1. Ntilikina-Hardaway-Dotson-Thomas-Kanter
This lineup, again, puts Frank Ntiikina into the ball-handling role for the New York Knicks. It’s not Allonzo Trier, due to his streaky shooting so far that’s better for the bench, despite the ability to control the ball.
Aside from this, the only change finds Damyean Dotson in for Trey Burke. They swap rotation placement, with the latter guard to the bench as the sixth or seventh man.
Dotson joins for his standout offensive play when the Knicks struggled to score against Miami and lost control in Milwaukee.
The Michigan product’s removal sacrifices distributing for a larger lineup that stands up defensively. All five stand at 6-foot-5 or taller, so Fizdale can utilize versatile head-to-head matchups and even have a bigger player on the opposition’s point guard.
This lineup keeps Lance Thomas in place, as well. Even with offensive limitations, he’s still valuable to keep as a starter when Ntilikina is the only defensive-minded player.
Along with this, moving Frank Ntilikina off his small forward-esque role opens two perimeter scorers and keeps Enes Kanter in his usual spot. It’s not a grand change from the original lineup, but keeps the players in that have earned it.
David Fizdale says he felt, in part, the decision to start Frank Ntilikina was based on wanting to establish a strong and culture with the Knicks. So Ntilikina earned it and it was important to give it to him based on merit. He believes the decision will also spark Knox. https://t.co/X0msBCugk5
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 16, 2018
There’s a decision for Fizdale to make before Friday’s game against Golden State. Whoever starts will look to captain a path out of this four-game losing streak.