While the NY Knicks bask in the glory of their unexpectedly magical first half, one question looms large – who should be their starting point guard?
Since Tom Thibodeau’s arrival as Knicks’ head coach, he’s fixated on Elfrid Payton for the role. Much to the ire of fans everywhere, it’s seemingly impossible for anyone to displace him.
The only thing that got Thibodeau to change his ways was a hamstring injury to Payton – which caused him to miss three games. In his absence, newly acquired Derrick Rose was thrust into the starting role.
While Rose performed well, an inconclusive COVID-19 test caused him to miss a game – leaving the Knicks without their starting point guard once again. In light of this development, Thibodeau did something that was unthinkable just days prior – start fan favorite, Frank Ntilikina.
While The French Prince has been adored by Knicks’ fans, many wondered why rookie sensation, Immanuel Quickley, was passed over. The Knicks’ head coach stated it was match-up based – along with a desire to keep Quickley together with the second unit when pressed about it.
Knicks fans have affectionately nicknamed Quickley as IQ – a play on his initials and his basketball savvy. As he continues to perform when given the opportunity, it’s believed the team has finally found their point guard of the future – and the fans want to see him get that starter’s rub.
While Ntilikina has improved since his return to the team’s rotation, it’s a three-man race to be the starting point guard of the NY Knicks. Payton, Rose, and Quickley – which one deserves to be the team’s starting point guard as they continue their playoff run after the All-Star break?