Knicks Target "Big Man" Dalembert

It has been few weeks since the Knicks had made commotion about their roster and possible changes.  Locking up Chauncey Billups for one more year means that Donnie Walsh will most likely be the Knicks GM for at least one more season. 

The Knicks are back in the rumor mill, but this time it’s about an upcoming free agent.

There are recent reports that indicate New York is interested in Samuel Dalembert, who is currently in the Sacramento Kings.  The Center listed as 6’11”, is highly notable for his participation with relief efforts after the Haitian earthquake last year. The fellow native of Haiti also was a well known athlete from the tri-state region.  He played for Saint Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Dalembert later went on to play for the Seton Hall University, which is also located in New Jersey. 

He was drafted in 2001 by the Philadelphia 76ers.  He has been a starter for Philadelphia for seven of the eight seasons until he was traded to Sacramento last summer for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni.  Samuel has spent most of his basketball career in the east coast.

Dalembert is known for his rebounding ability, especially on the offensive end.  About one third of the total rebounds he has collected have been offensive rebounds.  It may seem that Dalembert isn’t top notch when he only produces just about 8 points and 8 rebounds a game, but Samuel only averaged about 25 minutes a game. 

The league’s top rebounders like Dwight Howard, Kevin Love, and Blake Griffin averages 35 minutes or more.  This certainly proves that Dalembert has the ability to compete at a very high level.

Samuel Dalembert

There is a reason why the Knicks have their eyes on the Kings’ center.  If the new collective bargaining agreement cuts the league’s limit on a team’s salary cap, New York would have a hard time luring in a big name for less money.  While I do believe the Knicks hope to see guys like Tyson Chandler and Marc Gasol join them, but those players would most likely sign with their current team.  I have also heard about DeAndre Jordan being a possible back up plan if all else fails.

There are also rumors that Dwight Howard would get traded during next season if he plans to play somewhere else.  I didn’t like the idea, but some New York radio stations brought up the possible scenario of Howard being a Knick.  Problem is that New York would have to risk trading Anthony, Stoudemire, or Billups to do so.  I am pretty sure that Donnie Walsh plans to keep the Knicks’ core group of guys.

You can understand why there is more attention on Dalembert being in the Knick radar.  He would be the most realistic option.  The other possible big man candidates would either re-sign, or possibly be traded for equal value.  Either way, Samuel is a quality player.  He has been in the NBA for 9 seasons, and he has been consistent every year.  He turns 30 on Tuesday, and he will bring some more experience to the team. 

I think signing him will also motivate him, because the Knicks needed his size.  He is the kind of guy that will be open down low, when defenses focus more on Carmelo and Amar’e.  We don’t know what this off-season holds, but it sure will be an interesting one for New York.