New York Knicks Bold Predictions For 2015-16 Regular Season

Robin Lopez Averages A Double-Double For First Time

Oct 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) battle for the ball after tip off during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Arguably the biggest offseason acquisition the Knicks made was signing Robin Lopez away from the Portland Trail Blazers. He is another player that many pundits believed the Knicks overpaid for, but he will prove to be worth the price tag as well.

Since Tyson Chandler left, and even at times when he was with the team, the Knicks struggled protecting the rim. Even when he was there, the Knicks struggled rebounding the ball, which are the two strengths of Lopez. He will anchor the Knicks defensively, and will keep possessions alive offensively with his prowess with offensive rebounding.

What Lopez also brings that Chandler doesn’t is that he is a capable performer offensively. He may not be someone you can throw the ball into continuously to score, but he has enough of an arsenal to keep opposing defenses honest. He can also knock down a jump shot up to 18-feet out, which will be useful in the Triangle Offense.

With the Knicks, he should have the most opportunity he has had yet in his career offensively. His skill set is a perfect complement to the other players the Knicks have, and his efficiency should not disappear. Even if he just gets two or three more opportunities a game on the offensive end, it will result in Lopez averaging double-digit points per game for the third time in his career.

While the Knicks have some players that can play center, Lopez is their man at the spot. He will get as many minutes as he can handle and should set a new career high for minutes played per game. With that, he will see an increase not only in scoring, but rebounds as well.

Lopez will average a double-double for the first time in his career, setting a career-high in rebounding and scoring in the process with 12 points and 10 rebounds per game.

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