4. Rebounding
The New York Knicks project to be one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis will be trusted to increase his output on the defensive glass, but if all goes according to plan, New York should dominate the boards.
Other roster moves could still be in the works, but between Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn, the Knicks have four elite rebounders down low.
Kanter brings career averages of 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 defensive rebounds, and 2.7 offensive boards in 21.3 minutes per game to New York. Those numbers translate to 11.4 rebounds, 6.9 defensive boards, and 4.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.
Kanter needs to improve his consistency on the defensive glass—like most other Knicks big men—but he’s elite offensively.
Having another player who can consistently create second chances should alleviate pressure on both ends of the floor. Additional possessions on offense mean fewer possessions on defense, and offensive rebounds mean more chances to run and learn plays.
Kanter should make it a point to dominate the defensive glass if he wants to realize his potential, but he’s proven that he has the nose for the ball to do so.