Shane Larkin’s freakish speed may change the Knicks’ offense

New point guard Shane Larkin is so lightning-fast he will try to pull the Knicks out of the triangle offense at times.

That’s the plan, according to Larkin, whom coach Derek Fisher is leaning toward as backup point guard over Pablo Prigioni despite his inexperience.

Fisher wants speed on the second unit and the second-year Larkin, whose rookie campaign in Dallas was a whitewash because of a broken ankle, is regarded as one of the NBA’s fastest players. Larkin was timed during the 2013 pre-draft combine, running a 3.09 (a combine best) in the three-quarter court speed drill.

Larkin, whose father, baseball Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin, watched the Knicks preseason opener in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, would fit wonderfully in former coach Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, but he might fit with Fisher, too.

“That’s my role on this team,’’ said Larkin, who logged 24 minutes Wednesday, and pushed the pace, but committed three turnovers. “I saw a lot of the stuff they did last year. They told me last year we were one of the slowest teams so to come here and push the tempo and get guys to run with me.’’
That could mean less triangle when Larkin is in.

“It doesn’t mean necessarily running into the triangle,’’ Larkin said. “We can get up and down there 4, 5 seconds and see if we have anything. And if we don’t, pull it out with 17 on the clock and get into the triangle.”

Prigioni’s role is unclear. There were summer rumblings the Knicks had shopped the Spanish point guard. Prigioni’s chances may he hurt because he plays a similar game to former Spanish League teammate, starter Jose Calderon.

“That’s probably best asset I bring to this team,’’ Larkin said of speed. “Jose and Pablo are both older and know how to get the team into the offense, are great shooters and offensive leaders. When I come into the game I want to be the sparkplug and get everything going, speed them up on the defensive and offensive end and create easy buckets.”

Fisher said he likes Larkin with the young, fast second unit featuring Tim Hardaway Jr. and rookie forward Cleanthony Early.

“That’s the thing we have this year,’’ Larkin said. “[Cleanthony] has young legs, Tim has young legs. When I’m in there with those guys, I’ll push the ball, and it’s going to make them run.”

“He has all the tools to be successful,’’ Fisher said. “I think he’s going to help up this year.’’


(nypost.com)