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Knicks Rumors: Five Reasons To Sign Pau Gasol

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) blocks the shot by Miami Heat forward Amar
Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) blocks the shot by Miami Heat forward Amar /

4. Rim Protection

One of the primary areas in which Robin Lopez helped the New York Knicks was at center. He was traded for Derrick Rose, however, which creates the need for New York to find an affordable option to patrol the paint.

Pau Gasol has lost a step athletically, but he can still be one of great value as a rim protector.

Kristaps Porzingis, who’s both nimble and 7’3″, would compensate for most of Gasol’s athletic deficiencies. When Porzingis comes off the floor, however, there are reasons to be concerned about Gasol’s defensive consistency—or not.

Gasol may not be the best help-side defender in the NBA, but he held opponents 46.3 percent shooting at the rim in 2015-16—the seventh-best mark in the Association.

Furthermore, opponents shot just 44.0 percent when Gasol was the primary defender—4.3 percent lower than their average field goal percentage. There were massive declines of 11.3 percent from six feet and within, and 9.3 percent from 10 feet and closer.

Coupled with Gasol ranking No. 5 in the NBA in blocks per game, it’s quite clear that he can still thrive as a rim protector.

Next: Making It Easy

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