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New York Knicks: Free Agent Power Forwards Who Would Fit Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mirza Teletovic (35) drives the ball against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mirza Teletovic (35) drives the ball against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Orlando Magic forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Orlando Magic forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Ersan Ilyasova, Team Option

2015-16 Team: Orlando Magic
Age: 29 (5/15/1987)
Slash Line: .424/.371/.721
Season Averages: 25.4 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.9 ORPG, 0.9 APG, 1.3 3PM

Rewind Ersan Ilyasova’s career by two-to-three seasons. Previously unknown to the average NBA fan, Ilyasova began to represent the stretch 4 movement as a sharpshooting power forward who could genuinely dominate the glass.

Ilyasova’s hasn’t become the star some believe he could’ve been, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be of great value to the New York Knicks.

Ilyasova would be an ideal backup to Kristaps Porzingis. His floor-spacing tendencies would fit head coach Jeff Hornacek’s system, and his tenacity on the glass would provide the second unit with an energy if often lacked in 2015-16.

There’s risk involved here, but there’s no better way to maximize an embattled player’s talent than with a prove-it deal.

In the curious case of Ilyasova, the Knicks could land a potential gem of a signing. If he rediscovers even the slightest sliver of his Milwaukee Bucks form, Ilyasova would help New York’s offense while providing continuity from the starting lineup to the second unit.

If not, he’d be signed on a short-year deal that wouldn’t hurt the Knicks beyond 2016-17.

Next: Odom Lite

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