New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Jamel Artis signing

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 18: Pittsburgh Panthers forward Jamel Artis (1) brings the ball up court during a basketball game between Pittsburgh Panthers and Florida State Seminoles on February 18, 2017 at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The Panthers went on to win the game 80-66. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 04: Jamel Artis #1 of the Pittsburgh Panthers pulls down a rebound against Jarred Reuter #31 of the Virginia Cavaliers at Petersen Events Center on January 4, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4. Rebounding

The New York Knicks are embracing the reality of the modern NBA: It’s becoming somewhat position-less. That’s becoming no more true than at forward, where players at the 3 spot must be able to spend time at the 4.

Jamel Artis has the potential to fill that hybrid forward role, with a key strength that could enable him to excel in that capacity: His rebounding.

Artis stands at 6’7″ and 213 pounds with a 6’10” wingspan, which are ideal measurements for an NBA small forward His commitment to defense has been questionable, but Artis hasn’t shied away from the boards.

Artis finished his collegiate career with averages of 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 offensive boards per 40 minutes, and averaged upwards of 7.5 in multiple seasons.

Artis rebounded less as a senior, but he has the frame and strength to get his hands dirty down low. He can box players out on both the defensive and offensive glass, and has the combination of size and length to corral rebounds over guards or small forwards.

The Knicks were abysmal on the defensive glass in 2016-17, which makes the presence of a quality rebounder at any position quite valuable.