Kyle O’Quinn
Kyle O’Quinn is not the player New York Knicks fans may tie to a “top signing,” as he is a career backup and now on his third team in three years. However, for one of the few acquisitions to stick around for more than two seasons, the Norfolk State product stands out for his contributions.
In a 2015 sign-and-trade, O’Quinn arrived from the Orlando Magic on a multi-year contract that lasted three years. The money topped out at just over $4 million, making him one of the Knicks’ lowest-paid players and before the salary cap spiked just 12 months later.
O’Quinn played in 221 games in that span, with 19 starts along the way. He averaged 6.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 15.3 minutes, which helped to make an impact in a short window.
In 2017-18, the veteran big man had 39 games of double-digit points and 13 double-doubles. It happened in what became his best statistical season, including a stellar 58.3 shooting percentage in mostly a reserve role.
O’Quinn was a solid defender, as well, but it only went so far when the Knicks continued to struggle.
He left after the 2017-18 season and stayed off the map with the Indiana Pacers, and even if the Queens, NY native is a career journeyman, he found his best seasons with the Knicks.