My Desired Knicks Rotation

Photo from USA Today

This New York Knicks season has not exactly gone as well as last season, but there are still some positives, mainly the young guys that have been scoring in bunches off the bench. As we move to the trade deadline, I am a little worried that moves are not going to be made. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t have my imaginary dream rotation with the current roster (at full health), so let’s do it.

Note: I understand the combined minutes add up to greater than 240, but it is rare than all 10 of these players are available, so the average minutes per player is going to bring a higher total than 240. Between Kemba, Rose, Mitch, and Noel’s health, there are a lot of minutes to go around still.

Starting Point Guard: Kemba Walker, 20 Minutes

I do not care, I like Kemba Walker. Is his defense bad? Yes. But, his energy, playmaking, and shotmaking make him a viable option moving forward for the New York Knicks. He is not as bad as the hate.

Starting Shooting Guard: Quentin Grimes, 28 Minutes

The things I would give to have Quentin Grimes be a starter for this roster. One of my friends says they knew I’d see an 8 game sample size and recklessly fall in love with him. Obviously, he and others are still sleeping on this young player, because he has been a key part of this rotation since early December, so try 2 months instead of 8 games. He can harass the perimeter, and he can shoot the hell out of the ball. This month, he is shooting 43% from 3 and is doing more confidently than most in the league.

Starting Small Forward: RJ Barrett, 35 Minutes

This one does not need to be long. Give him the keys, he is the future of this organization. Inconsistencies reflected in his shooting percentages are still there, but there are games where he has 27-28+ points while playing amazing defense and you have to remember he is 21 years old.

Starting Power Forward: Julius Randle, 32 Minutes

Also does not need to be long. If he is not traded, he has to play. When he’s bad, he is terrible. But, this guy single-handedly put this roster back on the map with a season so good that people are already using revisionist history to say it was not that good. That take is ridiculous. His effort has to start looking like last seasons or else he will be moved. If he continues to not play well/hard, he will still start, but his minutes should be dropped.

Starting Center: Mitchell Robinson, 28 Minutes

In December, I was ready to give up on big fella, but his play since the New Year has been so convincing that I am happy to keep him, but I still think his support system needs to change. The people around him personally are not the most beneficial for him and the team, especially when we know what Mitch works on in the off-season.

6th Man: Derrick Rose, 28 Minutes

When he is in the game, the offense needs to run through Derrick Rose. He is so good at attacking and creating shots for himself and others. His IQ is so high and he is just extremely dependable. Brutal that he has been hurt.

7/8th Men: Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin, 20 Minutes each.

I put these 2 together because they are a match made in heaven. The eccentric point guard whose favorite phrase is “Fast Offense'“ and a forward whose middle name is “Exciting Offense” seem to mesh so well together on the floor. The pick and roll action between them is electrifying as you do not know if it will be a 3 pointer or alley oop.

9th Man: Cam Reddish, 15 Minutes

This guy needs minutes. Simple as that. Get this guy involved. Wing scorer and defender. Perfect spot for this guy on this roster where he could really contribute in any number of lineups. After February 10th, this guy needs consistent 15+ minute games.

Last Man: Nerlens Noel, 20 Minutes

When injured, it is very easy to forget what he brings when available. While being very offensively limited, he is one of the best defenders in the NBA. I know it sounds stupid, but this guy was able to get an 80 overall in 2K last year only from defense. The impact is there, but hard to see when he is injured. Also, just because he is the 10th man does not mean I don't want 20+ minutes out of him. If Mitchell can give a. solid 28-30 minutes, Nerlens can take the rest.

That’s my main 10. When injured, might as well throw McBride or Sims in to fill spots. Also, I am excited to see Luka Samancic in the coming years from overseas. I trust this front office, but changes better be made.