Comparing 6 free agents/trade options to Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 18: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks brings the ball up the court during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2022 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 18: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks brings the ball up the court during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2022 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks have been searching for a point guard for the better part of the last 20 years. With a good, young core ready to take the next step, they need to make finding one their No. 1 priority this offseason. Now here comes the biggest dilemma.

While there are plenty of solid options available with free agency and the trade market, many Knicks fans believe that the future has been right in front of them on this team for the past two years.

Immanuel Quickley and his role within this team has become quite a polarizing topic, but as we saw during the final stretch of the season, he is more than capable of filling and growing in that role.

No one quite knows where Tom Thibodeau and Leon Rose stand, and while IQ could easily co-exist with any pending trade or free agent target, today we are going to compare them.

Is Immanuel Quickley a better starting PG option for the Knicks than these 6 players?

6. Ricky Rubio

In previous years, Ricky Rubio would have been a no-brainer for the Knicks, but after a serious knee injury, it’s no longer that clear cut.

The veteran point guard, who spent most of his career in Minnesota, is a great floor general and renowned for his spectacular passing. With Derrick Rose already on the roster, however, it negates the need for a veteran like Rubio.

The offseason will answer many questions, and with New York looking to add star power, it may need to give away some of the team’s young pieces. That could give the Knicks a need for Rubio, but as of right now, it’s not necessary.

Quickley is younger, a better defender, and brings unlimited energy to whatever unit he plays with. He suits this team as the starting point guard much better than Rubio.

Verdict: The Knicks should pass on the veteran Rubio for the younger, hungrier option in Quickley.