3 Backup power forward options Knicks can explore after Obi Toppin trade
Option 3: Knicks sign veteran JaMychal Green
Often in the NBA, a signing that may not look very meaningful at the time can go a long way in the future. In this case, I think there could be something between the New York Knicks and veteran power forward JaMychal Green.
Throughout his 11-year NBA career, Green has played for five teams (all in the Western Conference) and has made the playoffs in eight of those seasons.
In 57 games for the Golden State Warriors last year, he shot a rock solid 37.8% from behind the arc while also collecting almost four rebounds in 14 minutes per game. Along with this, his effective field goal percentage came in at a career-high 62.3%.
Most importantly, Green had a career-best defensive rating of 112.8 during his time with ‘Dub Nation’ which is just above the league average of around 111.
The point is, Green has proven he can still contribute positive basketball (subscription required) and help a team win games. I’m not saying he needs to play big minutes, but he’s a great reserve to insert during a game when the team might be in need of a couple of big plays.
Just like Gallinari, Green’s cost will not be high and the signing would be very low risk, high reward.
It would not surprise me if the Knicks are ‘done’ evaluating the free agent market, but I would really like them to take a look at Alabama’s 2008 ‘Mr. Basketball.’
