New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Their Preseason Game Up
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/78e65c05d0b1e6a1495e28466f1daaea51b38eb8953e6e933dee86c74b39291d.jpg)
Lance Thomas
Position: Forward
Age: 28 (4/24/1988)
Experience: 6th NBA Season
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
The New York Knicks rewarded Lance Thomas with an earned four-year deal during the summer of 2016. He signed a contract that was believed to be well below his market value, thus accepting a hometown discount.
Though it’s easy to believe that Thomas will turn things around, he hasn’t been at his best during the first three preseason games.
Through three preseason outings, Thomas is shooting 8-of-23 from the field and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. He hasn’t necessarily played poorly, but a key component of his role is to space the floor with consistency.
Thomas will need to find his form from beyond the arc if the Knicks are to become the postseason-caliber team that they’re believed to be.
Thomas achieved a significant form of redemption when he stepped up as the closer against the Wizards. Though he shot just 3-of-12 from the field, he scored nine points, dished out two assists, and took a charge in the final six minutes of the 90-88 victory.
If the final six minutes of the Washington game are a sign of things to come, then Thomas is well on his way to getting back on the right track.
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