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Knicks Rumors: Reasons To Love The Lance Thomas Re-Signing

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 18, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) defends New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) defends New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) fight for a loose ball in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) fight for a loose ball in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defensive Versatility

There are few traits more valuable in the modern NBA than defensive versatility. Lance Thomas proved quite adaptable a season ago, playing high-quality defense against players at both forward positions.

As the New York Knicks make a run at the playoffs, it’s a defensively versatile player like Thomas who could emerge as the X-Factors.

In 2015-16, Thomas held opponents to 41.4 percent shooting from the field—3.1 percent lower than their average field goal percentage. For those who question his versatility, Thomas limited his assignments to just 31.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Albeit on a limited sample size, he also held opponents to 45.9 percent shooting at the rim.

Furthermore, opponents shot just 49.6 percent against Thomas from 10 feet and within—a steep decline of of 5.9 percent from their average field goal percentage. He also caused a dip from 61.2 percent to 57.8 percent from six feet and within.

With no underlying sense of hyperbole, Thomas is one of the most versatile defensive players in the NBA.

Next: The Glue

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