Mike Brown will face major pressure as head coach of the New York Knicks to further their continual progression into a trip to the Finals.
Mike Brown can tap into the Knicks’ roster potential
As talented as the Knicks’ ensemble is, their starting unit as well as their bench have untapped potential that can be brought out by Brown.
Major questions surround New York for the upcoming campaign. Primarily, the fifth and final starting spot could go to either Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson.
Mike Brown, knicks
Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The bench seems primed for an offensive overhaul thanks to the invaluable additions of Jordan Clarkson as well as Guerschon Yabusele. Nevertheless, there are final steps that Brown can take to better the work of his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, with a revamped roster.
Will Brown’s coaching style prove that change was needed
Brown can start by ensuring that the Knicks don’t have three players fall in the top-10 in minutes per game next season.
Further, deploying select starters with the second unit more, a la OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, would allow for both to enjoy more offensive opportunities, while giving the league’s lowest-scoring second unit attack, which scored 21.7 points per game in 2024-25, an even greater chance to turn the tide entirely.
Nov 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts towards forward OG Anunoby (8) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
With those improvements, New York may find themselves in the best position to reach the Finals for the first time in the Jalen Brunson era. Coach Brown, who is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, will look to bounce back from a 13-18 record from the previous campaign, which got him ousted from the Sacramento Kings. The four-time NBA champion’s winning pedigree figures to be the final element that takes the Knicks to championship glory once more.