NBA Free Agency 2011: 10 Players the New York Knicks Should Avoid

red bottom shoes
After 10 years of futility, Knicks fans are tired of hearing a certain "P" word.

So don't you dare say it.

What word?

Patience.

As far as most Knicks fans are concerned, they have been patient for a very long time. Now, with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, a full training camp and the team's first playoff appearance in 10 years, there are no more excuses.

Now, Knicks fans have another "P" word on their minds.

(No, not playoffs—been there, done that.)

Progress.red bottom heels

And rightfully so.

After the Knicks completed their President's Day trade for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, the attention immediately focused on who the Knicks should target via free agency to transform their dynamic duo that celebrates clinching a playoff victory to one that has a legit chance to win the Eastern Conference.

That is, of course, assuming that there is a 2011-2012 NBA season. You see, there is still all this talk of a lockout. So keep in mind, the caveat here is that this piece is written under the assumption that the new CBA will be the same as the current one—or at least substantially similar.

Though that is highly unlikely, it's the best we can do since nobody knows whether a hard cap, elimination of salary exceptions and/or restrictions on free agent movement will ultimately find their way into the NBA's next CBA.

Regardless, right or wrong, realistic or not, Knicks fans will not be happy with anything less than 50 wins and a first-round victory the next time—whenever that is—we have an NBA season.

In other words...progress.

Everyone has been talking about which free agents the Knicks should target. But here are 10 that they would probably be wise to avoid.