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New York Knicks: NBA projected lineups and lineups from 2022 NBA season
The New York Knicks roster looks set for the 2022-23 season. Now that we have a better idea of who will be taking the floor, we thought it would be an interesting exercise to create some NBA projected lineups and review the top Knicks 5-man rotations from last season.
We are reviewing the Knicks regular season 5-man lineup combinations that were most used and those that were most productive. These include the starting 5 rotation, but also the lineups that made minor appearances. Some of which you’ll be asking yourself why we didn’t see them more.
Let’s get started in this Knicks lineup breakdown.
Knicks most used 5-man lineup and projected starting 5
During the 2022 season, the Knicks has two frequently used lineups that accommodated for most of the minutes on the floor. Both of which are the teams starting 5 lineups. Given the overall success of the team, as you would expect, these NBA lineups did not return encouraging production.
As you will learn, the starting 5 was a big reason for the limited success of the Knicks last season. A level of production that frustrated Knicks fans endlessly over the course of the season, and into this offseason. The level of play of the starting 5 has been the catalyst behind the recent offseason changes we have seen.
1. R. Barrett, A. Burks, E. Fournier, J. Randle & M. Robinson
The most frequently used Knicks lineup was the starting 5 combination of Barrett, Burks, Fournier, Randle and Robinson.
Here is a summary of the predominant Knicks starting lineup:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 434:28 | +0.8 | +2.2 | +4.0 | -4.9 | +3.4 |
These numbers break down the team lineup against their opposition over the course of the season. The +0.8 points means this lineup generated 0.8 points more with this lineup than their opponent. Therefore, this lineup was points positive for the season per 100 possessions.
Of the two most frequently used NBA lineups, this combination was far more productive. The size of this lineup allowed them to out rebound their opponent, on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor. This Knicks team lineup was +11.2% in offensive and defensive rebound percentage. Winning on the boards secures the defensive stop and provides second chance opportunities to score.
The second chance opportunities, with Fournier specifically, are beneficial for 3 point opportunities. Another area this unit excelled last season.
2. R. Barrett, E. Fournier, J. Randle, M. Robinson & K. Walker
The second most frequently used Knicks team lineup was the combination of Barrett, Walker, Fournier, Randle and Robinson. A lineup that replaced Alec Burks for Kemba Walker.
Summary of the 5-man rotation:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 427:29 | -14.4 | -2.4 | -1.9 | -9.0 | +1.5 |
It’s remarkable to see the difference a one player switch in the rotation can make. Seeing the production of this lineup, you understand the decision made to move on from Walker. The job that Burks did leading the Knicks in the second half of the season is underrated.
Of the top 20 Knicks team NBA lineups by minutes played, this lineup was ranked 18th in point production. The -14.4 was only worse than two other experimental lineups. There was no area of the game where this lineup excelled. They struggled in all facets of the game.
You can see from the numbers that this lineup contributed heavily to the iso ball game that hindered the Knicks last season. It also explains how urgent the need was to improve at the point guard position. The addition of Jalen Brunson will have a tremendous impact on improving the offensive efficiency of the team.
Knicks projected starting 5
We know that Tom Thibodeau leans to his guys and plays the vets. We don’t have any reason to think that this won’t continue. While the team need to prioritize the development of its youth, the end goal for the head coach is to win games. Plain and simple.
With that said, the young guys are now another year along. They have been is his system for a few years and this may see them gather a few more minutes. Minutes they necessary to show their worth.
There is some politics that need to be considered, not just Thibodeau’s unwillingness to play young guys. Contracts, lineup cohesiveness, overall effort, new player acquisitions etc.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the Knicks NBA projected starting lineup we have is this:
- PG – Jalen Brunson
- SG – Quentin Grimes
- SF – RJ Barrett
- PF – Julius Randle
- C – Mitchell Robinson
Nothing too ground breaking here. Expect the Knicks and the coaching staff to experiment with many unique lineups. While this is the starting 5, it’s very much possible some bench players like Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier or Obi Toppin play more.
Productive and projected team lineups
Now we are going to look at some NBA projected lineups, and the most productive Knicks team lineups from the 21-22 season. These rotations did not receive as many minutes, but they could be used as leading indicators of productive lineups to consider for the upcoming season.
Initially, we wanted to only look at the rotations that could be directly dropped into next season. We quickly noticed this was not possible. When looking at the most productive lineups, Alec Burks is a participant in nearly all of them. While the Knicks have cleared cap space by sending him to Detroit and signed Jalen Brunson to replace him, Burks is a solid player that can have an impact on a winning team.
Using these NBA lineups as a base, we can see which players fit well together and determine a few lineups that should be considered for next season.
All lineups have less than 100 minutes of playing time together, but they were the most productive. We ranked the lineups by points over opposition points. At the end of the day, the goal is to score more points than your opponent after all.
One thing to note is that starting units are facing opposing starting units. These are typically the most talented players on either team. This means that the Knicks starters may find themselves missing, as a result of playing superior talent for extended periods.
5. E. Fournier, Q. Grimes, J. Randle, M. Robinson & K. Walker
Starting with the 5th best lineup, we have Barrett, Fournier, Gibson, Randle and Walker.
Summary of this team lineup:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79:43 | +19.9 | +9.4 | +3.1 | -0.9 | +6.3 |
Kemba Walker is the notable missing member of this lineup. He’s a guy, that when on, can score as well as nearly anyone in the game.
NBA projected lineups for 2022-23 season could be:
- Immanuel Quickley – PG
- Evan Fournier – SG
- Quentin Grimes – SF
- Julius Randle – PF
- Mitchell Robinson – C
A quality potential lineup here could be Quickley taking the place of Kemba Walker. Quickley can score with ease and has the ability to create his own shot. He’s also an active defender that can force turnovers with his on-ball pressure. A must have alongside Fournier.
Fournier and Grimes are both great catch and shoot guys. Quickley is a capable ball handler and can comfortably distribute the ball. This lineup would be a formidable, fast scoring combination.
4. A. Burks, I. Quickley, M. Robinson, D. Rose & O. Toppin
Next on the list is the lineup of Burks, Quickley, Rose, Toppin and Robinson.
Summary of the lineup:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54:47 | +22.1 | -3.2 | +6.5 | +2.8 | +8.4 |
Alec Burks is the missing member of this lineup. He played an integral role in many of the Knicks best NBA lineups last season.
In this lineup he likely played the small forward position. This is a fast and skillful lineup. Rose facilitating the offense provides offensive structure, while Toppin and Quickley running the floor would keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Related: Summary of future Knicks draft picks
NBA projected lineups for 2022-23 season could be:
- Derrick Rose – PG
- Immanuel Quickley – SG
- Cam Reddish – SF
- Obi Toppin – PF
- Mitchell Robinson – C
This is a lineup we would like to see. Defensively, it leaves a lot to be desired, but for short stints, when looking to speed up the pace of play or make something happen, this lineup could make an impact.
Reddish is a talented and skilled offensive player, who can make defensive plays at times. He can create his own shot, as can Quickley, and he is extremely good on the open floor. Rose will keep the group settled, while Robinson can counterbalance the defensive limitations of the smaller lineup for a short time.
3. A. Burks, T. Gibson, I. Quickley, D. Rose, O. Toppin
Another Burks lineup is next on the list. Burks, Gibson, Quickley, Rose and Toppin had the third best offensive output.
Summary of this 5-man rotation:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89:26 | +28.4 | +5.1 | +6.4 | +1.6 | -0.1 |
Alec Burks and Taj Gibson are missing from this lineup. Burks, as we know, is a flexible and talented all around player, while Gibson battles for every possession and is a formidable rebounder. These attributes clearly showed in the numbers with a +6.4 rebound count and a +8.4 offensive rebound percentage.
This is a streaky lineup. Burks, Rose and Toppin are not known as consistent and reliable 3 point shooters, while shooting -7.8 3pa, they still managed to out score their opponent from the 3 point line by a significant margin.
NBA projected lineups for 2022-23 season could be:
- Derrick Rose – PG
- Immanuel Quickley – SG
- Cam Reddish – SF
- Obi Toppin – PF
- Isaiah Hartenstein – C
This lineup has the potential to be one of the Knicks best scoring lineups. With Hartenstein at Center, and so much shot creation on the floor, this should be a high assist unit. During Hartenstein’s time with the Clippers, much of the second unit offense ran through him. We can expect much of the same from him in New York.
Hartenstein’s ability to create space, find open shooters and compete at the rim, gives this unit some real flexibility. Much like the previous lineup, Rose will lead the unit but Hartenstein will play a major role in keeping the offense fluid. We should see plenty of movement, and drives to the rim. This will break down defenses, sending the Knicks to the line.
2. R. Barrett, A. Burks, I. Quickley, M. Robinson & O. Toppin
The second lineup on this list is Barrett, Burks, Quickley, Robinson and Toppin.
Summary of the production of this Knicks lineup:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36:24 | +52.3 | +15.5 | -0.7 | +23.7 | -4.2 |
Again, Alec Burks is missing from this lineup. It is also the first lineup we have seen with RJ Barrett in the mix.
This Knicks team lineup was one of the most passing friendly the team had all year. Nearly every player in this lineup has the ability to handle the ball and create their own shot. Robinson being primarily a pick and roll player, this added some diversity to the offense. Quickley and Burks were able to share ball handling duties, create their own shot, but also facilitate for others.
NBA projected lineups for 2022-23 season could be:
- Jalen Brunson – PG
- Immanuel Quickley – SG
- RJ Barrett – SF
- Obi Toppin – PF
- Mitchell Robinson – C
Would love to see Brunson and Quickley get a chance to play consistent minutes together this season. With Barrett and Quickley’s scoring ability, coupled with Brunson basketball IQ and passing skills, we could have a lot of fun with this lineup.
Robinson in the pick and roll will open up the floor and give space for shooters to get open. He can dive to the rim and Brunson can hit him for the oop, or he can facilitate. Minus Robinson, every player in this lineup can hit the three ball, but also score at the rim.
1. A. Burks, E. Fournier, I. Quickley, J. Sims & O. Toppin
The most productive lineup for the Knicks during the 2021-22 season was Burks, Fournier, Quickley, Sims and Toppin.
Summary of the top Knicks team lineup for the season:
| Minutes | Points | 3PM | Rebounds | Assists | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42:09 | +66.5 | +23.5 | +3.1 | +23.7 | -4.8 |
Once again, Burks is absent from this lineup. This combination outscored their opponent by 66.5 points and a whopping 23.5 3pm. Whilst being discussed heavily in trade rumors, Fournier was a lethal three point shooter last season. Especially in the catch and shoot. Toppin’s improvement was also a big part of this NBA lineups success.
NBA projected lineups for 2022-23 season could be:
- Jalen Brunson – PG
- Evan Fournier – SG
- Quentin Grimes – SF
- Obi Toppin – PF
- Isaiah Hartenstein – C
A little unfair to Jericho Sims, but we moved him out of this lineup in favor of Isaiah Hartenstein. It’s a lineup that has incredible potential.
We would love to see Hartenstein and Brunson working together to facilitate the offense. Fournier and Grimes on the wings, ready for open threes, would be almost impossible to stop. If Toppin can repeat his impressive late season shooting, we could see one of the more formidable scoring lineups the Knicks have to offer.
The Knicks have tremendous depth this upcoming season. There is an incredible number of NBA lineups that Tom Thibodeau can run with. Plenty of defensive talent to compliment the new offensive weapons the Knicks now have. This team might be better than people give them credit for.
