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

3) Get creative

Everyone always talks about how the modern NBA is a position-less sport, maybe the best solution for the Knicks at point guard is to not play a traditional point guard.

In other words, what is wrong with deploying lineups that feature Alec Burks or RJ Barrett facilitating the offense with an extra shooter playing next to them like Reggie Bullock?

The Knicks have depth up front and along the wings, which they can spread out in a way that minimizes the need to play Elfrid Payton or Dennis Smith Jr. significant minutes. Essentially, Thibodeau would be playing his best players more minutes, which we know he likes to do, while also putting them in better positions to succeed.

We have seen Barrett struggle out of the pick-and-roll when defenses attack him and limit his options to drive to the hoop. Again, this is why he needs more floor spacers around him who can make opponents pay for crowding the ball-handler. The best way for the Knicks to do this is to overload their backcourt with shooters, regardless of natural position.

Burks is a great option as a player who has proven he can facilitate an offense in limited opportunities. On a good 76ers team last season, lineups with him playing point guard generated a +6.8 rating. And while he isn’t the most lethal perimeter shooter, he at least keeps defenses honest.

The season is still early, so Thibodeau has plenty of time to tinker with lineups, but if he gets creative, he might be able to hide the lack of productive point guard depth on the roster.