New York Knicks Rotation #1: Walker and Rose injured
STARTERS: Burks – Fournier – Barrett – Randle – Robinson
BENCH: Quickley – Grimes – Reddish – Toppin – Noel
This is the rotation we’re likely to see in the short term as Kemba and Rose are injured. It’s the easiest for Thibs, as Reddish slides right into the backup Small Forward spot, keeping the starting five and the rest of the bench unit intact.
We’ll probably see some of Grimes’ playing time decrease, as Thibs may want to stagger Burks so he can run point with the bench unit as well.
Reddish fits in nicely here, proving the length, shooting, and defense that fit perfectly in New York’s system.
I’d also be curious to see if Barrett is also staggered so he can play with the bench, as he’ll have even more freedom to run the show without Randle and Fournier on the court with him. In those moments, Reddish easily slides into Barrett’s spot.
Expect no big changes here, as Reddish should average around 20 minutes per night. Like Barrett, he could also play Shooting Guard if needed. The Knicks could run a huge lineup if he’s on the floor with the starters instead of Fournier.
As great of an addition as Reddish is, the Knicks are still left without an obvious answer at Point Guard. Alec Burks will continue to hold down the fort, as the Knicks have a handful of ball-dominant guys (Reddish included) who can run point in a pinch.
Until Rose and Walker come back, the starting job is Burks’. What happens when they do come back? That’s when things get tricky.