New York Knicks forward Maurice Ndour stepped up with a stellar performance against the Chicago Bulls. It was a clear sign that Ndour has the tools for success.
Every player has overcome adversity on the road to the NBA, but few have traveled a path like Maurice Ndour. The New York Knicks forward has traveled the world, growing up in Senegal, playing high school basketball in Japan, and going pro in Spain.
If the former Monroe College and Ohio University star has proven anything during his journey to joining the Knicks, it’s that he has the will to succeed.
Ndour first surfaced on New York’s radar when he played for the Knicks at Summer League in 2016. Fans were high on the Senegalese forward, but it wasn’t until 2016 that Phil Jackson signed him to the main roster—and it wasn’t until 2017 that he got his first start.
According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, the humble Ndour inadvertently stated what it is that helped him earn that opportunity.
"“It was just the joy of just being out there, knowing you’re giving everything you have on the floor, and just trying to help your teammates every time that you can,” Ndour said. “It was just a good feeling that you know you contributed to something and we got the win, which was even greater.”"
Some may say it’s only a quote, but that perfectly summarizes why Ndour has the potential to be a key rotational cog in New York.
Ndour is one of the rare players whose effort and tenacity can never be questioned on either end of the floor. He’s an explosive athlete who plays with the heart and passion that was undeniably missing from Madison Square Garden in 2016-17.
Though his production and execution are far from ideal, he has the potential to develop into the perfect glue guy for the Knicks.
One can only hope that Ndour will see his contract through and receive the opportunity to tap into his full potential.
Defensively, Ndour has the size, length, and athleticism to defend both forward positions and disrupt the pick and roll. He’s 6’9″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, and he’s proven capable of putting those physical gifts to use as a defensive playmaker.
Thus far in 2016-17, Ndour has per 36 averages of 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 offensive rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 2.0 steals.
Offensively, Ndour has a unique ability to score in numerous ways. He can put the ball on the floor, has some semblance of a post game, is a threat from midrange, and is in the process of expanding his game to beyond the arc.
The question is: can Ndour piece it all together and become the player he’s capable of being?
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It will be on Phil Jackson, Jeff Hornacek, and the New York Knicks to give him the opportunity to do so.