Jason Miller-US PRESSWIRE
While the ongoing search for a better backup power forward continues, the New York Knicks are reportedly not interested in free agent Shawne Williams.
Williams wants to return to return to the Knicks for the veteran’s minimum salary, but the Knicks appear to be interested in higher profile players such as Kenyon Martin and Lou Amundson. The Knicks want a fill-in starting-caliber power forward since Amare Stoudemire has become injury-prone with back and knee injuries.
While the Knicks currently have Kurt Thomas and Chris Copeland as their backup power forwards behind Stoudemire, the Knicks aren’t comfortable enough with them coming off of the bench. Thomas will turn 40 years old on Oct 4 and Copeland has yet to play in a NBA game.
With the Brooklyn Nets last season, Williams made six starts in 25 games, averaging 4.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. He has made 23 career starts in 215 games with an average of 5.7 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 33.5-percent from three-point range.
The Knicks had tried to resign Williams to the veteran’s minimum salary following his one-year stint with the team for the 2010-11 season, but the Nets were willing to offer more. With the Knicks, Williams made 11 starts in 64 games, averaging career-highs with 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 40.1-percent from three-point range.
If the Knicks were to change their mind about Williams they would be getting player who can play either forward position and is a 3-point shooter. The Knicks also had Tracy McGrady in for a workout, but he can’t play power forward.
While the Knicks had Steve Novak last season, they were one of the worst three-point shooting teams. Signing Williams would help improve those numbers.
