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3 possible starting lineups for Knicks in 2022-23

By Desmond Novack

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 2, 2022 at Madison Square Garden 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 Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 2, 2022 at Madison Square Garden 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 Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
New York Knicks. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Starting lineup #2

PG: Jalen Brunson SG: Quentin Grimes SF: RJ Barrett PF: Julius Randle C: Mitchell Robinson 

This lineup is very similar to the first, but with one exception, and that being Quentin Grimes taking the mantle of starting shooting guard over Evan Fournier.

The reasoning for Grimes to start over Fournier is rather simple — defense. Grimes has already shown to be a pretty good defender with plenty of upside, with Fournier on the other hand being quite a negative on that side of the ball.

In addition to this, Grimes is already a fantastic three-point shooter, shooting 38.1% from three on a heavy 4.1 attempts per game. To put it into context, Fournier shot 38.9% from three on 7.7 attempts per game.

Obviously, Fournier is the better player and shooter right now. However, I believe the gap between the two defensively is large enough that you can make the argument to start Grimes. Even when his three-pointers are not falling, you can still rely on him to be a good defender.

Also, it is just better to focus on developing a young player like Grimes as opposed to focusing on 29-year-old Fournier, who I believe can provide a huge role off the bench in this scenario. He could become the Knicks’ sixth man while providing elite shooting next to players like Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin.

It would be very nice to see Thibs go in this direction, as we have seen just how hesitant he is to give the young players big-time minutes.

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