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Kevin Seraphin Signed with Knicks Because of Wizards’ Inconsistent Minutes

By William Lee

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One of the reasons Kevin Seraphin signed with the New York Knicks this summer was because he got fed up with his inconsistent playing time with the Washington Wizards, as per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"“It’s just like I’ve been there for five years, I know how it goes,’’“I didn’t want to be in the same situation as last year where I don’t play all the time and I never know. Sometimes I feel I do everything right and I don’t get to play all the time. At one point, I was like I needed somewhere I can play.’’"

Seraphin’s minutes was all over the place last season, from getting a coach’s did-not-play (DNP) to playing 38 minutes. Although there should be a major asterisk on the game where Seraphin recorded 38 minutes because it came in a meaningless season finale game, where Washington was resting all their valuable players for the Playoffs.

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Seraphin last season had to battle Marcin Gortat, Nene Hilario, Kris Humphries, and Drew Gooden for minutes. Seraphin averaged the least amount of minutes per game among the big-men rotation, averaging only 15.6 minutes per game…although, this was an increased compared to the year prior (2013-2014) where he averaged only 10.9 minutes per game. Despite little opportunity, Seraphin was productive when given the chance, averaging 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes.

Seraphin wants more playing time but when asked if New York guaranteed him minutes this season during media day, Seraphin responded with a no, that nothing was promised.

"“They [the Knicks] did not promise anything, I just know that I have a chance.”“At one point you got to make it happen, tomorrow i will be on the grind one and just play hard.“"

Much like in Washington, there will be a lot of competition at the power forward position this season. Seraphin will need to compete for minutes with returning players such as Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas. Also Seraphin will need to compete with other free agent signings in Kyle O’Quinn, Derrick Williams, and DaJuan Summers.

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Not to mention that the two major pieces on the roster are also forwards in Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. The idea of Anthony playing the 4 was floated out there during media day, and head coach Derek Fisher left it ambiguous if Porzingis would start right away. It will be interesting to see how Fisher juggles all the minutes for so many competent bigs on the roster.

Despite no guaranteed minutes, Seraphin told The New York Post that the Knicks expressed interest in free agency because of his ability to score in the low-post.

"“They like my ability to score in the post,’’“In the triangle, you need that. The way I play though, we need guys that compete every night. I’m not a big club guy, I’m pretty easy to endure. I’m cool and chill. That’s what we need. If I do everything I’m supposed to do, I’m going to get my chance. That was the deal. They told me there’s room for me.’’"

Seraphin shot 59.4% within eight feet of the rim last season, as per NBA.com. Seraphin has an assortment of low-post moves, with the hook shot being the most proficient. As per NBA.com last season Seraphin converted on 56.9% of hook shots, 62.5% of jump hook shots, and an astonishing 85.1% of turnaround hook shots.

Seraphin believes in this roster and believes that New York can contend for a Playoffs spot. Which sounds a heck of a lot more reasonable than when Anthony said that New York was going to be contending for an NBA Championship this season.

"“The team is better than people think,’’“Now the goal is to go to the playoffs. That’s what we play for. If we put everything together, we have enough equipment to get to the playoffs.’’"

Next: Knicks Rookie Kristaps Porzingis: I Belong Here

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