The Knicks preseason star is already hurt. Two former lottery picks in the same position developed splinters on the first night. And their companion starter was not impressive.
Point guard will undoubtedly remain Knicks’ No. 1 problem.
First-round from Kentucky, Immanuel Quickley who already became a fan favorite following his strong performance in the last two exhibition games, suffered a hip pointer in the season opening against the Pacers on Wednesday night and is on the day table. -today. He was kept from light training on Thursday after feeling a tightness in his hip upon waking.
“Hopefully it won’t be long,” said coach Tom Thibodeau after Thursday’s practice.
Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., 2017 lottery picks (Smith was chosen by the Mavericks) still trying to establish themselves haven’t done enough to impress Thibodeau during the preseason to be part of his 10 man rotation . Even without Quickley in Wednesday’s second half, Thibodeau chose to use Alec Burks on the point over Ntilikina and Smith, neither of whom got their rookie contract extension by Monday’s deadline.
“Everything is based on performance,” said Thibodeau, who turned to Ntilikina in the last minutes on Wednesday evening. “You have to make tough decisions, and we did. But I never write anyone off as long as they keep working, and if their opportunity presents itself, just be ready. “
Then there’s Elfrid Payton, the veteran who got the nod about Quickley in the starting lineup and was a min-15 against Indiana, making more sales (five) than assists (three) or field goals (three).
It is uncertain whether Quickley can play in the fanless Garden on Saturday in the home opener against the 76ers. Before getting injured, Quickley scored five runs and received an assist and a bargain, continuing his quality game. Thursday was just a walk-through and the Knicks are off Friday, so he’ll use the time to get treated. Quickley sustained the injury in the second quarter after being hip checked by Pacers forward Myles Turner.
“I felt okay at first, then I tried to run, but it just didn’t feel right,” said Quickley. “Hopefully it will get better.”
If he can’t go, Ntilikina or Smith can get a chance, unless Thibodeau chooses Burks again, who can play both on and off the ball.
Burks had a strong debut, scoring 22 points on 6-of-12 shots, adding three assists and just one turn in 32 minutes. But the argument can be made that the Knicks would be better off using him as a starter when firing from guard or making him focus on scoring rather than taking the offense.
Nitilikina got at least one shot in five minutes in which he missed both of his shot attempts and was a minus-5. Smith never got off the couch.
“We will need everyone during the season. We see that now, ”said Thibodeau. “It’s something we talked about from day one, whether it’s an injury, illness or whatever. And so you settle for a rotation and then there will be opportunities as we move forward. “