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?
NY Knicks: Should rookie Immanuel Quickley take the reins?
Quickley has been a godsend for New York. Since the day Stephen Curry was one pick away from donning the orange and blue, the franchise has been starved for a point guard that can do the things Quickley can.
Not many predicted Quickley to be the pick at 25th overall – experts thought he would be an early second-round pick at best. The Knicks shocked the basketball world by taking him with the 25th selection – and now they’re reaping the benefits.
Quickley’s rookie campaign got off to a blazing start – he’s averaging 12.2 points per game in his 33 appearances. He’s already reached the 25 points mark five times – including a 31 point outburst against the Portland Trail Blazers.
His basketball intelligence has impressed as well, playing like a veteran most times as opposed to a first-year player. He’s even drawn comparisons to one of his basketball idols – one of the most consistent scorers in the league, Lou Williams
The precocious neophyte gained the respect of Williams’ teammate – perennial NBA All-Star, Paul George. After a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, George was complimentary of the rookie’s game and potential.
“I like him,” said the Clippers star. “We were just talking about him in the back. His floater game is off the charts… I thought he was fearless.”
With the respect of the league’s veterans and the numbers to back it up, why shouldn’t Quickley be the Knicks’ starting point guard?
What the rookie provides the Knicks with off the bench is simply too valuable to mess with. While Quickley will hopefully be the starting point guard for the NY Knicks for years to come, there’s no sense in rushing his development – especially when he’s performing already.
Some say it’s more telling who finishes the game for a team, as opposed to who starts it. More often than not, Quickley has been on the court through crunch time – hitting clutch buckets for his squad.
His time will come – but for now, Quickley is best suited as the heart of the Knicks’ second unit.
NY Knicks: Should Derrick Rose continue to blossom with the starting five?
Following his tumultuous first tenure in New York, questions arose on whether the second time around would be different for Rose and the Knicks. So far, so good – he’s made the most of his second chance in The Mecca.
In his ten games with the team since being acquired from the Detroit Pistons, the former league MVP is averaging 12.5 points per game. His impact has been felt all throughout the team – whether it’s been his ability to put points on the board, or leading the team when things look bleak.
Rose did most of his damage off the bench but got the call to the starting line-up when Elfrid Payton went down with a hamstring injury. He immediately began to ingratiate himself with the team’s starters – his first start saw the team score a season-high 140 points.
Rose has been appreciative of the opportunity to return to not just New York, but his favorite head coach in Thibodeau. The coach has continually gotten the most out of the player since his early years playing in Chicago.
Thibodeau is happy as well – and Rose has taken note. He spoke about seeing his coach smiling more than ever before.
“Just being here, appreciating the situation, appreciating him a lot more, it’s a blessing to be here. But you could just tell that he’s just a totally different person now. He’s smiling,” said the point guard. “I’ve never seen him smile as much as he has right now. So it rubs off on me, feeling his energy.”
Is the 2nd unit a better fit for Rose and the NY Knicks?
Rose’s energy has been infectious – but his number one contribution may be how he’s helped the NY Knicks’ bench improve. The team’s second unit became one of the best in the conference with his addition.
So, while Rose has played well whether starting or coming off the bench – which one should he return to after the All-Star break? It’s a tough decision, but it seems like him leading the second unit with Immanuel Quickley is perfect for Thibodeau’s squad at the moment.
With one more point guard to go, find out who should be the Knicks starting point guard – Rose or Elfrid Payton – on the next slide.
NY Knicks: Payton has started every game he’s played – should that change?
Elfrid Payton has had a roller-coaster of a season for the New York Knicks. He’s been the target of fan outrage, accused of having burner accounts, and he continually faces questions on whether he should be the team’s starting point guard.
Alas – he’s stayed the course through it all. He’s started all 33 games he’s been active for – proving that the coaches trust his game enough to win.
Payton currently leads the point guards in scoring at 12.7 points per game. He’s also averaging 3.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, all while logging an average of 28.2 minutes.
The former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun presence is felt most on the defensive end – helping the team become one of the best in the league on that side of the ball. While Quickley and Rose provide more of a spark on offense, Payton has helped frustrate opposing point guards all year long.
While he’s had some tough performances this season, Payton’s been picking up the slack recently on offense. His shooting, finishing, and play-making ability all becoming more efficient over the last month.
Thibodeau loves Payton – should NY Knicks fans follow suit?
Payton’s been exactly what Thibodeau looks for in a player – an unselfish, versatile athlete who gives effort all the time. Even when pressed with questions about how safe his starting job is, he responds with quotes like “I’m just trying to win, bro.”
Thibodeau has heaped the praise on Payton, waxing poetic about the Knicks’ guard when asked.
"“I think Elfrid’s a pro. I think he has a lot of pride in his game,”said the head coach.. “More importantly, I think he has a lot of pride in the team. And I think the winning component is very important to him. So, whatever we ask him to do, he does very unselfishly. He’s always sacrificing for the team. It’s recognized by everyone.”"
While he may never reach the heights Rose did in his career, or possess the potential Quickley does – Payton fits the mold of what Thibodeau is looking for in his starting point guard. So far, it’s translated to him starting every game he’s played in – don’t expect that to change.
As the Knicks continue their magnificent season, expect Elfrid Payton to get the nod over Rose and Quickley as the team’s starting point guard.