Knicks re-sign Steve Novak to solidify next year's roster @ The Fan Hub

July 9th, 2012 2:36 PM

New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson gives small forward Steve Novak a hug on the sidelines during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Steve Novak, who emerged as a fan favorite this season, has recently signed a four-year, $15 million deal to stay with New York. Although the Knicks don’t have much cap flexibility, Novak was recently granted his early-bird rights, allowing his contract not to count towards the salary cap.

The 28-year-old led the NBA in three-point shooting last season, hitting 133 triples at 47.2 percent. His rise to fame came when the Knicks were without their stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire., as Novak, along with Jeremy Lin, carried the Knicks through the injuries and showcased his ability to shoot. Since that period, every time Novak touches the ball the Garden roars with anticipation.

This is huge for the Knicks, as Novak provides the offense with a spark and commands respect from defenses. Although he is very one-dimensional (only 29 of his baskets last season were 2-pointers), Novak expands the defense and opens the paint for Stoudemire to capitalize. On the defensive end, he is able to play both forward positions, allowing more players time to rest.

Another plus for the Knicks is that Novak loves to play in New York. Before seeing success on the Knicks, Novak received minimal playing time and was passed around by four different teams. He expressed interest to stay with the Knicks throughout the offseason and clearly played with emotion during games. Although he might be overpaid, bringing Novak back will definitely keep the Knicks’ offense multi-dimensional, giving them the best option in the league from behind the arc.

Novak’s return might also make it easier to re-sign JR Smith. One of the season’s most memorable games was a win against the Celtics, when Novak went 8-10 from deep and teamed up with Smith (who went 7-10 from downtown), to score 50 of the Knicks’ 118 points. When Novak and Smith get hot, the Knicks look unstoppable. The two work well together on offense and provide serious help off the bench. If the Knicks want a steady rotation and bench presence, a player like Smith is a necessity.

Although New York lost out on Steve Nash, they are starting to make good moves to solidify next year’s roster. Signing Jason Kidd gives them leadership and wisdom on and off the court, and Novak will give the roster consistency. There are also rumors that New York is in the lead for former-Knick, Marcus Camby, who would be huge for defense off the bench. At this point, New York needs to figure out if they are going to re-sign Lin, who was just offered a big contract from Toronto. They are light at the guard positions and must fill the void before the next season.

— Tim Moczula

Free-agent forward Steve Novak has agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal to return to the Knicks, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein.

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