Is Raymond Felton the Right Man for NY Knicks' Starting PG Job?
If the last two seasons have taught us anything about the New York Knicks, it's that production from the point guard position is essential for them to succeed.
Back in 2011-12, the Knicks struggled severely until Jeremy Lin came in and saved the season. In 2012-13, a resurgent Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd helped the Knicks to 54 wins, with a rough patch in the middle when both missed time with injuries.
New York has been one of the league's most disappointing teams this season and, unsurprisingly, point guard play has been a huge weakness, with Felton averaging a career low in points, assists, rebounds and field goal percentage.
I have written in the past that Felton's offense would make him the perfect fit at point guard if he could improve his defense, but he's failed to do this and has also regressed significantly on the other end. He's no longer providing the necessary penetration and hasn't been vocal enough to keep the offense in shape.
The question for the Knicks is whether or not they have any alternatives.
While Pablo Prigioni is better suited to playing off the ball at this point in his career, this past summer the Knicks also signed veteran Beno Udrih and rookie Toure' Murry, who was impressive in the preseason.
Felton has been out with an injury for the last few games, and Udrih's performance in his place has been mixed. Udrih had two truly awful games against the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards, and one great showing with 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists against the Indiana Pacers.
Udrih's struggles are understandable given how little time he's had to get used to his surroundings, but what's not understandable is that Murry has barely played, regardless of the play of those ahead of him in the rotation.
Preseason isn't the greatest indicator of NBA potential, but even so, Murry showed us enough to deserve a shot at the rotation. Outside of Prigioni, he's clearly the Knicks' best defender at the point and is athletic enough to cause some trouble on offense.
It would be too big a risk to thrust Murry into the starting job already, but given how opposing point guards have been ripping New York apart this season, there's no justification for the fact that he's played 11 total minutes this season, especially with Felton sitting.
The Knicks face Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers in their next game and if Murry doesn't get the call for at least a few minutes, you really have to start questioning Mike Woodson's coaching methods. His stubbornness proved to be the Knicks' downfall in 2012-13 and it appears he hasn't learned his lesson.
As for Felton, he'll likely start upon returning from injury. But frankly, the Knicks should be considering involving him in a package to upgrade at the point.
Bringing Rajon Rondo to New York is unrealistic—we all know this—but a package including Felton and a more valuable piece could potentially bring back the likes of Goran Dragic, Luke Ridnour or Greivis Vasquez.
We're only 12 games into the season, but we knew going in that Felton's play was going to be key to the Knicks' success. He hasn't shown up and it's time to seriously consider making a change at the point.
