Pro: Athleticism
The New York Knicks need to become more athletic along the perimeter. As will be stated many times again, no issue was more prominent in 2015-16 than the Knicks’ glaring inability to hold their own against teams with quick or explosive guards.
If nothing else, DeMar DeRozan would provide a healthy does of length and athleticism to New York’s backcourt.
DeRozan is impressive physically, standing at 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan and a last-measured 38.5-inch max vertical leap. He has a quick first step, can erupt for ferocious finishes, and is an absolute force in the open court.
The Knicks need to add a player who can both play above the rim and blow by defenders in isolation, and DeRozan fits the bill.
As it pertains to DeRozan, it’s worth revisiting the success Jeff Hornacek had in coaching Gerald Green. Green averaged the two highest full-season scoring averages of his NBA career under Hornacek, and did so by being placed in situations that catered to his strengths.
If Hornacek can do the same with DeRozan, the results would be even greater.
Next: Con