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New York Knicks: Projecting the preseason opener’s starting lineup

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks and Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks high-five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 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 - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks and Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks high-five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 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 10: Mario Hezonja and Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks poses for a photo announcing Mario’s signing on July 10, 2018 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Mario Hezonja and Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks poses for a photo announcing Mario’s signing on July 10, 2018 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Forward: Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja arguably became the New York Knicks’ biggest free-agent acquisition of the offseason, even at just one year, $6.5 million. Noah Vonleh was the other main addition, but only on a partially guaranteed contract.

In a league that continues to push behind the arc, it makes sense for the Knicks to acquire players that not only knock down shots but own the size to offer mismatch advantages. Hezonja offers this, and it should benefit the team in a starting role.

Hezonja’s opportunity can start in the first preseason game, as he looks to impress and work on the career-high 30 starts accumulated with the Orlando Magic in 2017-18 and 41 total across three years.

With the final projected preseason starters, Hezonja offers the ideal shooting range to spread the floor and allow the power forward and “center” to handle areas closer to or within the paint. Defensively may prove otherwise, but it’s the package for the bigger small forward Fizdale wants.

Kevin Knox’s presence looms behind Hezonja, as well as the potential in-season return of Kristaps Porzingis, so a starting spot might not stick long into 2018-19. For now, though, look for a test run in the preseason that stretches into meaningful games.

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