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NY Knicks: 3 players that shouldn’t be on the 2022-23 roster

By Jordanna Clark

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Alec Burks
Alec Burks, New York Knicks. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

2: Alec Burks

Let’s give it up for Alec Burks. No, seriously. He assumed the role as the starting point guard after Derrick Rose went down with an ankle injury in December. The majority of Knicks fans may never want to see him play for the team again because of his struggles, but the blame should be directed at Tom Thibodeau.

For starters, Burks is a shooting guard, not a point guard. With Rose and Walker out, it makes sense why he’s been on the court as the point guard (at times), but playing him around 30+ minutes per game is a bit much.

Perhaps fans would be more partial to Burks if Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride would’ve spent more time working to facilitate the offense.

I might sound like a Burks apologist, but it’s true. If the 30-year-old wasn’t forced into the starting point guard role, there’s a chance that fans would want to see him back next season.

Regardless, I believe that he’s playing his final games with New York. Similar to Fournier, Burks has been a constant face in the rotation since he’s played in 75 of the team’s 76 games. For reference, the 11-year veteran hasn’t played in that many contests since he appeared in 78 games with Utah in 2013-14.

Burks is averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 39% from the field and 39.8% from beyond the arc.

If the Knicks either draft or trade for a point guard in a couple of months, you can all but assume that Burks will be on his way out. He re-signed with the Knicks this past summer on a three-year, $30 million contract. He’ll make a little over $10 million next season and close to $10.5 million the year after that.

If Thibodeau had his way, Burks would be New York’s starting point guard next year, too, but that’s where Rose (either Leon or Derrick) needs to step in and ensure that won’t be the case.

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