Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 4 bench players who have thrived this season

By Zachary Bachar

Jan 8, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks' Kevin Knox II (20) drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in New York. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 101-89 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Seth Wenig/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks' Kevin Knox II (20) drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in New York. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 101-89 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Seth Wenig/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Knicks
Dec 11, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox II (20) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons guard Saben Lee (38) during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Knox

The 9th overall pick in 2018 has been extremely inconsistent throughout his first two years in the NBA. His defense took some steps forward last season, but his offensive output heavily declined as he struggled to adjust to his role on the bench.

This season, he’s finally combining his promising rookie offense with his improved sophomore defense. His averages of 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game don’t jump off the stat sheet, but his impact on the court has been undeniable.

He’s currently shooting 41% from the field and 40% from three, both career highs. Likewise, he’s posted the highest offensive rating and lowest defensive rating of his brief career.

Knox has also quietly been a durable player, missing just eight games over his first three seasons. He’s battled a sore knee and a bruised right hand so far but has yet to miss a matchup this year, making him the only bench player to suit up for every contest.

Tom Thibodeau has perfectly utilized Knox as a 3&D wing, allowing him to work off the ball on cuts to the basket as well as catch-and-shoot opportunities. Through his first 8 games, every single one of Knox’s field goals had been assisted.

The former Kentucky forward has encapsulated Thibodeau’s strategy of launching corner threes, with 25% of his attempts coming from there. And he’s connecting on an amazing 50% of those attempts.

At just 21 years old, a strong third season from Kevin Knox would be huge for the Knicks’ future plans. He’s clearly helping out in the present, too.

Home/Knicks News