Knicks getting first test of new direction with camp opening

Here are the top five storylines to watch as the Knicks enter training camp:

1. What activities will Porzingis do in the preseason?

President Steve Mills declined to put a timetable on Kristaps Porzingis’ return despite saying recently September’s tests would give the club a clearer idea. There still are so many variables and progressions to still go through during training camp. Porzingis likely will do standing shooting drills during camp and may be cleared to run at some juncture late in preseason. The Knicks want him around, though, to bond with his teammates. David Fizdale wants him to be the team leader at some point. After his ACL tear, Porzingis came to just two games and very few practices. How about this prediction: His return comes Jan. 17 in Europe when the Knicks face the Wizards in London.

2. The Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson Show

As spectacular as Knox was in summer league, the 7-foot rookie Robinson showed ridiculous promise, too, averaging a double-double and four blocks after not playing an organized game in 14 months. Despite the expected losses, Knox and Robinson could rock the Garden this season. Knox seems mature beyond his years at age 19 and could be in the Rookie of the Year race — a 3-point shooter who can throw down driving, rim-rattling dunks. The raw Robinson could be a mess some nights, looking foul-prone and out of position, but the second-round pick’s shotblocking and alley-oop slams may be worth the price of admission.

3. The Fiz Factor

The new trend is to hire young coaches who can relate and connect with young players. Knicks brass is delighted at David Fizdale’s instant rapport with his “Fiz Kids.’’ Gone is the belief coaches have to be unfriendly dictators in the mold of Tom Thibodeau, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley and the Van Gundy brothers. The Jeff Hornacek/Kurt Rambis tandem didn’t work with the new mold. Whether it actually leads to victories is unproven.

4. Trying to Be Frank

The progress of point guard Frank Ntilikina in his second season will be closely monitored as he comes back 15 pounds heavier and 1 ¹/₂ inches taller. He was listed at 6-foot-5 last season and his 7-foot wingspan already gave him an edge on defense. But it’s his offense that needs work, and that’s why the team explored having him play off the ball. His sturdier body could make him more powerful on drives. Fizdale wants him more in attack mode, but is trying not to put extra pressure on him, knowing he’s a natural playmaker, not a scorer. Fizdale said he “wants to let Frank be who he’s going to be.’’ Will that be a player who was worthy of the eighth pick?

5. Get to the Point

The major battle during training camp is at point guard, where incumbent Trey Burke takes on second-year man Frank Ntilikina along with Emmanuel Mudiay. That’s three lottery picks going mano-a-mano-a-mano. There’s growing belief Ntilikina is seen as much as an off-the-ball guard than a full-time point, giving Burke the edge unless Mudiay is able to finally reach his potential. Mudiay’s excuse after the February deal was it was the first time he’s gotten traded and it took time to adjust to a new offense, defense and city. His 14-game starting audition didn’t go right. Burke was clearly the superior of the trio from February on when they were all together.