Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks have been saying recently that they were looking to bring in a veteran big man to help fill up their roster and they reportedly had interest in Carlos Boozer and Kevin Seraphin. At the time it seemed like Boozer didn't make much sense for the Knicks but Seraphin did and the Knicks seem to have agreed as it is being reported that the Knicks and Seraphin have agreed to terms on a deal according to Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops.
The reported deal between Seraphin and the Knicks is for $2.8 million and one year. Seraphin was one of the best free agents still available and he appears to have found a home for next season. All offseason Seraphin said he wanted to go to a team that could give him a bigger role and despite interest from several teams waited a long time to sign for that reason. The Washington Wizards, Seraphin's former team, and the Los Angeles Lakers also had reported interest in Seraphin.
Seraphin is a 25 year old power forward that has yet to get an opportunity to show what he can do in big minutes in the NBA. In five seasons with the Wizards Seraphin has averaged just 16.4 minutes per game but his numbers were still impressive. Seraphin has averaged 14.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes in his career, the problem is he was stuck behind guys like Nene and Marcin Gortat in Washington.
Seraphin will join a frontcourt that includes Robin Lopez, who will be the starting center, Kyle O'Quinn, Kristaps Porzingis and Lou Amundson. Porzingis, the Knicks first round pick this season, was expected to be the starter at power forward to start the year but the signing of Seraphin may mean that isn't the case. Seraphin is a proven NBA player and has made it clear he wants to start so it is fair to wonder if the Knicks promised him a starting spot along with that contract.
Regardless of whether Seraphin starts or not he will more than likely see a lot more playing time in New York than he did in Washington. Seraphin will provide solid rebounding, the ability to block shots and a very good mid-range jump shot to the Knicks. New York may not have gotten a big splash guy this offseason but they did get a few guys who could potentially play above their pay grade and Seraphin is one of them.
