1. Character
Over the grand scheme of a grueling 82-game schedule, the most difficult task for a coach is holding the locker room together. No matter how talented a team may be, chemistry can both boost and cripple a season.
During a recent interview with Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, legendary Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski outlined what it is that makes Plumlee special as a human being.
"“He brings fundamentals and he’s a leader. He’s going to be an Army officer. He talks on defense. He’ll screen, he’ll play defense he’ll rebound. And he doesn’t need the ball. He just wants to make other people better. And they’ll never be a practice where he’s not enthusiastic. He’s a perfect backup.”"
Having that type of presence in the locker room stands to be positively influential.
As Krzykewski alluded to, Plumlee has plans of becoming an Army officer once his NBA career concludes. That alone is a testament to what type of person he is, and a sign that he’s far more than just a role player with talent.
Plumlee is a source of accountability in the locker room who will provide a far more mature voice than most rookies.
Though it’s never an easy decision to sign a player, Plumlee is as risk-free as they come. He’s a high-character player on a three-year deal with only one guaranteed season and experience under an all-time coach.
Though there are reasons to be skeptical, there are more reasons to love the Plumlee signing.
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The Knicks have built a roster with tough and energetic players with respect. This is a team worth supporting.