After yet another disappointing season, the New York Knicks were faced with the challenge of yet again trying to revamp their roster, and they did just that. They did so through free agency, but also through the trade market. They traded away Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant, and Jose Calderon for former MVP Derrick Rose and swingman Justin Holiday. Rose gives them the all star like point guard they’ve so desperately craved. In free agency, they signed Bulls center Joakim Noah to a 4 year/ 72 million dollar deal, and Hornets shooting guard Courtney Lee to a 4 year/ 48 million dollar deal. Both Noah and Lee will be vital to the Knicks’ success this year; however there is one facet of this team that is going unnoticed, their bench.
The New York Knicks Bench Has Fallen Under The Radar
While Rose, Noah, and Lee were great pickups, the Knicks did just as good a job with filling out their bench as they did building a starting five. In maybe the steal of free agency, they brought in Magic and former Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings on a one-year $5 million dollar deal. Jennings is one of the more underrated players at his position; he is a lethal scorer, an aggressive playmaker, and can be relied on to be a top scoring option, but the last two years have been rough for Jennings. In the 2014-15 season, he tore his achilles, leaving him sidelined until December of the 2015-16 season, and in a backup role behind budding star Reggie Jackson. Then at the trade deadline, he was dealt to the Orlando Magic where he also served as a backup.
Jennings injury, which transpired nearly two years ago, put him in a backup role, but his talent is more than that. Although he will also play that role in New York, it will be a different situation. Current point guard Derrick Rose has unfortunately struggled with injuries for most of his career, and Jennings can step in and pick up where Rose leaves off if injuries present themselves once again. Also, when the Knicks play small for certain stretches of games, Kristaps Porzingis will move to the five, Carmelo Anthony will move to the four, and Courtney Lee will move to the three, which opens the door for Jennings to get more playing time; that lineup will also likely be on the court at the end of games. Brandon Jennings was a good signing, but he wasn’t the only good signing that the Knicks made.
Forward Spark
Last year, forward Lance Thomas was a pleasant surprise. Thomas was the Knicks best on ball and perimeter defender. He also developed a reliable jumper that stretches him out to the three point line. His defensive tenacity, and ability to step out and hit the three make him a must have on any team looking to fortify their bench. The Knicks re-signed him on a four year deal; however, he won’t be the only forward that will provide a spark off the bench. The Knicks signed Lithuanian forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas to a two year deal. Kuzminskas is a player who draws comparisons to former Knick Danillo Gallinari. He can hit the three, shoot off the dribble, and attack the rim. He also played very well in the Rio Olympics, showing the world his scoring ability. He’s not the only Olympian making a name for himself.
In the 2015 NBA Draft, the Knicks drafted spanish center Willie Hernangomez who played in Spain last season. He also played very well for Spain in the Rio Olympics. In the off-season, he signed a four-year deal to leave Spain and come play for the Knicks. Hernangomez is a back to the basket big, who can post up. He is also a rim protector and is more valuable than it may appear. While Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah are two of the most valuable players on this Knicks team, neither one of them is known for being a post presence, something that Hernangomez is. He’s the backup big that they need to make up for Porzingis and Noah’s weaknesses.
Back End of the Roster
While Jennings, Thomas, Kuzminskas, and Hernangomez are key pieces to the Knicks bench, the back end of their roster is just as important. Two players returning from last year’s team, Kyle O’Quinn and Sasha Vujacic, will play their part, O’Quinn in particular. O’Quinn is the Knicks only backup big who isn’t a rookie.
Along with Hernangomez, the Knicks have four year Duke center Marshall Plumlee, and Real Madrid forward Maurice Ndour who played for the Knicks 2015 summer league team. Plumlee is a high flyer known for his defensive play; the same goes for Ndour. O’Quinn is a two way big man. He like Hernangomez plays in the post, and is a defensive presence, but is the only backup big with NBA experience. Vujacic, while not a fan favorite, can contribute. He is a good perimeter defender, and plays with an attack mindset. Another player who has slipped under the radar is Justin Holiday; Holiday was a part of the Derrick Rose trade. Holiday is a high flyer, and a great defender.
The New York Knicks have a roster that is ready to compete right now, but it’s not just because of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, or any other starter. It’s also because of their deep bench. Brandon Jennings has the talent to potentially win sixth man of the year; Lance Thomas is a great defender and a good outside shooter; Kuzminskas has Danillo Gallinari like skills; Hernangomez and O’Quinn provide the Knicks with good, reliable big men to come off the bench. Holiday and Vujacic can provide energy. This Knicks bench is one of the most underrated in the NBA. It is one of the biggest reasons why this team will be back in the playoffs in 2017.
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