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Knicks rookie playmaker Immanuel Quickley won’t start Wednesday night’s season opener against the Pacers – but Mitchell Robinson will
Quickley, who became a preseason revelation and started as a point guard in the preseason final, was set to leave the bench as head coach Tom Thibodeau was stuck with the playmaker veteran Elfrid Payton.
Thibodeau said Quickley will still be in his 10-man rotation, indicating he could finish the game. The former Kentucky stud has added electricity and away shooting, the latter being a major weakness for Payton.
“I think it’s a compilation of things,” Thibodeau said when asked why Payton would start. “That’s how it was in the practices, the games, the way the groups play with each other. And starting has never been more important to me than ending. We’re going to look at the different combinations, the guys who play well, who perform well, it will be the guys who are there.
“We have young guys who will continue to improve. We have the right veterans around who can help teach young people the ropes. So we are counting on everyone. ”
The only other little surprise with his other starters was Reggie Bullock who got the call on Alec Burks at the shooter. Burks missed the last two games for personal reasons when his wife gave birth.
Thibodeau says Bullock gives the club a bit more 3-point shooting at the start, but the coaching staff have fallen in love with Burks, their best free agent.
“I love both guys and they both have strengths that complement each group,” said Thibodeau. “And I don’t know yet if we’ll return it again. But both guys are very effective with the starters and both guys are very effective with the bench. Both have a strong defensive presence. I think Alec is very good at dribbling and has some playing skills. So I think he’s a good addition for this group. But we are still sorting out. Of course, Reggie gives us the extra shot we need to open the floor and some formidable defense.
Robinson excelled by starting the last two preseason games against Nerlens Noel, who was troubled by a knee injury. Robinson came in strong and didn’t record a foul in the preseason final.
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