New York Knicks: Five free agents to attempt to sign in 2018

Brook Lopez

In the event that Enes Kanter opts out, the New York Knicks are going to need a player who can provide upwards of 15 points per game. That isn’t a comment that suggests the Knicks are attempting to win in 2018-19, but instead a truth about the rebuild.

With Kristaps Porzingis out, the Knicks run the risk of other core members overextending themselves and risking injury—and Brook Lopez can help prevent that.

Though not nearly as athletic, Lopez can offer a simulation of Porzingis’ contributions on the offensive end of the floor. He can be a 7’0″ sharpshooter who provides significant value from beyond the arc, as well as a crafty post player who scores inside.

That may not replace Porzingis’ value to the team, but it’d enable David Fizdale to provide his young core with a reliable scorer who plays a similar style.

Lopez has converted 246 three-point field goals over the past two seasons, which establishes that he can be a reliable option from distance in 2018-19. He averaged upwards of 20.0 points per game in three of the past five seasons, as well as 19.9 points per 36 minutes in 2018-19.

Lopez may be unwilling to sign for the mid-level exception, but shining in a major market would go a long way towards ensuring a future contract elsewhere.