Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Player power rankings after starting lineup changes

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 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 - OCTOBER 29: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 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 – OCTOBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 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) /

27. . . Previous: 2nd. Enes Kanter. 2. team

Slash Line: .554/.333/.933
Week 2 Averages: 10.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Season Averages: 15.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Enes Kanter had an interesting second week of 2018-19, but not enough to remove him from number two in the player rankings. It’s due a consistent stat line, whether on the bench or in the starting lineup.

When David Fizdale announced plans to reevaluate the starting lineup, removing Kanter didn’t appear to be a thought, at least publicly. The speculation surrounded Lance Thomas and Trey Burke, but not someone who had a double-double in four of the New York Knicks’ first five games.

Of course the soon-to-be free agent moved to the bench to “lead the second unit.” While maybe not his desired role, it led to 11.5 points and 14.0 rebounds in just 23.3 minutes.

The standout game happened against the Nets, when Kanter punished them for 15 points and 15 rebounds on 7-for-13 shooting.

As long as Mitchell Robinson maintains promise in the starting lineup, and Kanter produces double-doubles in a reserve role, it will keep everything status quo. Especially since the former offers more defensive upside than the Turkish big man, referring back to Macri’s tweet on the team’s Plus/Minus without him on the court.

Aside from this, look for the matchup against the Dallas Mavericks’ DeAndre Jordan as the latest test in Week 3. How will Kanter perform?

Home/Knicks News