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New York Knicks: Eight predictions for the 2018-19 season

By Rob Wolkenbrod

New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina Kristaps Porzingis Tim Hardaway Jr. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina Kristaps Porzingis Tim Hardaway Jr. (Photo by Elsa/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) /

5. Trey Burke runs away with the point guard job

Trey Burke’s basketball renaissance unfolded with the New York Knicks in a 36-game run, but it took a G League stint to make it happen, which he found success in to start the 2017-18 campaign.

Burke’s work in Westchester gave him an opportunity with the Knicks, which he made the most of in 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 50.3 percent shooting—a career-high after years of sub-40 percent shooting numbers or just above this number. This also stint included nine starts.

There’s an open competition underway for point guard minutes in 2018-19, and one Burke could have the upper hand on, given what he did last season. Frank Ntilkina and Emmanuel Mudiay will also battle, but the former’s use can happen at multiple positions and the latter has not provided production beyond a backup.

Sure, head coach David Fizdale wants positionless basketball, and Burke does not fit at six-foot, but if his 2017-18 play carries over and continues the career revitalization, there should be no choice but to play the hot hand.

Burke’s shooting ability and low assist-to-turnover ratio (4.7 assists to just 1.2 turnovers last season) helps him over Mudiay and Ntilikina. Look for that to stick and lead to an intriguing payday in 2019.

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