Expectations for Chris Copeland were low at the start of training camp with the New York Knicks. After graduating from Colorado in 2006, Copeland spent the following six years in the D-League, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium developing his game.

Copeland somewhat surprisingly made an NBA roster as the 15th man for the Knicks.

Copeland continued to shatter expectations as the season progressed. Copeland has gone from an overlooked player rounding out the end of the bench to a valuable reserve and spot starter due to injuries along the Knicks’ aging frontcourt.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Rasheed Wallace, Kurt Thoma and Marcus Camby all missed significant time, giving Copeland ample opportunities for minutes.

That veteran frontcourt group has infused Copeland with 58 years of experience and tips, allowing him to feel comfortable and excel when called upon. However, despite playing both forward positions, Copeland says his development has been a total team effort.

“Everybody,” Copeland told RealGM smiling when asked who has offered the most guidance. “When I say everybody I really mean everybody. All 14 guys on the roster have helped me as well as the coaching staff. I can’t really just single out one guy as being individually more than one person, but everybody’s been helping me out from top to bottom, Kenyon (Martin) with defense, Kurt (Thomas) with mental stuff, and offensively Carmelo (Anthony). Everybody has helped me.”

With the mentoring and support of his teammates, Copeland has found his niche as a scorer by stretching the defense with his three-point shooting (.421) against stronger defenders and attacking the rim against slower defenders.

Copeland’s versatility has allowed him to score at a rate of 20.3 points per 36 minutes.

“I’m glad and I’m blessed to be here,” Copeland told RealGM. “I appreciate being here everyday. This has been an amazing ride, but I feel like I have a lot more work to do and a lot more to accomplish.”

Copeland has a true shooting percentage (.583) and usage percentage (25.34) that ranks in the Top-50 amongst all NBA players.

While Copeland’s scoring prowess has been duly noted, it’s his defense that Mike Woodson has focused on improving the most. Copeland did not play in 12 of 13 games from February 6 through March 7 and was rumored to be in Woodson’s doghouse, but he has improved on defense and earned Woodson’s trust during the final weeks of the regular season.

“It’s funny, you talk about the relationship, I see a lot of people talk about I’m in the doghouse, but I think he’s pushing me,” Copeland told RealGM. “I don’t feel like it’s anything but that. I think our relationship is great. We laugh, we joke, but when we get across those lines it’s business and it’s about me getting better as an individual and he’s hard on me. I think I’m learning a lot from it and I appreciate how hard he is.”

Since returning to the lineup on March 9, Copeland has played in 23 consecutive games. This streak of consistent playing time is important for Copeland, who is playing for a new contract in the offseason. Copeland can also increase his value on the free agent market with a strong showing in the playoffs.

However, Copeland made it clear that his primary focus is on playing a pivotal role for the Knicks.

“It’s a contract year, yeah it’s true, but I’m mostly excited about getting into these playoffs and trying to bring something home to New York,” Copeland told RealGM. “It’s my first time in the league and we get an opportunity to do something special this year so I’m really excited about it.”

Copeland has solidified himself as an NBA caliber player after making the most of his opportunity.

Copeland strongly indicated his desire to remain with the Knicks for the foreseeable future once the season is completed. 

“Oh yeah, I would love to stay here,” Copeland told RealGM. “I mean it took me how long to get here? And New York is the first team to open the doors for me so I love it here. I’d love to stay the rest of my career if I could.”