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New York Knicks: Five players for Kevin Knox to study in isolation

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Kevin Knox II #20 of the New York Knicks looks on before a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Kevin Knox II #20 of the New York Knicks looks on before a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Former New York Knicks rival Luol Deng driving to the rim. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Luol Deng

Luol Deng was the No. 2 scoring option for the Chicago Bulls when Derrick Rose led the team to 61 wins in 2010-11. As Rose battled incessant injuries, Deng became an All-Star as he became the offensive focal point for one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

One of the defining traits for Deng was his ability to drive the lane and finish at the rim, despite somewhat rigid posture—something Kevin Knox can learn from.

Deng was a respectable shooter who could convert from beyond the arc and pull up from midrange. What made him so dangerous, however, was that he was a big forward who could take his man off the bounce and finish in traffic.

Knox has displayed a similar trait, but he’s relied too heavily on his floater and doesn’t show enough aggression to get to the rim and play through contact.

It would help Knox to bulk up in the way that Deng was able to, but the skill set is somewhat comparable—even if not the skill level. Deng was able to crash the offensive glass better as he grew stronger, and even saw more open perimeter shots because he was an inside threat.

If Knox can become more effective on the drive, it will open up the rest of his game—and Deng is proof that a rigid slasher who can get up is capable of scoring at a high level.

Knox should take notes.

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