This is the New York Knicks’ year. At least, it should be. The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics are both out of it thanks to injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks lost an All-NBA guard, and the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, while tough, are simply not as experienced as the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Last year, the Knicks enjoyed their best season of the 21st century, although it was still not enough, and head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired after making the Conference Finals.
The Knicks brought in Mike Brown to lead the team, and rounded out their roster with Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, and Malcolm Brogdon. Most of their roster has remained intact, and both fans and the front office are expecting a Finals appearance at the very least.
In order to improve their chances, the Knicks have been urged to make an adjustment with Josh Hart.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 29: Josh Hart #3 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talk against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 29, 2025 in New York City.
Josh Hart Is Expected to Play a Smaller Role
Hart is one of the best “hustle players” in the entire NBA. Last season, his first as a full-time starter in New York, he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. However, all of those numbers took a dip in the playoffs, and he was finally moved back to the bench in the final three games of the Conference Finals.
While Hart is a do-all player, there is a case to be made that a more offensive-minded shooting guard would flourish next to Jalen Brunson, taking some attention away from the Knicks‘ captain.
If Brown is less dependent on Josh Hart and makes the offense a little more dynamic around Brunson, it could work out in their favor,” predicted SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell. Anything less than an NBA Finals appearance will be considered a disappointment for the Knicks. That’s totally fair given the talent level on this roster.”
After his lackluster postseason, there were calls to trade Hart away, although his friendship with Brunson and eagerness to do the dirty work should keep him in New York. However, an underrated signing this summer might be enough to push him out of the starting five, at least occasionally.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 20: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz dribbles during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2022 in New York City. The Jazz won 108-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Jordan Clarkson Should Flourish for New York Knicks
After a breakout season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele’s arrival was the flashiest offseason addition for the Knicks, although Clarkson should provide New York with exactly what they need.
Over the last six seasons with the Utah Jazz, Clarkson has averaged 17.5 points and simply commands more defensive attention than Hart does. He is one of the best microwave scorers in the NBA, and if teams focus too much on slowing down Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns, then Clarkson can go to work and stuff the stat sheet.
He can also handle the ball better than Hart can, although he is not as good a rebounder or defender. With both Brunson and Clarkson in the backcourt, high-level defenders like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson will need to step things up. Of course, Hart’s rebounding allows Brown to implement small-ball lineups as well, so if Clarkson an integrate himself into the lineup, the Knicks will be even more versatile than last season.
During Brown’s signature season in 2022-23, the Sacramento Kings ranked 17th in bench minutes. The following season, Sacramento was 18th. Compare that to Thibodeau’s Knicks, who ranked in the bottom two each of the last two seasons.
If the Knicks lean into flexible lineups and Clarkson rises to the occasion, New York should be the frontrunners in the East all season. However, Clarkson has not played on a winning team in several seasons, so it will remain to be seen if his individual success can translate to his new roster.
New York Knicks Urged to Make Key Josh Hart Adjustment