New York Knicks: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: Steve Mills, David Fizdale and Scott Perry of the New York Knicks during a press conference announcing David Fizdale as the new head coach 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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2. Who is part of the young core?

The Knicks did a good job this offseason without much wiggle room salary cap-wise. Mario Hezonja and Noah Vonleh represent worthwhile fliers as former lottery picks who didn’t pan out in their previous stops.

Hezonja and Vonleh will join a group of multiple former lottery picks on the roster. Enes Kanter, Emmanuel Mudiay, Trey Burke and Noah were lottery picks of other teams. Frank Ntilikina, Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox are the Knicks’ own lottery picks. Mitchell Robinson should be considered a potential part of the young core as well.

All of these players, with the exception of Noah and possibly Kanter, will receive plenty of playing time this season. It will be an evaluation period with a new coaching staff to see which players the team should use as foundational pieces.

Burke was a nice find last season and could be a long-term answer at point guard. Figuring out what position to use Ntilikina at full-time will be imperative as well. Can Mudiay, Hezonja and Vonleh figure things out in New York, or will they be looking for new places to play next summer once again?

Identifying which players should be a part of the rebuild will be a big task this upcoming season. New York isn’t expected to win many games this season, so the young guys will receive plenty of opportunities to prove themselves.

With another potentially high lottery selection, the Knicks could have a chance to select another building block in the 2019 NBA Draft. Which position will they target? How the young players distinguish themselves this season will go a long way in determining that.

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