3. Burke-Hardaway-Ntilikina-Noah Vonleh-Kanter
This lineup provides a similar look for the New York Knicks, with Noah Vonleh in for Lance Thomas. Keeping it status quo to preserve the bench scoring might be realistic, however.
Vonleh replacing Thomas won’t do much on the offensive end, but the former offers more athleticism and power under the hoop for putbacks and rebounds. The incumbent starter provides a better defensive presence, but that can work situationally in a reserve role.
With 7.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in just 17 minutes per game, the Indiana product has provided enough production in limited time to make an impact. How would it translate with a different role?
Off the bench, Mario Hezonja, Allonzo Trier and Damyean Dotson remain to provide outside scoring for the Knicks and keeps the bench group in place that Fizdale has appreciated.
With a nearly identical framework for this lineup, it still leaves Hardaway as the lone perimeter offensive option off the ball. Vonleh and Enes Kanter can’t stretch the floor, and Ntilikina’s strong suit isn’t this.
Based on production alone, the fifth-year man deserves a longer look. It might cause the same issues as the first five games, so will this set-up be an option?