New York Knicks: Predicting the perfect playoff rotation

New York Knicks: Bench rotation

PG – Alec Burks

SG – Immanuel Quickley

SF – Frank Ntilkina

PF – Obi Toppin

C – Taj Gibson

With Derrick Rose heading into the starting lineup, the Knicks should give their old 6th man the keys to the bench offense. Alec Burks hadn’t been with the team for a few weeks due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, but he has come back and picked up right where he left off.

The veteran journeyman recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, providing clutch offense when the team needed it most.

One of the less talked about storylines this season is that Rose and Burks haven’t played particularly well alongside each other.

Burks is averaging 15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9% from three in games without Rose. Those numbers drop down to 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 39.8% from three with Rose.

Similarly, Rose is averaging 19.5 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from three in games without Burks. In games where Burks also plays, those numbers are just 12.9 points and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 39.0% from behind the arc.

Both players are at their best with the ball in their hands so it makes sense for Thibodeau to stagger their minutes in the postseason.

With Burks playing more of a point-forward role, it leaves an open spot at one of the wing positions. It seems likely that this spot will be filled by Frank Ntilikina, who has provided useful situational defense and has earned Thibs’ trust as of late. The 22-year old has appeared in 7 of the team’s last 8 games after falling out of the rotation for the majority of the season.

In just over a week, the New York Knicks will be competing in playoff basketball. The rotation may see some changes, but fans can rest assured that the team is still going to compete and give 110% effort no matter who they face.