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Knicks: Free Agents Who’d Guarantee NY’s Return To Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes to take a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Atlanta 105-97 for their franchise record 50th win in a season. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes to take a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Atlanta 105-97 for their franchise record 50th win in a season. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 26 (8/7/1989)
Slash Line: .446/.338/.850
Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 23.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

I won’t even attempt to defend what DeMar DeRozan has done in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. What I will say, however, is that his skill set is tailor made for the Triangle Offense, and his track record in the Atlantic Division is stupendous.

He may not have the best postseason resume, but Toronto has won three consecutive division titles with DeRozan as the No. 1 scoring option.

Toronto has won the Atlantic Division in each of the three seasons that DeRozan has averaged at least 20 points per game. Kyle Lowry has undoubtedly alleviated pressure, but DeRozan’s influence is undeniable.

Whether you love him or hate him, adding DeRozan to a team that already has Carmelo Anthony, Robin Lopez, and Kristaps Porzingis would create legitimate postseason aspirations.

DeRozan finished the 2015-16 regular season at No. 8 in the NBA in scoring average. He was No. 1 in points via drives per game, No. 3 in free throw attempts per contest, and averaged a career-best 4.0 assists.

DeRozan has a frustrating tendency to settle for jumpers, but on a team with top-heavy talent, his scoring has proven to be enough.

Considering the New York Knicks play in the same division as the Raptors, it’s fair to assume a similar result would occur if DeRozan were to call the Mecca home.

Next: Redemption Season?

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