New York Knicks: The Biggest Issues Through Six Games
1. The Second Unit
For all of the criticism it’s faced, the New York Knicks’ starting lineup has actually played quite well. The starting lineup has a positive +/- through six games and all five players have produced quality numbers.
The biggest issue for the Knicks has been a second unit that’s failed to produce the quality minutes that New York so desperately needs.
The Knicks received quality minutes from the bench during the 111-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Against the Chicago Bulls, however, four starters played at least 35 minutes and Kristaps Porzingis was active for 33.
Only one bench player recorded a positive +/- against the Bulls: Justin Holiday, who played 14 minutes and finished with a mark of +1.
New York has the personnel to run a successful second unit. Holiday, Brandon Jennings, Kyle O’Quinn, and Lance Thomas have all shown signs of life, and Ron Baker, Willy Hernangomez, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Marshall Plumlee have upside.
The question is: can the second unit step up during the 2016-17 NBA regular season?
Must Read: Can Jeff Hornacek trust his second unit?
New York’s upside depends on the consistency of the reserves.