Tom Thibodeau Left a Big Question for Mike Brown
Mike Brown inherits a Knicks roster full of talent and star power. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns headline the team, supported by key players OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. On paper, it looks like a championship-ready squad. But one big question remains unanswered: what is the team’s best starting lineup? That’s the mystery Thibodeau never solved last season, and now it’s Brown’s job to figure it out.
Bench Upgrades Give Brown More Options
The Knicks made smart moves to strengthen the bench this offseason. Jordan Clarkson replaces Cameron Payne in the backcourt, adding scoring and playmaking off the bench. Up front, Guerschon Yabusele replaces Precious Achiuwa, giving the Knicks more size, versatility, and rotation flexibility. While these upgrades matter, the core roster from last season remains intact. That means Brown has talent—but also decisions to make.
The Starting Lineup Dilemma
Last season, Thibodeau leaned heavily on a starting lineup of Brunson, Bridges, Josh Hart, Anunoby, and Towns, playing them for 940 minutes. The results were underwhelming, with the unit posting just a +1.6 net rating per game. That leaves Brown in uncharted territory. He can’t just rely on last season’s rotations; he needs to experiment to find the lineup that maximizes talent, chemistry, and spacing.
Early Experiments Will Shape the Season
Expect Brown to tinker early and often. There are multiple options on the table. Some internal voices reportedly support starting Josh Hart again. Others suggest that the front office brought in Yabusele with the idea of playing both Towns and Mitchell Robinson in the starting five. Brown will have to weigh these options while keeping floor spacing, defense, and offensive flow in mind.
A Fresh Approach Could Shake Things Up
Brown’s history of coaching in Golden State and Sacramento shows his preference for pace-and-space basketball. That style prioritizes speed, spacing, and three-point shooting. One possibility: starting Deuce McBride alongside Brunson, putting five shooters on the floor at once. This would give Towns and Brunson the space to thrive, something that never fully clicked under Thibodeau.
The Verdict Is Coming
Finding the right starting lineup won’t happen overnight. But with the talent on this roster and Brown’s willingness to experiment, the Knicks could be in for a breakthrough season. Fans will have to wait and see how it all shakes out, but the potential is undeniable.
