New York Knicks: Five players with something to prove for rest of 2018-19

2. Emmanuel Mudiay

Slash Line: .453/.308/.760
Stat Line: 14.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The starting point guard job was Emmanuel Mudiay’s for most of this season, until a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three weeks. That opened the door for Dennis Smith Jr., acquired Jan. 31, to immediately take and somewhat run away with this role.

Mudiay returned Friday night and received some ball-handling opportunities, but played behind Smith. Maybe just a one-time occurrence, but potentially indicative of the final 23 games.

Smith is under contract through 2020-21, and the Knicks have seen what Mudiay can do. While this became a redemptive season for the 22 year old, subpar defense plagued him and, when Tim Hardaway Jr. was around, they combined for a troubling backcourt covering other guards.

Hypothetically, Mudiay could return on a signed qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, pending New York offers it. They can also match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Will either happen, however, if he loses playing time and watches his stock tank?

Mudiay should have an opportunity to play significant minutes, but battling Smith, Allen, Jenkins, Frank Ntilikina, Damyean Dotson and Allonzo Trier for backcourt time presents a challenge. One or multiple players will fall out, but the fourth-year man’s statistical production may keep him around.