Meet the 2018-19 New York Knicks
New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas puts up a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during a preseason NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
No. 00 Enes Kanter
Has put up huge numbers in preseason - team-high 16.3 points per game along with 13.3 rebounds - and with little backup should during the season, too.
2017-18: 14.1 pts.; 11.0 rebs.
No. 6 Kristaps Porzingis
Currently serving as the tallest coach in the NBA, getting a grasp of the new system and a relationship with new coaching staff is more important than a rush back to action from torn ACL.
2017-18: 22.7 pts.; 6.6 rebs.
No. 3 Tim Hardaway Jr.
Top returning scorer with Porzingis out and should benefit from Fizdale’s push to speed up the offense - but shot just 38.8 percent in first four preseason games.
2017-18: 17.5 pts.; 3.9 rebs
No. 20 Kevin Knox
Showed flashes in preseason of potential to be versatile scorer next to Porzingis. Turned 19 after the draft, so ups and downs are expected.
No. 23 Trey Burke
Resurrecting his career in the G-League last season Burke has proved to be an adept scorer, but making his young teammates better is the key to holding the point guard spot.
2017-18: 12.8 pts.; 4.7 ass’t.
No. 11 Frank Ntilikina
Can he be a starting point guard in the NBA? That’s the key question to be answered this season for the Knicks as they head into next summer’s free agent chase.
2017-18: 5.9 pts.; 3.2 ass’t.
No. 1 Emmanuel Mudiay
Discarded by Denver, Mudiay got a chance as a starter in New York last season. He’s shown little in preseason to merit another shot.
2017-18: 8.8 pts.; 3.9 ass’t.
No. 42 Lance Thomas
Undrafted, released when traded to New York, Thomas has emerged as the locker room leader - and the unlikely starting power forward. Defense and leading have to be his calling cards.
2017-18: 4.1 pts.; 2.4 rebs.
No. 8 Mario Hezonja
Another lottery retread, except this one had current Knicks GM Scott Perry on the staff in Orlando making that pick. Improved last season, so Knicks take a flier.
2017-18: 9.6; 3.7 rebs.
No. 26 Mitchell Robinson
After sitting out last season to prep for the draft rather than play in college, the very raw rookie has impressed with length and athleticism.
No. 5 Courtney Lee
Sidelined throughout preseason with a neck sprain, his 3 & D game is more suited to a contender so figures to be on a trade market by the deadline.
2017-18: 12.0 pts.; 2.4 ass’t.
No. 31 Ron Baker
Winning over the new staff with hustle after injury sidelined him for much of last season. Bench spark plug.
2017-18: 2.4 pts.; 1.6 ass’t.
No. 21 Damyean Dotson
Fits the mold of what Fizdale is seeking with defense and athletic ability, but has to work his way back up the depth chart.
2017-18: 4.1 pts.; 1.9 rebs
No. 2 Luke Kornet
Slender big man has struggled with his shooting in preseason - which has to change for him to earn minutes.
2017-18: 6.7 pts.;3.2 rebs
No. 14 Allonzo Trier
Turned heads in summer league and preseason with explosive offensive abilities after going undrafted.
No. 4 Isaiah Hicks
Two-way contract, but unlike Trier bound to spend more time in Westchester.
2017-18: 4.4 pts.; 2.3 rebs
No. 32 Noah Vonleh
Non-guaranteed contract, but former lottery pick impressed with toughness under the boards.
2017-18: 4.9 pts.; 5.8 rebs
Coach David Fizdale
Wins and losses may not count nearly as much as development of the young core while waiting for Porzingis - and the help they hope is coming before the 2019-20 season.
Career W-L: (2 seasons) 50-51, .495
