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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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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 06: (L-R) Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 and Trey Burke #3 of the Michigan Wolverines react in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Georgia Dome on April 6, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 06: (L-R) Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 and Trey Burke #3 of the Michigan Wolverines react in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Georgia Dome on April 6, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Embracing Michigan

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Tim Hardaway Jr.
PF: Troy Williams
C: Enes Kanter

Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. experienced resounding success at the collegiate level. As teammates on the Michigan Wolverines, both members of that star duo were named All-Big Ten and led the blue and maize to the 2013 National Championship Game.

With this lineup, head coach Jeff Hornacek would essentially be recreating the environment at Michigan with a unit that emulates what John Beilein put on the court.

With Burke and Hardaway leading the perimeter, the foundation would already be in place for a return to glory. Courtney Lee can be a two-way version of Nik Stauskas, while Troy Williams can be the small-ball 4 in the same manner as Glenn Robinson III.

Enes Kanter would essentially be a (significantly) better Jordan Morgan or Mitch McGary in the sense that he can dominate the low post and crash the boards at a high level.

There’s an admittedly questionable chance of the Knicks experiencing sustainable success with this lineup. Developing Burke and Hardaway should be a top priority over the next few weeks, however, and recreating a familiar environment could help.

If nothing else, this lineup would explore how fast the Knicks can realistically play with the roster that’s been given to head coach Jeff Hornacek.

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