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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: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on 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: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Emphasizing Defense

PG: Emmanuel Mudiay
SG: Frank Ntilikina
SF: Courtney Lee
PF: Lance Thomas
C: Kyle O’Quinn

The New York Knicks have a chance to legitimately lock opponents down. It may be too little, too late as far as the postseason is concerned, but the Knicks can build a big lineup that prioritizes defense with a combination of the up-and-coming players and established veterans.

New York could swap some players out for others, but the idea with this lineup is that the defensive-minded culture could be established.

With Emmanuel Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina, the Knicks would have two 6’5″ guards who can defend both backcourt positions. Courtney Lee would help, as well, as he’s a committed team defender who makes his voice heard on defense.

That trio of players should be able to adequately defend the perimeter, especially if Mudiay steps up and becomes the on-ball force that he’s capable of being.

Along the interior, Thomas is a versatile defender who’s willing and able to pick up players at multiple positions. Kyle O’Quinn has proven to have defensive proficiency of his own, with the shot-blocking and rebounding to border on dominance.

It may not be a lineup that’s utilized for years to come, but it’s one that could help establish a more defensive-minded culture for the Knicks.

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