Let the trend continue. The latest free agent on the New York Knicks' radar brings defense to the table, but he hasn't played basketball since 2011-2012. Raja Bell, the notorious defender, had a strong workout with the Knicks and the team has been rumored to have interest in the 36-year-old guard.
Bell is remembered best for his great defensive performances against Kobe Bryant. Everybody knows they never liked each other and Bryant never shied away from expressing his feelings. Here's a small clip.
Okay, so this video doesn't do Bell and the Knicks any justice. However, there aren't many Bryants in the NBA.
In Bell, who will be 37 years old by the time the season starts, the Knicks can get a solid presence off the bench. While J.R. Smith is chugging up low percentage shots, the Knicks could use a defensive presence on the other side of the floor. The question is, how much is left in Bell's tank? He hasn't played basketball since 2011-2012 when he helped anchor the Utah Jazz's defense. Bell was a starter until he was released in March. He averaged around 23 minutes, 6.4 points, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 1.3 rebounds per game. Of course, the stats aren't impressive, but he only played in 33 games that season.
Bell's best season came in 2005-2006 as a member of the Phoenix Suns, when he averaged almost 40 minutes, 14.7 points, 2.6 assists, one steal and hit 44 percent of his three-pointers. He's always had the range as his career three-point shooting percentage is close to 41 percent. However, Bell should solely be looked at as a defensive presence at this point of his career, though he will have trouble guarding the top guards in the league.
The Knicks will need somebody to matchup against guys like Paul George, Dwyane Wade and Paul Pierce, who play the guard positions for the teams New York will have to beat if they want to make a decent playoff run in 2013-2014. In reality, no matter who the Knicks add, it looks as though they had their best chance to win a championship in 2013. They couldn't get anybody to step on the boards and offense when Carmelo Anthony was cold, costing them a chance to meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.
No news of the Knicks reaching an agreement with Bell has been released yet, but we will keep you posted on any updates.
