The New York Knicks are finishing up a lackluster season, with a current record of 34-43. Sitting at 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are officially out of playoff contention. Now, many are questioning head coach Tom Thibodeau's choices when it comes to the Knicks' starting five, specifically his decisions at point guard.

Alec Burks has started in the Knicks‘ last 18 games and has 39 starts on the season. Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley has two starts this season, one in December and one in January.

Thibodeau acknowledged the controversy regarding the Knicks' starting point guard position on Friday. The Athletic's Fred Katz tweeted his explanation Saturday morning:

The Knicks head coach cited Burks' size as a key reason for his decision-making on this matter. Burks is 6-foot-6, 214 pounds, while Quickley is 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. Thibodeau continued:

“But you have to play well. I'm pleased with the way Quick has played. He continues to get better. You also look at what's best for the team. It's not necessarily what's best for Quick. It's what's best for the group. If you look at all the different starting lineups and look at what they did and say, ‘ The group that's starting is the best group they have.'”

Ultimately, Thibodeau acknowledged Quickley's progression as a young player, but it sounds like he is sticking with Burks. The Knicks will continue their regular season on Saturday afternoon when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.