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New York Knicks: Who wins the starting point guard battle?

By Zachary Bachar

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 02: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 02: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The future of this year’s New York Knicks squad is uncertain, and this can be exemplified by the battle for the starting point guard spot.

With the free agency departure of Emmanuel Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina‘s struggles relegating him to the bench, it seemed that the starting point guard position for the New York Knicks was a sure thing for Dennis Smith Jr. after a midseason trade brought him to the big apple. However, the offseason addition of Elfrid Payton brings an aura of uncertainty as to who will be the top point guard come game 1 of the regular season. The question remains, who comes out on top? Let’s look at each player and see.

Dennis Smith, Jr. 

Strengths: Athleticism, Ability to get to the basket, Solid court vision

Weaknesses: Below-average defender, Poor shooter, Injury concerns

After a solid 1st season with the Dallas Mavericks in which Dennis Smith Jr. made the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team, many were expecting a big sophomore leap from the 21-year old. This changed with the addition of rookie sensation Luka Doncic, whose game didn’t mesh well with the returning Smith Jr. The former NC State star had a rough 32 games with Dallas before being dealt to the Knicks as part of the blockbuster Kristaps Porzingis trade.

The young point guard showed that he’s most effective with the ball in his hands, as his points and assists per game increased after the trade while his fouls and turnovers per game both decreased despite playing almost identical minutes as he had with the Mavericks.

Dennis Smith Jr. relies on his otherworldly athleticism for the majority of his points, which has both benefits and drawbacks. He’s swift off the dribble and can get to the basket in a flash, resulting in easy buckets for himself or wide-open shots for teammates. One downside is that his high-flying game certainly takes a toll physically, evidenced by a torn ACL in high school and the somewhat alarming fact that he has played in an average of just 61 games per season in his two years in the league.

Elfrid Payton

Strengths: Playmaking, Rebounding

Weaknesses: Defense, Shooting

After signing a 2-year $16 million deal with the Knicks, it became clear that there would be some competition for the starting point guard gig. Elfrid Payton had been solid in his first few years in the league, with his field goal percentage increase in each of his first four seasons. The stage was set for a breakout year in New Orleans before injuries ruined everything, as Payton missed 9 of the first 13 games with an ankle sprain and then another 22 games due to a broken finger.

He was still solid in the games that he was on the court, recording an incredible streak of 5 consecutive triple-doubles, which has only been done by five players in NBA history. (Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain)

https://twitter.com/NBAUK/status/1108043452992778241

Payton is a solid offensive player, but scoring isn’t exactly his specialty, with career numbers of just 11.1 ppg despite also having career averages of just under 30 minutes per game. The 25-year old possesses more of a pass-first mentality, as his 7.6 assists per game last season would have been good for 7th in the league had he qualified. (Only played 42 games)

So, what’s the case for him starting? First of all, Payton has much more NBA experience than Smith Jr., with five seasons under his belt compared to just 2 for Dennis. Additionally, he has played a full 82-game season multiple times throughout his career as well as starting in 86% of all games he has suited up in he was drafted.

Another aspect that can’t be overlooked is that Knicks general manager Scott Perry was part of the Orlando Magic front office when Elfrid Payton was drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2014. This certainly played a role in the Knicks giving him a chance.

Predicted Starter: Dennis Smith Jr.

Payton will likely give the returning Smith Jr. a hard-fought battle during training camp, but the returning 3rd-year guard should grab the top spot. His attacking mindset and 21 games of Knicks’ experience under head coach David Fizdale should push him over the edge. Elfrid Payton should have an essential role as an impact player off the bench, but Dennis Smith Jr. is going to prove that he’s ready to be the top dog in New York.

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