New York Knicks: Allonzo Trier deserves bigger role next season
By Eric Gaston
The New York Knicks shouldn’t forget about Allonzo Trier.
Undrafted in 2018, it’s fair to say New York Knicks guard Allonzo Trier has exceeded expectations after a solid rookie campaign in which he averaged 10.9 points per game, while shooting close to 45 percent from the field.
Since entering the league, it was clear as day that Trier was talented at scoring the basketball at all levels. Whether it was getting to the basket at will, or shooting off the dribble, Trier showed he can be a bucket-getter.
The game in which Trier scored 31 points against James Harden and the Houston Rockets showcased himself as being a key piece in the rebuild.
Alongside fellow rookies Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson, it seemed as if Trier was without a doubt going to get consistent playing time in the rotation this past season due to his consistent play his rookie year.
But due to the Knicks drafting R.J. Barrett, and bringing in guards via free agency in 2019, which included two shooters in Wayne Ellington and Reggie Bullock, the backcourt spot was clustered. And with Damyean Dotson also part of the roster, it conflicts playing time all around.
Though Trier started for New York against San Antonio on opening night, ever since then, he has been in and out of the rotation, appearing in only 24 games and limited to 12 minutes per game. Trier is still shooting close to 50 percent, even though he is only averaging 6.5 points per game.
The 24-year-old guard will be a restricted free agent this offseason, giving president Leon Rose the option to extend a qualifying offer and bring him back for the 2020-21 season. If New York plays him in the right role, he can be a valuable return piece.
Allonzo Trier still has potential for the New York Knicks.
The young guard is a talented offensive player, but he is not perfect. Nicknamed “Iso Zo”, Trier is dangerous in isolation and on the fast-break, but he has his flaws. Trier tends to have tunnel vision when in transition, and doesn’t always make the extra pass for an easy bucket.
Defensively, Trier is below-averaged and takes plays off. To his credit, when he is engaged, he is a solid on-ball defender. Trier doesn’t consistently rotate off the ball, which leads to open looks from shooters on opposing teams. That is partly why Trier hasn’t gained enough playing time this past season.
However, Trier’s weaknesses shouldn’t be used as an exception for him not getting enough playing time because there can be a case made for other teammates who have similar weaknesses in their game, but they get more playing time.
Considering the fact that there is mostly likely going to be a new head coach, such as a Tom Thibodeau or Kenny Atkinson, Trier’s defense can progress through development.
The fact still remains that Allonzo Trier is a threat on offense, and can be utilized on any team. His offense provides a spark plug, which he demonstrated earlier this past season in a game against Brooklyn in which he scored 22 points, which almost lead to a victory.
If given the opportunity, Trier’s game can get even better. When it comes to instant offense throughout the years, players such as Lou Williams, Jamal Crawford, and J.R. Smith all come to mind when they were in the prime of their careers. Trier has the potential to be in that same class.
New York has value with Trier on the roster. It would be disappointing if they let that value go to waste.