The New York Knicks and defense were largely strangers to each other a season ago. With newly-signed 7-foot-1 center Tyson Chandler in the middle that might change somewhat. Star forward Amare Stoudemire recently discussed Chander and other Knicks topics on ESPN New York with Ruocco and Lundberg.
Below are excerpts of the interview:
With the acquisition of Tyson Chandler you guys have a new presence back there. Do you think all that chatter about defense and rebounding will stop because of it?
“Well listen man it’s still a challenge for us. It’s nothing that is going to happen overnight. Tyson is a phenomenal player on both ends of the court. He brings tenacity on the defensive end, but it’s something that us as a team and every player has to take that challenge upon and really try to manifest that plan, so that’s what we just gotta keep working on.”
In order to bring Tyson Chandler in the team had to amnesty Chauncey Billups. Was that a tough loss for you guys?
“It was. Chauncey Billups was a friend of ours. I have been playing with him in the World Games and first time really playing in a season with him last year. But again it is a business, so we got something that we can’t control.”