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New York Knicks: Predicting the depth chart for the 2018-19 season

By Alex Rubinfeld

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 07: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot from John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 07: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot from John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Mitchell Robinson

Speaking of new to the game, welcome Mitchell Robinson, who hasn’t played organized basketball since high school (not counting Summer League). Many believed his first year would consist of playing time on the Westchester Knicks, but his Summer League performance spoke for itself.

After breaking the records for blocked shots and offensive rebounds per game, Robinson will undoubtedly be the backup center to start the season. But watch out for him to break into the starting lineup at some point in 2018-19.

His trainer certainly believes that to be the case, per Marc Berman of The New York Post:

"“I knew once they saw Mitchell on the court and saw all the stuff he brings to the table, the G-League would be eliminated from the conversation,’’ Scott told The Post in a phone interview. “I honestly think at the halfway mark, at the All-Star break, Mitch will be starting.’’"

Robinson still has a long way to go until he reaches his potential, but expect Robinson to still make an immediate impact with the second unit.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 115-97. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 115-97. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Joakim Noah

If there’s anyone who has had a tumultuous career with the New York Knicks, it’s Joakim Noah. As I’ve mentioned many a time, Noah is no longer even close to the Defensive Player of the Year form he displayed in 2013-14.

Noah has lost his midrange jumper, but more importantly, his defensive prowess has diminished. Age and injuries have been mostly to blame for the big man’s downfall.

Besides his mediocre play, and not to mention his run-in with former Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, he seems to have a good relationship with the players (hopefully the same with the new coaching staff), and may be able to provide valuable insight to Robinson or Knox.

Noah’s insight should help, but his overall play on the court will have him at the end of the bench as the Knicks have enough centers on the roster.

His contract is pretty much the only factor worth keeping him on the roster. Insight and poor performance do not constitute the $37.825 million still owed to him.

Related Story. Charlie Ward offers glowing review of Kevin Knox. light

Nevertheless, Joakim Noah should have a place with the New York Knicks come 2018-19 if his contract isn’t bought out.

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