New York Knicks: Results of drastic lineup change vary

Frank Ntilikina

Slash line since move: .383/.273/1.000
Average stats since move: 10.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 30.6 MPG

Trey Burke

Slash line since move: .432/.417/.800
Average stats since move: 8.2 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 3PM, 15.4 MPG

Ntilikina moved from small forward to point guard as part of the lineup changes, giving him an on-ball roll in the latest aspect of Fizdale’s player development for the 20-year-old sophomore. So far, it has been a split tale of the tape.

The first two games saw the Frenchman score 17 and 16 points, respectively, with a combined 50 percent mark from three-point range. Why a 27.3 total mark? He’s 0-10 since.

At the same time, Ntilikina’s distribution output has soared, with 18 assists in the last three games compared to 6 in the first two. Either Fizdale asked him to play differently, or it’s just a case of shots not falling and other stats jumping out.

Trey Burke‘s slash line is better, but he’s on the bench in favor of the New York Knicks’ best defender. That won’t change unless the coaching staff, which has placed Ntilikina’s growth at the forefront, feels a backup role suits him best, for now.

The Michigan product might have his own second-string role to worry about, as Emmanuel Mudiay jumped into the rotation upon return from injury. They have split minutes so far, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for either one to claim the backup job outright.