The 2019-20 NBA season has yet to get started, but there are already some New York Knicks players grumbling about their minutes. The line of acquisitions made this summer, after failing to net two elite-caliber stars and instead spending on mid-tier players, has resulted in a caustic situation that will have head coach David Fizdale, once again, performing a juggling act with his rotation.
Per SNY's Ian Begley:
“No matter who he plays on a given night, there will be several players left out of the rotation who came into the season expecting to play. So it shouldn't be a surprise that, per SNY sources, there has already been some grumbling about minutes/roles.
“Players not being thrilled about their minutes/roles is pretty common in the NBA. All coaches/teams deal with it to a certain degree. But the idea that the Knicks have so many players who – from the outside at least – can make a case for a spot in the rotation makes this something to keep an eye on.”
The Knicks signed four power forwards in free agency, first inking Julius Randle to a three-year deal and consequently signing Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, and ultimately prying Marcus Morris away from the San Antonio Spurs' hands.
While Fizdale and the coaching staff have quickly mentioned the aforementioned's versatility by playing different positions, it doesn't take away from the true logjam that is happening in the frontcourt, as well as the point guard spot. Dennis Smith Jr. is in line to be the starter once again, but still has a hopeful Frank Ntilikina behind him and a newly-acquired Elfrid Payton — making that yet another choice that Fizdale will have to consider in the next few days and through the course of the season.
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