With the NBA season set to start on Christmas Day, the focus can finally shift from mediation and bickering lawyers to the impending free agent frenzy. The market is full of interesting players, and the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets will certainly be very busy filling out their rosters until the season's first tip-off. Three questions must be addressed for each team before the start of the season.
New York Knicks
1. Who's playing center?
Shelden Williams, Shawne Williams and Jared Jeffries are all free agents, leaving Ronny Turiaf as the lone option at center. The Knicks will have to delve into the free agent market to pick up a big man that can complement Amar'e Stoudemire and make up for his defensive woes. Since Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler and Nene Hilario will cost big bucks, a realistic pickup is Samuel Dalembert, who would probably be content playing on a one-year deal in New York. Dalembert is a 6-foot-11 monster who blocks and rebounds — exactly what the Knickerbockers need.
2. Who's playing defense?
We know Stoudemire can't play a lick of defense, and Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups are far from being lockdown defenders. So who will step up and be the hybrid roamer who can guard both bigs and 2s? Appealing defenders available are Shane Battier, Josh Howard and Marcus Thorton. Although he's coming off a few major knee surgeries, Howard seems like the most likely candidate for the Knicks. As the first guy off the bench, he's a perfect low-risk, high-reward player that can back Anthony up, defend guards and forwards and occasionally put up a few points.
3. Who's the alpha dog?
Having two alpha dogs on the same squad can spell danger for team chemistry and cohesiveness. Anthony must take over the team and be the go-to option this season. For much of last year, Stoudemire posted MVP numbers on a nightly basis and had Madison Square Garden rocking despite a stagnant .500 record. With Anthony's arrival, two personalities became conjoined at the hip. In their first full season — or rather, shortened full season — together, Anthony must take up the reins for the Knicks, and Stoudemire must be comfortable as the second option.
New Jersey Nets
1. Who will complement Brook Lopez down in the paint?
The Nets are an intriguing team and possibly a sleeper this year, if General Manager Billy King managed to pull a few strings. One huge hole for the Nets is at power forward. They can go a few different routes: convert Lopez to power forward and sign either Tyson Chandler or Nene; sign David West fresh off his ACL injury to a predictable long-term, team crippling contract; or sack Kris Humphries. A combo of Lopez and Chandler would be perfect for this team. They both could notch double-digit rebound figures each night, take on some of the league's top big men and potentially put up 35 points together.
2. Who's playing small forward?
With the amnesty clause, the Nets will probably (and thankfully) waive Travis Outlaw. Assuming head coach Avery Johnson doesn't want to enter the season with Stephen Graham at the 3, let's again assess the market. One name that pops out is that of former Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirelenko. How could Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov pass up a fellow countryman? Besides, AK-47 is a versatile, lengthy defender who can steal, block, share the ball and be an appealing player. Let's just hope he doesn't get overpaid like Outlaw did.
3. Can the Nets lock down Deron Williams for the long term?
Last year, New Jersey traded Devin Harris, Derrick Favors — two first-round picks — and cash to the Jazz for Williams and the 1.5 years left on his contract. It is absolutely vital to lock up Williams long-term when assessing the future picks given up and the transition to Brooklyn. Two factors will determine whether Williams stays: money and stability. The cash won't be a problem, but surrounding Williams with enough talent to compete is tricky. A trade for Dwight Howard? Signing Chandler and watching Anthony Morrow blossom? Acquiring West and having him return to form? Something needs to happen to keep Williams in a New Jersey (and Brooklyn) Nets jersey.
