Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Knicks Team Awards For 2016-17 Regular Season

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) high fives Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) high fives Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
New York Knicks Team Awards For 2016-17 Regular Season
Mar 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player: Kyle O’Quinn

Kyle O’Quinn looked like he was a steal in free agency in 2016. The Knicks acquired him in a sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic. O’Quinn and the Knicks agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal.

O’Quinn ended up not playing much in that first season. He averaged only 11.8 minutes per game as the coaching staff kept yo-yo him between the rotation and being out of the rotation. This season the Knicks added even more to their front court with Noah’s signing, but O’Quinn was able to carve out a role off the bench and increased his production.

O’Quinn received 15.6 minutes per game this season and had some of the best per-minute stats. He made 52.2 percent of his shots and had excellent per-36 minute stats, averaging 14.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.0 blocks per 36-minutes.

O’Quinn does a lot on the court you like to see. He is an excellent rebounder and capable defender. He protects the rim well and can step out and knock down a jump shot to help space offensively. He can be an important player on a playoff team given his versatile skill set.

Hopefully, the Knicks can continue finding minutes for him. He is one of the more underrated players on the roster and does a lot well. With Noah suspended he should play significant minutes to start the season once again. The Knicks would be smart to continue giving him minutes as the season goes on.

Home/New York Knicks