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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 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Post Offense

Kristaps Porzingis is developing a post game, and Carmelo Anthony has a tantalizing combination of power and agility. The New York Knicks lack a player who can consistently receive touches at either the elbow or the low block, however, and that’s where Pau Gasol comes into play.

Gasol is one of the most gifted post players in NBA history, and his ability to both score and facilitate from said area makes him the perfect target.

Gasol averaged 4.1 assists per game in 2015-16, which ranked No. 1 amongst centers in 2015-16. Beyond the the assist numbers, however, is the beautiful reality is that Gasol isn’t just a passer; he’s a genuine facilitator.

Whether he’s creating the perfect angle for a slasher to attack or finding a shooter in rhythm, Gasol doesn’t just locate the open man; he orchestrates their next move.

Clearly, the Knicks’ perimeter players need to do a much better job of distributing the ball than they did in 2015-16. It’s encouraging that Anthony led the team in assists, but the team as a whole generally made empty passes that led to further isolation.

It’s also worth noting that, over the past two seasons, only Andre Drummond has more double-doubles than Gasol.

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