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Knicks Rumors: High-Profile Free Agents NY Can Realistically Sign

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) reacts to a play during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) reacts to a play during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Pau Gasol, Player Option

Position: Center
Age: 35 (7/6/1980)
Slash Line: .469/.348/.792
Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 16.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 4.1 APG, 2.0 BPG

From 2008 to 2011, one of the most dynamic player-coach duos in the NBA was built by Pau Gasol and Phil Jackson. Kobe Bryant was the star of the show, but Gasol played an irreplaceable role in the Los Angeles Lakers winning back-to-back championships.

Now 35 years old, the New York Knicks have an opportunity to potentially bring Gasol onboard to complete the formation of the interior.

Gasol would be a wonderful mentor to Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis is entering his second season, when defenses generally pick up on what worked for a player as a rookie, and Gasol can teach from experience.

It was just over a decade ago that Gasol was in that same position as a European player facing immense expectations and stepping up with an uptick in production.

Beyond his potential mentoring of Porzingis, Gasol remains one of the league’s elite post players and most dominant rebounders. Gasol ranked No. 6 in the NBA in rebounding in 2015-16, and finished at No. 7 in double-doubles.

If Gasol is willing to sign for an affordable cost, a three-headed monster of he, Robin Lopez, and Porzingis could help push the Knicks back into the postseason.

Next: Return to Dominance?

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