New York Knicks Roster Rumors: Should Knicks Sign NBA Free Agent DeAndre Jordan or Robin Lopez?
The New York Knicks are trying to make a splash in NBA free agency, but the pool is drying up quickly.
The San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks have been the busiest teams thus far. LaMarcus Aldridge is the big name everyone is trying to acquire, Marc Gasol is expected to re-sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, and Kevin Love has rejoined the Cavaliers.
The biggest name on the open market now is DeAndre Jordan.
Jordan is an unrestricted free agent after playing his entire seven year career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Jordan has led the NBA in field goal percentage the last three consecutive seasons shooting an impressive 64.3, 67.6 and 71 percent from the field during that span. Jordan is also a monster on the boards having led the NBA in rebounds the last two seasons.
On top of his playing skills, Jordan is just 26 years old right now.
According to league reports, Robin Lopez will sign with the Knicks if Jordan does not. Lopez, who stands seven feet tall, is a below-average scorer and rebounder, especially for his size.
He would cost significantly less than Jordan, but sometimes, you get what you pay for.
While most fans would love to have Jordan as a member of their starting lineup, there are some Knicks fans who have their doubts. Jordan is a terrible free throw shooter who made just 39.7 percent of his shots from the line last year, for example.
Rumors have been circulating that Jordan is sick and tired of being the "third option" to Chris Paul III and Blake Griffin in Los Angeles. Joining the Knicks would certainly change that, but some fans aren't very excepting of the attitude. Other Knicks fans question whether or not Jordan can play in the triangle offense. Jordan also poses no threat from mid range and beyond with his mediocre jump shot.
The biggest question is, How would Jordan and Carmelo Anthony play with each other? That, alone, might be worth the price of admission at Madison Square Garden.
Jordan obviously has his free throw shooting issues, but in my opinion, he is still worth adding on a four- to five-year contract.
At this point, what do the Knicks (who lost a franchise record 65 games last season) have to lose? Don't break the bank long-term on a seven- to nine-year contract, but let's stick to four of five years -- maybe even include a team option at the end. Jordan's paint presence alone changes how the game is played.
The Knicks have been in free agents rumors with Rajon Rondo and Jeremy Lin this offseason as well. Rondo, just like Jordan, is a terrible free throw shooter, but he would cost significantly less, and the Knicks need a point guard. It's unlikely the Knicks will be able to get both Rondo and Jordan, but Jordan remains the heavy favorite.
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