Emmanuel Mudiay got off to a stellar start to his New York Knicks career. Can Mudiay maintain the pace and become the point guard of the future?
Emmanuel Mudiay had played over two seasons of NBA basketball coming into his debut with the New York Knicks. The young point guard had shown flashes of greatness in his ability to create separation from his defenders and attack the rim.
Yet, after two years following his lottery selection by the Denver Nuggets, his stock had fallen to the point that Denver was willing to deal him to the Knicks for a minimal return.
Despite the Nuggets seemingly giving up on their high-ceiling point guard, after one game for the Knicks, he looks like a keeper for a team that’s trying to put together a young contender.
In Mudiay’s debut for the Knicks on Sunday night, the point guard was handed the keys to the offense, playing 29 minutes in an inspiring performance. He did everything he could to showcase the talents that Knicks management hoped would shine with a change of scenery.
Mudiay dished out 10 assists, putting pressure on the Pacers’ defense with the constant threat of a drive to the rim that enabled his teammates to get open.
He scored 14 points on a flurry of attacks to the basket and midrange jumpers, and looked like a potential complementary piece to Kristaps Porzingis.
What’s The Holdup?
A tall athletic point guard of foreign origin is a description befitting of multiple Knicks. When asked if acquiring Mudiay was a shot at Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina, Knicks general manager Steve Mills said the move was not a sign of disbelief in the potential of the Ntilikina.
Now if Mudiay is not in New York to audition for the same role as Frank Ntilikina, what is Knicks management’s plan for their point guard of the future? This may not be quite the issue that it appears.
While the guards share distinctive qualities, such as work in progress jump shots and lengthy wingspans, Ntilikina may not be a point guard in the near future.
While Mudiay’s playing style clearly fits Jeff Hornacek‘s offense—one that gains opportunities with a point guard who’s willing and able to penetrate opposing defense—Ntilikina’s height and length could eventually best suit him for the shooting guard position.
Is It Too Soon To Label The Denver Bust A Future Star?
While one game of basketball may not be enough to justify adding a new factor to the ever-complicating equation that is the New York Knicks, Mudiay is a young talent playing for a fan base that lives off of crumbs of hope.
He’s created sparks with his debut double-double, and with a strong finish to the year, could be a potential answer to a position that has lacked a constant face for some time.
The Point Guard Of The Future?
A potential starting five including Mudiay, Ntilikina, Kristaps Porzingis, and the Knicks’ first-round draft pick in the upcoming draft may seem a bit underwhelming to a city starving for a winner.
With the proper development, however, a Mudiay and Ntilikina backcourt could be lethal, clogging the passing lanes and providing playmaking offensively.
Mudiay is about to emerge into the mountain of media, bright lights, and constant reminders of every mistake that make up New York basketball. Yet unlike previous point guard disasters—what’s up Stephen Marbury?—Mudiay may have the composure to ward off the never-ending judgment that follows being a Knick.
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Maybe Kristaps Porzingis will get the running mate he has been waiting for the New York Knicks to acquire.