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New York Knicks: Best Free Agent Fits At Center

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17) gestures from the court against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17) gestures from the court against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Roy Hibbert, UFA

2015-16 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Age: 29
Slash Line: .443/.000/.807
Season Averages: 23.2 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG

Understand that, in this scenario, Roy Hibbert would be signed for a low cost to become the backup to Robin Lopez. He wouldn’t receive a lucrative long-term deal, nor would he be brought in to become the starting center.

With a one-year gamble on Hibbert’s ability to flourish in a system that perfectly fits his skill set, New York could complete the formation of a potentially dominant interior defense.

Hibbert has his flaws, but the 7’2″ and 270-pound goliath is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. He has a career average of 1.8 blocks per game, and held opponents to marks of 42.7 percent shooting at the rim in 2014-15, and 40.9 percent in 2013-14—two down seasons during which he was still an elite rim protector.

New York ranked No. 1 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage at the rim in 2015-16, and adding Hibbert would help them maintain that elite level of play in 2016-17.

2015-16 was rough, but Hibbert has the skill to be an asset on offense, as well. He’s a good passer with his back to the basket, and has the rare combination of finesse and power moves in the post to be an unstoppable force when he puts his mind to it.

If Phil Jackson can find what motivates Hibbert, he could make a steal of a low-cost signing.

Next: Offensive Weapon

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