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New York Knicks: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing Hassan Whiteside

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) blocks the shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 122-101. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) blocks the shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 122-101. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Defensive Presence

The New York Knicks had the best defensive interior in the NBA in 2015-16. Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis led New York to a No. 1 ranking in opponent field goal percentage at the rim at 48.6 percent.

Lopez was lost in the trade for Derrick Rose, however, and his replacement must be found in free agency—a role Hassan Whiteside is more than qualified for.

For as well as the Knicks’ defensive interior performed, there’s a difference between defending shots and deterring them. An improved defensive perimeter will go a long way towards preventing penetration, but Whiteside’s mere presence is an intimidating factor.

At 7’0″ with a powerful frame and a 7’7″ wingspan, Whiteside can force even the most ambitious of slashers to rethink their intentions.

Whiteside led the league with 3.68 blocks per game in 2015-16, which was an unfathomable 1.38 higher than the next-leading player. Whiteside was also No. 5 in the NBA in defensive rebounding, and No. 10 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim.

There are a number of players who excel at protecting the rim, but very few strike fear in the hearts of opposing slashers like Whiteside.

Next: Con

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