Knicks Can Only Do So Much At Center

So many Knicks fans point towards the fact that Roy Hibbert was a handful in the conference semifinals for the Pacers.  Fair argument.  But Tyson Chandler's failure against Hibbert and mainly his overall role and ability are only a small part of what is wrong with New York's most popular hoops team.Bill Russell is long gone.  As is Wilt Chamberlain.  So is Shaq.  This is not a center-dominated league anymore.  It is built on the 6'11 guy who can play both the 4 and 5 positions, who can step out and shoot or blow-by a defender for an easy jam down low.  It is built on the swing player or power forward who can do it all within reason of their position, say 6'6, 6'7 or 6'8 or 6'9.  See LeBron James or Manu Ginobili or Zach Randolph or D-Wade or Paul George or David West or Tim Duncan or Chris Bosh.  And yes, their teams are still alive in the NBA playoffs.  And yes, the league is built on versatility now, getting into the lane and making a play OR kicking out for a 3-pointer.  Not a center.  Not isolation (HELLO, MIKE WOODSON).  It is about making plays with your best swing players.

So, don't solely blame Tyson Chandler for another Knicks' postseason failure.  Blame the Knicks' front office instead, for bringing in a 7'1 guy who can do nothing but stand around and play center, when center doesn't even really exist anymore in the NBA.

For $58 million.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.