Averaging just 16.0 minutes per game during the preseason, New York Knicks second-year player, Allonzo Trier, as found himself in a sticky situation. After showing great potential in his rookie campaign, averaging 10.9 points, 1.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per contest, head coach David Fizdale has elected to put him in a backup/reserve role.
Trier’s lack of playing time and overall influence is concerning, and that is undoubtedly a consequence of signing numerous veteran free agents who can contribute more efficiently. Trier was a one-person show last season, resulting in his nickname “Iso Zo.” His ball movement lacked, but he showed spurs of elite scoring potential.
It’s certainly possible the Knicks’ coaching staff already know what they have in Trier and wanted to test out different veteran combinations to shake out the starting team, but it’s also possible they don’t think the sophomore guard is ready to a be a key contributor.
The New York Knicks needed to work some kinks out of the rotation:
If the Knicks brass is using this time as an experimental one, Trier shouldn’t be worried about his playing time come the regular season. It is expected that he will make an impact with his tenacious defense and scoring abilities. Trier’s three-point shot will be more of a focal point during the 2019-20 season after averaging only 2.1 attempts last year. He hit on 0.8 of his 2.1 efforts, suitable for a .394 percent conversion rate.
Allonzo can be a great sixth-man off the bench if given the opportunity. He will have to battle with established veterans for consistent playing time, but he can serve a valuable purpose. First things first, though, he wants to eradicate his nickname.
“This year he hasn’t done it,’’ Fizdale said of Iso Zo Mode. “I think he’s [had] two possessions where he had maybe taken multiple dribbles in a possession. He doesn’t want the nickname, and he wants to change that perception of him as a guy that holds [the ball]. He wants to be just Allonzo Trier. He’s been going about it the right way, and he’s been showing that in practice.â€
The perception of Trier can be selfish at times, and this is a good step towards changing that narrative.