3 Starting lineup changes the New York Knicks should consider

Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
Derrick Rose, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

New York Knicks Start Derrick Rose, move Alec Burks to the bench

This move represents less of Burks playing poorly than it does a need for more playmaking in the starting lineup. Burks has had a solid season so far, and his pull-up shooting is always a great offensive weapon.

Despite spending most of his career at the shooting guard and small forward spots, Thibodeau moved him to point guard in order to take advantage of his size so that it would be easier to switch on defense with Fournier and Barrett. Walker was unable to do so, as his 6’0″ height and small frame often created mismatches for opponents to hunt on defense.

While it did help the Knicks’ versatility on defense, it removed their versatility on offense. Burks has never been an elite passer, and he’s averaged just 3.0 assists in 35.9 minutes per game as starting point guard.

With Burks’ passing struggles combined with Barrett and Fournier each averaging less than 2.1 assists per game, the playmaking burden has once again fallen squarely on the shoulders of Julius Randle. Randle is a great passer, but he’s not at the elite level where an entire offense can be created around his passing. It can work on some nights, but it’s not a path towards long-term success.

A prime example of this is in the Knicks’ recent loss to the Chicago Bulls. Randle had an excellent game, recording 30 points and 12 rebounds on 67% shooting. However, he was also forced to create for all of the other starters and the Bulls knew it. He ended the night with 6 assists and 7 turnovers. Burks had just 3 assists in 43 minutes.

Included in those Randle giveaways was a crucial late-game turnover, where the 27-year old big was once again tasked with setting up the offense and was stripped by Bulls guard Alex Caruso. The Knicks ended up losing by 4.

Adding a true point guard such as Derrick Rose to the starting lineup would help alleviate some of the playmaking burden on Randle and allow him to focus more on scoring. Rose’s 5.8 assists per 36 minutes are the highest mark on the team and the former MVP has still shown the ability to consistently break down defenses off the dribble.

It makes sense that Thibodeau would be hesitant to do so, as Rose has thrived in his 6th man role and has developed excellent chemistry with the rest of the bench unit. But the starting lineup needs to change, and Rose may be the answer.