The New York Knicks made several additions this offseason to shore up depth, making them one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference.
That, however, hasn’t swayed former two-time NBA champion Mario Chalmers, who still doesn’t believe the Knicks are a contending team. “Fading that,” Chalmers said of New York’s contender status. “They’re missing one more piece. I think they’re missing that dominant big. KAT is decent, he’s good for what he’s good for, but they need someone who can really block it and give them a presence on the offensive end as well as the defensive end.”
While Karl-Anthony Towns’ defense has been criticized before, he has played more well-rounded basketball as a member of the Knicks than he did with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last season, Towns finished tied for sixth among all centers in defensive rating and was sixth in steals at the position.
Chalmers’ estimation clearly undermines the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference finals last season and their offseason acquisitions.
This summer, New York added Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. Other East contenders such as Indiana and Boston took a step back, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Knicks as favorites. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic also upgraded their rosters, but may not be as strong as a New York squad that won more than 50 games last season.
Furthermore, new head coach Mike Brown will aim to establish a new identity as the Knicks chase their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
