Do the Knicks have enough firepower at guard?
It’s been two games of the Alec Burks experiment and so far, it’s looked a lot better.
New York defeated a red-hot Atlanta Hawks team and came painstakingly close to defeating the Eastern Conference-best Brooklyn Nets in Burks’ two starts so far.
His individual numbers have been fantastic.
Alec Burks in his last 2 games as the Knicks starting PG:
— Daily Knicks (@DailyKnicksFS) December 1, 2021
🔸24.0 Points
🔹6.0 Rebounds
🔸4.0 Assists
🔹2.0 Steals
🔸42.1% FG
🔹47.1% 3P FG
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/RQAvuKZ7Gf
It’s not all about his individual stats, it’s also the noticeable difference with the starters as a whole. Specifically, Julius Randle.
Alec Burks may not be known as a playmaking guard but he is lethal playing off of a point-forward like Julius Randle. There has been an uptick in ball movement, speed, and defense.
Randle now gets to assume his usual role from last season while having Burks, Barrett, and Fournier as weapons around him. Burks brings the size and off-ball movement that Kemba Walker could not.
Outside of Burks, there’s of course Derrick Rose, who might be the Knicks’ most consistent player. Rose will have plenty of run with the starters as the point guard late in games.
Immanuel Quickley also has a shot now. This is what fans have wanted!
Quickley is going to be getting consistent playing time at either guard spot night in and night out, and he’s proved that he’s worthy of it.
If things go south, I’m sure the Knicks will look at other options. For right now, their guard rotation has looked good, it has a balance of veterans and young players, and it looks like it’s had a positive impact on the team as a whole.