The New York Knicks' second-round series against the Indiana Pacers will inevitably look a lot different than their first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are big and physical and while Tyrese Maxey is a blur with the ball in his hands, they are generally not an overly fast team, at least in terms of pace.
Conversely, the Indiana Pacers played at the second-fastest pace in 2023-24. And regardless of how that style meshes (or clashes) with the Knicks' preferred style of play, the recent Bojan Bogdanovic injury means that coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation is down to seven, which is also impacted by Julius Randle remaining out with a shoulder injury for the entirety of the playoffs. That presents some problems for the Knicks if they hope to keep up with Indiana for an entire series.
Fortunately, the team’s “next man up” mentality means others are ready to step into the team’s rotation. Realistically, there are two options, Precious Achuiuwa and Alec Burks. Both offer unique benefits. And while they play different positions, it’s very unlikely that Thibodeau will expand his rotation to nine. So, who should get playoff minutes, if anyone?
Precious Achiuwa
There is little doubt that Achiuwa is the better player of the two, at least in 2024. He impacts winning, and the team is simply better when he plays heavy minutes than when Burks does.
In the 16 games in which Achiwua played more than 30 minutes, the Knicks went 8-8 despite being without Hartenstein and Robinson. And he performed, too. Achiuwa averaged 9.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game when he played between 30 and 39 minutes per game, and he averaged 15.4 points and 10 rebounds per game when he played more than 40 minutes.
He performed valiantly in spot time in the first round, too. He posted a +6 in 10:11 in Game 3 against the 76ers, and he was +11 in 19:48 in Game 4. And that’s despite playing against the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid.
But basketball teams and rotations aren’t created in a vacuum. And the Knicks’ center spot is firmly filled by Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson.
In other words, there are limited minutes for Achiuwa at center. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for Achiuwa in the team’s rotation. He’ll just have to settle for minutes wherever they are, like as a backup power forward at times. And while it’s not ideal, nothing about fleshing out a rotation in the face of injuries is. So, New York should feel privileged to have an option as strong as Achiuwa.
Alec Burks
There’s a case to be made for Burks over Achiuwa, too. Simply put, he offers more of what the Knicks need right now, scoring and playmaking. But there’s a counter-argument that speaks to a lack of results. Shockingly, Burks only played 20 or more minutes for the Knicks on three occasions, and they lost all three games. Further, New York is just 2-7 when he played 15 or more minutes. That’s not ideal.
But in fairness, there’s a missing piece to that equation, OG Anunoby. Anunoby is the straw that stirs the drink for New York, and Burks hasn’t played much alongside him. In fact, Burks played most of his minutes without three starters (Anunoby, Robinson, and Julius Randle). He was also playing alongside a restricted Hartenstein (Achilles injury).
But let's look past lineups and turn to output. Since re-joining New York, Burks is averaging 17.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. Granted, Burks will not receive 36 minutes per game, unless something disastrous happens. And while he can score, he doesn’t do so efficiently.
He shot only 30% on three-point attempts this season with the Knicks and a measly 31.3% on two-pointers. Further, while Burks can be a playmaker, he doesn’t regularly create for his teammates. He averaged only 2.3 assists per 36 minutes. Far from what you'd expect from a point guard.
Still, Burks is the better shooter. So, maybe Thibodeau can construct a lineup in which Burks plays alongside a lead guard, unloading some of the responsibility to distribute. He could be hidden defensively alongside guys like Anunoby and Robinson.
So, essentially, all he’d be asked to do is to shoot. And he can certainly connect on those types of shots. Burks made 40% of catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, and he made 38.2% of three-point attempts when given six or more feet or space. Those are the types of shots the Knicks would be looking for him to take.
Objectively, Achiuwa is the better option. While it's unlikely that Thibodeau uses both in the same game, he might have to be flexible and use one or the other as needed. Every game requires something different, and we're talking about only between 10 and 15 minutes per game. Fortunately, the Knicks are deep enough to turn to what should be their 10th and 11th man for playoff minutes. Ultimately, this decision carries major implications. And it could impact who advances to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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