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New York Knicks: Players who need more playing time

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks reacts after he got the assist in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks reacts after he got the assist in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Damyean Dotson

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 23 (5/6/1994)
Slash Line: .444/.286/.714
Season Averages: 8.8 MPG, 2.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.3 3PM

The New York Knicks have acquired a great deal of backcourt depth. Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Trey Burke will receive opportunities at point guard, and the likes of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee will split minutes with them at shooting guard.

As the Knicks attempt to shore up the shooting guard and small forward positions, however, developing Damyean Dotson should be a priority.

Dotson was selected in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. He’s bounced between the main roster and the NBA G League during his rookie season, impressing his coaches with his commitment and energy on defense.

That alone is reason to play him extended minutes moving forward, as New York must find players who are willing to work on defense on a nightly basis.

Offensively, Dotson could be the sharpshooting wing and complementary facilitator who helps round the system into form. He can help alleviate pressure from Burke, Mudiay, and Ntilikina, who have looked more like combo guards than point guards during their NBA careers.

Throw in the rookie’s ability to rebound and push the ball up the floor quickly, and Jeff Hornacek’s system could run far more crisply with Dotson in the lineup.

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