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New York Knicks Don’t Need To Spend Big On A Center

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Options

Dwight Howard is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s a 30-year-old center with underdeveloped fundamentals. He’s still an outstanding player, but he’s battled knee, shoulder, and back injuries over the past few seasons.

Thus, one can’t help but believe a four-year deal would be dangerous for the New York Knicks.

Joakim Noah won Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, but the 31-year-old has been unable to stay healthy over the past two seasons. Even Pau Gasol, who’d be more affordable than the alternatives, offers reason for concern.

Gasol is a soon-to-be 36-year-old center who’s attempting to win a battle with father time.

All three of those players, as well as the safer Al Horford and Hassan Whiteside, make sense for the Knicks. Signing one of them would be wise on Phil Jackson’s behalf, as it’d elevate New York to postseason heights.

One simply can’t help but act cautiously with a list of centers who have obvious red flags—especially in the modern era.

Next: Big Money

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