WITH PRESEASON OVER, WHOSE STOCK IS RISING FOR KNICKS?
Whose stock is up, and whose is down heading into opener
After the Knicks completed a 3-2 preseason on Friday, here’s a look at their stock report heading into Wednesday’s opener:
Lance Thomas (Up)
Seized the starting power forward spot by exhibiting his usual mix of leadership and defense. Ultimate team guy who can contribute offensively if he’s hitting the open 3-pointer.
Enes Kanter (Up)
If you’re drafting a fantasy team soon, keep Kanter high on your list. Without an All-Star on the roster, the Knicks’ starting center is primed for big statistical nights. He scored at least 20 points with at least 15 rebounds twice in preseason, then sat out the final two games for rest.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Up)
A point producer and the best guard on the roster. He reiterated that in preseason and reinforced his position as the starting shooting guard. Hardaway sprained his wrist in the finale Friday, but stated he’ll be ready for the regularseason opener.
Allonzo Trier (Up)
A player on a two-way contract typically doesn’t solidify a spot on the NBA roster in preseason. But Trier had some exceptional performances and a commitment from Fizdale.
Noah Vonleh (Up)
He’ll be the only player on a nonguaranteed contract to make the 15-man roster because Vonleh brings something the Knicks are sorely lacking from their bench: size, strength and a paint presence. He had a double-double in 13 minutes against the Pelicans.
Ron Baker (Up)
He started preseason buried deep on the bench but worked his way into David Fizdale’s fondness the same way he won over Jeff Hornacek – with hustle and fearless defense.
Frank Ntilikina (Up)
We saw a lot of the same from Ntilikina for much of preseason, meaning he was still defending well, still not aggressive enough, and still wasn’t playing point guard. But he took it up a notch in the final game Friday, showing the type of offensive aggression that’ll land him more playing time. Fizdale likes Ntilikina’s defensive versatility and even had him guarding a power forward.
Mitchell Robinson (Down)
This was the toughest to determine but the secondround pick came in with so much hype that his uneven play was a letdown. Robinson also missed two games with a sprained ankle and learned he’ll be spending time in the G League.
Trey Burke (Down)
Burke got the first crack at the starting point guard spot and couldn’t capitalize, creating a wide open race between the roster’s ballhandlers. Despite finishing last season strong and as the starter, Burke came off the bench for the final three preseason games. He had a decent effort Friday and may still start in the opener, if only because the competitors failed to distinguish themselves.
Emmanuel Mudiay (Down)
He continued the descent from last season and went from a consideration for starting to deep on the bench. Mudiay can’t shoot and you have to wonder if his career is salvageable.
Kevin Knox (Down)
Expectations were through the roof after an outstanding Summer League, but the rookie’s preseason was a hard lesson in reality. Knox struggled with scoring, fouling, taking care of the ball and pretty much everything. He looked like a rookie with a lot to learn. Nonetheless, the Knicks are committed to starting him at small forward.
Courtney Lee (Down)
The 33-year-old doesn’t fit into the franchise’s youth movement and he didn’t play at all in preseason because of a neck strain.
Mario Hezonja (Down)
We thought he had a chance to crack the lineup but Hezonja never entered the picture. Turnovers and poor shooting have been an issue, while Hezonja’s defense has always been considered unexceptional. He recovered somewhat with a strong game Friday, with 14 points in 19 minutes.
Luke Kornet (Down)
His minutes were limited and it’s clear Fizdale doesn’t see Kornet as a huge part of the rotation. But he can hit 3-pointers and could find himself back in the mix because of that.
Damyean Dotson (Down)
There’s been hope that Dotson would be a part of the rebuild, but he was largely in the backend of the rotation in preseason. The Knicks have too many guards and Dotson was the odd man out.
Isaiah Hicks (Down)
On a two-way contract, Hicks is headed to the G League.