Following the injury of Joakim Noah, Kyle O'Quinn could become a starter. But he must compete against Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee to get the main backup position for the center.
O'Quinn was a starter for the Knicks during its first pre-season game against Houston Rockets last Oct.4, as reported by CBS Sports.
O'Quinn contributed four points and nine rebounds, but the Knicks lost, 103-130. The Knicks put him as a starter as Noah is currently on recovery from his hamstring injury.
In the second game against Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 8, O'Quinn came off-the bench and made 4 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes. Knicks won 116-98. They also won on their third game against Washington Wizards with O'Quinn making 2 points in 12 minutes.
But Coach Jeff Hornacek is still searching for the best option among O'Quinn, Plumlee and Hernangomez at the center.
Hornacek, as quoted by ESPN, said he wanted to try the best option for the center among the three men while also playing O'Quinn in the power forward position.
His triangle offense gameplay has been praised by analysts, including Kevin McHale, former Boston Celtics player who is now NBA analyst in TNT.
McHale, in an interview with New York Post, said that Hornacek's way to use his own system, rather than Phil Jackson's antiquated triangle offense, will bring the Knicks to the playoffs.
"I think they'll make the playoffs, I really do," McHale said.
"They got to make another 10, 12 wins out of the 32-win team last year."
New York Knicks will play their fourth preseason game in Madison Square Garden on Oct. 15 against Boston Celtics.
Below is the highlights of the first Knicks preseason game against Houston Rockets where O'Quinn was a starter:
