Like many other teams, the New York Knicks came into the 2010 offseason looking to land LeBron James, or at least Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh. But with all three of those players heading to Miami, the Knicks had to focus their efforts elsewhere. Armed with loads of cap space, the Knicks landed one marquee player and a number of smaller pieces, both through free agency and the trade market. Let’s take a look at how the Knicks Cialis Professional improved their roster within the first two weeks of free agency.

New York’s biggest move of the offseason was their first, the acquisition of free agent forward Amar’e Stoudemire. Stoudemire spent several seasons under current Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni in Phoenix, where both men enjoyed considerable success. Stoudemire gives the Knicks a go-to offensive option on the inside and a proven player that knows the system. While Stoudemire has raised questions about his effort, defense and rebounding in the past, he’s coming off the best three-month stretch of his playing career and was worth the gamble for a rebuilding Knicks team. His presence on the interior should open things up for some of the team’s outside shooters, namely Danilo Gallinari, and he should be one of the biggest draws for fans interested in securing New York Knicks tickets.

The Knicks were hoping that the Stoudemire signing could help lure LeBron to the Big Apple, but it wasn’t the only option that the team was considering. Minutes after LeBron signed with Miami, the Knicks went to Plan B and swung a deal with the Golden State Warriors. In a sign-and-trade, New York sent David Lee to Golden State for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike. This was a fantastic trade for the Knicks.

Stoudemire’s presence made Lee expendable and the sign-and-trade enabled the team to get something in return for him. Randolph, the major piece of this deal, is a hugely talented 20-year-old forward (will turn 21 July 15) with loads of potential. Just one year ago he was considered to be untouchable by the Warriors after tearing up the 2009 Vegas Summer League. Randolph is a physical freak and is developing a solid all-around game to accompany his incredible physical gifts. He’s got star potential.

Turiaf was also a very nice get for the Knicks. He’s a tough interior player who gives maximum effort on every play and is a very good defender. He should be among the league leaders in blocks per minute in 2010-11. The Knicks had a shortage of big men coming into the offseason, especially ones that can defend and block shots, so landing Turiaf certainly fills a need. As for Azubuike, he’s coming off an injury but should fit the New York scheme very well once healthy. The former Kentucky Wildcat has a sweet stroke from deep and could very well end up starting for the Knicks at the two this season.

Another good move was the signing of free agent point guard Raymond Felton. Felton doesn’t have the shooting stroke that would make him a perfect fit in this offense, but everything else is there. The former Tar Heel loves to push the ball and his speed will allow him to thrive in D’Antoni’s system. He’s a tough defender that has earned the reputation of a gritty competitor who brings it night in and night out. The Knicks desperately needed a point guard and they definitely got a starting-caliber one in Felton. If he can work on his shooting stroke a bit, he could be a terror in New York.

Finally, as of July 12, the Knicks were on the verge of signing Russian center Timofey Mozgov to a three-year deal. Not a lot is known about this big man, but the team obviously feels the 23-year-old seven-footer has serious potential. He’s a big body, which the Knicks need, and has shown some promise in limited playing time in his home country. This would be a low risk, high reward signing.

All in all, the Knicks have done well to shore up their roster in the offseason. They’ve improved their team as a whole and have filled some serious holes in their lineup. The team could look to trade Wilson Chandler this summer, potentially in a package with Eddy Curry, which could give the Knicks an even better shot at the postseason in 2010-11. As the roster stands now, though, the Knicks could be in position to make a legitimate run at the playoffs next season.

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