Knicks Prepare for Flexible Roles in Title Defense

Last season’s playoff run might have just been a taste of what the New York Knicks can do. They unveiled a fresh offensive style during the postseason that powered their impressive championship victory. This shift was a response to falling behind 2-1 against the Hawks in the first round, forcing them to adjust quickly. Now, with a full training camp and preseason ahead, they have time to refine and expand this strategy.

Jalen Brunson Sees More Possibilities

“I feel like we can do a lot more, do a lot of different things,” said Jalen Brunson after the Knicks’ first practice of the new season. “We unlocked something last year in the playoffs out of necessity, and it worked. It’s exciting to integrate it from the start of the season.”

Karl-Anthony Towns’ Role Remains Central

A key adjustment involved how Karl-Anthony Towns was used offensively, moving him to the elbows where he could handle the ball more and facilitate. This eased the playmaking pressure on Brunson, highlighted Towns’ passing skills, and pulled opposing centers away from the paint. It also created space for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to shine as cutters and screeners. The Knicks’ offensive efficiency soared thanks to this change.

Coach Mike Brown confirmed this approach will continue, with some potential tweaks. “Playing with KAT at the elbow more than last regular season makes sense,” Brown said. “After spending a year with this group, we better understand what each player can do. I didn’t know if OG and Mikal could be as effective in pick-and-roll situations as they were. We’ll look for ways to get them involved up top.”

Brown also mentioned the possibility of moving Anunoby to the five spot more often and exploring whether backup center Andre Drummond could take on some facilitator duties. “There are many directions we can explore on both ends of the floor. Nothing’s set in stone,” he said.

Potential Role Changes for Anunoby and Bridges

Last season, Brown’s system had Anunoby and Bridges stationed in the corners to shoot three-pointers, leading the NBA in corner 3 attempts with 198 and 199 respectively. This tactic was a core part of the offense.

Yet both players improved their ball handling and slashing during the playoffs. Anunoby, especially, stepped up at times to lead the offense, showing his ability to score off the dribble and deliver some of his best career performances.

Experimenting with Anunoby away from the corners and more inside could unlock an All-Star-level version of him. Considering Drummond is the only backup center locked in behind Towns, using Anunoby as a small-ball center is an intriguing option.

Adapting Throughout the Season

“Much from last year will carry over, but we’ll also try new things,” said Brown. “What worked in the playoffs might not suit the regular season, so we need to stay ready to change direction. Ideally, by playoff time, we’re improving and confident enough to make a strong push.”

This flexibility depended on a veteran squad willing to adjust roles for the team’s benefit, relying on honest communication and trust.

“As a group, we realized we need each other to win and must be on the same page,” Brunson reflected. “You don’t know when things will click, but if you keep working every day, eventually the breakthrough comes.”

Now, the Knicks have fresh challenges and opportunities ahead to tap into.