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New York Knicks: Predicting the preseason point-guard depth chart

By Rob Wolkenbrod

TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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How could the New York Knicks’ point guard depth chart look entering Monday’s preseason opener?

The New York Knicks season is almost here. First, training camp and the preseason must transpire, which features build-up to the meaningful games and creates intrigue for what may follow over the next 82 matchups.

Part of New York’s situation involves the everchanging point guard situation. A position always in flux, the Knicks have yet another year of deciding the starter entering a season. This time, up to three players are competing for it.

3. Frank Ntilikina

Injuries and poor play kept Frank Ntilikina behind for most of the 2018-19 season, potentially deterring his organizational standing, given his 2020-21 team option does not have a resolution yet; it must be decided by Oct. 31.

However, Ntilikina’s run for Team France stood out, showcasing the most confident version of the player New York selected in the 2017 NBA draft. He made big shots and played terrific defense on Team USA’s Kemba Walker, contributing to a successful run for the Frenchmen.

Knicks training camp is a different story, as the 21-year-old must prove where he stands with the team. Head coach David Fizdale’s comments have proved positive so far, and he is not concrete on Ntilikina playing point guard; he can still handle the position, but with a 6-foot-6 frame and a 7-foot wingspan, this is a versatile player at the roster’s disposal.

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2. Elfrid Payton

The newcomer, Elfrid Payton has the case to start immediately, with an $8 million base salary. He might have to work into the top point-guard role, hinging on how he handles the basketball and making shots, which has been difficult for the veteran.

If, like Emmanuel Mudiay, Fizdale likes the passing ability Payton brings to the table, he should become the favorite to open the season in the starting lineup. For now, he projects just one notch behind.

1. Dennis Smith Jr.

Year Three is important for Dennis Smith Jr. On his second team and with a fourth-year team option ahead, he has as much to prove as Ntilikina or other young players. Struggling to shoot the basketball, again, will put him behind, along with repeating a 4.8:2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio.

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This is the familiar face, though, and he should open the preseason with the starting spot to lose. The scoring potential is there to keep it; he just must become consistent early, often and throughout the year to hold the job and become the New York Knicks’ point guard of the future.

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