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New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Their Preseason Game Up

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) looks up after a play during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) looks up after a play during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) passes the ball in front of Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) passes the ball in front of Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle O’Quinn

Position: Power Forward, Center
Age: 26 (3/26/1990)
Experience: 5th NBA Season
2015-16 Slash Line: .476/.227/.767
2015-16 Season Averages: 11.8 MPG, 4.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 BPG

Statistically speaking, New York Knicks big man Kyle O’Quinn has done a respectable job during the 2016 preseason. Beyond the statistics, however, is the reality that O’Quinn hasn’t provided New York with what it needs.

O’Quinn has a chance to win the backup role at either power forward or center, but he needs to earn it—something he’s yet to do.

O’Quinn grabbed nine rebounds in 18 minutes against the Houston Rockets, but fans were left asking for more. His effort on the boards far outweighed his effort defensively, which has been an issue throughout his career.

O’Quinn has the physical gifts to be an elite defensive player, but his impact hasn’t been felt on that end due to lackluster energy.

O’Quinn has maintained double-digit minutes, but his playing time, offense, and rebounding aren’t what matter. He needs to provide an all-out effort on defense to prove that he can be an adequate backup to Joakim Noah.

As Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee receive more playing time and opportunities, O’Quinn has begun to receive less.

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