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After graduating from Colorado, Chris Copeland signed with the NBA D-League’s Fort Worth Flyers in 2007, and then went on to play with teams in Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium before signing with the New York Knicks in 2012-13.
Despite his designation, Copeland does not play like a rookie. He is averaging 7.5 PPG, but that is a misleading number, because quite honestly, the dude can score. When given the chance to play 20+ minutes, which he has done in four games this season, Copeland is averaging 18.5 PPG.
Against the Houston Rockets on 12/17, Copeland light it up for 29 points (11-19 FG, 3-5 3PT), and against the Sacramento Kings on 12/28, Copeland dropped 23 points (8-16 FG, 3-8 3PT). In both of those games, Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony was sidelined with injuries.
Copeland’s production off the bench, and his increased minutes, will allow the Knicks to breathe a little bit easier in regard to Anthony. In a season where many Knicks have missed time due to injury, Anthony will not be rushed back onto the court before he is ready. New York needs Anthony, but has been able to muster a 3-3 record without him. Being able to grab a.500% record while losing 28.5 PPG-1.9 APG-6.2 over six games is a good sign for the Knicks, who have tremendous depth off the bench with players who can even step up and start any game.
After moving all over the world playing basketball, Copeland seems to have finally found a home in New York. He is greatly contributing to a Knicks squad that is the deepest team in the NBA.
Look for Copeland to received more and more playing time as the season progresses, as the older Knicks miss time with sporadic injuries.
Follow Thomas Duffy on Twitter @TD_Knicks for articles, news, and all things NBA.
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