New York Knicks: Projecting the 10-man rotation to open the season

Small Forwards

Marcus Morris: Prediction – 27 minutes, 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 steals, on 46 percent shooting and 38 percent on three-point shooting

While he may not be Kevin Durant, Marcus Morris is becoming a good 3-and-D player at this stage of his career and will be a valuable piece to this team.

The veteran forward is coming off a year where he was one of the Boston Celtics’ most consistent, hard-working players, which, considering the Knicks haven’t had that since Tyson Chandler, should say a lot about him.

The Celtics are a talented team, and to start on that group is another feat, something most players on the New York Knicks cannot accomplish. If Morris can keep shooting above league average from long range, there is no way Knox will start over him, given the disparities in defense.

Kevin Knox: Prediction – 25 minutes, 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist, on 43 percent shooting and 39 percent on three-pointers

When it comes to Knox, at this stage of his career, chances are it’s best he comes off the bench behind Morris due to the inefficiency and defense last year. That being said, the sophomore forward is still young, won Rookie of the Month in December, and clearly has potential as a scorer. The only problem: he was thrust into a role he was not ready for last year.

At this point in Knox’s career, a bench role is better suited for him. It will not mean an increase statistically, but he has the chance to improve defensively and become a more efficient scorer, which is a plus for the New York Knicks.