New York Knicks: 10 Keys to Making the Playoffs
Apr. 08, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center
Robin Lopez(42) grabs a rebound in front of Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Kevin Martin(23) during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable Mention: Attack the Offensive Glass
The New York Knicks signed Robin Lopez for a variety of different reasons. A major factor was his defense, which we’ll get to, but another was his ability to attack the offensive glass.
Lopez has ranked in the Top 10 in offensive rebounds per game in each of the past two seasons.
That’s refreshing news for the Knicks, which placed at No. 18 in offensive rebounding as a team in 2014-15. Adding Lopez to the mix should help, as he has the size and competitive spirit to create second chance scoring opportunities.
New York was No. 23 in second-chance points in 2014-15, per NBA.com—a number that should improve with Lopez being joined by the 7’3″ Kristaps Porzingis and the competitive Kyle O’Quinn and Kevin Seraphin.
Next: Who is No. 2?