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New York Knicks: Latest rotation adjustment lets Luke Kornet shine

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Luke Kornet #2 and Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 27, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Luke Kornet #2 and Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 27, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale adjusted the rotation, whether due to injury or his own discretion, and it paid off.

Amid losing 10 of 11 games, New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale adjusted the rotation yet again. Lineups were tinkered with throughout the season, but Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks provided one of the most drastic adjustments.

Of course, there were minor changes, but they all impacted this second loss in three nights to the Bucks, 112-96.

Will any of these moves stick? Let’s see based on how each player performed in their respective circumstance:

Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee rejoined the rotation and entered the starting lineup, replacing the ill Tim Hardaway Jr. Since returning from a strained neck, he struggled to find any consistency, due to unstable minutes.

Well, on Thursday, Lee played a season-high 23 minutes, finishing with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals.

He will not last there forever — maybe even Saturday’s game if Hardaway returns. This one-off spot in the starting lineup may have provided some clarity for the 33-year-old’s role. Given Fizdale’s constant shuffling, though, how many games will this last for?

Frank Ntilikina

After a Christmas Day absence, Frank Ntilikina replaced Trey Burke, again, in the rotation. This return did not exactly provide the eye-popping moments of his first comeback from exile, but he still had five points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Ntilikina should still garner some time, but nothing more than the 20 minutes from Thursday’s game, unless his scoring numbers rise and level off, rather than a rollercoaster of offensive outcomes.

Luke Kornet

Luke Kornet was the surprise addition to the starting lineup, assuming the “center” spot. The Knicks’ star of the night, he finished with 23 points and seven three-pointers (eight made shots total).

The Vanderbilt product will not make that many outside shots every night, but he at least stretches the floor at a position the Knicks have had minimal, extended production at.

This should keep Kornet in the starting lineup for the short term, until Fizdale opts to work the injured Mitchell Robinson in and keep Enes Kanter happy.

Enes Kanter

Speaking of Kanter, the veteran center played just 14 minutes off the bench, due to a mid-game ejection for a confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

As per the first removal from the starting lineup, Kanter expressed perceived dissatisfaction with the decision.

Kornet’s night bought him some time, which places Kanter in another awkward situation, especially when Robinson returns. Now that Fizdale has three centers to use, someone may not find the minutes they want.

If Kanter is on the outside looking in, will the Knicks eventually consider buying out the rest of his deal? He’s not part of the future, with his $18 million set to clear the payroll and open cap space for the team’s potential pursuit of free agents. It may be a situation where nothing happens, but has the potential to be volatile either way.

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The New York Knicks will return to face the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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