The point guard scenario for the New York Knicks is very odd. Coach David Fizdale has been juggling around players running point from the start of training camp.
Fizdale starting and sitting guards throughout the preseason. He starts one, sits the other. Fizdale is trying to see what combo work the best. However, it’s the preseason. Why can’t you play them all and rotate them through each game? It seems like sitting someone for one game is doing more harm than good.
Elfrid Payton said that, “There on the same page.” That may be true for the them but it has fans scratching their heads.
Frank Ntilikina didn’t play Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans as Payton got the minutes, and vice versa last week against the Atlanta Hawks. Ntilikina’s showed he deserved more minutes after bouncing back after in the second half of the Hawks game and shutting down Trae Young. Yes, he’s offense still needs a lot of work but he’s the Knicks best defensive guard.
Allonzo Trier has hardly played at all this preseason. But finally got more time in the final preseason game and proved he deserves more time.
Dennis Smith Jr. is not looking like this explosive player due to his back injury. He’s rusty, even though he worked all summer. Rest him until he’s good to go. Plus, his new and improved shot needs more work.
RJ Barrett is really the stand out when running point. The offense looks more fluid and has an extra boost of energy. Barrett’s defense also continues to improve each game, just like every other aspect of his game.
Payton is able to run the offense well but that’s it. He did perform well with the Pelicans, posting five triple-doubles last season with them. His offensive capabilities are there but not consistent.
The starting guards for the opener is still a toss up. But, the best option for the New York Knicks is to start Frank Ntilikina and RJ Barrett. The two can split time bringing the ball up and it gives the team the best of both worlds.
Barrett can provide offense and defense while pushing the ball up the floor with an upbeat response from his teammates. Ntilikina can then lock down defenders and have good vision to dish the ball. His 7-foot wingspan can be a problem for guards, case-in-point shutting down Young in the second half last Wednesday.
Smith Jr. is not 100% and shouldn’t get the start if he isn’t healthy. Barrett and Ntilikina should start and then rotate in Trier and Payton. The Knicks need to get a good flow with them until Smith Jr. is healthy enough to get into the mix.