Knicks: 4 potential starting lineups for the 2020-21 season

Possible Knicks starting lineup: Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Julis Randle, Nerlens Noel

I mean, if the Knicks are going to sign or draft every ex-Kentucky player possible, might as well start’em too, right?

This lineup assumes two things: Kevin Knox is as good as the coaches are making him out to be in their interviews, and Mitch actually is in Thibs’ doghouse. Recent news has broken about Mitch’s lack of professionalism and how the star center needs to work more closely with the staff to help further progress his overall game. Regardless of that, the only way I see Noel starting in place of Mitch is if Leon Rose and Scott Perry were quietly fielding offers for him, perhaps in a 3-way trade that could land the team a good ol’ Buddy of ours? Wishful thinking, I know.

Nothing would make me happier than to see Kevin Knox make huge strides this season towards the Paul George-esque potential he supposedly had on draft night. I truly believe under former UK assistant coach Kenny Payne, guys like Knox will absolutely thrive. He has the skillset and the size to be at the very least a solid contributor in this league, just needs to fine-tune some aspects of his game.

Now, regarding Nerlens Noel, I’m aware he’s not the prototypical center you want on your team in 2021, but he’s the kind of center I want on my team any day of the week. The man has a hard time doing wrong on the defensive side of the ball, and I think if given between 25-30 minutes per night, he could grab the Knicks 8-9 boards per game and about 2 blocks.

Does that replace everything Mitch is capable of? No. But that should hold the Knicks over until they sign or draft another center next offseason.