NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Immanuel Quickley should be the starting point guard

No questions about it, Immanuel Quickley and the New York Knicks have had their ups and downs this year. And as the regular season is coming to an end, the organization is faced with what seems to be the annual question of, where and how does the Knicks get their franchise point guard?

People are making cases for Jalen Brunson to come to The Big Apple, or drafting a rookie who can run the show, and some are even pushing to trade for a star like Donovan Mitchell.

All of those are certainly viable options, but what if the team already has their franchise point guard on the roster? Yes, I’m making the case for Quickley to be New York’s starting point guard.

Immanuel Quickley is the New York Knicks point guard of the future.

The second-year guard out of Kentucky has shown that he can be the playmaking facilitator at times when given the opportunity. Tom Thibodeau, I’m looking at you. His shot-making capability, a keen eye for an alley-oop lob, and his intelligence to get to the foul line are all attributes of a successful modern-day point guard.

As mentioned, a popular free agent name people have been associating with New York is Brunson. He’s a young, solid point guard in this league, no doubt. As I was pondering the thought of Quickley starting at point guard, I did some research comparing the two.

Looking back at the last 14 games for both players, I found some interesting statistics. Quickley is averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Brunson on the other hand is averaging 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

Very, very similar stats, except one player is on the Knicks and the other could command a contract roughly worth $80 million.

Now, I’m not saying that Quickley is the better player today because Brunson has that edge for sure, but rather than taking a risk, I believe that Quickley deserves a shot at the starter role.

Let’s take a look at a few instances where Quickley has shown that he can be the starting point guard.

3: His vision

Like I said before, Quickley’s ability to throw the lob pass is top tier. Whether it’s to Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, or Jericho Sims, Quickley’s sure to find them.

He clearly has the vision and there’s a reason why “point guard” Alec Burks isn’t throwing these passes, hence the 2.9 assists per game average.

I mean, just look at this clip. Quickley’s near halfcourt and threw this pass right on the money to Toppin.

Not only are alley-oop passes easy ways to score, but they ignite the whole team and crowd with energy.

2: Composure

Quickley often finds himself playing the bulk of his minutes in the fourth quarter, leading the entire team with an average of nine minutes.

Whether the game has already been decided in the fourth or he’s in to close out a tight contest, Quickley thrives in the final quarter.

Also, just a reminder that he’s only 22-years-old…22! Him being so young and comfortable late in games is extremely underrated and quite impressive.

On Mar. 28, the Knicks were able to beat the playoff-bound Chicago Bulls and Quickley made a HUGE play after he drove to the basket and found a wide-open Burks in the corner for a dagger three.

This play screams starting point guard. He understands that just because he has the ball in his hands and is driving to the basket that he doesn’t have to shoot it. He made a great veteran-like basketball play.

Normally you see young inexperienced players try to force something and either turn it over or shoot a low percentage shot, wanting to be the star. Not Quickley.

His basketball IQ (no pun intended) amazes me game after game. Sure, he still has a lot to learn, but this clip isn’t the only time that he’s made a clutch play in the fourth quarter to help New York seal a win.

There’s no reason why Quickley shouldn’t be seeing extended minutes at point guard to close this season out.

1: His ability to draw fouls

In today’s NBA, you see a lot of players “selling” foul calls by exaggerating a small bump. It got so much attention that the league said at the start of the season that they were going to limit foul calls on “non basketball moves”.

Players like Trae Young and James Harden are professionals at getting these kinds of calls and to start the year you saw them both suffer from this new rule. However, as the season has progressed, I feel like that rule went down the drain because these “fouls” are still being called.

But hey, you gotta give them credit for being smart and taking advantage of it because there’s a reason why they’re both All-Stars. Quickley may not be on their level (yet), but he’s starting to learn the recipe to get to the line.

It may be frustrating and annoying at times, but as long as the officials are calling it both ways, then play on.

It’s also very reassuring that Quickley isn’t solely looking for contact. He’s still trying to score the basketball, like in the clip above where he got a crucial and-1 call.

Recently, Quickley said that he’s been studying film on players like Young, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul. Quickley said: “I’m not consciously trying, but if I see someone out of position, I try to get ’em.” That’s key. Don’t let it control your game, but know when to find the contact.

All the players mentioned above all have one thing in common, they’re elite POINT GUARDS in the NBA. Is Quickley up next?

Immanuel Quickley records triple-double despite Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau

New York Knicks second-year guard Immanuel Quickley notched his first triple-double on Sunday, although Tom Thibodeau didn't start him.