New York Knicks: Start Immanuel Quickley, move Evan Fournier to the bench
If Thibodeau wants to keep Rose with the bench, an alternative move could be to start Immanuel Quickley. The 22-year old has been on a tear over the last month. He’s averaging 11.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 42-37-94 shooting splits over his last 18 contests.
He recently received a start at shooting guard when RJ Barrett was unable to play due to illness, so it’s clear that Thibodeau is comfortable giving him a larger role. A full-time move may not come in place of Barrett, but instead Evan Fournier.
Fournier has struggled mightily after signing a 4-year, $78 million contract in the offseason. (4th-year team option) He’s struggled to build chemistry with the other starters, and the team currently plays better without him on the floor.
He’s been benched in the 4th quarter in 12 of his 26 games so far this season, as his erratic shooting and poor defensive effort usually cause him to wind up in Thibodeau’s doghouse by the end of the third quarter.
On the other hand, Quickley currently leads the team in both 4th quarter minutes and 4th quarter scoring, shooting 44% from behind the arc this season in the final period. If Thibodeau trusts Quickley over Fournier to close games, he should trust him to start games too.
AB makes a play, Quick makes 'em pay. pic.twitter.com/5C0oPigELE
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 21, 2021
Moving Fournier to the bench could allow him to thrive in the fast-paced, run & gun style of offense that the backups typically run. Allowing him to carve out his role in reduced minutes, then gradually increasing his playing time could help him contribute to wins and live up to his contract.