NBA Rumors: Problematic Knicks Dealing With Players Unhappy Over Playing Time

The New York Knicks may have not lured big-name players this summer but assembled a formidable mix. Missing out on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they focused on getting promising young stars. However, it appears they may have made promises they cannot keep. Some players are allegedly disgruntled in the preseason with their minutes.

Sources told Ian Begley of SNY that some players are grumbling over lack of playing time and their actual roles. No names were mentioned. Regardless, this could be a dilemma that the Knicks will be facing once the regular season starts.

One can just imagine the issue had the Knicks landed some big-name players like Durant and/or Irving. Had the two opted to join the Knicks, head coach David Fizdale would be in a deeper hole. Among the new additions include Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, and Reggie Bullock. There is also Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris and Taj Gibson to consider.

Lest we forget, there is also rookie RJ Barrett in the mix. There are existing players in the mix as well as Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. In general, New York is pretty stacked. So the question now is how will Fizdale make everyone happy?

Most of the players are flexible and can fill multiple positions. However, it remains that current and new recruits have big expectations. All want to prove they can help a team win but if utilized. This is an angle worth watching this coming NBA season.

Should things fall apart, Durant's swipe at the Knicks could make sense. The former NBA MVP gave his take on why the Knicks were struggling to lure big players. In a previous post, Durant touched on how the Knicks needed to rebuild their brand. They got a bunch of young players but feels that most are not fully aware of the team's history.

Regardless of what Durant said, the Knicks are given the benefit of the doubt. Fizdale is trying to establish something new. It may or may not work immediately. Many have tried such as Phil Jackson in the past. It all boils down to how they perform in the 2019-20 NBA season. The Knicks formally open the regular season on Oct. 23 when they visit the San Antonio Spurs. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. EDT.