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New York Knicks: 5 players Kyle O’Quinn should study

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 18: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks is introduced before a game against the Boston Celtics on January 18, 2017 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 18: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks is introduced before a game against the Boston Celtics on January 18, 2017 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 7: Horace Grant #54 of the Chicago Bulls smiles against the Portland Trailblazers on February 7, 1993 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Portland Trailblazers 101-91. Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photos by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 7: Horace Grant #54 of the Chicago Bulls smiles against the Portland Trailblazers on February 7, 1993 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Portland Trailblazers 101-91. Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photos by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Horace Grant

In terms of third stars, few big men have ever been better than Horace Grant. A four-time NBA champion, Grant understood the sacrifices that needed to be made in order to help the featured scoring options flourish.

With a similar physical profile and comparable base abilities, Grant is the perfect player for O’Quinn to pattern his game after as he prepares for the prime of his career.

Grant was a rugged defender, a brilliant rebounder, a gifted passer, and a capable shot-blocker—all traits that O’Quinn possesses. Grant’s passing ability made him a key contributor to the triangle offense, as he could create for others out of the high post.

The New York Knicks may have abandoned the triangle offense, but O’Quinn’s offensive skill set—rebounding, passing, and finishing at the rim—is similar to Grant’s, albeit less refined.

Defensively, however, is where O’Quinn can learn the most from Grant. Grant did an excellent job of defending players at both forward positions and becoming the vocal leader that both the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic needed in the paint.

The game has changed at the power forward position, but Grant’s versatility was present then—and O’Quinn’s can develop now.

Must Read: 5 players for Willy Hernangomez to study

At 27 years of age, the time is now for New York Knicks big man Kyle O’Quinn to take the next step in his NBA career.

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