New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is not announcing the start point guard until game day. This has been a position that has been up-in-the-air from the beginning.
Dennis Smith Jr. was the clear favorite to be the starting point guard. However, due to his lower back injury, that is now in question. Smith Jr. is not 100% and his ‘new and improved” is not up to NBA standards. He shot 2-for-12 from the field in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Frank Ntilikina and Elfrid Payton both have not separated themselves from one another to require the starting job or more minutes.
Ntilikina is the better defender but his offensive skills are still lacking. He should get more minutes regardless because he his 7-foot wingspan can be a problem against the opponents guards.
Payton can run the offense smoothly but does not move the needle much offensively or defensively. He could get the starting nod solely based off his experience.
RJ Barrett is the more interesting part about this point guard scenario. When was running point, the offense ran the best it has with any other guard. However, Barrett is not a natural point guard. If anything, he’s a shooting guard. Barrett has earned a starting spot regardless. He continues to improve every game and shows he’s a building block for the foreseeable future.
The Knicks unofficial leader, Julius Randle, has given the edge to Smith Jr. and rightfully so. His athletic ability, when healthy, makes him a no-brainer to start.  However, with his back still not 100%, the starting spot isn’t his yet.
The New York Knicks will be exploring a variety of guard combinations to begin the season. The Knicks should start Barrett and Ntilikina because they will give the Knicks the best of both worlds. Barrett contributes on offense and defense. Ntilikina is a lock-down defender and has the basketball IQ to make plays when needed.