Ian Begley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

What the numbers say about Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez and the New York Knicks agreed on a four-year, $54 million deal on Friday, according to sources. Lopez will likely start at center for the Knicks for the foreseeable future.

Here’s a look at what he can bring to the Knicks, by the numbers:

Rim protector?

Lopez allowed opponents to shoot just 48 percent at the rim last season. That field goal percentage ranked 16th in the NBA among players who faced at least seven field goal attempts at the rim.

While that ranking doesn’t sound very impressive, here’s a little perspective:

Lopez ranked ahead of the following elite rim defenders: Marc Gasol, Anthony Davis, Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan. Not bad.

In 2013-14, Lopez’s numbers as a rim protector were more impressive. He allowed opponents to shoot 46 percent at the rim, the NBA's second-best percentage behind Roy Hibbert.

For what it's worth, the Knicks as a team ranked 11th in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage at the rim last season. Lopez should boost those numbers in 2015-16.

Boost on the boards?

Lopez pulled down 3.2 offensive rebounds per game last season, which left him tied for sixth in the NBA. The 27-year-old also ranked eighth in offensive rebounds per 100 possessions, collecting 12.7 percent of his team's misses.

Something worth noting: Lopez's offensive rebounding numbers may have been, to a small degree, a product of Portland's spread offense. Since Portland shot an abundance of 3-point attempts (4th highest total in the NBA), Lopez was often one of one or two Blazers in the paint when a shot went up. The Knicks don't space the floor as consistently (New York was 21st in 3-point attempts), which may - MAY - impact Lopez's ability to corral offensive boards.

In addition to excelling as a rebounder, Lopez also had success as a pick-and-roll defender last season. He only allowed the ball handler to shoot 36.3 percent from the field -- the sixth-best mark in the league (min. 250 plays).

In general, he was effective in bothering his opponent, no matter the type of play. He allowed opponents to shoot 46.6 percent from the field on two-point attempts, which is 3.3 percent less than league average.

What about offense?

Lopez excelled in pick-and-roll situations last season, shooting 60 percent (75-for-125) as the roll man. He's widely known as a strong screener who can score around the basket.

The Knicks didn’t run much pick-and-roll in the triangle offense last season. But they increased their rate of pick-and-roll plays as the season progressed.

If that trend continues, Lopez will likely benefit.

Lopez didn’t have many opportunities in the post last season (54 shots) but he did shoot 56 percent when posting up. Though he isn't known as a player who can create his own shot on a consistent basis. He also hasn't taken many midrange jump shots. Eighty-two percent of his shots were taken within 10 feet last season.

That may be an issue in New York because the Knicks were among the league leaders in midrange field goals attempted. For his career, Lopez has scored 14 points per 36 minutes.

Statistics were provided ESPN Stats & Information.

^ Back to Top ^