New York Knicks: 6 Predictions for the 2016-17 Season

Marshall Plumlee Becomes Joakim Noah’s Primary Backup

Similar to the late Anthony Mason and Charles Oakley days, rookie center Marshall Plumlee brings a unique grittiness with astute communication on the defensive end.

Do you remember Plumlee’s hard foul on Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker within the first few minutes of the first quarter in an exhibition game? The Duke product sent an early message about his paint policy. No easy layups.

Plumlee brings maximum defensive effort on every minute in the game and only plays with one gear. He’s not afraid to be on someone’s poster reaching to block a dunk; it’s a trait the Knicks need.

After the preseason, Noah admitted that he still lacks quickness on the defensive end due to an extended inactive period, per New York Daily News reporter Stefan Bondy:

"We have to get better. Numbers don’t lie and right now I feel a step slow defensively. And I have to do better. I have to do better for this ballclub. We all do. I mean for sure I feel like I haven’t played in a long time. I just have to get my steps, get my first step back, and it will come. It will come."

Before Noah’s shoulder, ankle and hamstring injuries, he logged 30.6 minutes per game during the 2014-15 season. The Knicks could opt to extend Porzingis’ minutes at center in a small-ball lineup or insert Plumlee who could blossom into an above average rim protector.

Based on Kyle O’Quinn’s inconsistencies, Hornacek should look to Plumlee to help protect the rim against big men such as Al Horford with the Boston Celtics, Dwight Howard with the Atlanta Hawks or Andre Drummond with the Detroit Pistons.