New York Knicks: 10 Keys to Making the Playoffs

Mar 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) shoots over Houston Rockets forward

(6) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

7. Feed the Post

According to NBA.com, the New York Knicks were No. 29 in the NBA in close shots per game. A close shot is classified as a field goal attempt that started on a touch, “Within 12 feet of the basket, excluding drives,” per NBA.com.

Most concerning of all, New York shot 52.1 percent in such situations—the lowest mark in the Association.

A great way for the Knicks to improve in that area is to feed their new and improved interior players with post-up opportunities. New York actually attempted to do so quite often in 2014-15, but it failed to convert with any consistency.

Enter Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn, Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Seraphin.

Lopez is a skilled offensive player who can work with his back to the basket and finish with both hands. Seraphin lacks diversity in his post moves, but sank 69.9 percent of his hook shots in 2014-15, per Basketball-Reference.com.

O’Quinn and Porzingis have different body types, but both can back opponents down or face up from the high post.

There isn’t an elite crop of big men on the roster, but New York has the depth and upside to punish teams down low.

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