The New York Knicks needed front-court depth heading into the Free Agent Period. They addressed that need by locking into a 3-year $13.2 million guaranteed contract with Marcus Camby. Marcus Camby is 48-years old, under contract until he’s 51. He is expected to back up both Amar’e and Tyson, filling in at both the Power Forward and Center positions. Is this a good idea for the Knicks, you ask?
In order to answer that, I must first admit that I initially embellished Marcus Camby’s age. The 16-year pro was born in March of 1974, making him 38 years-old technically. He’s been a specifically solid player his whole career. Borderline good, never great, but always solid. His career numbers reflect this, averaging a near double-double at 9.7 points and 9.9 rebounds over 949 games. Okay let me back up, Marcus Camby has been a career good player, I think that’s fair.
He is on the downside of that career though. That’s what happens after a decade and a half of NBA basketball. Last season, he played in combined 59 games for Portland and Houston. He averaged 4.9 points per game last season, which would have been a career low if not for the 4.7 points he averaged in 59 games during the 2010-11 season. He still managed to average 9 rebounds though, and 1.4 blocks, which is why he ended up with over $4 million per in the first place.
So are the Knicks better then, my original question? I suppose they are next season. If Camby can come in and rebound for you, never shoot, and defend a little bit alongside Chandler, than yes the Knicks are better. But seriously, New York, 3 years and $13.2 million for a 38 year old player who averaged less than five points per game last season? Adonal Foyle thinks you overpaid in that situation.
The primary reason this move is short-sighted though, is you can’t be locked into paying Camby what you’re paying him next year and then the year after. That’s just out of line. They will be paying a 40-year old center over $4 million per season. Now I know, the final year is only partially guaranteed, but who else was lining up to make that deal, New York? Who were you competing with?
But alas, it doesn’t matter. He won’t shoot, which is good because there aren’t enough shots to go around already. He will defend, which is good because Carmelo and Amar’e don’t. So I suppose it’s a good match, as well as a humorous one.
