Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Who Must Step Up In Wake Of Lance Thomas Injury?

By Maxwell Ogden

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Maurice Daly Ndour (2) lays the ball past the reach of Boston Celtics forward Ben Bentil (50) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Maurice Daly Ndour (2) lays the ball past the reach of Boston Celtics forward Ben Bentil (50) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Maurice Ndour

Lance Thomas isn’t an elite defender by any means or metrics, but he’s been one of the few players who has consistently tried on defense. That’s a void to fill unto itself for a New York Knicks team that ranks amongst the worst in the NBA on the defensive end of the floor.

One could argue that the player who’s most likely to be able to defend at a high level is forward Maurice Daly Ndour.

Ndour is a 6’9″ hybrid forward with a 7’4″ wingspan, a 9’1″ standing reach, and explosive leaping ability. He’s a capable shot-blocker with active hands and an intriguing ability to create turnovers and come up with steals.

Ndour is also capable of switching on the pick and roll, and getting back in transition for quality contests of what have been easy shots in 2016-17.

Ndour’s length and athleticism would be a welcome addition to a defense that’s been missing those combination of traits. He’d provide a breath of fresh air to a Knicks team that’s been borderline effortless on defense.

For the New York Knicks to turn the season around, it’s players like Ndour who must step up and help the team improve on defense.

Home/Knicks News