The last time Marcus Camby wore a New York Knicks uniform, he was Patrick Ewing’s backup and earned the opportunity to fill in for the injured Hall of Famer in the 1999 NBA Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
After agreeing to three-year, $13.2 million contract with the Knicks on Monday, it’s possible that Camby could find himself in a similar situation since the Knicks’ roster is filled superstars such as Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire, who’s back has affected his performance.
In order to sign Camby, the Knicks had to clear cap room and were forced to make a sign-and-trade deal with Camby’s former team, the Houston Rockets. The Knicks will be sending guard Toney Douglas, forward Josh Harrellson, center Jerome Jordan and second round picks in 2014 and 2015 to the Rockets once the deal becomes finalized after July 11.
At age 38, Camby realizes that he doesn’t have much time left to win a championship and by joining the Knicks, he will provide the Knicks with the defensive presence they need off of the bench. Camby was the 2007 NBA Defenisve Player of the Year and averaged 7.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in 19 games for the Rockets, whom acquired the veteran in a trade with the Portland Trailblazers at the trade deadline last season.
With the Knicks recent acquisitions of Camby, Jason Kidd, Steve Novak and J.R. Smith, they now have the depth necessary to overcome the injuries that limited the team’s potential last season.
The Knicks next move will be to make a decision on whether they want to match the Rockets offer sheet with restricted free agent Jeremy Lin or sign a free agent point guard such as Raymond Felton, Ramon Sessions, Aaron Brooks, Randy Foye or Derek Fisher.
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