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New York Knicks: Early pros, cons of a Kyrie Irving pursuit in free agency

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics walks to the locker room after the game against the New York Knicks on February 24, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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 - FEBRUARY 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics walks to the locker room after the game against the New York Knicks on February 24, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Con: Is the point guard already on the roster?

A Kyrie Irving acquisition improves the point guard position, but the New York Knicks already have players to handle to the ball. None of them sit at his level. Though, what if the organization sees one of them as the future?

The situation basically boils down to Trey Burke, who emerged revitalized in the 2018-19 season.

Burke nearly fizzled out of the NBA, but found success in the G League and earned a 36-game run with the Knicks to close the season. Amidst uncertainty, he was a bright spot, with 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 50.3 percent shooting in just 21.8 minutes per game.

It’s a small sample size, and under a new head coach, the results might differ for the Michigan product. However, what if he starts, takes another step in development and plays closer to the 21.1 points and 7.8 assists from his Per 36 Minutes numbers?

Sure, it’s usually a guarantee Kyrie Irving will post these stats in regular duty, but if the Knicks like what they see from Burke, they can keep him and use the extra cap space towards a center to play with Porzingis or a swingman.

With Frank Ntilikina, the Knicks drafted him as a point guard, but for now, he projects as a defensive stopper at shooting guard or small forward, unless the offense comes around.

None of this is to say Burke becomes elite in the 2018-19 season, and Irving will stand above him. But if New York sees progress from a player already on their roster, will they use the max money at a different position?