Why is marcus camby not playing

As a veteran and a consummate professional, Camby likely has no real problem with sitting. He understands the need to sacrifice for the greater good at this point in his career. But Camby does have a lot to offer, and if he is in shape as he says he is , you'd expect that he'd be a major part of the rotation.

Considering just how much the Knicks had to go through to bring Camby back to New York this summer—he was their most expensive signing of the offseason—it's worrying that there may still be something holding him back. This is a player who could probably be starting for a number of teams in the NBA , so to not see him even in garbage time is inexplicable.

Whatever the problem is—if there even is one—the Knicks could use a player like Camby in the rotation pretty soon. The Knicks, with Ewing out, desperately need Camby's defensive presence. Plus, with two offensive players like Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell, he can help them on the defensive end.

Offensive players will try to wear down Houston and Sprewell on defense and hopefully take away from their offensive ability. With a shot blocker behind them, Houston and Sprewell know that if they get beat Camby is back there to help them.

If Camby keeps developing and playing the way he is playing, he can someday become the league's top defensive player because he is not focused on offense. He needs to exercise better judgment. He doesn't have to go after every shot. Bill Russell would pick and choose, but the offensive players never knew when he was choosing. They were always conscious of his presence, and I think Mourning can have that same kind of impact.

By comparison, Marcus Camby is a more alive and agile player. Mourning is like a rampaging elephant, and Camby is more like a giraffe.

The Spurs went on to beat the Knicks in five games. Camby spent four seasons in New York and became a starter during his final two seasons. Throughout his career , Camby continued to put up impressive stats. He led the league in blocks three straight seasons from to when he was playing for the Denver Nuggets. He played his final season with the Knicks. He finished his career averaging 9. Even though he was having success on the court, things did not seem to be working out in his personal life.

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