New York Knicks: What is David Fizdale looking for in starting lineup?

Throughout training camp, what has New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale looked for in a starting lineup?

The New York Knicks have roster changes, a new head coach and a new scheme in place. They may even roll a revamped starting lineup on the court, as David Fizdale already put all five spots up for grabs in training camp and preseason.

Four days of practices already passed, and with Saturday’s open practice underway, it’s all incremental steps towards Fizdale’s decision, which will happen once the preseason ends.

To decide on the lineup, though, what has Fizdale said he wants to see? How about the factors that don’t matter?

Contracts and the past do not matter

It all began with Fizdale’s proclamation, but even bolder, he noted it did not matter who started before or how big their contract was. That placed players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter on notice—two starters from 2017-18 and two of New York’s biggest contracts.

Courtney Lee might act as the most interesting of the three, however, especially with the next part of what Fizdale wants from his starting lineup. With two years and approximately $25 million left, it might not matter towards the ultimate decision.

A bigger small forward

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Fizdale wants a to start a bigger small forward. If so, that takes Hardaway and Lee out of the mix, both of whom stand at 6-foot-5. Other, taller options allow the Knicks head coach to fulfill this, though.

Mario Hezonja and Kevin Knox who stand at 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-9, respectively, both represent this. They offer mismatch looks against opposing defenses, which allows the team to play tall and potentially supplement for the smaller Trey Burke, if he becomes the starting point guard.

Hezonja and Knox also give Fizdale versatility, since either can play the stretch four or shooting guard in certain lineups. So it allows for creativity in this fast-paced offense.

Players who “run”

A common theme in the Knicks preparation, Fizdale looked for players to enter training camp in shape and prepared to move fast.

After subpar shooting numbers upon arrival, Emmanuel Mudiay followed through with this task to impress the coaching staff, according to Chris Iseman of NorthJersey.com.

"“I feel I’m in good shape,” Mudiay said. “Being in better condition obviously is going to make you a better player and just put you in a better frame of mind.”"

Burke, who’s also in the mix for a starting spot, seemed excited about Fizdale’s open and “high-octane” scheme, and affirmed the pre-training camp goal to condition and become ready to run.

It’s a system the point guards have high hopes for, as they appear to have the freedom to create and push the offense at their speed. Will it mean statistical increases for Burke, Mudiay and even Frank Ntilikina across the board?