GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Mike Woodson says he is toying with the idea of starting Metta World Peace over Andrea Bargnani in the season opener on Wednesday.

"I don't yet," the coach said Monday when asked about starting World Peace or Bargnani against the Bucks. "I really don't."

It's interesting that Woodson is still wrestling with his starting five just two days before the Knicks open the regular season.

The coach was committed to using Bargnani in the starting lineup throughout the preseason. But he may have changed his mind because of Bargnani's shooting struggles -- the forward shot just 38 percent from the floor in seven preseason games. Or, Woodson may not want to reveal his starting five publicly. If he announced his starting lineup on Monday, Milwaukee would have two days to prepare.

Woodson said after Monday's scrimmage that it was hard to evaluate his starting lineup and reserve unit because Iman Shumpert (soreness) did not practice. Shumpert is expected to start at shooting guard on Wednesday alongside Raymond Felton at point guard. Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler are expected to round out the Knicks' front line.

If World Peace starts against Milwaukee, that would allow Anthony to shift back to power forward.

Anthony won the 2012-13 scoring title playing primarily at power forward.

If Bargnani ends up in the starting lineup, Anthony would shift to small forward, where he's played most often throughout his 10-year career.

Bargnani and World Peace have vastly different skill sets. Bargnani's known as a strong perimeter shooter but a weak defender; World Peace can guard the opponent's top forward and can knock down an open perimeter shot.

"With Bargnani, we can space the floor out; he causes some type of mismatches out there," Anthony said. "With Metta, he kind of brings that defensive mentality out on the basketball court, gets us going, gets the energy going in the game. We know what to expect from both them guys, what type of games that they have. (They are) totally two different type of games."

Woodson said on Sunday that Bargnani is still adjusting to life with the Knicks on both ends of the floor. In addition to his poor preseason shooting, Bargnani seemed to struggled with the Knicks' defensive concepts in the exhibition season. The Knicks were outscored by 65 points in 170 minutes with Bargnani on the floor.

"I really believe Andrea can be a good team defender. My whole thing is it’s our job to help him," Tyson Chandler said. "Obviously, Metta does some incredible things individually as a defender but it’s our job to help guys that are not known to be defenders."

If World Peace starts, the Knicks could have an easier time getting stops. Woodson & Co. have mentioned several times that defense is a priority going into the regular season.

New York ranked 17th last year in points allowed per 100 possessions. Their stated goal is to be a top 10 defense this year.

callmened wrote:uhoh...i hope nixluva doesnt have a heart attack! i know he was high on bargs

BRIGGS wrote:What we need from Bargs is 20 minutes where he is effective against 2nd line players --and Id like to see him take his time and get much more of an inside position rather than his Toronto on the preterite spot. Can Bargs give me 10 points 3 rebounds and 1 block in 20 minutes shooting 50% give me a few 20 point nights and keep him out there if he gets going--give us that. He is not ready to be a starter right now and go 38 minutes--hes played limited minutes in 2 years his body is weak and he needs to re establish his game from post out.... He can play 20 minutes give us solid minutes going against tier 2 players and work on his strength so when we get to the playoffs he can be counted on for an extended role by that point.

We cant have Melo going 4-17 hes not decisive in unit 1 right now trying to get along with Bargs. The only thing I ask of MTP is watch that shot selection. Take the open shot and move the ball to the open man and play some tough ass D

StarksEwing1 wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:What we need from Bargs is 20 minutes where he is effective against 2nd line players --and Id like to see him take his time and get much more of an inside position rather than his Toronto on the preterite spot. Can Bargs give me 10 points 3 rebounds and 1 block in 20 minutes shooting 50% give me a few 20 point nights and keep him out there if he gets going--give us that. He is not ready to be a starter right now and go 38 minutes--hes played limited minutes in 2 years his body is weak and he needs to re establish his game from post out.... He can play 20 minutes give us solid minutes going against tier 2 players and work on his strength so when we get to the playoffs he can be counted on for an extended role by that point.

We cant have Melo going 4-17 hes not decisive in unit 1 right now trying to get along with Bargs. The only thing I ask of MTP is watch that shot selection. Take the open shot and move the ball to the open man and play some tough ass D

Its just unfortunate we had to give up 3 picks including a first for a guy coming off the bench

Where is the 2010 Bargs we were getting? A lot of his supporters kept throwing those highlights from 2 years ago in our faces. I am surprised they never thought to themselves if you have to go 2 years back to get a highlight tape that should be a sign that things are not good.