New York Knicks 6 Takeaways From The Preseason

The Bench Impresses

Oct 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) smiles after a play during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Knicks 97-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

With the dearth of talent on the roster as a whole last season, it gave some players valuable experience and playing time. That will be parlayed into a stronger second unit this season when combined with the players that Phil Jackson brought in during free agency.

Throughout the preseason, the Knicks second unit was very strong, winning them a number of games. Jackson looks to have gotten steals in Kyle O’Quinn and Derrick Williams, as both look to be flourishing in steady bench roles off the bench. O’Quinn looks to be a strong locker room presence with his toughness and rebounding, reminding some poeple of former Knicks’ enforcer Charles Oakley. Williams has failed to gain traction thus far in his NBA career, but looks comfortable in this scheme. He looks like a potential sixth man right now, as his scoring punch off the bench has been efficient.

Galloway and Grant make for a solid bench duo in the backcourt. Their intensity defensively will be tough for other backups to overcome, as they do enough offensively as well to do some damage. They will be fun to watch on the court together leading the second unit.

Cleanthony Early has also shown signs of improvement, as the Knicks have a group of hungry youngsters making up their bench. They also know what they will be getting from veterans such as Kevin Seraphin, Louis Amundson, Lance Thomas and Vujacic in case problems arise in the starting unit.

While the Knicks bench was embarrassing at times last season, it looks like it could be a strength for them this season with the depth they have put together.

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