With Shaquille O'Neal in the East, the Knicks wanted to add a big body to their roster to contend with perhaps the most formidable center in the history of basketball.
The biggest move Knick president Isiah Thomas pulled off this off-season was the acquisition of Jamal Crawford from Chicago. But Isiah spent a good deal of the summer courting Erick Dampier in the hopes of luring the restricted free-agent to New York in a sign-and-trade deal.
The Knicks know they must find a way to withstand the Shaq Attack if they hope to contend in the Eastern Conference.
But the push to acquire Dampier was fruitless, and so with the start of the NBA preseason just days away, the Knicks and their head coach Lenny Wilkens will open camp looking to solve their size deficit internally.
The Knicks re-signed Vin Baker this past off-season and Baker is looking to get closer to his old form after a procedure to correct an abnormal heartbeat. Baker has struggled for several seasons with health problems and substance abuse, after reaching all-star status early in his career. He may have some talents left but his value as an asset is in doubt.
Perhaps the best returning player to throw in Shaq's way is Nazr Mohammed, who played well when he was acquired last season from Atlanta. A former 300-pounder himself, Mohammed might have what it takes to stand up to Miami?s behemoth. He continues to refine his body and game and is very excited to be playing in New York.
?I feel I'm back in college again, where fans are into the game," said Mohammed. "I almost feel I've been reborn in terms of my basketball juices."