In the wake of in-state rival Brooklyn's acquisition of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, the New York Knicks have made a bold move of their own, acquiring former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani from the Toronto Raptors.
The Knicks agreed to ship Marcus Camby, discount double check 3-point sniper Steve Novak, and a 2016 first-round pick to the Raptors for the much-maligned former top pick. In addition, the Knicks will also send Toronto two future second-round picks. Bargnani has been relatively productive in the NBA, but suffered through a very poor 2012-2013 campaign and has never lived up to his enormous promise.
Bargnani entered the league with expectations of becoming the next Dirk Nowitzki, only he was considered a more consistent 3-point shooter. In the last two seasons, however, Bargnani's 3-point percentages have been 30 percent, and 31 percent, leaving Raptors fans frustrated. Despite standing seven feet tall, Bargnani's post game is limited and he averages 4.8 rebounds a night for his career.
As for the Raptors end, this seems like a move designed to unload Bargnani's contract rather than add talent. The oft-injured Camby played in just 24 games for New York this past season, averaging 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while playing just 10 minutes a night.
Novak was the more productive player, giving the Knicks 20 minutes a night and averaging 6.6 points per game, while stretching out opposing defenses with his lethal 3-point shot. Novak became a Madison Square Garden favorite by canning 43 percent of his shots from long range, often following them up by pantomiming strapping a championship belt around his waist, a move made famous by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
He will certainly replace Bargnani's shooting, but Novak is a one-dimensional player who was a liability for the Knicks defensively.
As for the Knicks, expect Bargnani to start at power forward and for Amar'e Stoudemire to transition fully into a bench scoring role.
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