Fansided

6 steps David Fizdale can take to revitalize the New York Knicks

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Sort out the point guard mess

It’s really difficult to produce an above average NBA offense without good point guard play. To put it mildly, New York did not enjoy good production at that position last year.

They certainly tried a number of different players at the position. Frank Ntilikina started the year as the team’s supposed savior at the one, but his playing time fluctuated greatly as the season went on.

Jeff Hornacek also tried Ron Baker, Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudiay for significant stretches. Burke had a nice run after his G League call-up, but Baker and Mudiay really struggled.

That means Fizdale needs to narrow the point guard rotation for next season. Ntilikina is a lock to be involved. The team invested a lottery pick in him and he’s still just 19-years-old. Point guards generally take a while to develop in the NBA and he has clear talent.

That doesn’t mean he should get the keys to the offense right away. Instead, Trey Burke should get the starting job next season to take some pressure off the young Frenchman. Burke isn’t going to suddenly emerge as an All-Star, but he is a reasonable stopgap option for the Knicks.

The key here is to get some consistency for all the players involved. A clear point guard rotation can really help elevate the Knicks offense next season.

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