Knicks: Why Austin Rivers should be the starting point guard

So where does this leave Elfrid Payton?

DNP-CD. Third point guard (maybe 4th, with what Frank brings as a defender and *better* shooter), only used when guys go down.

I know that’s jarring after five games, but he was horrific in the losses and like I mentioned above, borderline unplayable against the Cavs until the 4th quarter. With the inevitable shooting regression, even with a boost in his finishing and A:TO, he’s simply not what this team needs.

In fact, Leon Rose should be making calls about him right now, before his stock plummets. He’s an expiring contract on a cheap deal who can pass, rebound, and get into the paint – surely someone could use him. And if Rose finds that someone, he shouldn’t drive a hard bargain. Or any bargain at all. The asset coming back doesn’t matter. What matters is alleviating this logjam and ridding themselves of the temptation to play him 30 minutes a night.

Quickley is the better player in every important way, and Rivers is the better offensive player on the longer and more team-friendly deal. Once this team hits full strength, Payton goes to the bench – or packs his bags – and the team will be better for it.

Rivers is not without his flaws, but he brings a level of scoring competence that the Knicks haven’t had at the position and won’t have as long as Elf’s starting. Last year, Rivers shot 35.6% from three, 15.3% better than Payton. Last year, Rivers shot a career-best 70.3% from the free throw line; that’s not even good for a guard, yet it’s still 13.3% better than what Payton shot (and 70.3% better than what Payton’s currently shooting). He’s not the most efficient scorer, but his 54.2 TS% was significantly better than any Knicks’ point guard last year, including Payton’s 47%.

This is what the Knicks need right now. His presence in the starting lineup will make Randle’s life even easier (it’s not like Payton is spoon-feeding Julius easy buckets). It will make RJ better, giving him more space to operate. Bullock and Mitch would benefit from his threat as a scorer as well. And it’ll allow Immanuel Quickley to grow with other young core in the second unit.

Payton’s immediate benching isn’t realistic, even when Quickley gets back. He’s producing and the Knicks are playing well (last night’s shooting aside). But if Thibs is serious about winning over the long haul – no Fade for Cade – then the right move is to shelf Elf and let the Rivers run.