The reigning champ New York Knicks kicked off their season with a loss to LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Lots can be said about the opening night jitters, championship ceremony distractions, and the challenge of facing a team that just added two perennial All-Stars.

But as the Knicks’ offense sputtered, with and without Jalen Brunson, how and when head coach Mike Brown deployed his guard rotation stood out.

Brunson lead the charge with 34 minutes, Landry Shamet played 25, Jose Alvarado played 16, Miles McBride played 14, and Jordan Clarkson played only eight.

So much has been made and said of New York’s big man rotation, after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics and signing both Andre Drummond and James Wiseman. It’s been the number one sticking point for talking heads.

But on the opposite end of the roster, Brown has five (or six, depending upon your view of Tyler Kolek) capable guards. Mastering their roles and playing time could be the key to maximizing the Knicks this season as they look to repeat as champs.

Knicks offense sputters

New York took more shots from the midrange to the rim than from behind the three point line–55 versus 33. That was a rare occurrence last season, and a good indicator of guys trying too hard to create their own shots versus the 76ers.

The Knicks posted a 99 offensive rating, something that happened only five times last season. And the starting five’s rating was an even worse, absolutely abysmal, 57.7. That number spiked with any mix of the bench guys on the floor:

  • Alvarado: 118
  • most played lineup: Alvarado, Clarkson, Shamet, Hart, Towns (2:57, +1)

Alvarado’s chemistry with Drummond was readily apparent. With the two on the floor, the Knicks outscored the 76ers 23-21 and posted a 104.5 offensive rating.

Alvarado’s trademark defense served catalyst for some easy buckets, and much like with Towns last season, he stressed finding the big man under the basket.

  • Clarkson: 150 (lol)
  • most played lineup: Alvarado, Clarkson, Shamet, Hart, Towns (2:57, +1)

Clarkson is Clarkson. He doesn’t initiate offense; he plays the role of chaos agent, doing all the dirty work in between misses or as time is running out. His role is less up for discussion, unless he’s having a night where he can’t miss.

  • McBride: 114.3
  • most played lineup: Brunson, McBride, Bridges, Anunoby, Drummond (2:57, +6)

McBride is the more curious case. Before his injury last season, he was playing 27 minutes a night. It should be noted that was prior to Alvarado’s arrival, and the season debut of Shamet, but nevertheless; McBride is this team’s sixth man.

His minutes should be tethered to that, and to only play him 14 on the first night of the season is baffling to me. Yes, he shot one-for-five from the floor, and yes, he struggled driving the ball and took one or two highly contested shots.

Who cares? This isn’t Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It’s the first of an 82-game season.

  • Shamet: 118.2
  • most played lineup: Brunson, Shamet, Hart, Anunoby, Towns (2:36, -2)

Then there’s Shamet, who played 25 minutes on a night where he shot two-for-seven from the floor. Yes, his defense was ever present and the shot selection was on par. But he only played 25 or more minutes in 17 of 51 games last season.

He’s not a guy you can lean on, not on nights where the offense is struggling and so is he. And if the defense is largely holding, you shouldn’t feel like you have to.

So, what’s the solution?

Quote the great Steve Carrell as Michael Scott in The Office: “My weaknesses are actually my strengths.” Mike Brown and the New York Knicks may not have Mitchell Robinson any more, but what they do have is a top-heavy roster at guard.

Balancing out the playing time and plugging and playing guys in the right lineups should keep the offensive floor high as the team opens their title defense campaign.

New York will look to avoid a second-straight loss to start the season on Friday, when they play visitor to the Boston Celtics. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST.