It’s not too long ago that a guy like Tyler Kolek would be competing to start for the New York Knicks. Six years ago, the Knicks had Frank Ntilikina starting with Ron Baker and Emmanuel Mudiay backing him up. Five years ago, it was Allonzo Trier, Elfrid Payton, and Dennis Smith Jr. Four years ago, it was Payton, Ntilikina, Smith, and a rookie by the name of Immanuel Quickley.
Since then, the Knicks have enjoyed depth at the lead guard position unseen here for a generation. This year, they not only have a truly elite point guard running the show but also a pair of capable backups in Deuce McBride and Cameron Payne.