Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 3 options to fix the point guard problem

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Knicks
Dec 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) passes the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Let everyone get healthy and ride out what you have

The easiest solution to fixing the Knicks’ point guard problems is to remain patient. Both Austin Rivers and Immanuel Quickley are injured. They will eventually return to the court. And when they do, Tom Thibodeau can quickly bury Elfrid Payton on the bench if he continues to struggle making a difference in the offense without the luxury of an outside shot.

Ideally, Rivers wouldn’t be the featured point guard in the offense. His game is better suited off the ball with occasional playmaking duties. But beggars can’t be choosers.

The most promising prospect to lead the offense is Immanuel Quickley. If nothing else, he can shoot from all over the Garden floor. While some debate whether he is better suited off the ball as a floor spacer versus the lead guard with the ball in his hands, he has grown up playing the point guard position, and his ability to attack the rim creates opportunities for his teammates.

The season is only two games long. In the right lineups, Payton can provide value as a penetrating guard. Perhaps with a healthy roster, Thibodeau can find the right combinations with Rivers, Quickley, and Payton to make the point guard rotation work.

And if you are still buying Dennis Smith Jr. stock, I suppose you can continue to hope he emerges as an option, too.

Home/Knicks News