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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 12: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks looks on against the the Boston Celtics during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks looks on against the the Boston Celtics during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Starter: Kevin Knox

As someone who has been getting nothing but praise ever since Summer League, Kevin Knox will be the must-watch player for the 2018-19 New York Knicks. His praise has ranged from former Kentucky Wildcats teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to former Knicks point guard Charlie Ward.

Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, Gilgeous-Alexander had the following to say about his former Kentucky teammate:

"“It’s the same Kevin I saw day in and day out, but with the NBA spacing and better players around him,” Gilgeous-Alexander told The Post at Thomas & Mack Center. “It’s only making him better. I expected this from Kevin. I knew he was a really big talent and things like this were going to happen to him. “Kevin has the ultimate potential. You see it at summer league. He can play multiple positions. I think his game fits today’s NBA.”"

According to Moke Hamilton of BasketballInsiders.com, Ward offered similar praise for Knox, focusing more on his confidence and maturity.

"“He seems to have a mature approach and great understanding of where he is in his development. The kid is well-balanced, with an inner confidence and swagger to him while having a quiet demeanor — which you need, especially being in New York.”"

Ward’s words of encouragement, and Knox’s exceptional play at Summer League. have made the perfect case for Knox to start game one. What makes all this even better is that Knox, 18, still has a lot of room to grow.

With comparisons being drawn to a ceiling of Kevin Durant and Paul George, Kevin Knox could be the key to bringing in high-level free agents next season.

More importantly: Knox could be a key to the Knicks to contending in the long run. He’s flashed elite two-way potential with his size, athleticism, and skill level, and head coach David Fizdale will push him on the defensive side of the floor.

There’s a chance that someone could beat him for the starting job, but Knox has the highest ceiling of any active player on the Knicks. He should start.

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