Since Isiah Thomas made a mess of the New York Knicks salary cap, their faithful fans have been patiently waiting for the 2010 free agency in hopes of a new era.

On Tuesday, that era began as the Knicks signed free agent power forward Amare Stoudemire to a five-year, $100 million contract to build upon as the centerpiece of their future.

As of now, that Knicks future isn’t much besides Stoudemire, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Eddy Curry’s expiring contract. But at the same time, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step and today, it started with one big one.

Stoudemire is coming off of major knee and eye surgeries in recent years but he’s coming off of a season where he averaged 23.1 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. Without a doubt, he immediately becomes one of the best power forwards in the Eastern Conference. And just like the Suns did many years ago, the Knicks plan to build around him.

In the NBA, the general perception is that big men bring championships. Time and time again, we see this ring true.

The Lakers were not contenders until they acquired Pau Gasol and the current Celtics didn’t have a championship until Kevin Garnett arrived on the scene. Now the Knicks have their big man and can build around him.

While their odds weren’t great to win the NBA Championship before, they will improve significantly with Stoudemire. The Knicks finished 12 games out of a playoff spot last season but Stoudemire will help make up a big part of that difference.

Beyond that, the Knicks aren’t done quite yet. There are rumors that they are eyeing Golden State Warriors point guard Monta Ellis, which would put them in decent shape to make the players and be an intriguing contender.

While everyone is eyeing the first move of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, the Knicks did their part and decided to move forward with what they believed to be the next available free agent.

They still hope to court either of those megastars but they aren’t going to succeed or fail this offseason based on their moves.

Stoudemire is one of the most fluid power forwards in the NBA and he’ll be right at home in Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun system. Stoudemire enjoyed some of his best seasons when D’Antoni coached in Phoenix and the two should thrive once again in New York.

With just six players on the roster, the Knicks are clearly a few bricks short of a load but they have some good pieces in Stoudemire, Chandler and Gallinari, they have the expiring contract of Curry and they have an owner willing to spend. NBA Betting fans should be encouraged that this is now a franchise heading in the right direction.