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New York Knicks Should Start Carmelo Anthony At Power Forward

By Matthew Perez

Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) walks onto the court prior to taking on the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) walks onto the court prior to taking on the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) shoots a three-point shot against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) shoots a three-point shot against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bench Also Came to Play

The combination of Kyle O’Quinn and Mindaugas “Kuuuuuuz” Kuzminskas proved to be lethal against Chicago. O’Quinn continues his solid play off the bench with 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in just 17 minutes.

O’Quinn brings energy and intensity on the defensive end, and that’s something the Knicks simply can’t get enough of.

Kuzminskas poured in his best performance of the season with a career-high 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in 30 minutes.

More importantly, 12 of his 19 points came in the fourth quarter when the Knicks desperately needed to close out a win against the Bulls.

The Knicks got a much needed win, improved to 18-22 on the season, and are somehow just 2.0 games back of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. With the Toronto Raptors coming up on Jan. 15, the Knicks can’t rely on opposing players being injured to win games.

Instead, head coach Jeff Hornacek has to shake up this lineup to win games against better opponents. By roster changes, I don’t mean exploring a trade.

Besides, Anthony has already said he isn’t willing to waive his no-trade clause. Per Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:

"A source close to Anthony says he’s unwilling to green-light a trade out of New York, even with how bad it’s turned."

What roster changes should the Knicks make to improve their chances of victory?

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