New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For During Preseason

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Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Bench Play

Phil Jackson overhauled the Knicks roster, there is no denying that. But, there are people that are still skeptical about the Knicks second unit. On paper, the starting lineup looks strong with Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah. If healthy that is a dangerous unit. But, there is skepticism with the bench.

Brandon Jennings will be running the second unit. He gives the Knicks a solid backup point guard as he can step into the starting lineup if Rose is injured and should be a sparkplug off the bench. Lance Thomas is a great player off the bench and fills multiple roles for the Knicks. He can play multiple positions and his hard work on improving his jump shot has earned him more minutes.

Beyond that, there are question marks. The Knicks do not have much depth on the wing, as Justin Holiday looks to be the backup shooting guard. He hasn’t been given much of a chance thus far in his career but has shown flashes when playing. Kyle O’Quinn was in and out of the rotation last season but has a chance to carve out a role as the backup power forward/center.

The Knicks like Maurice Ndour, Chasson Randle, Marshall Plumlee, and Ron Baker, but there is a chance they do not make the roster. They can play their way onto the team, but the Knicks will have 18 players in camp, and can only bring 15 into the regular season. It will be worth keeping an eye on as bench minutes are available; who will earn those minutes with their play in the preseason?

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