NY Knicks: Free agents that address NY’s least efficient play types

Who could the NY Knicks sign that would help get the team more putback opportunities?

Maybe you chalk this up to Mitchell Robinson missing extended time this year, but the Knicks were in the 13th percentile on one of the most efficient play types in the game.

This is a relative weakness. Yes, the Knicks scored 1.09 points per possession on putback attempts, which is higher than their spot-up shots from the strengths on the previous slide.

What’s important to note here is that over half of the NBA scored above the league average of 1.12 points per possession on putback plays. The Suns scored 1.27 to lead all clubs.

Obviously, the Knicks can do better.

Free Agent Option–Jarrett Allen (RFA)

Let’s get this out of the way first: this move would cost the Knicks some money. Kind of like how buying a house right now would cost “some” money.

Allen is a restricted free agent, so not only would it be necessary to outbid his current team, but his current team also just recently traded for him. It would seem this would need to be a significant overpay to pry him away from the Cavaliers.

Even so, it might be worth it in the context of this discussion.

Allen averaged 1.36 points per possession on putbacks. This particular play type accounted for 16% of his offensive output as well. Put plainly: he’s efficient and he does it a lot.

To top it off, Allen ranks 36th out of 315 players throughout the entire league in my Weigh DAE (weighted defensive adjusted efficiency) metric when considering players who played at least 20 games, played at least 600 minutes, and had a usage rate of at least 12%.

Allen could improve an offensive weakness without hurting Tom Thibodeau’s defensive bottom line.

Free Agent Option–Kelly Olynyk  (UFA)

While he does not have the volume a player like Allen has, he is still a nice efficient addition to the Knicks rotation at 1.32 points per possession on putbacks.

Olynyk would also be considerably cheaper than Allen. There would be some rotation clogging with Allen and Robinson both on the roster. Adding Olynyk on a team-friendly contract to play the backup 5 might actually make him a better fit than Allen.

It’s worth noting that Olynyk has other offensive skills as well that could contribute to the team.

Having a backup 5 who can move around on offense rather than just camping out in the dunker spot could do wonders for spacing.

It would clear out space for Rose and IQ to drive. It would also allow the Knicks to put Toppin in that dunker spot when they wanted.

Factor in that Olynyk is top 100 in Weigh DAE, and this becomes a pretty brainy move.

Plus, look at the last three letters of his last name. Kelly O. to the Knicks confirmed.

Free Agent Option–Serge Ibaka (Player Option)

Not going to write too extensively about Serge Ibaka given that he would need to decline his player option to even be considered, but his 1.31 points per possession on putbacks would absolutely help the Knicks.

His offensive game, much like Olynyk’s has become more well-rounded as his career has gone on.

Furthermore, Ibaka would be an option that wouldn’t destroy what Thibs wants to do defensively. If he opts out, he’s worth a look for the Knicks if his price tag isn’t much higher than his current deal.