NY Knicks: Could Immanuel Quickley start in Game 2?

NY Knicks: Let Immanuel Quickley’s star shine

Do you remember the Madison Square Garden floor shaking when Immanuel Quickley checked into the game and immediately dropped 8 points?

This is a really, really talented rookie. Oftentimes, he gets put into the box of being a “bench sparkplug” because, well, that’s exactly what he’s been in his rookie season.

That “sparkplug” energy doesn’t need to be something that’s exclusively kept on the bench. It’s not something that will just disappear if he’s starting the game.

The NY Knicks’ recent performances have made it clear that they NEED that energy to start the game, and I see no explanation that would lead me to believe Quickley can’t be the same energizer bunny he’s been for this entire season.

There is no reason to immediately cap Immanuel Quickley’s role. He doesn’t need to be the floor general in this offense, he just needs to continue to be Immanuel Quickley.

We’re talking about a rookie who has popped off the page on just about every advanced metric possible. 

Has he gone through any struggles this season? Absolutely.

We saw him struggle with his confidence early in April – he wasn’t his usual assertive self.

The Immanuel Quickley we saw in Game 1? That was someone who wanted the pressure. That was a player who was ready to make razor-sharp decisions every time he got the ball.

I was very much aboard the idea of simply replacing Elfrid Payton with Frank Ntilikina. Giving Ntilikina the 12-15 minute per game where he can bring defensive intensity, and we keep the bench intact.

After watching Game 1 unfold, it’s obvious that this team could take their game to an even higher level with Quickley as the starter.

He’ll bring competitive defense, quicker ball movement, and of course, knockdown scoring.

Give this kid the keys and don’t look back. He’s built for the NBA playoffs.