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New York Knicks: Five lineups to experiment with in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: The New York Knicks stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: The New York Knicks stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks looks down the court against the Washington Wizards in the second half during their Pre Season game at Madison Square Garden on October 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks looks down the court against the Washington Wizards in the second half during their Pre Season game at Madison Square Garden on October 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

5. Exploring Upside

Point Guard: Frank Ntilikina
Shooting Guard: Ron Baker
Small Forward: Damyean Dotson
Power Forward: Mindaugas Kuzminskas
Center: Willy Hernangomez

The New York Knicks have a number of promising young players. While this lineup may not be utilized on a terribly consistent basis, it can be run during lopsided wins and losses, and at times during the second quarter of games.

All five players listed have untapped potential for the Knicks to explore, and this lineup will give head coach Jeff Hornacek an opportunity to do so.

In the backcourt, the Knicks play a pair of playmakers with defensive potential: Frank Ntilikina and Ron Baker. They’re capable of defending both backcourt positions, and have the potential to both create for others and space the floor.

At small forward, three-point marksman and potential defensive specialist Damyean Dotson tests his limitations by making a move over from shooting guard to the 3.

Down low, the Knicks stretch the floor with Mindaugas Kuzminskas and pound the interior with Willy Hernangomez. Hernangomez can control the post and boards, and Kuzminskas can be the stretch 4 who converts from distance and attacks closeouts.

There are kinks to work out with this lineup, but it’s one that would enable the Knicks to explore the upside of some of the most promising and unproven players on the roster.

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