3 Starting lineup changes the New York Knicks should consider

New York Knicks: Start Obi Toppin, bench Nerlens Noel

If Thibodeau really wants to make a change to the starting lineup, this could be a high-risk high-reward move. Noel is an excellent shot-blocker but he’s almost nonexistent on offense, which allows opposing defenses to routinely double team Julius Randle because they aren’t worried about Noel beating them.

A solution to this issue would be to bring Obi Toppin into the starting lineup. Toppin is the only Knick who has blown away expectations this year, as he’s averaging 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 53% shooting. Given his limited playing time, those numbers skyrocket to 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per 36 minutes.

He has continued to improve every game, with his most recent outing being a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes. His relentless energy and tendency to leak out in transition results in several easy buckets and highlight-worthy dunks.

Thibodeau has also grown more comfortable with playing him, as Toppin has averaged 19.0 minutes per game in his past five games compared to averaging 15.1 minutes in his first 21 appearances. He may be preparing him for a larger role, one that could come as a starter.

He’s also displayed excellent chemistry with Randle, as the smaller frontcourt has been successful in limited time. During the 90 minutes that they’ve shared the court, the duo is outscoring opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions. This ranks higher than any other Knicks duo involving Randle this season.

While the defense may take a step back with the absence of a true shot-blocking threat, a Toppin/Randle frontcourt could provide enough offensive firepower to overcome any potential defensive miscues.

If the Knicks continue to struggle, another starting lineup change should come. Any one of these three changes has the possibility of bringing New York back into playoff contention.