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New York Knicks: So much for the offseason power forward ‘problem’

By Rob Wolkenbrod

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Wayne Ellington #2 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 30, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Wayne Ellington #2 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 30, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The offseason conversation focused on all the forward the New York Knicks signed. However, the guards have become the most impacted group of the two.

When the New York Knicks went on a power forward spree in the offseason, with Julius Randle, Marcus Morris, Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis all signing, playing time issues for these players were bound to happen. Too many players with starting experience signed, especially with Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox requiring minutes in the frontcourt.

However, through five games, that situation has been anything but problematic. Each player holds a consistent rotation role with the Knicks, even with Taj Gibson‘s 10 minutes per contest.

Instead, the guards have been squeezed out.

The Knicks, with good reason, are all-in on RJ Barrett; his 18.2 points per game and uplifting play as a rookie has been nothing to scoff at, deservedly averaging 36 minutes in the process.

Outside of the Canadian rookie, the competition for backup minutes at shooting guard and the point guard conundrum has changed by the game. Some players receive time in each game, while others have already sat via coach’s decision.

Wayne Ellington was already crunched out of one game, and he did not enter another game until the fourth quarter. For a Knicks team in need of backcourt floor spacing, his infrequent absences have been a minor surprise.

The most eye-opening though, Allonzo Trier started the season opener but played just six minutes. That seemed to be an early indicator for the 2018-19 favorite of Fizdale’s, as he has received two “DNP-CD” notes next to his name. The Arizona product is as streaky as anyone on the roster, and his knack for playing isolation basketball does not help ball movement, but Barrett’s presence has impacted his on-court opportunities.

There is no reason to think that changes either, as Trier’s best bet is to take Ellington’s time, but as the superior shooter of the two, the more experienced guard may have the leg up.

Behind them, another contributor from the 2018-19 team, Damyean Dotson, is on the outside of the mix. He finally received playing time in a meaningful moment, rather than in garbage time, against the Orlando Magic, but due to Elfrid Payton‘s absence opening a spot.

Point guard has been its own situation. From Payton to Dennis Smith Jr. and Frank Ntilikina, no one has run away with the job. New York still has issues there, but as Fizdale sorts this position’s state, it leads to as many as all three of these players receiving time. Injuries and off-court reasons have impacted it recently, but upon full returns, the Knicks have this spot to focus on.

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So while the spotlight shifted to the frontcourt glut in the summer, the guards have consumed the conversation early. The New York Knicks do not have any answers besides Barrett, but just five games into the season, there is time for it to develop.

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