The New York Knicks were another team whose superstar was a costless agent this summer. In fact, their superstar Carmel Anthony was the hottest topic during costless agency because many thought that he would leave the Knicks after their disappointing season. However, with Phil Jackson’s influence, not only did Carmelo Anthony decide to re-sign, but New York added some quality pieces.

Carmelo Anthony’s decision had major implications on the direction the Knicks wanted to go. Still, the Knicks made a couple of moves before Anthony’s decision in order to convince Melo to stay.

The first move the team made was the blockbuster trade with the Mavericks, shipping Tyson Chandler back to Dallas. Chandler was the defensive anchor for the Knicks and top rebounder, but New York was uninterested in keeping his contract. Instead, the Knicks received backcourt help in that trade by acquiring veteran point guard Jose Calderon.

Calderon is an efficient shooter with excellent basketball I.Q. He is much better suited for the Knicks as he is an extremely unselfish player. He is certainly an upgrade at the point guard position for New York. Along with Calderon, the Knicks received Samuel Dalembert.

Dalembert is not as effective as Tyson Chandler on defense, but he is still a magnificent shot blocker. One bonus from Dalembert that the Knicks will attain is his ability to shoot mid-range jumpers.

Quincy Acy is another player the Knicks acquired in a separate trade with the Sacramento Kings. Acy plays with tremendous energy and fire. He adds extra depth to New York’s frontcourt. Along with Acy came Travis Outlaw, who may play backup to Carmelo Anthony this season since the Knicks lack small forwards on their roster. Outlaw could provide some shooting off the bench if he could earn the minutes.

To shore up their frontcourt, the Knicks signed Jason Smith, who is a physical force on defense and a consistent mid-range shooter. The 7-footer can play at the power forward or the center position which gives New York the luxury to utilize him at either slot in case of injuries.

Other minor moves include the Knicks waiving Lamar Odom and re-signing Cole Aldrich. Aldrich adds size and extra shot blocking for New York, although he is the third center off the bench for the Knicks, meaning he won’t see many minutes.

Carmelo Anthony staying with New York was extremely immense.  The New York Knicks not only kept their superstar and added a few quality pieces to their roster this summer, but they have put themselves in a position where they could snatch a big name costless agent next off-season. The Knicks should be able to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Grade: B+

Depth Chart:
PG: Jose Calderon/Pablo Prigioni/Shane Larkin/Langston Galloway
SG: Iman Shumpert/J.R. Smith/Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Travis Outlaw
PF: Amar'e Stoudemire/Jason Smith/Quincy Acy/Travis Wear
C: Andrea Bargnani/Samuel Dalembert/Cole Aldrich
Coach: Derek Fisher