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Report: New York Knicks Pushing to Sign Robin Lopez

By Maxwell Ogden

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For months on hand, the New York Knicks have been reported as Greg Monroe‘s most likely free agency destination. Rather than following suit, Monroe opted to shock the NBA community.

Monroe didn’t sign with the Knicks, nor did he end up with the Los Angeles Lakers; he agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Rather than losing sleep over the Knicks missing out on Monroe, the only logical step is to display forward thinking. The organization already is.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, New York will turn its attention to free agent center Robin Lopez.

The question is, what is the monetary value New York has placed upon the 27-year-old?

Lopez is a very good player who provides a high-quality impact on both ends of the floor. He stands at a sturdy 7’0″ and 250 pounds, and is a skilled finisher and committed rim protector.

For a reasonably priced contract, Lopez would be an excellent fit in the Triangle Offense.

The danger in pursuing Lopez is that the Monroe signing has provided him with leverage. The Knicks have significant financial flexibility and limited options, and the salary cap is set to soar next season.

In turn, Lopez could ask for more money.

Assuming he can be had for a reasonable price tag, Lopez can provide the Knicks with every bit of the bang for their buck.

Lopez finished 2014-15 with averages of 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 offensive boards and 1.4 blocks in 27.8 minutes per game. He shot 53.5 percent from the field and converted a very efficient 77.2 percent of his free throws.

Considering Lopez struggled with injuries and battled for playing time with the rising Meyers Leonard and established Chris Kaman, it was a solid season.

For what it’s worth, Lopez averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 offensive rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 31.8 minutes in 2013-14. He also played in all 82 games during that campaign.

Health isn’t much of an issue, and neither is consistency.

Lopez’s touch around the basket and tenacity on the offensive boards would make him an excellent signing. His underrated defense would provide the Knicks with a physical interior presence to complement the finesse Kristaps Porzingis.

Most importantly, Lopez’s defense is dramatically superior to Monroe’s, albeit while sacrificing a significant piece of offensive upside.

According to NBA.com, opponents converted 55.1 percent of their field goal attempts when Monroe met them at the rim in 2014-15—a dreadful mark. Lopez checked in at a much better 48.0 percent.

In 2013-14, Lopez held opponents to 42.5 percent shooting at the rim, per NBA.com—No. 2 in the NBA.

If Porzingis lives up to his potential and Carmelo Anthony scores at the level he’s capable of, that trio could provide the Knicks with a formidable frontcourt.

Next: Failing to sign Greg Monroe is not the nail in the coffin

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