The New York Knicks have a plethora of guards fighting for playing time all through training camp and preseason. Elfrid Payton, Dennis Smith Jr., and Frank Ntilikina are the main point-guard candidates, however, some think Elfrid Payton shouldn’t have a chance at winning the point guard battle, and it’s not even because they don’t believe Elfrid’s a pretty good serviceable point-guard capable of an impressive triple-double at any given moment and on a nightly basis. The narrative amongst some fans indicates DSJ and Ntilikina should have enough individual talent to put up a better fight for the point guard position. The concern is now about Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. not being good enough to start which could become an indictment against them especially if Elfrid Payton wins the job at point guard.
This scenario is making some fans question their evaluation of talent at the point-guard position especially after watching DSJ’s first game back after missing scrimmages and preseason games due to a lower back strain. Fans were also concerned with Ntilikina’s poor shooting and Elfrid Payton’s three-point bricklaying company he started this preseason. The question now is whether or not the Knicks actually have any serviceable point-guards at all to lead the way. Some Knick fans even feel comfortable with RJ Barrett becoming the starting point-guard instead. The faith is definitely shaky amongst Knick fans when it comes to point-guard play.
Only time will tell and fans must not forget it’s still only preseason. Dennis Smith Jr. is working himself back into shape after rehabbing his sore back, Elfrid Payton is learning his new teammates, and Ntilikina is still learning as well especially after being hindered by an injured groin a season ago. This Knicks roster is having defense drilled into them constantly because the coaching staff understands the current personnel lacks sharpshooters and elite scoring.