New York Knicks 2015-16 Team Regular Season Grades

Lance Thomas

Lance Thomas was someone many fans moaned and groaned about when he was re-signed. When he would step on the court early in the season, it was met with skepticism as no one had confidence in the Brooklyn native. But, Thomas quickly changed people’s opinions, as he was an integral part of the bench.

The ability to guard multiple positions made Thomas a swiss army knife off the bench, as he could play alongside virtually anyone. His improvement from the three-point line also made him a stronger weapon offensively, as he was no longer a liability on that end of the court. He shot 40.4 percent from deep this season, easily a career-high.

Unfortunately, Thomas was unable to stay healthy throughout the season. He struggled with a knee injury, missing the last 18 games of the season. He ended up playing in only 59 games, making five starts, and the Knicks missed him when he was not on the court. The bench did not have the same punch, and without his defensive versatility the Knicks rotations and schemes did not work as well.

Thomas is a free agent and could demand a mid-level contract around $4-5 million. That would be a huge raise on the $1.65 million he had this season, but has earned it. With his improvement on his jump shot and defensive ability, he looks like a rotation player for a good team. But, will the Knicks be able to retain him?

Grade: B+

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