Knicks backup PG role a game-to-game call when Calderon returns

With Jose Calderon expected to return to the New York Knicks on Saturday, the point guard hierarchy is set to be shaken up.

Calderon is the team's starter - that much is clear, despite his absence from the team's first 13 games with a right calf strain. He's their best choice on the offensive end, and his pass-first ways should fit well with the system head coach Derek Fisher is trying to install.

In Calderon's absence, Shane Larkin has usually started, with Pablo Prigioni handling backup duties. Larkin won't necessarily slide into the number two spot while Prigioni is a deep reserve, however.

"Right now we are just trying to figure out what works at that time," Fisher told Fred Kerber of the New York Post on Friday. "There will be times when Pablo is the best fit. There will be times when Shane is the best fit. And we will just do in that moment what we think is best for the group."

Larkin seems to be a better play on the surface. Prigioni is a superior defender and plays a similar style to Calderon on offense, but Larkin is more creative and likely has a higher upside at age 22. These are still small samples with confounding variables at work, but the team's play has been appreciably better with Prigioni on the floor, especially on defense.

Fisher is probably right to split the time based on matchups, at least until he's more comfortable with one over the other.