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Starting Lineup Projections for the Knicks



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With the NBA season rapidly approaching, front offices are beginning to form depth charts. For the New York Knicks, there are still numerous questions about the starting 5. Some position battles could very well be decided in the final preseason game, although training camp is more likely to separate the starters from the bench pieces. With no clear-cut star with Kristaps Porzingis out, the starting lineup for game 1 could look a lot different than fans think. Let's dive in.

Point Guard: Trey Burke

Although Emmanuel Mudiay saw a lot of minutes when he was added at the trade deadline, he didn't do much to show that he is a starting-caliber guard. Frank Ntilikina is a raw prospect, and his skills might be suited for a different position. With Trey Burke, he immediately made an impact when he was called up from the G-League, averaging 12.8 points and 4.7 assists in just over 21 minutes per game. He shot over 50% from the field and displayed an impressive offensive arsenal. While his defense needs improvement, he should be the starting point guard on opening night.

Shooting Guard: Frank Ntilikina

This was a close battle between Frank and Courtney Lee, but with head coach David Fizdale embracing a youth movement I believe that the 20-year old Frenchman secures the starting gig. With Burke's defensive shortcomings, Ntilikina will have the chance to guard the opposing team's best guard every night. While there will certainly be growing pains, it is crucial for him in order to become the defensive monster that fans expect him to be.

Small Forward: Tim Hardaway Jr.

With free agent addition Mario Hezonja and rookie Kevin Knox in the mix, this position is not guaranteed. But with Hardaway Jr. playing on his massive contract, the front office is not going to want their $72 million man relegated to the bench. He also provides an offensive spark, leading the team in scoring after Kristaps Porzingis went down with a torn ACL. He's hoping to build off of his 2017-18 season, where he showed an improved handle and aggressiveness.

Power Forward: Kevin Knox

I believe that the Knicks will start off the season with a small ball lineup, with 9th overall pick Kevin Knox getting the start due to his impressive summer league performance. The power forward situation is shaky with Porzingis out, so the position battle will likely come down to Knox and veteran Lance Thomas. Thomas is a solid defender with an underrated 3-point stroke, but Fizdale wants a youth movement, and a youth movement he shall get. Kevin Knox seems unfazed by the bright lights of New York City and he wants to show the Madison Square Garden crowd that he was the steal of the draft.

Center: Enes Kanter

The only position that seems secure is at center, where Enes Kanter is the unquestioned starter. Following a season where the Turkish center showed improved rebounding skills, he wants to show the league how dominant he can be in a contract year. He has an amazing set of post moves, and he has showed passion that Knicks fans haven't seen in a long time.

It is very early however, and the Knicks situation could be very different by the time preseason ends. They have a tough road ahead, but this team looks to be interesting. The New York Knicks are back, and this season is going to be fun.