New York Knicks: Realistic goals for Kevin Knox in 2019-20

1. Maintain a starting spot

The New York Knicks starting lineup is still months from coming to fruition for the 2019-20 NBA season, even if players like Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle are all but guaranteed spots. That puts three spots up for grabs, including for Kevin Knox to fight for.

Knox ended his rookie season in the starting lineup, but the Knicks added RJ Barrett, Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson, each of whom can impact the rotation and take significant minutes. That is potentially bad news for the Phoenix, AZ native, who needs a strong showing to maintain his lineup spot immediately.

If Knox plays well enough early, he may start and never look back. Optimal for his development, it lets him garner experience, with a higher on-court comfort level.

If Morris becomes the starting small forward, though, it will be an uphill battle to work into the lineup and recoup the 28.8 minutes per game averaged as a rookie.

Midseason trades are the likely avenue for Knox to find a starting spot if that is the case. While not ideal and a long wait, he can still finish the year strong and cement himself into the team’s plans.

Knox is capable of starting full time, but that may not come easy to open the next season. By putting together a strong run from start to finish, he can move past the veterans and remain in head coach David Fizdale’s good graces.