In a season full of inconsistencies for the New York Knicks, the one constant has been Robin Lopez. The Knicks coaches, whether it was Derek Fisher or currently Kurt Rambis have been inconsistent when it comes to the play calling and player rotations. The team as a whole has been inconsistent on the defensive end of the court along with their three-point shooting. The bench plays well one night then goes missing the next. Even Carmelo Anthony’s shooting has been inconsistent throughout the season. The only thing New York has been able to count on during the year is Lopez’s passion on defense and hustle he brings on the boards rebounding. He has nearly perfected his multi-handed hook shot to the point where he is knocking them down night in and night out.
Lopez signed a four-year, 55 million dollar contract in the off season to join the Knicks. In his eighth season he is averaging 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He is sixth in the NBA with a total of 211 offensive rebounds. His 55.5 field goal percentage is also good for sixth in the league. The 82.8 percent that he is shooting from the free throw line is third among all centers with at least 100 attempts. In the theme of consistency, Lopez has been prone to careless turnovers throughout the season as well averaging 1.6 per game. They stem from offensive fouls setting screens, sloppy ball handling in the post, and the ever so nerving offensive three seconds in the paint. Durability is also a trait that Lopez has brought to the team. He has played and started in every one of the 62 games so far this season.
As good and consistent as he has been all season, it has been the last month and a half that have really stood out. In the months of February and March, Lopez has improved his statistics in almost every category. During those months he is averaging 14.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Seven of his eleven double-doubles this season have come during that span. Unfortunately his increased statistics have not translated into many wins for the Knicks. They are 5-13 during that stretch. Even in those losses he is playing with more consistent hustle and intensity than anyone on the team.
There is no questioning that the crowning jewel of the 2015 offseason for the New York Knicks is rookie Kristaps Porzingis. He is a cornerstone for the franchise to build around for years to come. But, when it comes to this season Lopez was the best move that Phil Jackson and Knicks front office made. Fans are impatiently starting to call for Porzingis to be moved to the starting center position. At this point though his game and body are just not ready for that task, plus after this season Lopez has earned the right to go into next season as the starter. Robin Lopez may not have been New York’s first choice in free agency but his consistency has shown that he was their most valuable acquisition.
