The New York Knicks haven't forgotten Roy Hibbert's playoff performance and the way they were bullied in the paint by the Indiana Pacers during the second round. The Knicks are trying to improve their situation around the rim and they will be calling upon a former Knick to give them a hand as training camp is soon approaching in July.
Jerome Jordan, the 7-foot center who was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, will be rejoining the Knicks in training camp this summer. He was a part of the team in 2011-2012 where he played 21 games in New York. He average two points and just over a rebound a game. Jordan took plenty of high percentage shots in his brief time with the Knicks.
Don't worry Knick fans, he's not a washed up veteran, though he will have to prove he can hang out with the pros. At 26, Jordan would be a younger backup behind Tyson Chandler. No complaints about the way Kenyon Martin backed up Chandler, but there will be more of a future in Jordan if he can be a decent backup. It was almost unfair for Chandler to face Hibbert following his injuries at the end of the season that prevented Chandler from being efficient on offense, defense and the boards in general.
The Knicks have had good experiences in the past after inviting guys to camp. The most recent example is Chris Copeland, who the Knicks, at age 29, invited to summer camp and he impressed enough to win a spot on the Knicks roster. Copeland, though he didn't receive consistent playing time, proved to be a big part of the offense having the ability to hit the three, which is a crucial part of the Knicks' offensive scheme.
Jordan has been an effective big man in D-League play after spending time with the Reno Bighorns and Los Angeles D-Fenders. Here, he averaged 13 points on close to 60 percent shooting from the floor, almost eight rebounds and a little over two blocks per game. With a little grooming, Jordan could be an answer out of the bench for the Knicks.
