BUZZER BEATERS

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

He’s only 19 years old, but the plight of Frank Ntilikina will be fascinating. The durability concern is related to his toothpick-thin build and perhaps a lingering knee issue. Hornacek made an odd comment in preseason that Ntilikina’s summer-league health woes were related more to an alignment issue. But there’s a lot to like if he’s healthy. Though not a scorer, he’s got a high basketball IQ, is a willing, smooth-as-silk playmaker and a long-armed defender who can shoot adequately from 3.

MOST IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL DECISION

Porzingis’ happiness is a vital component to this rebuilding season and in evaluating his future. If the Knicks have made only marginal progress by the time he’s a restricted free agent in 2019, he’ll want out — especially since his agent/brother, Janis, is already on record stating he’s displeased with how the organization developed him last season. If Porzingis enters his final contract year next offseason and isn’t remotely interested when eligible for a contract extension, the front office needs to make sure it has its ears open for offers.

GOOD DAYS TO COME

Sharpshooting forward Doug McDermott is a career 39.4 percent 3-point shooter and he may have found a good fit in Hornacek’s hightempo offense as a sixth-man sniper at age 25. He’s in the last year of his rookie contract, so the one-time college player of the year can’t possibly be more motivated to finally reach his potential.

BAD DAYS AHEAD

Center Joakim Noah understood during preseason he wouldn’t get much game action since he was out the first 12 games finishing up his drug suspension. Despite impressing Hornacek in camp, Noah’s playing time likely will be limited with the Knicks going young with Enes Kanter, Willy Hernangomez and Kyle O’Quinn. Can a buyout of his monstrous contract be in the offing?

DON’T BE SURPRISED IF ...

Kyle O’Quinn is dealt to a team looking for frontcourt depth as the club tries to alleviate a center glut. He’s been shopped at the last two trade deadlines and his energy, activeness and modest contract are assets.

STORY THAT WON’T GO AWAY

Porzingis still has to overcome durability issues if he’s to develop into an All-Star this season and superstar in a few years. He missed 10 games in his rookie season and 16 last year, plus was limited in preseason. This bears watching in Year 3.