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

Starting lineup possible break-ins

Frank Ntilikina

When the Knicks hired Tom Thibodeau it seemed like a great thing for Frank Ntilikina’s future with the team. The coach recently spoke about how much he liked Frank’s defensive versatility and hard work.

But the Knicks have shown no interest in offering Frank a contract extension. It’s more likely Ntilikina — an upcoming restricted free agent — is traded than start at the point guard spot. That move won’t go over well with a vocal part of the fanbase.

Obi Toppin

Obi Toppin was the best college basketball player in the country last season, but his defense is a work in progress. The practical move is to start Toppin against bench units because he’ll struggle to guard NBA starters at the outset.

But with gradual improvement throughout the season, Toppin could be in the starting lineup by the All-Star Break. Or following a Julius Randle trade, whichever comes first.

Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers immediately won over Knicks fans with his comments about playing in New York.  Rivers has deep ties to this particular Knicks team. His father — Sixers coach Doc Rivers — played for the Knicks in the ’90s, and Thibodeau coached under Doc in Boston.

Thibodeau’s comfortability with Rivers will earn him starts at some point but his best role is off the bench. Rivers is coming off a good run in Houston as a bench scorer. With the New York Knicks, he’ll get more shots than he did while playing with James Harden.