New York Knicks: Projecting NYK’s Statistical Leaders

Apr 25, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) reacts after being called for a foul against the Memphis Grizzlies in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Blocks Per Game: Robin Lopez

The New York Knicks have two legitimate candidates in the blocks per game category: Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis. Lopez is a steady and consistent shot-blocker, while Porzingis is an upside play.

Given the fact that rookies tend to take a year to adjust to the defensive pace of the NBA, Lopez can be penciled in as the favorite.

Lopez averaged 1.4 blocks in 27.8 minutes of action during the 2014-15 NBA regular season. He averaged 1.7 blocks in 31.8 minutes the season prior and tallied 1.6 blocks in 26.0 minutes per game in 2012-13.

Porzingis could step up and accumulate similar numbers during the 2015-16 regular season. It simply must be noted that no rookie has blocked 2.0 or more shots per game since Pau Gasol in 2001-02–and before him, Tim Duncan and Michael Stewart in 1997-98, per Basketball-Reference.com.

Lopez should flirt with 2.0 blocks per game given his expected increases in playing time, meaning Porzingis has a historically significant task ahead of him.

Next: Steals Per Game