The Knicks find themselves in a situation where they have one of those good problems.
The team has exceeded expectations so far this season with a 19-18 record, they’re currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
That’s right, the Knicks are currently in position to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
Reaching the postseason this year would be a major accomplishment in year one of the Leon Rose / Tom Thibodeau regime. Rose, the team president, and Thibodeau, the head coach, have surrounded themselves with a board room full of credibility in experienced executives and coaches. The early results have been positive and created a buzz that’s been missing around here for a long time.
There’s still, however, plenty of work to do. The point guard position has long been a mystery for the Knicks. With the team looking to position themselves for a playoff push, it’s an ideal time to look at what’s currently working and what’s potentially a fit for the big picture.
According to Knicks beat reporter Marc Berman of the New York Post, the team’s unsure if they have their long-term point guard on the roster.
Fans of popular rookie Immanuel Quickley will look at this and likely scratch their heads.
In 33 appearances, all off the bench, Quickley is averaging 12.2 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game. Berman reports there’s a belief within the team that the 2020 first-round draft pick out of Kentucky is best off as a sixth man or off-ball guard.
The fact that Quickley has shown he’s an explosive scorer, with playmaking ability, reminds me of how Jamal Crawford thrived in a similar role off bench and as an occasional starter.
Berman also noted the Knicks are monitoring the trade market with Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo, New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, and Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier as potential targets.
The Knicks also have Derrick Rose providing a solid contribution this season. Rose is averaging 13.5 points per game and has the trust of Thibodeau.
The Quickley / Rose duel has played well this season for the Knicks. Elfrid Payton is still in the mix, despite the mixed reaction he gets from the fanbase.
It’s important to remember this is still very much an unfinished product we’re all watching make a playoff push.
In the short-term, the Knicks have shown they’ll be a team to watch in the second half of this season. And that’s with their current roster.
Looking towards the future, there’s reasonable reason for the team to take a long look at their options for a definite answer at point guard.
