Knicks Rumors: Which Point Guard Has Inside Track to Be the Starter?

The New York Knicks' official refusal to match Jeremy Lin's offer sheet with the Houston Rockets marks the beginning of a new point guard regime in the Big Apple.

In for Lin are 39-year-old veteran Jason Kidd and newly inked three-year, $10 million man Raymond Felton, who is making his return to the Knicks.

On paper, Felton and Kidd are big-name signings. However, both players are coming off career-worst seasons.  Couple that with incumbent point guard Iman Shumpert being out until at least January with a knee injury, and many Knicks fans are left wondering who will be their opening night point guard.

Here's a quick breakdown on both guys and a prediction on who has the inside track.

Raymond Felton

Pros

• Has excelled in New York City before
• One of the quickest guards in the game when in shape
• Great distributor
• Only 28 years old

Cons

•  Questionable commitment
• Clashed with coaches in Portland last season
• Weight fluctuates

Breakdown

In his first run in the Big Apple in 2010-11, Felton scored 17.1 points and doled out 9.0 assists per game before being traded to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal.

A return to the Knicks can only mean good things for Felton, who has regressed in the past year and a half since leaving New York.  

After signing a one-year, $8 million contract last offseason, Felton struggled to get along with former Blazers coach Nate McMillan after showing up out of shape this past season.

Regardless, an in-shape Felton is a lightning-quick guard who thrives on getting other people the ball in a place to score.  At $15 million less than Lin, one could argue that the Knicks got a great value-buy here.  

Jason Kidd

Pros

• Ten-time NBA All-Star
• Knockdown three-point shooter
• Brilliant open-court passer
• Massive basketball IQ

Cons

• Can't defend quick guards
• Shot just 36.3 percent last season
• Turns 40 years old during next season.

Breakdown

When Kidd agreed to sign with the Knicks at the beginning of free agency, it was thought that he'd settle into a cushy mentoring and backup role to Lin.

However, Lin's departure means a possible starting opportunity for J-Kidd, who has only come off the bench 13 times in his 18-year professional career.  

Kidd starting wasn't exactly a positive last season for the Dallas Mavericks, though.  The former nightly triple-double threat became quite literally half of that while playing 29 minutes a night.

The 5-5-5 deal might be great for pizza, but not so much for a starting point guard for the Knicks.  

Starter Verdict:  Raymond Felton

While Felton isn't without his shortcomings, he gives the Knicks a far better chance to make a deep playoff run.

The former Tar Heel has proven his worth in New York City before, and he could shine brighter than even Lin with a second opportunity.  

Kidd will be a valuable force off the bench, providing leadership and not rustling any feathers about his role.

But just so we're clear—all bets are off when Shumpert comes back.

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