NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Taj Gibson
By Tom West
27. . Atlantic Division. Eastern Conference. New York Knicks. 1. player
Gibson heading to New York would simply allow the Knicks to have a genuine sixth man off the bench for their frontcourt, instead of rotating between a few inferior players. The three-man group they have supporting Kristaps Porzingis and Robin Lopez of Derrick Williams, Kevin Seraphin and Kyle O’Quinn has been pretty effective, but Gibson could solidify the bench further.
Besides Williams’ athleticism in transition and 20 points per 36 minutes, it’s primarily rebounding and rim protection that this bench trio offers. However, Seraphin and O’Quinn aren’t on the same level as Gibson, and his interior presence would easily land him a bigger role with the Knicks. He’s averaging 25.2 minutes per game with the Bulls this season, and could be a perfect third piece with Porzingis and Lopez in a similar amount of playing time.
To utilize his talents even further, Gibson could also be used more with Porzingis to form a more athletic defensive duo. Porzingis has been a far more aggressive and successful rim protector than anyone expected (1.9 blocks per game), and players are shooting an entire seven percent lower than normal within six feet against Gibson this season. If the Knicks put those two together and interchange Gibson with either Porzingis or Lopez, they can maintain a tough frontcourt at all times.
Not to mention, Gibson adds a mid-range game that the other Knicks big men lack, which could space the floor incredibly well besides Kristaps.
The only problem with going for Gibson is how the Knicks can pry him away from the Bulls. They want a talented wing, and the only player New York have that really fits that category is Arron Afflalo. He’s been a valuable starter with 13.9 points per game and 35.8 percent three-point shooting, but his production isn’t irreplaceable.
This potential move just comes down to what the Knicks want more: a top frontcourt or the scoring of Afflalo.
Gibson’s arrival would give the Knicks one of the best backup bigs in the NBA, rather than just a few solid role players. This is ultimately the kind of upgrade they need to make if they really want to progress up the Eastern Conference and starting considering a playoff run in the near future.