the 15th man on a roster will have little effect on the outcome of a season, we have seen that depth can be invaluable and last season the Knicks were at times ravaged by injury. There have been a number of options and rumors discussed over who the Knicks will bring in to fill out their roster, here are some of the candidates for the final roster spot in New York.
Who will join the end of the Knicks’ bench this season? Photo Credit: MattBritt00, Flickr.com
Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld reported on Twitter that the Knicks had interest in former Sacramento King Hassan Whiteside.
The Knicks, Bucks and Heat are among the teams that have expressed interest in free agent Hassan Whiteside, according to a source.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) September 4, 2013
Whiteside, a 7-footer out of Marshall University is a 24-year-old center most renowned for his shot-blocking ability. While at Marshall he averaged a ridiculous 5.3 blocks per game to go along with 13.1 points and 8.9 rebounds. Whiteside has had limited opportunities in the NBA, he most recently played with the Kings in 2011-12, where in 18 games he put up 1.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in just 5.8 minutes. Whiteside has spent the majority of the past few years playing in the D-League, but whatever level he plays, his rim protection is still evident. A limited player, but if the Knicks want to add some extra shot blocking and a player who will just be happy to be back in the big leagues, Whiteside could get a look.
Toure Murry
Toure Murry will join the Knicks in training camp. (Verse Photography/Wikimedia Commons)
ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that former Wichita State University guard Toure Murry has turned down an offer from the Miami Heat to join the Knicks in training camp. Murry, who played for the Knicks in the Las Vegas summer league impressed many with his steady play and solid defense. The 6’5″ guard spent last season in the D-League, where he averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. In the playoffs he upped his numbers across the board to 14 points, 4.8 points and 2.8 assists. Murry could provide additional depth at point guard and be used as an energy defender in spot minutes where required.
Rockets, Knicks among teams that may have interest in veteran SG Richard Hamilton, NBA sources say. Hamilton likely looking at vet minimum $
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) September 3, 2013
Former NBA champion Richard Hamilton, at 35 years old, is one of the most recognizable names still out there on the free agent market and Fox Sports’ Sam Amico reports the Knicks may be interested in the veteran shooting guard’s services. Hamilton, who has been in the league for 14 years, spent the 2012-13 season with the Chicago Bulls where he contributed 9.8 points and 2.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. He started 45 of his 50 appearances for the Bulls but was not in the team’s future plans and was released. Hamilton is a three-time All-Star who has vast experience in the NBA playoffs and averages 19.8 points per game in his playoff career. While the veteran is nearing the end of the line, he is still a tremendous player off the ball, cutting, knocking down open mid-range jump shots and could be useful alongside the Knicks ball-dominant stars. If they are unable to find a useful big man, the Knicks could use Hamilton for his experience and a reliable presence in case of injury.
Source: In addition to the Knicks, the Pacers, Pelicans and Sixers are interested in Earl Barron.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 28, 2013
Earl Barron, who is a familiar face in New York, has expressed his interest in returning to the Knicks and according to Jared Zwerling of ESPN, the team may entertain the idea of bringing the 32-year-old center back for 2013-14. Barron originally played with the Knicks back in the 2009-10 season and was signed late in ’12-13, playing in one game where he scored 11 points and pulled down 18 rebounds. Earlier in the season, he spent time with the Washington Wizards, where he averaged 2.5 points and two rebounds a game in 11.1 minutes. Barron would provide some depth in the frontcourt, is able to convert offensive opportunities in the paint and is a solid rebounder. He has put up some impressive statistical performances when given an opportunity and his desire to play for the Knicks again could bring out the best in the veteran big man. Chris Wilcox One name who has been nearly forgotten about this offseason is veteran big man Chris Wilcox. Wilcox, who spent the past two seasons with the Boston Celtics, is a 31-year-old, 11-year-pro who is a solid rebounder and an efficient, athletic finisher around the rim. Playing for the minimum last season, Wilcox put up 4.2 points and three rebounds on crazy .719 shooting in 61 games. Wilcox has proven a willingness to play a more limited role in recent seasons but still provides good production when given minutes. A career .541 shooter, Wilcox could provide the Knicks with extra depth in the frontcourt, a high-quality finisher around the rim and insurance in case of injuries to their star big men. No official word that the Knicks have interest in Wilcox at this stage, but in their hunt for a big man they are likely to come across his name and at least consider the option.
Things can always change, but the current vibe out of the #Knicks is that they do NOT have interest in signing FA center Hamed Haddadi.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 3, 2013
Earlier in the offseason it was reported that the Knicks could have interest in Iranian big man Hamed Haddadi to fill out their roster and despite the team giving him a workout, that rumor may be dying down with Ian Begley reporting the Knicks have no interest in the free-agent center. The 28-year-old Haddadi played in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship where he won the Tournament MVP and at 7’2” provides the size the Knicks are searching for in a backup big. Last season, after being traded by the Toronto Raptors to the Phoenix Suns, Haddadi put up 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in just 13.8 minutes per game. A big presence inside, Haddadi has put up solid rebounding rates throughout his five-year career and has enough ability to defend, rebound and provide some fouls if needed. While the interest level may have dipped, there are few available big men on the free agent market with Haddadi’s mix of size and skills.
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