Iron Mantis wrote:WargamesX wrote:Iron Mantis wrote:It's fair to say the Knicks weren't just looking at Tyus Jones and then nabbing Payne just for him to rot on the bench.
let's assume Brunson is playing his usual 35 minutes.....Mikal gets his career avg 33 minutes...
That leaves 28 minutes in the backcourt to be divided among Donte, McBride, Payne...and a coach who only goes 9 players deep. And we don't even know if our starting C is ready to play.
Can someone please post a projected Thibs-like lineup/minutes distribution with the current roster??
Some of these guys are likely getting traded by the deadline. The FO clearly wanted to use roster spots to get guys who would have value around the league. So its almost impossible to forecast a starting lineup because there is going to be competition for all the bench minutes. Thibs is going to run his 9 man rotation but injuries happen too.
I hear you, but until the OG injury occurs...one of the 3 guards will not be in the rotation.
Cam on why he chose the Knicks:
"It’s not like I’m getting thrown into a deck of cards. The Knicks came calling and they wanted me there, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”
Payne chose to sign with the Knicks so he can have "the opportunity" to rack up DNP's? Could be, but doesn't seem likely. Sounds like he expects to play.
Donte is a Novaboy....he isn't getting shelved.
That leaves the other two. Payne or Deuce will be out of the rotation until further notice.
I'll bite, though ultimately what I post minutes wise will support your point, or at least a version of it.
First off, I think Thibs runs a 9 man rotation. Well, more like 8.5
Secondly, Deuce could be the ".5" guy, but it could be Payne.
Deuce brings the defense, reliable 3; Payne brings some of those, but gets in the paint more often.
So, Knicks, being in the "not f*cking around mode", brought Payne in to be the guy who gets to the cup or push Deuce to develop that part of his game. Or, creates depth in the backcourt if they need to make a deal for a backup C.
The Knicks FO/Thibs seems to have operated under a kind of "vet first hedge" thing the last few years, where they want a Rivers or Burks or whoever, but there is opportunity for an IQ or Grimes or Deuce to beat them out, IF they earn it.
Minutes:
The key starters getting 30 mpg + are: Brunson, Bridges, OG, Randle.
I'm not including Mitch or Precious as they'll basically split 48 at C, and neither of them is getting 30, healthy or not.
Key reserves:
Donte, Hart, Precious, Deuce or Payne.
Have to figure Thibs is interested in getting Donte and Hart at least 20 mpg.
So, since Bridges can play 2/3 and OG can play 3/4 and Hart can play 4/3/2, this won't be strictly positional.
PG: Brunson 35/ Deuce or Payne 13
SG: Bridges 28/ Donte 20
SF: OG 23/ Hart 20/ Bridges 5
PF: Randle 32/ OG 10/ Hart 6
C: Mitch 26/ Precious 22
Deuce or Payne, Kolek, Bates-Diop, Sims are depth players who will play in blowouts or if there are injuries.
