But in an offseason where the Mariners are pinching pennies like it’s 1840s Ireland, Jerry Dipoto’s choice to tender him a contract feels discordant. True enough, he doesn’t have to be great as the fifth or sixth man on the bullpen depth chart. It spun out of control because I find his spot on the roster confusing.

However, their defensive struggles necessitates plugging in Grimes.This is too many words about Trent Thornton. I’d rather send out Quickley or Fournier’s offense in a vacuum. Why it doesn’t: The biggest drawback to this lineup is that it benches a more established guard. And if defenders sink off Grimes to help, the second-year player has the shooting skills to make them pay. This will free up space for the Knicks’ ball handlers to attack the basket and finish at the rim. While he is not the same offensive threat as more established players like Fournier or Quickley, Grimes’ 38% 3-point mark will force opposing defenders to stick to him like glue. Why it works: As currently constituted, inserting Grimes into the starting lineup gives New York its best combination of shooting and defense in the backcourt. Knicks starting lineup #3: The balanced lineup Despite the burst of offensive brilliance, I have long held the option that IQ is best developed as a sixth man. A Brunson/Fournier backcourt feels like a move in the wrong direction.įor those curious about Quickley, the combo guard unfortunately creates the same issue. This unit pairs an undersized Brunson with another defensive liability in Fournier.Īt the end of the day, the Knicks’ best chance to return to the postseason is to recapture their defensive identity. Why it doesn’t: While this lineup leans heavily towards offense, it is woefully lacking defensively. This move also allows Barrett to man a more natural small forward position, where his 34% mark feels like less of a liability. As you recall, the French guard set the Knicks’ franchise record for total threes hit in a single season last year. Why it works: This lineup corrects the aforementioned shooting issues by replacing a subpar marksman in Toppin with sharpshooter Evan Fournier. SG: Evan Fournier (or Immanuel Quickley).Knicks starting lineup option #2: The offense heavy option While this lineup has its advantages, the risk likely doesn’t match the reward of having Toppin as a starter. And of course, Robinson is a non-factor in terms of shooting and floor spacing. Randle’s percentage fell to just 31%, a mark he shares with Toppin. However, the rest of the lineup would not space the floor well on paper.īarrett was an improved 34% 3-point shooter last season. Brunson is a legitimate shooting threat with a career 3-point percentage of 37%. Why it doesn’t: Unfortunately, this lineup would create spacing issues on offense. This lineup would also feature a noticeable rebounding edge and a slew of long defenders and rim protectors. While the team can provide Toppin with heavy minutes off the bench, it would be special for the former lottery pick to top the depth chart. Why it works: I love this lineup because it allows budding star Obi Toppin to crack the starting lineup.

Here are the three likeliest options: Knicks starting lineup option #1: Giant lineup

Yet, questions still remain about each player’s position and who else will crack the starting five. It appears as though (barring another trade) Brunson is a lock to join RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Robinson as starters. However, the franchise’s current collection of talent has led to a great deal of speculation about the starting lineup. Yet, New York already appears to be noticeably improved entering the 2022-2023 NBA season. The club has already inked a multi-year contract with prized free agents Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson, and they continue to be rumored as the favorites to land Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell.įans will have to patiently wait to see if this latter addition comes to pass. The New York Knicks are amidst one of their busiest offseasons in recent memory.

Wizards roster depth chart