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New York Knicks Must Focus on Marshall Plumlee’s Development

By Maurice Moton

Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Ben Bentil (50) drives to the basket as New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Ben Bentil (50) drives to the basket as New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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With center Joakim Noah’s minutes limitations, how can the New York Knicks sustain interior defense between the starting and second units?

The New York Knicks sent center Marshall Plumlee to the D-league for a short stint and recalled him on Thursday, per NorhJersey.com reporter Steve Popper:

Marshall hasn’t played a single minute in a Knicks uniform this season and that should change fairly quickly.

According to New York Post reporter Marc Berman, Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek doesn’t plan on using his starters for more than 35 minutes:

"Early in the season if you start playing these guys 35-38 minutes a game, by the time we get to March they are going to be worn out."

In an emotional return to Chicago for center Joakim Noah, he played 35 minutes last Friday. In the two following games, the Knicks center logged 20 and 21 minutes. With all the mileage on Noah’s body, don’t expect him to play 30 minutes in a game for the near future. At this stage in his career, he’s not capable of handling an expanded workload.

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In most cases, the Knicks have found success with Kristaps Porzingis playing at the 5-spot in a small-ball lineup. However, if Hornacek sticks to the 35-minute plan for his starters, someone else must soak up the minutes.

With Noah likely averaging 20-25 minutes per contest, it leaves ample time for another developing asset off the bench.

Backup Center Options

In order to see a sustained improvement on interior defense, the Knicks should focus on Plumlee as a 20-22-minute contributor off the bench. The Knicks will only squeeze about a half-game of good defense from Noah. Someone else must step in to protect the paint.

Sure, Porzingis swats shots and performs well on the inside, but Hornacek shouldn’t put tremendous weight on his young star as a focal point on offense and primary paint protector with the second unit.

Kyle O’Quinn doesn’t bring the consistency necessary to take on a lead defender role inside the paint. During the preseason, Plumlee showed the ability to play as an interior enforcer who can take a few fouls to instill toughness with the backups. It’s in the Knicks’ best interest to keep Porzingis out of foul trouble and in constant movement inside and outside the paint.

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After riding the bench for three consecutive games, center Willy Hernangomez played 15 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Though he blocked two shots, he’s more refined on the offensive end than on defense.

The Knicks have experienced inconsistent play from their bench, but it’s time to fill certain voids. Hornacek’s minutes cap and Noah’s additional limitations will require more help from a big who can communicate well defensively and protect the painted area.

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