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New York Knicks Midseason Grades By Position: Power Forward

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 6, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) talks with head coach Jeff Hornacek during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) talks with head coach Jeff Hornacek during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Midseason Grades By Position: Power Forward
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

. Power Forward. New York Knicks. KYLE O'QUINN. A-

Kyle O’Quin has been in and out of the rotation all season. But, based on his production, he should probably be in the rotation more often than not.

O’Quinn was acquired by the Knicks prior to the 2015-16 as in a sign-and-trade deal with the Orlando Magic. It looked like a steal at the time, as the Knicks are paying O’Quinn only $4 million a year. With the boom in player contracts that deal is even more of a steal now.

While O’Quinn doesn’t receive a ton of minutes, he makes the most of the minutes that he does. He has played 20+ minutes only nine times this season, yet he has five double-doubles. His per-36 minute stats are very impressive with 14.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game.

He is excellent in the paint, as he can control the boards and protects the rim well. He is the 28th rated center in the NBA according to ESPN’s RPM, but the advanced numbers on NBA.com are not pretty for O’Quinn.

That could be part of the reason that he does not see a bigger role off the Knicks bench. Another reason is the depth the Knicks have. But, if they played O’Quinn at power forward more they could be onto something.

Next: New York Knicks Midseason Grades: Small Forward

O’Quinn has the athleticism and skill set that he can play alongside any of the Knicks other big men or play center in a small ball lineup. It is something they should take more advantage of as he produces whenever he is on the court.

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