Robinson
Randle
Morris
RJ
Dennis

After the trade deadline:

Robinson
Randle ( would prefer Knox, but I doubt we move Randle)
RJ
Zo
Dennis

Kemet wrote:When your offensive system does not have a set PLAN, nor have a couple of design PLAYS for a half-court offense of player-movement and ball-movement to create open looks for catch n shoot players (Dotson, Ellington, Knox, Morris, RJ), or the first step slashers (Knox, DSJ, Trier, RJ, Morris, Portis) to score or get fouled.
When u don't have none of the above in your so-call ISO-system .. It don't matter who u put in the starter lineup or the rotation, the team will be playing EXPERIMENT B.Ball each game having NO PLAN !!!

This is some deep bbal knowledge out there... and some mind reading mixed in...

Starting Five
C: Mitchell Robinson
PF: Julius Randle
SF: Marcus Morris
SG: RJ Barrett
PG: Elfrid Payton

My bench, somewhat in order:
Frank Ntilikina
Kevin Knox
Dennis Smith Jr.
Allonzo Trier
Bobby Portis

And then everyone else.

We really do need to make a 2 for 1 kind of trade, to upgrade some of the positions on the team, especially PG!

I toyed with the idea of starting Frank over RJ Barrett- thinking that having him at the SG may take some pressure off him. But RJ probably has more confidence than Frank.

And I might start DSjr in the 2 position. Not because he's earned it this year- but I'd like to get another PG in there to perhaps help with running the offense, and I'd like to restrict RJ's minutes.

arkrud wrote:Robinson
Randle
Morris
Barret
DSJr

I don't disagree, but want to see Frank and DSJr. mix it up as the starting PG with this lineup.
Wouldn't mind a little bit of Trier thrown in as a 2G as well, depending on opponent.

And then after the trade deadline, you can probably bank on Morris and perhaps 1 or 2 more players moved.
The starting 5 after that will really be a foothold going forward.

I don't think a starting lineup of Smith or Payton, Barrett, Morris, Randle, Robinson works well enough together to be a starting lineup. As it will be tough to create an identity with those different styles and skills. Nothing will get accomplished.

So 2 lineups should be formed:
Portis, Randle, Morris, Barrett, Frank. Work heavy PNR with Barrett & Randle as the features to create for others or themselves. Dependent on Frank knocking down the 3 to be 3&D alternate ball handler. Barrett would be primary ball handler.

Robinson, Knox, Ellington, Trier, Smith. Smaller lineup more focused on space and pace. If we are getting smashed on the boards or in the paint Gibson can come in with Knox moving over to SF. Would slow down the pace somewhat, but would counter the size if a problem.

newyorknewyork wrote:Trying to make the pieces fit and form and identity. Things will look sloppy if certain combinations are together.

I don't think a starting lineup of Smith or Payton, Barrett, Morris, Randle, Robinson works well enough together to be a starting lineup. As it will be tough to create an identity with those different styles and skills. Nothing will get accomplished.

So 2 lineups should be formed:
Portis, Randle, Morris, Barrett, Frank. Work heavy PNR with Barrett & Randle as the features to create for others or themselves. Dependent on Frank knocking down the 3 to be 3&D alternate ball handler. Barrett would be primary ball handler.

Robinson, Knox, Ellington, Trier, Smith. Smaller lineup more focused on space and pace. If we are getting smashed on the boards or in the paint Gibson can come in with Knox moving over to SF. Would slow down the pace somewhat, but would counter the size if a problem.

I like it. What would switching Portis and Robinson do to your rationale here?

NotInMyHouse wrote:

arkrud wrote:Robinson
Randle
Morris
Barret
DSJr

I don't disagree, but want to see Frank and DSJr. mix it up as the starting PG with this lineup.
Wouldn't mind a little bit of Trier thrown in as a 2G as well, depending on opponent.

And then after the trade deadline, you can probably bank on Morris and perhaps 1 or 2 more players moved.
The starting 5 after that will really be a foothold going forward.

For some unknown reason throughout the offseason I thought Fizdale first priority in training-camp and throughout the preseason games were to get Frank & DSJ on the same-page in a lineup together.
The Pelicans coach Gentry attacked us having a Trio-guard lineup of PG-Jrue, PG-Ball, and 6.9 point-forward Ingram.
When will Fizdale acknowledge the majority of winning NBA teams has two PG in their lineup running the point together.

My Knicks starting lineup the first 20 games of the season are:
Frank
Dotson
Morris
Gibson
MitchRob
6th Man rookie RJ Barrett

CrushAlot wrote:

arkrud wrote:Robinson
Randle
Morris
Barret
DSJr

This would be my five as well.

That's it but if Mitch doesn't play better Bobby Portis is right there to take his minutes off the bench. Portis is a damn good player

Knicksfan wrote:

TLover wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

arkrud wrote:Robinson
Randle
Morris
Barret
DSJr

This would be my five as well.

Me too 😁

That would be the “on paper” lineup.

But the way Dennis looked, that would be a mistake for opening night.

Since you are basing everything on a 2 to 3 game sample and ignoring 2 years worth of regular season play; starting a guy who shot 28% from the field and 11% from 3 during the pre-season wouldn't be a mistake?