Quincy Acy has emerged as the leading candidate to start at power forward for the New York Knicks.

Acy gives the Knicks more defense at the position than Amar'e Stoudemire or Andrea Bargnani would provide.

Bargnani started the first preseason game for the Knicks, but he's since been out with a hamstring strain.

“No I didn’t plan on coming here to start,’’ Acy told The Post with a chuckle. “I planned on coming here and playing hard to earn minutes. I guess I impressed enough with my defense to earn a spot. I don’t know what coach got going if I’m starting or coming off the bench or not playing, but I’ll be happy.’’

Jose Calderon, Carmelo Anthony and Samuel Dalembert have locked up the starting point guard, small forward and center positions, respectively. Iman Shumpert appears to have staked his claim to the starting shooting guard job.

“It’s important to have guys like Iman and [Acy] because there’s certain types of intensity and mind-set that’s contagious within the team,’’ Derek Fisher said. “That high motor. Teammates enjoy feeding off it. Right now we have some guys born that way.’’