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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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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 14: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 14, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 14: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 14, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Forward: Lance Thomas

Among the most tenured players on the New York Knicks, Lance Thomas will enter his fourth full season with the organization and part of a fifth year, since the 2015 trade, that also sent JR Smith and Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Thomas worked into 31 starts with the Knicks in 2017-18, but under the now-former head coach, Jeff Hornacek. As a defensive presence and occasional ability to shoot from long distance, the Duke product found a steady role, albeit in just over 18 minutes per game.

A long-term starting role does not fit, given Porzingis’ impending return and the possible insertion of Knox into a main spot. However, as one of the team’s oldest players, Thomas also offers the veteran presence for a group of 26-and-under talents that does a bit of almost everything on the court.

There’s also the versatility to play either forward spot, which allows for creativity in Fizdale’s unique system. Thomas can play next to Porzingis at either forward spot upon return, next to the starting center in the interim and between someone like Knox at power forward and Hardaway at shooting guard.

This should give Thomas a starting spot to not only open the preseason, but opening night in October. While this may not be the case for the full season, like the others, he can make an impression early.

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