The NBA lockout definitely puts a damper on all the NBA free agency and trade possibilities. Instead of speculating about which big men the Knicks should pursuit in free agency, like say Joel Przybilla, Kurt Thomas, Reggie Evans, Jeff Foster, or Aaron Gray to name a modest few, Knicks fan have to resort to trying to figure out if a pair of second round picks in Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson can contribute consistently enough for the Knicks to be an elite level team.
Let's start with Jerome Jordan, the 7-footer from Tulsa whom the Knicks paid a cool million dollars for on draft night in 2010. Jordan definitely possesses the physical tools to be a solid NBA center, especially on the defensive end. He twice led Conference USA in blocked shots and field goal percentage while finishing second in rebounds those same years. Jordan finished his college career as Conference USA's all-time leader in rejections, proving his physical prowess on defense. The Knicks obtained Jordan's rights from Milwaukee on draft night and sent him to further develop his game overseas in Serbia last season. Jordan did gain some much needed experience overseas, averaging almost 7 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes per game while shooting 69% from the field in his 12 games played. Though, not the most encouraging statistics, Jordan does fill a glaring void at center for the Knicks and will likely be a part of coach D'Antoni's rotation this season.
Much like Jordan, the Knicks obtained Josh Harrellson from New Orleans in a draft night trade during the second round of this year's draft. Harrellson started every game for Kentucky in his senior season, where he averaged over 6 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game, tops in the SEC. Harrellson really made his mark in the NCAA Tournament, where he averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game. He used his 6-foot 10-inch 280-pound frame extremely well, gobbling up rebounds on both ends while virtually shutting down and out-playing players of the likes of First Team All-American Jared Sullinger. Harrellson is a bully down low and definitely isn't afraid to get physical, in fact, he seeks out contact. The Knicks can absolutely use a gritty guy down low who's willing to do the dirty work. I can see Harrellson getting a chance to prove his worth next season, especially against teams with overpowering bigs.
Both Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson have to be ready to contribute next season as I predict they will be called upon for their ability to rebound and defend, two key aspects the Knicks are certainly lacking. The Knicks' Jared Jeffries, Sheldon Williams, and Shawne Williams are all free agents as of now, leaving them with Amare and Ronny Turiaf as the only true big men on the roster. Jordan and Harrellson will get a chance to make an impact for the Knicks next season, whether their ready or not.
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