Phil Jackson says Robin Lopez's defense will be essential

"Since the Lakers played in the same division as Phoenix, I've been able to watch Robin develop," Jackson notes about Lopez, a Sun for four seasons before stints in New Orleans and Portland. "He's become a solid player with a great desire and ability to both rebound and play defense. He's good in defending against screen-rolls, because he can stay in front of most guards as they go over the screen and can delay them until the guard's defender can catch up. Coupled with the proper rotations behind him to cover the rolling screener, this is a proficient way high screen-rolls can be handled.

"Also, Robin can hold his spot in the pivot and score with either a right-handed hook or a turn-around jumper, and also make intelligent passes. These qualities are absolutely necessary for the triangle to be properly executed. As a bonus, Robin also has 15-foot range on his jumper.

"Above all, he's a guy whose basic motivation is to fit in with whichever team he's playing for. I'm happy that he wanted to come to New York."