New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Up After Season Opener
Lance Thomas
Lance Thomas had a generally disappointing preseason, but not much stock was put into it. He continued to underwhelm during the regular season opener, however, as his newly added bulk seemingly hindered his ability to shoot or create with precision.
As small forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas continues to turn heads, Thomas continues to disappoint—a trend that could be costly to both the player and the team.
Thomas shot 12-of-38 from the field and 2-of-11 from beyond the arc during the 2016 NBA preseason. He shot 1-of-4 from the field and didn’t attempt a 3-point field goal against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but this was bigger than shot attempts.
Thomas became the Knicks’ glue in 2015-16 by stepping up with a big shot when the featured scorers would go cold—something he failed to do in the preseason and season opener.
Kuzminskas has an intriguing ceiling and undeniable value to the Knicks as either a small forward or power forward. He’s still finding himself defensively, however, whereas Thomas has earned the reputation of a solid defensive player.
Kuzminskas may be able to provide a stronger impact offensively, but the Knicks need as much help as they can find on the defensive end of the floor.
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Thomas may have the defensive edge, but unless he turns things around on offense, Kuzminskas could push him for playing time.