Allzono Trier surprising play is a welcome sight for an otherwise slow start to the New York Knicks season. Despite his value to the team, is the hype overblown?
Learning to win on the road sits high on the to-do list for a young development over the course of a season. As the youngest team in the NBA, the New York Knicks achieved a passing grade in Dallas last Friday night behind the efforts of Knicks’ rookie Allzono Trier.
Living up to his namesake, Iso-Zo reached down into his well of fruitful offensive moves to bless the Knicks in a 12 point win; however, his will is not an everlasting spring and will dry upon exertion.
Ladies and gentleman...ALLONZO TRIER 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/EHu8vJZLpy
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 6, 2018
The undrafted rookie from Arizona has become an enigma for basketball fans in the modern NBA. The illuminating light that comes from ball movement is darkened by Trier’s lack of playmaking and ball stopping. In only 11 games played he is averaging more turnovers than assists with a -3.2 net rating.
With the void of any dynamic scorers, the Knicks have turned to Trier to create in the half-court when the others on the court revert to window shoppers. However, his role in the offense is undefined and will stunt his growth as an NBA player.
Startling to see an opponent double-team an undrafted rookie every time he touches the ball in his first career NBA start, as the Bulls are doing to Trier tonight. https://t.co/epNwhg4BTT
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) November 6, 2018
His current usage rate is 19.6 percent (.2 percent higher than Carmelo Anthony) which in itself isn’t that high. Though, he shot 5-for-15 against a team that allowed almost 100 points in a half.
The fans that will point to Trier shooting over 49 percent from the field this season are missing the point. Film travels and opposing teams will see Trier struggling with double-teams at the top of the key. The Bulls took the Knicks out of their offense by forcing Trier to facilitate the ball, something he’s never done his entire college career. His Iso-Zo moniker hangs around his neck like a Roc-a-fella chain. Still respected in the league; but is looked upon more as a relic as opposed to an antique.
Triers is not the Knicks’ biggest problem — he’s far from it. While his game is more suited for VHR, he still finds ways to produce in the new NBA.
Outside of Tim Hardaway Jr., Trier is the only Knick who can consistently get to the rim. He makes defenders play Dance Dance Revolution outside the paint just to have their heads sink into their chest has he hits a jump-shot.
While not even 20 games into the season the Knicks lack of talent has forced Trier into a role reserved for an established veteran or a highly touted rookie. Trier made the most of the opportunity he has; it’s up to the Knicks to determines how to use him in this moment.