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Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing DeMar DeRozan

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribles the ball past Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribles the ball past Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Creating Penetration

No player was better at driving the lane in 2015-16 than DeMar DeRozan. Other players may have a superior reputation in that regard, but DeRozan was the most productive slashing scorer in the NBA.

For a New York Knicks team that lacks a guard who can consistently create penetration, DeRozan’s primary strength is tough to ignore.

DeRozan finished the 2015-16 NBA regular season at No. 1 in points via drives per game. He was also No. 1 in free throw attempts created via drives, and ranked No. 3 in overall free throw attempts per contest.

The latter statistics are complemented by DeRozan’s remarkable efficiency at the free throw line, with a 2015-16 mark of 85.0 percent and a career percentage of 82.5.

When DeRozan is aggressive and attacking the basket, there’s no one in the NBA who can stop him from getting to the rim. He’s a crafty ball-handler whose athleticism and length combine to make him an elite slashing scorer.

Working alongside Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, who can score from all over the floor, DeRozan could be the slashing threat who rounds out New York’s offensive attack.

Next: Con

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