Frank Ntilikina scored a career-high 17 points Friday in his first NBA start at point guard, leaving the Knicks with some decisions to make, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. New coach David Fizdale adjusted his lineup, replacing Trey Burke with Ntilikina and starting rookie Mitchell Robinson along with Noah Vonleh up front and Damyean Dotson at the wing.
“He ran the show, picked his spots,’’ Fizdale said of Ntilikina’s performance. “He didn’t pass up much. I really thought he got after it defensively and competed hard. The guy was playing against one of those special, once-in-a-lifetime talents [Warriors guard Stephen Curry]. I thought he really did a solid job against that.”
Burke started the season’s first five games, but prompted the change with a 1-for-10 shooting night Wednesday. The point guard picture should become more crowded next week when Emmanuel Mudiay is expected to make his season debut after recovering from a sprained ankle. Berman suggests that the Knicks may be realizing that they won’t get a top point guard in free agency and are revisiting the idea of developing Ntilikina at that position.
There’s more news out of New York:
- Enes Kanter doesn’t seem to be on board with the Knicks‘ new lineup, Berman adds in a separate story. Kanter is normally talkative with the media, but he didn’t have much to say after losing his starting job Friday. It marked Kanter’s first appearance in a reserve role since being traded to New York before the start of last season. “Coach said he wants me to lead the second unit,” he told reporters. “I’m just leading the second unit.’’ Kanter had a chance to leave the Knicks over the summer, but elected to opt in for the final year of his contract.
- The Nets traded for Jared Dudley to help mentor their young players, but coach Kenny Atkinson says he’s learning things from the 12-year veteran as well, relays Spencer Davies of Basketball Insiders. “And for the coach too, right,” Atkinson responded when asked about Dudley’s impact on the team. “The young coach, he’s been in the league longer than I have. I learn things from him every day … his spirit and his enthusiasm and he’s a positive dude.”
- Caris LeVert promises better times are ahead for long-suffering Nets fans. In an interview with Steve Serby of The New York Post, LeVert expressed confidence that the team has turned the corner. “I think in years past, a lot of people were kind of mocking Nets fans, and Nets players and things like that, but I think those days are over,” he said. “We’re becoming a good team, somebody that people have to respect.”
Enes Kanter in a bad mood? Awww poor baby. Why would you go to Milwaukee? Why would the knicks want you to pick up your big ass option? #BrookLopezisbetterthenu
Than*
I’m glad Fiz broke up that initial lineup. It sucked on both ends. I’d prefer Kanter in starting lineup, and THJ on the bench. But separating them makes sense for now. And removing Burke too. Frank at PG, DD on a wing and Vonleh at a big spot should get a full look – we can at least compete defensively.
Knicks already in tank mode, top 3 pick here we come
Haha you thought Knicks won’t play a game but will still lose on the day of the lottery
Yep like 2015 although that was a blessing in disguise
Kanter had to know when he picked up his option that he was still not part of the long term plan. Knicks shouldn’t take minutes away from Robinson or Vonleh to play Kanter, unless they prove that they are not NBA quality players.
I appreciate that Fiz wanted to put a veteran lineup on the floor initially, but at 1-5, it’s already not too early to turn the keys over to the kids.
It’s crazy to think that the Warriors game was Frank’s first starting PG assignment. He played well, and should be given the opportunity to start there consistently this season. Burke and EM are also not in the long term plans for the Knicks.
NY Knicks looking like they playing for the #1 pick next year