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New York Knicks: Five lineups to explore during closing weeks of 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Troy Williams #0 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Troy Williams #0 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

5. A Potential Second Unit

PG: Emmanuel Mudiay
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Troy Williams
PF: Isaiah Hicks
C: Kyle O’Quinn

The New York Knicks need a second unit that can both create efficient offense and defend at a respectable level. There are various combinations that could achieve that feat, but this unit would provide the Knicks with a sustainable formula for success.

With a playmaker at point guard, a pair of two-way wings, an athletic 4, and a defensive-minded center, the Knicks would have quality balance.

Emmanuel Mudiay is a capable facilitator and slasher, and O’Quinn is one of the better passing big men in the NBA. Thus, the Knicks could combine an up-tempo pick and roll offense with the ability to slow the game down and create from the high post.

Hicks is a solid athlete at the 4, Williams is an explosive athlete at the 3, and Courtney Lee is more than sufficient with his speed and agility.

Beyond the physical tools, Lee would give the Knicks an efficient three-point shooter and Williams would give the team a rim-running wing. If Mudiay validates his emergence as a high-level playmaker, he could lead this unit.

It may or may not work out for the best, but the Knicks would at least be able to explore the potential of the players on the roster.

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