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New York Knicks starting lineup: Locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

By Chip Murphy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Starting lineup fringe options

Three of the starting lineup spots are locked in, but multiple players are knocking on the door for the other two.

Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson appeared to have the starting center position in New York locked down by the end of last season. Over New York’s final 12 games, he averaged 26 minutes, 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on an insane 80.2 percent shooting.

The 22-year-old improved both his scoring and rebounding while quietly breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record for field goal percentage in a single season. Robinson has been a star on defense since he entered the league — when he set a Knicks rookie record with 161 blocked shots.

But the addition of Nerlens Noel has cast doubt on whether Robinson is a lock for the starting lineup.

Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is probably most famous for turning down a $70 million contract in a massive gamble that went terribly wrong. He hasn’t been a full-time starter in awhile. After beginning his career in that role, he’s only started 15 games in the last three seasons. But he’s actually a really good player who does a lot of the same things that Robinson does.

Related Story. Knicks: 3 breakout candidates in 2020-21. light

Noel told reporters he thinks Robinson’s playing style resembles his own. The former Kentucky Wildcat wants to be like a mentor and big brother to the youngster. Comments from Noel, Robinson, and Thibodeau suggest a competition for the center spot.

If Robinson wins, it will do big things for his confidence, but if Noel starts on opening night, it will probably bug a lot of fans.

Reggie Bullock

Reggie Bullock played a majority of his first four seasons off the bench, but he’s become more of a starter in the last three. The 29-year-old has started in 131 of his previous 154 appearances, including 19 of 29 games for New York last season.

Bullock has a host of injury concerns — he’s played fewer than 50 games in five of seven seasons — and he’s coming off a miserable shooting season. But like Payton at the point, the options aren’t very encouraging for New York at the three.

Alec Burks

Alec Burks will definitely compete for a starting job, but he’s probably more of a bench scorer. We know this team will need one. Burks doesn’t have the experience to be a full-time starter anyway. He’s started in just 86 of his 495 career games.

One good thing about Burks in the starting lineup is that it could force Barrett into playing more at small forward. The 29-year-old has played 75 percent of his career minutes at shooting guard, per Basketball-Reference.

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