3. Rebounding
Regardless of what the numbers tell you, Robin Lopez is one of the better rebounders in the NBA. The production may not always be there, but he does an outstanding job of boxing players out and enabling his teammates to pull down rebounds.
Joakim Noah is just as proficient in that regard, with the added benefit of providing elite production individually.
The general consensus is that Noah hasn’t been himself over the past two seasons. There’s merit to that belief, but it’s worth noting that, between 2014-15 and 2015-16, Noah averaged 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 offensive boards in 28.0 minutes of court time.
Those are borderline elite numbers that translate to 12.1 rebounds and 4.1 offensive boards per 36 minutes—genuinely elite numbers.
Noah’s ability to control the offensive and defensive glass would be of critical aid to the Knicks’ efforts. He makes accurate outlet passes to kickstart the fast break, and is willing to pass back out to the perimeter following an offensive rebound.
Even during his two down years, Noah was one of the best rebounders in the NBA.
Next: DPOY