2018 New York Knicks Training Camp Preview

New York Knicks 2018 Training Camp Preview

Written By Kyle Crabbe

Follow on Twitter: @KthetruestKnick

As the summer closes and we get closer to the beginning of training camp then to Pre-Season play we can begin to predict which players will be competing for what playing spots going into the upcoming season. These position battles could become very entertaining and interesting for sports fans of loyal local teams. With the 2018-19 New York Knicks injuries and having a new Head Coach and Coaching Staff will open up possibilities for many players to earn spots on the team. Here we will break down the Knicks 2018-19 Depth Chart as well as how will be battling for what positioning coming into Training Camp.

Roster Make Up

Point Guards

Projected Starter - Emmanuel Mudiay

-Trey Burke

-Frank Ntilikina

-Ron Baker

-Kadeem Allen

Shooting Guards

Projected Starter - Tim Hardaway Jr

-Courtney Lee

-Damyean Dotson

-Allonzo Trier

Small Forwards

Projected Starter - Kevin Knox

-Lance Thomas

-Mario Hezonja

Power Forwards

Projected Starter - Kristaps Porzingis

-Noah Vonleh

-Isaiah Hicks

Centers

Projected Starter - Enes Kanter

-Mitchell Robinson

-Luke Kornet

-Joakim Noah

The Knicks hottest position battles this season will be 1) for the Starting Point Guard; which will be between Athletically Gifted Emmanuel Mudiay, Sharp Shooting Trey Burke, and Defensive Phenom Frank Ntilikina. 2) for the two Starting Forward Positions; with modern-thinking Head Coach David Fizdale running the show we can see a number of different combinations for the Knicks at the 3 and 4 spots(Small Forward and Power Forward Positions Respectfully) before Kristaps Porzingis returns to take his Cornerstone spot at the Knicks 4. The players that will be competing for that spot will be between Lottery 2018 Draft Choice Rookie Kevin Knox, former 5^th overall 2015 Draft Pick Mario Hezonja, Defensive Stand Out Lance Thomas, and former lottery pick Noah Vonleh. Lastly the third most recognizable position battle for the Knicks in the coming Training Camp is for the back-up Center position; that will be battled for by 2018 Rookie Mitchell Robinson, 2^nd Year Pro Luke Kornet and Two-Way Modern Bigman Isaiah Hicks.

Who's Starting At Point Guard

The most competition for the Knicks at this year's training camp should come from the point guard position. With 3 NBA ready and capable players in Frank Ntilikina, Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudiay, it will be interesting to see who lands the starting spot come the beginning of the 2018-19 NBA Season.

TrueFan Probable Winner Is:

-Emmanuel Mudiay

Age: 22

Drafted: 2015, 1^st Round, 7^th Pick

Years Pro: 3

Size: 6'5”, 7'0” Wingspan, 200 Lbs

Strengths: Ball Handling, Penetration Ability, Court Vision, Physical Profile

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 45%

TrueFan Preview:

With Head Coach David Fizdale and General Manager Scott Perry having strong ties to Former NBA Legendary Head Coach Larry Brown who personally recruited Mudiay, along with Fizdale coaching a player who he said Mudiay reminds him of in Tyreke Evans last season in Memphis, to Fizdale claiming minutes into his Introduction Press Conference to Mudiay directly,” We're going to get you right kid, and you're going to be tough to defend and you're going to be a heck of a defender”. I believe Mudiay has a slight edge with Mudiay being more mature than Ntlikina at 22 and already 3 years a pro, and also for Mudiay being much bigger and longer(Fizdale stated preferences) than Burke gives him a slight advantage on Burke. I give Mudiay a slight nod over both Ntilikina and Burke coming into camp but I believe both have a excellent chance also nabbing the starting spot.

TrueFan Postion Battle Overview

Point Guard Starter:

TrueFan Favorite : Emmanuel Mudiay

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 45%

TrueFan Quick Take:

I see Emmanuel Mudiay as the favorite due to his maturity, his size and ability to play a Fizdale's preferred style of a aggressive penetrating point guard.

Runner Ups:

Runner Up Number 1: Frank Ntilikina

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 35%

TrueFan Quick Take:

I like Ntilikina a lot to win the starting position because I believe his offense is taking leaps forward in year two and the fact that Ntilikina is already an elite defensive player in the NBA. I believe his limitations as a offensive weapon might hold him out the starting lineup to begin the 2018-19 Season.

Runner Up Number 2: Trey Burke

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 20%

TrueFan Quick Take:

For many the common belief is that Trey Burke is that actual favorite to be the Knicks starting Point Guard in the 2018-19 Season. I believe Burke is very deserving and has the talent to be a very good starting point guard in the NBA. I believe that playing under Fizdale Burke might be best suited in a 6^th man role similar to LA Clippers Lou Williams or Houston Rockets Eric Gordon. Burke has very comparable offensive skills sets and talents as those two players and could possibly be a 6^th man of the year candidate this year with the Knicks.

Who's Starting At The Fowards

For the Knicks in the coming season, who will play at the 3 or the Small Forward Position could play major if the Knicks intend to have a good 2018-19 Campaign. The favorites to land this spot could be between Rookie Kevin Knox, 2018 Free Agent Pick Up Mario Hezonja or current Knicks Defensive Ace Lance Thomas.

The Knicks will also be looking at who could be the starting Power Forward or at the 4 till Franchise Cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis returns. This battle could come down to Former Orlando Magic Mario Hezonja, formers Chicago Bull Noah Vonleh or Two-Way Contract Big Man Isaiah Hicks.

Starting Small Forward Spot

TrueFan Probable Winner Is:

-Kevin Knox

Age: 19

Drafted: 2018, 1^st Round, 9^th Pick

Years Pro: 1^st Year

Size: 6'9”, 7'0” Wingspan, 215 Lbs

Strengths: Offensive Versatility, Excellent Shooter, Physical Profile, Playmaking Ability, Star Potential

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 85%

TrueFan Preview:

After What Kevin Knox showed during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer Games I believe Knox is a lock as a starter this upcoming season with the Knicks. I believe playing alongside a Emmanuel Mudiay or Frank Ntilikina at the Point Guard spot will open up many offensive opportunities and shot attempts for Knox this season. In addition to playing with pass first point guards, not having Porzingis will also open up a lot of offensive opportunities for Knox in his rookie year, similar to Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics when starter Gordon Heywood was injured in 2017-18. I feel Knox is a lock for this spot and will be one of the top 3 candidates all year for 2018-19 NBA Rookie of the Year.

TrueFan Postion Battle Overview

Small Forward Starter:

TrueFan Favorite : Kevin Knox

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 85%

TrueFan Quick Take:

From Knox being selected in the top 10 of the 2018 NBA Draft to Knox great performance at the 2018 Las Vegas Summer Games will secure Knox significant playing time this season with the New York Knicks, which most likely means a starting position.

Runner Ups:

Runner Up Number 1: Mario Hezonja

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 15%

TrueFan Quick Take:

With Hezonja signing with the Knicks this off-season over other teams that should be a great sign Hezonja will get significant minutes this year with the Knicks at one or both of the Forward Positions.

Starting Power Forward Spot

TrueFan Probable Winner Is:

-Mario Hezonja

Age: 23

Drafted: 2015, 1^st Round, 5^th Pick

Years Pro: 3

Size: 6'8”, 6'10” Wingspan, 215 Lbs

Strengths: Supreme Shooting Talent, Gifted Athleticism, High Basketball IQ, Defensive Playmaking, Physical Profile

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 70%

TrueFan Preview:

With Hezonja having playing great basketball last season playing most of those minutes at the Stretch 4, there's a great chance he will be playing there a lot until Kristaps Porzingis returns for the Knicks. Hezonja gives the Knicks a very versatile forward that can play with the ball in his hands and can be a very effective floor spacer with his deadly range and jump shot. Hezonja is also coming off a excellent season on the defensive end which can give him more minutes under a defense-first Head Coach in David Fizdale. I can see Hezonja having a great start to the season without Porzingis and then translating to a huge piece off the bench when Porzingis returns.

TrueFan Postion Battle Overview

Power Forward Starter:

TrueFan Favorite : Mario Hezonja

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 70%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Hezonja will get his fair share of opportunities to play significant minutes without Kristaps Porzingis playing. I believe that could mean that till Porzingis returns, Hezonja can be taking all of the minutes will would normally see from Porzingis.

Runner Ups:

Runner Up Number 1: Lance Thomas

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 20%

TrueFan Quick Take:

There's also a good chance current Knicks Defensive Ace Lance Thomas earning the starting job to replace Porzingis because of his ability to defend and spread the floor. Fizdale has already compared Lance Thomas to Golden State Warriors All-Star Forward Draymond Green, so we can also believe that Fizdale plans to use Thomas like Green, who is also a starting Power Forward.

Runner Up Number 2: Noah Vonleh

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 10%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Noah Vonleh has a small chance to also win the starting Power Forward job with the 2018-19 New York Knicks. Vonleh brings strengths of being able to rebound the ball very well and has the perfect size for a modern day Stretch Big Man. A former top 10 pick, who knows that under a great Head Coach in Fizdale and in a different situation Vonleh might shine and seize the opportunity in New York.

Who's Backing Up Center

The last hottest position battle that will be at the upcoming 2018 Training Camp will be who will be backing up Knicks Social Media Face and Starting Center Enes Kanter. Kanter is looking to have a big year in a contract season and under David Fizdale who has expanded the games of bigmen like Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. So the biggest competition at the Center postion for the Knicks will come from who will be the first big man off the bench for Enes Kanter. That spot will be battled for between Rookie Big Man Mitchell Robinson, 2^nd Year Pro Luke Kornet, Former Chicago Bull Noah Vonleh and Two-Way Contract Big Man Isaiah Hicks. Unfortunately it appears that former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, who is still on the Knicks roster, will not be part of the Knicks future and will be moved before the 2018 Training Camp.

First Reserve Center Spot

TrueFan Probable Winner Is:

-Mitchell Robinson

Age: 20

Drafted: 2015, 2^nd Round, 6^th Pick

Years Pro: 1^st Year

Size: 7'0”, 7'4” Wingspan, 225 Lbs

Strengths: Supreme Shot Blocking Talent, Gifted Athleticism, Elite Rim Runner, Excellent Defensive Playmaker

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 40%

TrueFan Preview:

This Position I believe has the greatest chance of going a few different directions. I believe Robinson has so much potential that he will force his way on the court and will demand minutes off the Knicks bench in the 2018-19 Season. After watching Robinson dominate the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League Games, I don't believe the Knicks will need to play Robinson much if at all in G-League games this upcoming season. Robinson has a chance to get the most playing time behind Enes Kanter just because of his superior ability to block shots and cover on defensive so well.

TrueFan Postion Battle Overview

First Reserve Center:

TrueFan Favorite : Mitchell Robinson

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 40%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Robinson has the most upside among the potential players that could play for the Knicks as a reserve Center. I believe Robinson could make leaps and strides to being a effective NBA Center this season will significant minutes backing up Enes Kanter. Robinson could possibly log 15-20 Minutes a night, and provide a few lob dunks and a few highlight blocks as he adjusts to the NBA game in his rookie season.

Runner Ups:

Runner Up Number 1: Luke Kornet

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 30%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Luke Kornet has a chance to see significant time for the Knicks in the upcoming season. Kornet is the picture of a modern day big man and is a poor man's Kristaps Porzingis. Kornet is a sweet shooting 7' Footer who also excels at protecting the rim and blocking shots just like “The Unicorn”. A strong training camp and preseason from Kornet could land him a few more opportunities at those reserve center minutes over the likes of rookie Mitchell Robinson.

Runner Up Number 2: Noah Vonleh

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 25%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Vonleh is the darkhorse favorite to win the back-up center for the 2018-19 New York Knicks. Vonleh, a former top 10 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft is a supreme rebounder and high level talent that hasn't found a home to hone his skills. A strong camp and Preseason for Vonleh could land him the opportunity of playing significant minutes for the Knicks as the first Center off the bench behind Kanter.

Runner Up Number 3: Isaiah Hicks

TrueFan Probablity of Winning Position: 5%

TrueFan Quick Take:

Isaiah Hicks is a young talented big man that has excelled at every stop he has had in his basketball journey. From a High School All-American, to a ACC NCAA 2016 Sixth Man of the Year, to 2017 NCAA Champion, to last season helping the Westchester Knicks capture the top record in all the G-League. Given Hicks skill set and resume, I couldn't rule him completely out for also winning a spot at significant minutes with the 2018-19 New York Knicks.

TrueFan Training Camp Overview

These are very exciting times for the New York Knicks and the city of New York. The Knicks haven't had such young lottery level talents all drafted by the team and growing together since the last late 1980's “ Bomb Squad” Team that featured; Patrick Ewing( 1985' 1^st Round, 1^st Pick), Charles Oakley( 1985 1^st Round, 9^th Pick), Trent Tucker( 1982 1^st Round, 6^th Pick), Kenny Walker( 1986 1^st Round, 5^th Pick), in addition to late 1^st Round Talents like Mark Jackson( 1987 1^st Round, 18^th Pick) and Rod Strickland( 1988 1^st Round, 19^th Pick). Hopefully this group centered around Kripstaps Porzingis( 2015 1^st Round, 4^th Pick), with Enes Kanter( 2011 1^st Round, 3^rd Pick), Frank Ntilikina( 2017 1^st Round, 8^th Pick), Kevin Knox( 2018 1^st Round, 9^th Pick), Emmanuel Mudiay ( 2015 1^st Round, 7^th Pick), Mario Hezonja( 2015 1^st Round, 5^th Pick), Trey Burke( 2013 1^st Round, 9^th Pick), Noah Vonleh( 2014 1^st Round, 9^th Pick) as well as Tim Hardaway Jr( Drafted 2013 1^st Round, 24^th Pick) will get more patience from this era New York versus the Patrick Ewing led Knicks of yesterday. Can't wait for 2019 Knicks Basketball!!!