New York Knicks’ guard Allonzo Trier was one of the few great stories to watch unfold last season. The undrafted rookie played his way onto the team and ended the season averaging just under 23 minutes a game in 64 games played. This season, the Knicks guard has completely disappeared from the rotation, and many expect him to land with another team next year. How can Trier rekindle his rookie year magic and be a part of the Knicks’ future?
Trier’s nickname “Iso-Zo†can be used as both a compliment and a knock on his game. He has proven he can do one thing effectively: score. Trier can generate instant offense with his ball-handling and perimeter shooting.
However, his knack to hold the ball has led to “ball-hog†labels from fans. Trier’s tendency to play hero-ball, especially as an undersized guard, can hamper an offense’s cohesiveness. The dilemma here is that the Knicks are a team deprived of offense, and Trier is one of the few who can create it for himself.
Clearly, throwing Trier into the back of the rotation like they have this past season is no way to develop a young player. Trier may be an isolation player, but he shoots the ball effectively. His field goal percentage on the year is 48%. If the Knicks do resign Trier, I think he can thrive in a limited role off of the bench.
Utilizing Small-Ball
The Knicks will look to bolster their group guards this offseason. Many teams around the league use scoring guards off of the bench to give their team an offensive boost while their starters sit.
Trier can be exactly that. He would be an intriguing option at guard when sharing the floor with other playmakers.
Having Trier play alongside Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, Frank Ntilikina and other potential newly acquired guards in different small-ball lineups could create headaches for opposing defenses due to Trier’s speed and shooting. Playing Trier at the 2 may be a defensive liability, but it could prove to be beneficial for the Knicks if they used him in spurts.
Not every young player needs to be a franchise cornerstone. A lot of them, like Trier, can still produce quality minutes in a limited role.
The New York Knicks want to improve their offense next season with shooters. Hopefully, they can incorporate one of their best, already rostered shooters into their future.