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New York Knicks: What if each player was a chess piece?

By Brad Wier

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Frank Ntilikina #11 and R.J. Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Frank Ntilikina #11 and R.J. Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 14: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks: The Pawns

Pawns are the least important pieces (players) and can be sacrificed for the greater good, such as eventually winning the game (NBA Championship LOL one day). A pawn can move forward one space at a time and capture other pieces diagonally (really interesting I know).

This isn’t to say these guys aren’t valuable, but of the current players these are the least important to the team’s future and are candidates to ride the bench or be traded.

Taj Gibson

Maybe Mr. Thibodeau plays him 38 minutes and he becomes the starting center. Money says probably. But, I’m hoping he stays on the team and plays a mentor role to Mitch Lobinson while being a solid bench big-man. Ian Begley of SNY recently speculated that Gibson could possibly come back to the Knicks on a team-friendly deal to play under his former coach.

Reggie Bullock

A good three-and-D player, but he’s maybe the most prime to be trade bait to a contender that is looking for shooting. The Knicks can guarantee his contract for only $4.2 million next season.

Wayne Ellington

He’s like Reggie Bullock, but the Walmart version. Think Coca-Cola versus Cola.

Maurice Harkless

Please refer to the video below to see Maurice’s future with the team.

Jared Harper

All I know is he’s not Trier and it makes me sad.

Kenny Wooten

A Knicks twitter superstar. Many fans will know about him very soon. He’s a keeper.

Theo Piston

Still not Trier.

Ignas Brazdeikis

Probably the biggest wild card as a young player due to the fact we haven’t seen much of him. What we have seen is a hard-playing, surprisingly athletic forward who went off in summer league that one time. I already know Thibs is gonna love him and Wooton, and I’d be shocked if they don’t get a chance to play into a meaningful role off the bench.

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