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New York Knicks: Pending free agents to scout in 2018 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA,PA – MARCH 26 : Amir Johnson #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up the layup against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA – MARCH 26 : Amir Johnson #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up the layup against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

UFA. Amir Johnson. 4. player. 93. . Center

Age: 30 (5/1/1987)
Experience: 13th Season
Slash Line: .538/.313/.612
Season Averages: 15.8 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 BPG, 0.6 SPG

With Kyle O’Quinn eligible for free agency, the New York Knicks could potentially lose a center of great value. O’Quinn is a high-quality defender and a prolific passer whose two-way influence has provided stability to the second unit.

If O’Quinn signs a contract that’s beyond the Knicks’ price range, then a solid Plan B would be Philadelphia 76ers big man Amir Johnson.

Johnson may not give a team 30-plus minutes per game, but he’s one of the better defensive centers in the NBA. His value on offense is limited, but his identity on the defensive end of the floor is that of a physical presence who can set the tone for his team.

In other words: Even if Johnson can’t block shots like O’Quinn, he can emulate or even replace his value on the defensive end of the floor.

Johnson finished the 2017-18 season ranked No. 18 amongst centers in Real Plus-Minus—just three spots below O’Quinn. He also finished at No. 10 at the position in Defensive RPM—11 spots ahead of O’Quinn.

Throw in the fact that Johnson has posted a cumulative average of 3.1 assists per 36 minutes over the past three seasons and he could be an ideal replacement if O’Quinn walks.

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