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New York Knicks: Five lineups to explore after the All-Star Break

By Maxwell Ogden

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks reassures Frank Ntilinkina #11 after his foul against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks reassures Frank Ntilinkina #11 after his foul against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 12: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 12: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. The G League Experiment

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Damyean Dotson
SF: Nigel Hayes
PF: Isaiah Hicks
C: Luke Kornet

This lineup would be used sparingly, but come garbage time, it might be worth looking into. Trey Burke, Damyean Dotson, and Luke Kornet all look the part of NBA players, and both Nigel Hayes and Isaiah Hicks were high-level college players.

Whether this lineup is utilized one time or 100, calling up Hayes from the G League and letting this lineup go in garbage time would enable the New York Knicks to evaluate its future.

With Burke and Dotson in the backcourt, the Knicks would have a penetrating point guard and a sharpshooting wing to be his complement. Hayes and Hicks are versatile defenders who can switch on the pick and roll, and bring size and length to the frontcourt.

As for Kornet, he’s the NCAA’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made by a player who stands 7’0″ or taller, as well as a productive shot-blocker.

With Dotson, Hayes, and Kornet, the Knicks would have three competent three-point shooters on the floor. With Burke and Hicks, New York would also have a pair with pick and roll experience and the ability to create offense in isolation—whether in the post or from the perimeter.

This lineup would likely receive limited run, but it’s one that would enable New York to determine if its G League stars have a future on the main roster.

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