New York Knicks: Reserves Look to Uplift High-Profile Roster
With all eyes on New York Knicks acquisitions Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, two reserves worked hard to improve their skills during the summer.
Over the summer, New York Knicks reserve players have hit the gym to improve their skill sets leading up to a season with high expectations.
Specifically, forwards Lance Thomas and Kyle O’Quinn have publicly discussed refining certain aspects in their on-court skills and off-court conditioning.
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According to Elite Sports New York reporter Kristian Winfield, Thomas continued to focus on his three-point shooting. Throughout his career, the Brooklyn native shot with limited range. He pulled up behind the arc 44 times in his first four years in the league. Last season, Thomas attempted 109 three-pointers and scored on 44 shots.
The front office decided to retain Thomas on a four-year, $27.5 million deal, per spotrac.com, which indicates hope for steady development. As a frontcourt asset with improved range, head coach Jeff Hornacek could use him to stretch the floor. He’s also able capable at the small forward position guarding a high-end scorer off the bench.
When viewing Thomas’ Instagram page, you’ll also notice him working on his ball-handling skills.
Kyle O’Quinn
Another New York City native, from Queens, also talked about his desire to significantly improve to integrate with the new acquisitions. According to Basketball Insiders reporter Alex Kennedy, O’Quinn hit the film room, possibly worked on his cardio and pick-and-roll situations:
"I’m working on my mid-range jump shot, and stepping out to the three here and there in our workouts. And I’m continuing to watch film. I’m just trying to get familiar with everything. I’m running through our actions so I’m ready when I’m setting screens for D-Rose or Brandon Jennings or Courtney Lee or whoever is coming off."
During the 2014-15 season, O’Quinn seldom stepped out beyond the three-point line but scored on 12 of 43 attempts. Without a three-point shot in his arsenal, he’s an undersized center, who struggles with body composition. If he’s able to add range, the 6’10”, 250-pound big man can become a matchup issue for defenders in space.
The Knicks added three new starters, but the reserves must find their roles within Hornacek’s system to maintain the flow in the second unit. Point guard Brandon Jennings will become the focal point as the floor general and prominent shooter within the reserves. Nonetheless, it’s O’Quinn and Thomas’ job to ensure he’s not alone in the scoring department.
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Furthermore, O’Quinn must step up as a defensive presence with Guillermo Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee playing as NBA rookies. Thomas already plays well defensively, but he must develop into a high-percentage shooter with more volume to offset Jennings’ lower shooting percentages. The Knicks backup point guard shoots a career 39 percent from the field.
The Knicks should finish the season with a spot in the playoffs, but the assets off the bench could improve their standing or provide a slight boost during the postseason.