New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Up After Season Opener

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

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.

Must Read: Positive takeaways from the season opener

Thomas may have the defensive edge, but unless he turns things around on offense, Kuzminskas could push him for playing time.