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New York Knicks: The Five X-Factors For The 2016-17 Season

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) saves the ball from going out of bounds by bouncing it off of Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Khris Middleton (22) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) saves the ball from going out of bounds by bouncing it off of Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Khris Middleton (22) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42)drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42)drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Lance Thomas

Position: Small Forward
Age: 28 (4/24/1988)
Experience: 5 Seasons
2015-16 Slash Line: .442/.404/.857
2015-16 Season Averages: 22.3 MPG, 8.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 3PM

Many outside of New York were shocked to see Phil Jackson hand Lance Thomas a four-year contract. On the surface, Thomas had pedestrian per 36 averages of 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 2015-16.

Those who actually watched the New York Knicks play in 2015-16 had minimal qualms—if any at all—about the Knicks re-signing Thomas.

Thomas was the glue to the Knicks’ otherwise erratic roster during the 2015-16 season. He provided invaluably versatility on defense, an infectious motor, a relentless work ethic, and an efficient stroke from beyond the arc.

Thomas’ value is evident in the fact that the Knicks had a net rating of -0.1 with Thomas on the floor—the best of any Knicks player—and -4.2 without him.

For those who prefer their statistics to be a little more cut and dry, the Knicks were 25-34 with Thomas and 7-16 without him. That’s good for win percentages of .424 with Thomas and .304 without him.

The Knicks have far more talent in 2016-17 than they did in 2015-16, but Thomas’ defense, shooting, and work ethic help him maintain the status of a critical X-Factor.

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