When looking at NBA.com's evaluation of the New York Knicks, they found one weakness in the team's composition, their bench. They gave them a 'C' grade overall, which could mostly be attributed to their decision of letting Jeremy Lin walk.
They received an 'A' for defense, 'B' for coaching and frontcourt. Their lowest grades, a 'C' for backcourt and bench.
I was immediately confused, how could a bench with Jason Kidd, Steve Novak, J.R. Smith and Marcus Camby be a weakness?
I pictured Kidd and Smith hooking up for multiple alley-oops and Kidd finding Novak on the corner as the combination discount double-checked their opponents.
Camby, though 37, is still a dominant presence on the floor averaging 9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game. Kurt Thomas was also brought along and despite being 39, he fulfills the role of a bench player and will be a good presence in the club.
Age seems to be the factor in the 'C' grade the Knicks received in their summer assessment. A "younger" center would have been preferred to back up Tyson Chandler whenever he was not on the floor.
Since when does "young" mean solid? Since when does "young" replace the numbers of a hardnose player like Camby.
If we have learned anything in recent years is that, at times, production and age are independent variables. Kidd is still performing at a good enough level to land him jobs in the NBA. Steve Nash almost singlehandedly got his former team, the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs last season and at 33 Kobe Bryant is still lighting up the scoreboard and let's not even talk about Tim Duncan.
Yeah, Camby and Thomas are by no means symbolic of the word youth, but their tenacity and toughness should keep the Knicks in games.
The Knicks have what I would like to call seasoned veterans on their bench. They have designated roles which will not create any chaos. Kidd is the ball handler, Smith is scrappy and will work the perimeter, Novak will shoot from the outside and Camby will clean the boards.
Anyways, these old guys will make an invaluable impact outside of the court since they are expected to serve as mentors. This aspect of their game will surpass any accomplishments they have on the court.