Daily Knicks
Fansided

3 things to pay attention to during Knicks 2022-23 preseason

By Josh Wiesel

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. Philadelphia 76ers won 125-109. 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. Philadelphia 76ers won 125-109. 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
New York Knicks, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/USA TODAY Sports) /

2. We got options

Four out of the five Knicks players in the starting five seem to be already determined. As previously mentioned, Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson will be the four, and some may see the starting shooting guard spot as an open position.

When asked about it, this is what coach Tom Thibodeau had to say:

Evan Fournier is the likely candidate to start at shooting guard. The 29-year-old Fournier started 80 games last season for the Knicks and averaged 14 points per game. Fournier brings that outside threat to a starting five that lacks in shooting. His three three-pointers a game last season tied for sixth in the NBA. With Fournier at shooting guard, the starting five would be set.

This brings us to the bench unit. Very intriguing with young players, the second unit could provide this team with a spark. The Knicks could go with a full second unit all under the age of 25. Immanuel Quickley (23), Quentin Grimes (22), Cam Reddish (23), Obi Toppin (24), and Isaiah Hartenstein (24) are the five the Knicks could experiment with. Miles McBride (22) and Jericho Sims (23) could also both factor into that second unit throughout the season.

There is depth on this roster, but it will all depend on how it is used. Toppin and Grimes only saw the floor for 17 minutes a game last season.

Reddish, who the Knicks traded a first-round pick for, played a disappointing 14 minutes in 15 games last season.

Immanuel Quickley was a little more trusted by Thibodeau, playing 23 minutes a game. Quickley is almost certain to continue coming off the bench after the signing of Jalen Brunson. A fast and fun guard, Quickley could be in the running for sixth man of the year this season.

The Knicks have options, which is always a good problem to have. This can factor greatly on a night where the starters are not performing well or need a night off. Thibodeau shouldn’t hesitate to call the name of one of his many pieces off the bench.

Home/Knicks News