So after pre-season, the majority of the buzz was on Knox, with Robinson a close second and Trier a distant third. Then things changed in the pre-season leading into the regular season, where Trier has established himself as an all-rookie first team candidate, Robinson has shown flashes of brilliance (and some solid defensive advanced stats), and Knox struggled mightly until a recent hot stretch and promotion to the starting lineup.
Who's going to own it over the next 20 games?
Knox has the momentum now - summer league superstar Knox has re-emerged. Looks bigger, longer, and faster than the competition. The motor is back. Perhaps the difference is that he's matched up with more 4's. The key for him is to simply make a higher percentage of his shots. If he can drag his season average over 40% and start drawing fouls again, he'll be in good shape to take over Trier.
Trier has been altogether the most complete rookie. Scores like a seasoned pro, shoots high percentages, plays surprisingly solid D. He has dazzled much like rookie TH Jr (even better!). But now he's dealing with an injury.
Robinson - leads the Knick rookies with an ESPN PER of 17+(Allonzo is around 13, Knox is under 10). He is a defensive force, - at 3.8bpg per 36 - but his per 36 8.2rpg and 9.8ppg numbers are less than what I expected. He'll be judged on whether he can control his foul rate and stay in games more.
I'm really pleased with our rookies this year. They've shown some pretty good upside and potential. I won't even get into who I think will be the best of 'em long term (okay, I will... I can envision Robinson earning all-defensive team consideration sooner than later and being talked about in the same breath as Rudy Gobert and Clint Capela).