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New York Knicks 2015-16 Team Regular Season Grades

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and guard Jose Calderon (3) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrate during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and guard Jose Calderon (3) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrate during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks 2015-16 Team Regular Season Grades
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Robin Lopez

The marquee free agent for the Knicks last season was Robin Lopez. The twin brother of Brooklyn Nets’ center Brook Lopez, Robin landed a lucrative four-year, $55 million contract. Things got off to a rough start in New York for Lopez, but he eventually got comfortable and produced as the Knicks had hoped.

Lopez is a strong defender and rim protector, as he helped to improve the Knicks defense this season. Unlike other centers, Lopez can play at the end of games as well because he is not a liability at the foul line; he is actually rather strong at 79.5 percent from the charity stripe. Lopez’s game isn’t as pretty as his brother’s, but he gets the job done.

Lopez looked lost at times in the triangle offense, but eventually eased into things and produced. He finished the season with 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 blocks per game with 15 double-doubles. He came on after the All-Star break when he averaged 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. The stats don’t jump out at you, but Lopez does a lot of things on the court that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet as he makes things easier for his teammates.

Lopez was a solid signing for the Knicks as he fits well next to Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. He was the only other Knicks player other than Langston Galloway to play in all 82 games, as he came ready to play every night.

Grade: A-

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