Knicks Should Try to Sign JaVale McGee

As reported by Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports, JaVale McGee was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in time to be able to sign with a Championship contending team. What was even more shocking was that Mcgee did not have to give up any money in the process. Below are some of the teams in consideration of signing the enigmatic big man as per Sam Amick.

"“Whether it’s a new job with one of the Texas teams (San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets), the Miami Heat or another contender, McGee has every reason to be enthused about what lies ahead — especially considering he didn’t give any money back.”"

Now the first thing that comes to mind when you mention JaVale McGee, is probably Shaqtin’ A Fool, but nonetheless New York should consider bidding for his services. McGee is averaging 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and .9 blocks in 11.1 minutes per game this season.

What you cannot teach is size and athleticism, and McGee has both. McGee is 7 ft., and according to Sport Science has a wingspan of 7 ft. 6.5 in. and a 31.5 in. vertical leap.

McGee has a career average of 1.8 blocks per game, and impressively averaged 2.4 blocks as a third-year player. McGee’s third year with the Washington Wizards was his most impressive season of his career so far, with an average of 10.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. The following season Washington traded away McGee on the NBA trade deadline while his stock was at its all-time high. Dispute these traditional stats and being such a physical specimen, McGee surprising is actually not good defensively.

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As per NBA.com Diff% which is defined as – The difference between the normal field goal percentage of a shooter through the season and the field goal percentage when the defensive player is guarding the shooter. A good defensive number will be negative because the defensive player is guarding the shooter. A good defensive number will be negative because the defensive player holds their opponent to a lower field goal percentage than normal. McGee actually has a negative effect defensively, with a 3.6 Diff% within 6 ft. and 4.7 Diff% on two pointers.

With that said, New York still has a few reasons why they should try to bid for JaVale McGee’s service. Carmelo Anthony best serves New York play as an uber stretch four, most power forwards are not comfortable guarding out in the perimeter. In order to do this though, the Knicks need an athletic and defensive minded center. McGee got the athleticism part down pat, he just needs someone to teach him how to position himself to be in the right spots defensively. Maybe that can be Derek Fisher? Maybe that can be Phil Jackson? It is worth a shot, to at least try. The best part of it all is, this is a lost season with Anthony season ending surgery, and New York has nothing to lose.

New York should throw a large sum of money for the remainder of the year, and see how impactful McGee can be in the triangle system. New York is already over the salary cap, so there is nothing to worry about there. Lord knows Jim Dolan and Cablevison can afford it, so there is no spoil milk there. On the plus side, if all goes well, New York would hold McGee’s Bird Rights.

Best case scenario McGee fill the void in the center position since Tyson Chandler was traded. It would be perfect if McGee molded his game after Chandler too, setting up for pick-and-rolls, and only dunking the ball on offense. New York does not need to see his post moves (or lack of)… Why not get JaVale McGee? It seems like a no-lose situation for New York.