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New York Knicks: Five Key Improvements Made In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) (center) huddles his team before the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) (center) huddles his team before the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Rebounding

The New York Knicks were a very solid rebounding team during the 2015-16 season. Carmelo Anthony ranked No. 2 amongst small forwards in rebounds per game, Kristaps Porzingis was aggressive on both ends, and Robin Lopez ranked No. 4 in offensive rebounds per contest.

Quality a rebounding team as New York may have been in 2015-16, the Knicks promise to be significantly better in 2016-17.

Some have concerns about Joakim Noah’s offensive decline, but he remains one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Over the past two seasons—his down years—he’s still managed to average 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 offensive boards in 28.0 minutes per game.

That translates to per 36 averages of 8.0 defensive rebounds and 4.1 offensive boards, which compare well to Robin Lopez’s marks of 5.4 and 4.3 per 36 minutes in 2015-16.

Beyond Noah, Willy Hernangomez is a relentless rebounder and Marshall Plumlee is a physical big man who boxes out. Throw in the expected progression of Kristaps Porzingis, and New York should control the offensive and defensive boards.

Teams that win the battle on the boards tend to fare well, and New York has the personnel to do exactly that.

Next: Pushing The Pace

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