3. Defensive Intensity
Marshall Plumlee is far from a lockdown on-ball defender or elite rim protector. What he is, however, is a player who provides the intensity and energy that has always been valuable in the NBA.
Specifically in the modern NBA, Plumlee’s mobility, size, and energy on the defensive end projects to be a valuable tool.
As has been established, Plumlee has displayed the work ethic of an NBA player. He plays until he can no longer play, and that’s as true on the defensive end as it is on the offensive glass.
Cut from a similar cloth as Joakim Noah—albeit with a lower ceiling defensively—Plumlee will give the Knicks raw tenacity on defense.
At a legitimate 7’0″, Plumlee has the size to be an imposing figure in the paint. With the mobility and athleticism to rotate, Plumlee can be a valuable asset in the sense that he won’t relent on that end.
Defensively, perhaps the best comparison for Plumlee would be another big man who has played with Noah: Omer Asik.
Next: Solidifying The Interior