New York Knicks: 3 takeaways from the first two weeks of the new season
By Alan Mena
1. Fizdale needs to solidify his rotation
Coach Fizdale has used two different starting lineups so far, mainly built around Barrett, Morris Sr., and Randle. He started Trier at point guard the first game and Elfrid Payton the following three games.
Elfrid Payton’s three consecutive starts show Fizdale’s trust and Payton’s effort to become the Knicks’ starting point guard moving forward.
Love the adjustment NYK made tonight using Randle as the roll/dive man with Portis spacing. Helped get the offense flowing. Barrett is reaaalllly good. Knicks best overall player through four games, super well-rounded.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) October 29, 2019
One focal point of Fizdale’s offense should be how Randle and Portis are utilized on the court. In their sole win against the Bulls, Portis and Randle were heavily involved in the offense, which should be a solidified plan in Fizdale’s offense. Portis can provide the necessary spacing and provide reliable outside shooting while Randle can be the main option in pick-and-roll plays.
Furthermore, Fizdale has played an average of seven players for at least twenty minutes through each of the eight games played. While it is still extremely early, lineup and rotation changes are to be expected with an almost entirely new roster.
If Fizdale plans on keeping the current starters moving forward and playing Portis as the sixth man, the Knicks will have plenty of additional offense from their bench through Knox II, Trier, Ellington, Dennis Smith Jr., Damyean Dotson, and Kadeem Allen. Aside from the starting five being the most skilled players by position, Fizdale is going to need an increased defensive effort from his second unit if they want a shot at a successful season.
Fizdale has a lot of talent and depth to work with this season, as a great deal of success will be contingent upon the rotation chosen and how well the players can adapt to them.