Centers
Mitchell Robinson: Prediction – 31 minutes, 12.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist, on 65 percent shooting and 28 percent on three-pointers
Outside of Robinson, Morris, and Payton, there are not many defenders in this rotation, and, without the seven-footer, the New York Knicks would probably be the worst defensive team in the NBA.
Luckily though, Robinson is already that talented defensively to dig the team out that hole, and, with the right development, he is an NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble, expect some big things from him. Maybe he adds a few three-pointers to his game.
Bobby Portis: Prediction – 18 minutes, 9.5 points, 6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, on 48 percent shooting and 39 percent on three-pointers
Portis is a serviceable reserve, who can do it all offensively. He can shoot the ball well, averaging 40 percent from behind the arc, is improving as a rebounder as his career goes on, and is a blur in transition for a big man.
While Portis could put up superior stats than this, as noted, there is only one ball and, sadly, his stats may suffer from his lack of touches and shots. With so many mouths to feed, if the New York Knicks want to win, they have to put their egos and numbers aside and just play winning basketball.
While this scenario projects a stat dropoff, that doesn’t mean Portis will be a weak rotation member. He could easily be clutch for the Knicks as a signing, especially if Robinson needs some days off due to injury or rest.