On September 19th, 2019, MSG Networks Alan Hahn joined media company Knicksfantv to discuss some key storylines regarding the New York Knicks. The beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season is approaching and many are making predictions on New York’s starting lineup. Alan Hahn made his prediction loud and clear.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Alan’s prediction of the Knicks starting five started with the former NC State rim demolisher Dennis Smith Jr. The hard-working 21-year old saw a jump-shot doctor this offseason and his three-point shooting looks improved. DSJ looks like he’s in great physical shape. His natural scoring is needed along with his improving ability to penetrate, collapse an opposing defense, and passing to an open shooter or cutter in the lane. The Knicks potential starting point guard has a huge chip on his shoulder as he enters a crucial 2019-20 NBA season.
https://youtu.be/DeLg02ZiU1Y
Frank Ntilikina
Don’t kill the messenger guys! Anyhow, Alan Hahn has put the 6’6″ tall, 200lbs., 7’0″ wingspan future FIBA French star into his projected starting lineup. With rumors going around the Knicks about Coach Fizdale’s desire for his guards to pick up their opponents 94-feet on defense, Frank Ntilikina makes sense defensively due to his ball-hawking, disruptive, and crowding style. The 21-year old from Belgium uses his long wingspan to his advantage on defense, especially against opposing point-guards and opposing combo-guards. Ntilikina’s defensive prowess is the real deal and it tormented Kemba Walker throughout France vs. USA matchup during FIBA. The Knick guard showed an improved three-point stroke during the 2019 NBA Offseason. If he continues being successful from behind the arc, the decision about whether or not he should start would become very easy.
https://youtu.be/kqHp4bpuEik
Marcus Morris
Looking through the Knicks roster trying to predict a defensive starting lineup? Well, throw in Marcus Morris! This guy is a bruiser and he’s always ready for war on both ends of the court. Alan Hahn claims Marcus Morris will bring a well-needed thug mentality to the court for a Knicks team welcoming toughness with open arms. The hungry Knicks fan base have been drooling for a Knicks squad with a tough and fearless identity. The former Celtic can stretch the floor and cause one-on-one matchup problems at the small forward position. His versatility is crucial defensively because opposing teams like running pick-and-roles. The 6’9″ bruiser will look to help the Knicks get wins as a starter unless Kevin Knox goes crazy in training camp and beat out Morris for the starting gig.
https://youtu.be/3lcZnYAFoZk
Julius Randle
This 6’9″ tall 250lbs. a powerhouse of a power-forward is another Knick identity changer. Just like Marcus Morris, Julius Randle is a physical, fierce, and fearless competitor on both ends. Randle has been working extremely hard this offseason and he looks like he’s in incredible shape for the Knicks. The Knicks starting power-forward makes his money offensively, plus, he improved his three-point shot this offseason. Julius Randle is a very good rebounder both defensively and offensively. Plus, he’s able to bring the ball up the court and find open teammates just like a point-guard. He has quick hands defensively and he’s versatile enough to switch unto an opposing point-guard while defending the most popular play in the game right now, the pick-and-role. Julius Randle will be a premier go-to scorer for the New York Knicks and Fizdale will encourage him to shoot three-pointers.
Mitchell Robinson
Understandably so, Alan Hahn played it extremely safe and went with the unanimous decision at the center position for the New York Knicks. Mitchell Robinson is a defensive terrorizer and lobs catching phenom. Big Mitch will be fed above the rim offensively and defensively, Frank Ntilikina will do an extraordinary job funneling opposing penetrators towards the shot-blocking monster. The 7’1″ tall 7’4″ wingspan rim tormentor has improved his fouling woes. He’s showing more discipline on defense because the game is slowing down for him. Robinson is slowly becoming a smart defensive anchor because he’s also starting to communicate loudly. As the last line of defense, being able to foresee what an opposing offense is trying to do is crucial. If Robinson continues his improvement, he’ll win DPOY in the future.
https://youtu.be/CLmYoYcFN6I