With training camp set to start tomorrow, the Knicks still have a difficult question to answer at the point guard position. Finding a consistent, starting point guard has become something of a perennial problem for the franchise. For too long, the Knicks have relied on stopgap or temporary options at the position. The upcoming training camp and preseason games that follow could give new head coach Tom Thibodeau the chance to find out who will earn the opportunity to start.
With the drafting of Immanuel Quickley, the signings of Elfrid Payton and Austin Rivers, and the two guards already on the roster in Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., there will be fierce competition for the starting guard spot.
Returning veteran Elfrid Payton started 36 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 10 ppg, 7.2 ast and 4.7 reb and is the current favorite to retain the starting spot next season. His shooting could hurt his chances, though, hitting only 20% of his threes last season. Despite this, his performances on defense could win over coach Thibodeau, who is known to be a defensive coach. Payton works hard on the defensive end, averaging 1.6 steals last season.
Another defensive-minded guard that could be a favorite of coach Thibs is Frank Ntilikina. Ever since he was drafted by the Knicks in 2017, Ntilikina proved to be a solid defender but has struggled to provide any real offense. He started in 26 games last season and averaged 6.3 ppg and 3.0 ast on the year. He also shot 48% on corner threes last season, so he could prove to be the favorite if spacing becomes a concern for the coaching staff.
Combo guard Austin Rivers has spent most of his NBA career coming off the bench but did start for the LA Clippers in the 17-18 season where he averaged 15.1 ppg, 4 ast and 1.2 steals. It is unknown what role he was brought in for, but he could provide a solid option either starting or coming off the bench.
Dennis Smith Jr., on the other hand, is looking for one last chance to prove his worth as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. The North Carolina State guard has failed to live up to the expectations that came with being drafted as a lottery pick in 2017. He came to New York as part of the Knicks trade with Dallas for Kristaps Porzingis. After playing only 34 games last season due to injury and the death of his stepmother, Smith Jr. will be looking to have a breakout year and find some consistency after averaging 5.5 ppg and 2.9 ast off the bench last year.
As was previously reported, rookie Immanuel Quickley believes his future lies at the point guard position. While it is unlikely that the starting spot would be handed to a rookie so soon, the SEC Player of the Year is solid on both ends of the floor and could potentially add good shooting depth to the team. He shot 42.8% from three in his final year at Kentucky. Depending on how fast he can transition to playing in the NBA, Quickley could be challenging the vets for that starting spot by the end of the season.
Check out CP’s predictions for how the Knicks’ lineup and rotation will shake out along with J. Ellis from The Knick of Time Show below.
