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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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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Courtney Lee

As one of the most consistent and reliable two-way players on the New York Knicks, Courtney Lee has been one of the team’s most reliable assets. He’s a veteran sharpshooter and quality defender who would be valuable to any contender.

But for now, he will be seen as the back up small forward for the Knicks, albeit while mostly likely being switched between the 2 and the 3 spots.

At 32, Lee will still be given starter minutes for his overall contributions to the team. His leadership and consistency throughout the years have made him a pivotal piece to any franchise that has him.

As the Knicks’ potential sixth man, Lee will be a valuable leader of the Knicks’ young bench. The only reason I don’t see Lee starting at the 3 this season is due to the overload at the guard position and the addition of Knox.

But with the new roster, Lee will make a valuable contribution as a veteran leader for this new-age Knicks.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 28: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 28: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lance Thomas

Having noted Lee’s value as a leader, Lance Thomas gives the same contribution as a guiding voice for the Knicks’ young core. As one of the few remaining players from the 2014-15 team, Thomas has been able to stick with the Knicks because of his vocal leadership and hard-nosed defense.

His presence on the team will only prove beneficial to the likes of Knox, per Marc Berman of The New York Post.

"“He’s going to have a steady diet of me this year,’’ Thomas said after running a basketball/life day for New Heights Youth, a non-profit sports-based youth organization. “If he can get around me easily, he should be able to get around most guys easily.”"

Thomas will serve as insurance for injuries on the roster, as he can fill in at the 3 or 4, but will most likely be valued for his off-court presence and defensive-minded schemes.

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