4. Improved Chemistry In Starting Five

Part of the reason for the struggles of the New York Knicks’ starting five was that they had to build up chemistry while some players knocked off rust. Their identity in the starting lineup was also changing.

Last season it was an identity built on defense with Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock being part of it with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. This season it would be more offense-driven with Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier taking the place of Payton and Bullock.

Things never clicked as well as the organization had hoped, evident by the starting five’s numbers. Not willing to commit any more time to it, Tom Thibodeau is making the change to Alec Burks, which should make the start of games and third quarters more consistent.

Burks has plenty of chemistry with Randle, Barrett and Robinson from last season and closing out games this season. While not a traditional point guard, he is more than capable of running the offense.

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Burks’ presence in the starting five will also enable Thibodeau to play Barrett more with the second unit and fellow youngsters Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin. Barrett would thrive playing the up-tempo pace that the second unit brings to the table.