The NY Knicks are likely going to start rookie Kristaps Porzingis in the season opener with Carmelo Anthony, Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo, as head coach Derek Fisher said that the starters for the final preseason game could be the opening night lineup. The Knicks have roster decisions to make coming up, as Thanasis Antetokounmpo is competing to make the roster along with Darion Atkins and Wesley Saunders.
The Knicks have their preseason finale against the Boston Celtics on Thursday and head coach Derek Fisher said that the starters in that game could start in the season opener. According to ESPN New York, Ian Begley reports that Fisher "indicated" that Kristaps Porzingis will start in the season opener against the Bucks. The preseason finale has Jose Calderon, Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Carmelo Anthony starting along with Porzingis.
The Knicks open the season next Wednesday and Begley writes that unless "something unforeseen" happens between now and then, Porzingis will start at power forward. Fisher said that the "overall health" of the team gives the Knicks the chance to use their planned starting lineup in the preseason finale. Porzingis was picked at number four overall in the NBA draft and while many scouts see him as a project player that needs years of development, the Knicks have been impressed with how he has played in the summer league, training camp and the preseason.
Porzingis averaged just over seven points per game in three preseason games and he has averaged 5.3 rebounds while shooting over 40 percent from long range. Porzingis has a more polished offensive game and the defensive side of things is an area the Knicks will focus on as the season gets started. Porzingis dealt with a knee injury earlier in the preseason, but the big man said that the injury is not an issue heading into the game against the Celtics.
The Knicks also have some decisions to make with the roster, as the team has 13 players that are likely set along with Langston Galloway, leaving one spot open for Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Darion Atkins or Wesley Saunders. The Knicks reportedly also could consider bringing in Jimmer Fredette after he was cut by the Spurs, according to Sam Amico at Amico Hoops.
The Knicks reportedly are one of the teams interested in Jimmer Fredette, according to Sam Amico at Amico Hoops. Amico writes that the Utah Jazz, Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns all have interest in Fredette, who was cut by the San Antonio Spurs this week. Fredette signed a partially guaranteed deal with the Spurs and if he makes it through waivers teams can sign him to a non-guaranteed contract.
According to CBS Sports, Antetokounmpo, Atkins and Saunders are options for roster spots, although Antetokounmpo likely has the advantage over those two players. Antetokounmpo has spent time in the D-League for the Knicks and if the team doesn't keep him on the roster this year, he likely will want to leave and not head back to the D-League this season. Ian Begley at ESPN reports that Atkins and Saunders likely will end up with the D-League team if they are waived before the season starts.
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