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New York Knicks Are Legitimate Eastern Conference Contenders

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) grabs a rebound during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won the game 115-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) grabs a rebound during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won the game 115-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Controlling The Glass

One of the most valuable strengths a team can have in the NBA Playoffs is the ability to win the battle on the boards. Defense is physical come the postseason, which makes producing offense a tedious task.

Teams that can either create or limit second-chance scoring opportunities tend to fare well in such environments.

The evidence: Oklahoma City and Cleveland ranked No. 1 and No. 3 in rebound differential during the 2016 NBA Playoffs, and both gave the Golden State Warriors fits.

It’s not vital for a team to excel on the boards in the modern era, but it’s a strength that can bust small-ball sets. For the New York Knicks, that makes the presence of its current crop of frontcourt players all the more intriguing.

Carmelo Anthony and Joakim Noah are elite rebounders for their respective positions, and Kristaps Porzingis projects to be the same.

Anthony was No. 2 amongst small forwards with 7.7 rebounds per game in 2015-16. Porzingis was No. 2 amongst rookies in rebounds per game and No. 6 in offensive rebounding, and Noah has career averages of 11.5 rebounds and 4.1 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.

Coupled with Willy Hernangomez’s tenacity on the offensive glass, the Knicks should be one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA.

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