New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Michael Beasley signing

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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4. Size and Rebounding

The New York Knicks have a problem that needs to be addressed before 2017-18 rolls around. No matter how well it may have defended for brief spurts of games in 2016-17, the Knicks consistently had their hearts ripped out on the boards.

No team allowed more second chance points per game than the Knicks at 14.7, and no defensive improvements will be made until that issue is rectified.

Beasley hasn’t rebounded in the NBA as well as he did in college, but that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of contributing. The hybrid forward boasts respectable averages of 7.2 rebounds, 5.5 defensive rebounds, and 1.7 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.

Those aren’t especially great numbers from a power forward, but when he plays the 3—where he spent a quarter of his possessions in 2016-17—that production would be more than welcome.

New York has a number of productive offensive rebounders, including Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn. Receiving production on the defensive glass has been an issue, however, and Beasley can at least contribute to improving that issue.

Beasley’s overall level of defensive consistency may be polarizing, but the 6’10” forward’s raw defensive rebounding prowess has a place in New York.