Alec Burks could join the Knicks‘ starting lineup soon after an impressive performance Wednesday in his first game with the team, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Signed during the offseason, Burks poured in 22 points in 32 minutes. Reggie Bullock got the start at shooting guard because Burks missed the last two preseason games for the birth of a child, but coach Tom Thibodeau is thinking about converting Burks to a starter.
“It’s a possibility,’’ Thibodeau said. “I like the scoring punch he gives us off the bench. He’s sort of great to have because of the versatility. The ability to be a secondary ball-handler, at times playing the point. Scoring the ball, guarding down a position. He’s got a lot of toughness to him. He’ll have significant role, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench.’’
The idea of using Burks at point guard is a sign that Thibodeau hasn’t developed confidence in Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr., Berman notes. Burks teamed with RJ Barrett in the backcourt for a while in the opener after rookie Immanuel Quickley suffered a hip pointer.
“I’m trying to get more chemistry,’’ Burks said. “We don’t have so much practice time. I’m trying to learn everybody, and that was the main thing I was happy about it. Learning everybody’s tendencies and where they like to be on the court.’’
There’s more from New York City:
- There’s still no timetable for Austin Rivers‘ first game with the Knicks, but the free agent addition is making some progress in his return from a groin injury, according to Zach Braziller of The New York Post. Rivers participated in a light practice Thursday, and the team plans to be careful after he missed almost the entire training camp.
- Kevin Durant‘s early-season performance makes the Knicks’ decision not to offer him a maximum contract look like the latest mistake from owner James Dolan, contends Adam Zagoria of Forbes. New York had enough cap room for two max deals in July of 2019, but Dolan was hesitant to offer full max money because Durant had just ruptured his Achilles tendon.
- Fans won’t be permitted to start the season at Madison Square Garden, which Barrett believes might help the home team, Berman adds in a separate story. “Actually having no fans might be an advantage,’’ Barrett said. “I know if I was a competitor, coming into the Garden, with all those fans, I’d want to have a great game. So coming in there with no fans actually probably gives us an advantage that way too.”
Lol as if Durant was ever going to pick the Knicks.
Yet these so called writers. Just keep writing about it. It’s a soap opera not basketball. No one is coming to NY till they build some future.
Basketball insights delivered by Forbes. Ugh…
Alec Burks, the answer for the Sixe— I mean the Knicks!
I’d start both Smith Jr and Frank
Smith Jr the tank
Frank the tank
Barrett won’t have to deal with hometown fans booing their terrible team.
I felt the need to Boo DSJ from my Tv screen. He’s like an Anti-point guard. Is it possible for a PG to have more turnovers than assists?
Steve Francis proved it was very possible at the beginning of the millennium – and for a while he did it on the Knicks
Wow, look at all the Christmas trolls. You all know that these guys can get the same money no matter where they sign right? Do you know where I would want to play if I was an over paid snowflake playing a game for a living. I’d go where the lights aren’t bright and the heat won’t melt me. I’d go to some second rate city where no one cares, where the press doesn’t follow you, there are no fans and absolutely no pressure. You know…Brooklyn.These whiners have been getting participation trophy’s their whole life and have been told by people who don’t love them how great they are. You think they ever want to hear “YOU SUCK” when you miss a dunk at the garden? Hey trolls, go back into your mom’s basement and shave your feet!
Burks is this yrs Morris. We could get a late 1st rd pick. He’s really looking good. Knicks need to fix the PG situation. They need a general to run team and get ast. None of these guys can do this. Rozier or Dinwiddie would do the job. Payton is a solid backup. I can’t see Thibs going all yr without a Real PG. Quickly has potential but still too young, just got here. At some point this yr. They just might quit and wait for draft. This draft is deep and has a few really talented PGs. This is why I wanted Halliburton.
This year is all about Barrett and Obi
So far RJ looks much improved which is nice
I think Ill wait and see on Burks…one 20 pt game in a blowout loss isnt all that persuasive to me
Zero chance RJ finishes season shooting better than 42% from field. He will regress.
bring Miller back !!!
If we can play like last night I think we back burn needs to start
Burka needs to start