New York Knicks: 5 Reasons Why They Should Go after Greg Oden
Greg Oden is a talented big guy looking for the right situation.
New York is a team on the verge of contending, but it needs a legit big man.
This coming offseason, Greg Oden becomes a restricted free agent.
This coming offseason, the New York Knicks will be looking for a big guy to man the middle.
See where this is going?
Oden's career has been hampered by injuries, including three season-ending knee injuries in only four seasons. Although he is oft injured, he is still only 22 and has a lot of upside.
When he has played, Oden has been a monster in the time he has been given. Last year, in about 24 minutes per game, Oden averaged 11 points per game and added nearly nine rebounds and over two blocks.
Given more minutes, which he probably would get in New York due to the lack of a true starting center, he would be able to produce amazing numbers.
Inside Dominance on Offense
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Greg is a naturally gifted athlete. Couple that with his height, and throw in his remarkable strength, and you have as dominant a low post player as you can get.
In 24 minutes last year, he averaged 11.1 points. His per 36 minutes stat for scoring are over 16 a game. New York needs another inside scorer to help take the load off Stoudemire.
Oden can score off putbacks, alley-oops, post moves and, on some occasions, a close-range jump shot.
His athleticism and size put together would help him be dominant, and in a fast-paced offense, his per 36 minutes scoring is bound to rise, especially with continued development of his game.
Down Low Defense
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When healthy, Greg Oden is a top three shot-blocker in the league, surpassed only by Dwight Howard and Andrew Bogut.
Last year he swatted 2.3 shots on a nightly basis, and his per 36 minute stat for blocks was a staggering 3.5 blocks per game!
To make it clear, that is more than Dwight averages in 36 minutes. He definitely alters many more shots, helping lower opponent field goal percentages.
Unlike Dwight, however, Oden is also a good one-on-one defender. He is able to face-up guard big men, and occasionally, rotate over to guard the open man on the perimeter. His defensive instinct is remarkable, and it helps him a lot.
Fixing Rotation
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Face it: Amar'e is out of position playing center.
He may be doing a good job at it, but he is better suited to play power forward.
Bringing in Oden would give the Knicks a true center, something they've been lacking this entire season. They haven't had anyone to consistently crash the boards and defend down low.
Also on offense, Amar'e is better playing the power forward, being able to roam the court more freely, and outmuscle the opposing team's forwards.
Oden excels down there, and bringing him in will only lead to more success.
Won't Mess Up Chemistry
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Greg's always been a humble guy, and he's shown it in his time with the league.
He has always taken the blame for not being there for his teammates, even though it is not his fault.
He is a positive influence in any locker room, and is a hard worker who others can learn from.
Also, it's nice to have a 7'0", 270-pound beast to back you up when someone decides to knock you down a little too hard on a shot.
Oden is there for his team no matter what, and is a true professional.
He Can Pair Up with Amar'e To Form the Best Frontcourt in the League
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They would be the most potent frontcourt.
They would be the most exciting frontcourt.
They would be the most skilled frontcourt.
They would be the most athletic frontcourt.
Having both Greg and Amar'e would give New York the deadliest frontcourt in not only the East, but the entire league.
Together, they can easily average five blocks per game combined, and would be able to dominate the offensive and defensive glass.
Greg would also be able to learn from one of the most successful players to ever undergo microfracture surgery.
The team would be dominating inside on both offense and defense. Add Carmelo Anthony to the frontcourt, and you have the best rebounding frontcourt, also.
New York would be a scary, scary team.
Conclusion
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It's time for Greg to break out, and if it's not with Portland, it best be with the New York Knicks.
The reward would be too big to pass up, and even though it may be a risky endeavor, it is a risk New York must take if it wants to solidify itself as a contender.
At only 22 years old, Greg has all the time in the world.
