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New York Knicks: The fluctuating rotation cuts so far

ByRob Wolkenbrod|
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 11: The New York Knicks react during a pre-season game against the Washington Wizards on October 11, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 11: The New York Knicks react during a pre-season game against the Washington Wizards on October 11, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Through four games, how have the New York Knicks handled the bottom of the rotation?

The New York Knicks have opened their season at 1-3, winning for the first time against the Chicago Bulls. It took overcoming a 15-point deficit, but the team still had their most productive night of the young campaign.

To find the win column, it took tinkering to the rotation in each game to find the proper group of players. Coach David Fizdale’s lineups never stayed the same for any of the four matchups, and while it also hinged on stellar performances like Bobby Portis‘, Monday marked a high note amid early-season struggles.

With those changes comes players losing their opportunities. Some of them have rarely appeared in games or maintained a spot at the end of the bench to open the season, highlighting Fizdale’s continuous alterations to the rotation:

Oct. 23 vs. San Antonio Spurs

  • Frank Ntilikina (Two minutes): After two turnovers and one foul, Ntilikina was yanked from the game and did not return.
  • Ignas Brazdeikis (DNP-Coach’s Decision): This began a string of four consecutive absences via coach’s decision, and the 2019 second-round pick has yet to appear in a game this season.
  • Damyean Dotson (DNP-Coach’s Decision): This started Dotson’s quick fall from grace, after holding a significant role for the Knicks in 2018-19.

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Oct. 25 vs. Brooklyn Nets

  • Dennis Smith Jr. (Four minutes): Shooting and defensive struggles limited Smith Jr.’s on-court time in Brooklyn.
  • Damyean Dotson (DNP-Coach’s Decision)
  • Frank Ntilikina (DNP-Coach’s Decision)

Oct. 26 vs. Boston Celtics

  • Taj Gibson (Five minutes): Gibson’s minutes have fluctuated, but he is not a main contributor to the Knicks right now, barring an injury to one of the frontcourt starters.
  • Damyean Dotson (Three minutes)
  • Wayne Ellington (DNP-Coach’s Decision): After stretching the floor for the Knicks in their comeback loss to the Nets, it was a surprise to see Ellington off the court.
  • Frank Ntilikina (DNP-Coach’s Decision)

Oct. 28 vs. Chicago Bulls

  • Ignas Brazdeikis (DNP-Coach’s Decision)
  • Damyean Dotson (DNP-Coach’s Decision)
  • Allonzo Trier (DNP-Coach’s Decision): Despite starting the opener and scoring 22 points against the Nets, Trier found his first game on the bench against Chicago.

Brazdeikis and Dotson have been the consistent presences on the bench, struggling to receive time in a crowded mix. Others have joined them, and this group may continue to fluctuate as Fizdale decides which lineups make the most sense on a given night.

Which players will not suit up for the fifth game? It will come to fruition when the New York Knicks face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

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