New York Knicks: Players Who Must Step Up Against Memphis Grizzlies

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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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

 4. Lance Thomas

The New York Knicks have committed four years and upwards of $27 million to backup small forward Lance Thomas. Thomas earned that contract by establishing himself as the Knicks’ glue guy in 2015-16.

After a disappointing preseason and a flawed regular season opener, Thomas will play a significant role in the Knicks’ success or failure against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Thomas finished the 2016 NBA preseason with an average of 6.8 points in 18.2 minutes. That isn’t especially bad, but Thomas posted those numbers on a slash line of .316/.182/.800—horrendous shooting marks that display more than rust.

During the regular season opener, Thomas technically produced across the board—two points, one rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 17 minutes—but underwhelmed overall.

Thomas played solid defense, but he needs to be more consistent with his shot against Memphis. He, like Courtney Lee, is a glue guy who made his name by consistently came up with a timely field goal when the stars were struggling.

Against one of the best defensive teams in the country, tThe Knicks will need Thomas to provide that type of impact on Saturday.