The New York Knicks have a logjam at center. Head coach Jeff Hornacek discussed the crowded situation and what he’s hoping to see from his players.
The New York Knicks have as many talented options at the center position as any team in the NBA. The trouble with having four quality candidates for a starting role, however, is finding the right player to actually start at the position.
As Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn battle for playing time, head coach Jeff Hornacek is shedding light on the situation.
Hernangomez and Kanter are viewed as the favorites to start due to their respective combinations of youth and ability. Noah and O’Quinn have appeal on the defensive end of the floor, however, with the former possessing a massive contract that some believe should be linked to his playing time.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Hornacek explained what he’s looking for from his centers and how they can earn playing time.
"“Who’s going to step up there and take the reins and make the coaches say, ‘I can’t take that guy off the floor?’ That battle is still going on with those big guys. Guys who play good defense, roll to the basket every time and play unselfishly will end up with the minutes.”"
Per Begley, no individual player has created enough separation for Hornacek to name a full-time starter, nor the first player off the bench.
"“It’s crazy because one day we’re saying, okay, these two guys. Then the next day after a practice or a game, maybe it’s those two guys. So it’s really close with those guys.”"
The Knicks have a surplus of options at the center position, with a somewhat unique combination of talent and style of play.
Kanter is the most productive player of the group, which has given him a fair amount of public support. He’s averaging 15.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game during preseason, scoring at virtual will from the low post.
Kanter also averaged 24.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.6 offensive rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.8 steals per 36 minutes in 2016-17—elite numbers.
Hernangomez is coming off of a rookie season that’s inspired a great deal of faith in a jaded fanbase. He averaged 8.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 offensive rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just 18.4 minutes per game, shooting 52.9 percent from the field.
Those numbers translate to 16.0 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.6 offensive rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes—numbers that reflect his balanced abilities.
Noah is the highest-paid player on the roster, but he’s also coming off of the worst season of his NBA career. He’s still an elite rebounder and passer out of the high post, however, as well as a former Defensive Player of the Year.
If Noah can defend at the level expected of him, then he could provide a necessary veteran balance to the current youth movement.
O’Quinn is perhaps the most intriguing option at the center position. He has tremendous trade value, but he’s also a productive two-way player who has slimmed down considerably and is determined to earn his keep.
Statistically, O’Quinn averaged 14.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.6 offensive rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.1 steals per 36 minutes in 2016-17.
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The question is: Which center will head coach Jeff Hornacek determine to be the best possible starter for the New York Knicks in 2017-18?