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New York Knicks: What is and isn’t working through 15 games

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during a stop in play in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during a stop in play in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Pro: The Point Guard Rotation

The New York Knicks changed the trajectory of the season by naming Jarrett Jack the starting point guard and Frank Ntilikina the first guard off the bench. Jack’s veteran leadership and Ntilikina’s otherworldly two-way potential have been instrumental to New York’s early success.

Ramon Sessions isn’t a complete afterthought, but Jack and Ntilikina have been two of the stars of the surprising 8-7 start to the 2017-18 regular season.

Jack has been the veteran facilitator for a franchise that has been desperately needing a player who can set the table for the scorers. He’s averaging 5.5 assists to just 1.7 turnovers per game, which is good for an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.27.

For what it’s worth: Jack is on pace to become the first Knick to average at least 5.0 assists per game since Raymond Felton in 2013-14.

As for Ntilikina, he’s already looking the part of an elite ball hawk, infuriating defender, and capable playmaker. He ranks in the top five in the NBA in both steals per game and deflections per 36 minutes, and i showing signs of being a dynamic facilitator himself.

It was an uncertain situation entering the 2017-18 NBA regular season, but the Knicks appear to have struck a solid balance between experience and potential at the point guard position.

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