Friday, July 6, 2012

Marcus Camby Exploring New York Knicks Homecoming



Marcus Camby is meeting with New York Knick team officials this weekend to discuss a possible move back to the Big Apple. The free agent center played four seasons for the New York Knicks from the 98-99 season through the 01-02 season.

Marcus Camby split time with the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets last year. Camby averaged 3.8 points and 8.9 rebound in 22 minutes per contest with the Trail Blazers. The defensive minded player saw 24 minutes a game with the Houston Rockets, where he averaged 7.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest.

The former number two pick overall brings a huge defensive presence to the Knicks if picked up. His addition would allow the New York Knicks to rest Tyson Chandler during games and place Camby at the 4 or 5 position to defend the paint. Marcus Camby won the Defensive Player of the Year for his efforst in the 2006-2007 season. Camby led the league in blocked shots during that season with a then career high 231 and 3.3 per contest. The following season Camby would swat away 285 shots. Camby has been named to the NBA's All Defensive Team four times.

In his four years with the New York Knicks, Camby averaged 7.2, 10.2, 12.1, and 11.1 points per game. Camby has career averages of 9.7 points and 9.9 rebounds, while also averaging 2.4 blocked shots throughout 949 professional contests.



Marcus Camby is also scheduled to meet with the Dallas Mavericks this weekend, before making a decision Monday on the beginning of free agency official signing day. A big piece for Marcus Camby, as with any professional athlete, could come down to money. Camby has the option to play for the league veteran minimum $1.4 million, but is likely to want a higher figure. Camby's salary last year was over $11 million. The New York Knicks may not be able to offer a big deal unless Jason Kidd is signed as part of a sign and trade deal. Another issue will be Marcus Camby's team role. The New York Knicks would use Marcus Camby as a backup to Tyson Chandler, where as Camby could compete for Brendan Haywood's starting role in Dallas.

Stay tuned for updates Monday.

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