New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster
Marshall Plumlee
Position: Center
Age: 24 (7/14/1992)
Experience: 2nd Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .552/.000/.421
2016-17 Season Averages: 8.1 MPG, 1.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.1 ORPG, 0.5 APG
Key Strengths
- Physicality
- Work ethic
- Offensive rebounding
- Passing ability
Key Weaknesses
- Foul trouble
- Lack of offensive identity
- Free throw shooting
Analysis
The New York Knicks have one of the best character guys in the NBA on the books for next season. Marshall Plumlee, a second lieutenant in the New York National Guard, brings an undeniably positive impact to the locker room.
With a non-guaranteed salary of $1,312,611 due to Plumlee in 2017-18, the Knicks could bring back a quality young big man for a minimal cost.
On the court, Plumlee brings a rare breed of physicality and tenacity to both ends of the floor. That much was proven in both positive and negative ways with his 2016-17 averages of 10.8 rebounds, 4.9 offensive rebounds, and 4.9 personal fouls per 36 minutes.
Even the personal fouls are forgivable, however, as Plumlee can play brief spurts of minutes and send a powerful message to slashing scorers and interior players alike.
Offensively, Plumlee lacks a true identity as far as how he can consistently score. He has the mobility to work the pick and roll, and the athleticism to play above the rim, however, and excels at creating for others—see: 2.1 assists per 36 minutes as a rookie.
For what it’s worth: Plumlee averaged 12.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 offensive rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 15 appearances with the Westchester Knicks in 2016-17.