The New York Knicks enter the postseason with high expectations, but a recent warning from a veteran voice is raising questions about whether they are peaking at the right time.
Three-time NBA champion Danny Green believes the Knicks have the talent to make a deep playoff run — but said chemistry and consistency could ultimately determine how far they go.
Speaking during a conference call with NBA reporters, Green explained why he currently gives the edge to the Boston Celtics in a potential playoff clash.
“The reason I picked the Celtics is because of that experience and that bond, that chemistry,” Green said. “That’s a big part of the playoffs.”
Knicks-Hawks Series Opens Saturday
The Knicks will begin their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, April 18, at 6 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
If New York advances, a second-round matchup against Boston could await in the Eastern Conference semifinals — a potential clash that Green believes could ultimately decide the East.
Knicks’ Talent Not in Question, but Chemistry Is
New York is widely viewed as one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference, with a roster capable of competing with any contender.
However, Green, who is now working as an ESPN NBA analyst, pointed to late-season inconsistency as a potential concern.
“The Knicks have played well against Boston,” Green said. “But this year, especially late in the season, they looked very up and down. It felt like they were disconnected at times.”
That inconsistency has shown up in different ways down the stretch — including players still trying to define their roles within the system.
Speaking with NBC’s Zora Stephenson before New York’s March 29 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Karl-Anthony Towns acknowledged he is still working to find his rhythm within the Knicks’ structure as the postseason approaches.
“I’m still working through it,” Towns said at the time. “I’m still trying to figure out where I can impact our team and winning the most.”
That admission reinforces the concern that the Knicks may still be searching for cohesion at a critical point in the season.
Usage, Rotation Changes Highlight Shifting Identity
The numbers — and rotation patterns — also reflect the dynamic Green alluded to.
According to StatMuse data, Jalen Brunson has seen his usage rate climb to 30.3% this season, up from 29.4% last season, reinforcing his role as the Knicks’ primary offensive engine.
Meanwhile, Towns’ usage dipped to 25.8% from 27.3%, suggesting a shift in offensive hierarchy following his arrival.
The distribution across the roster has also tightened, with players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges operating in narrower usage ranges compared to last season.
At the same time, new head coach Mike Brown has managed minutes differently than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, with the Knicks’ starters generally logging fewer minutes than they did last season.
That shift may help preserve players physically, but it also changes rhythm and on-court continuity — particularly for a team still integrating key pieces.
Together, the usage trends and rotation adjustments reinforce Green’s broader point: when roles and rhythms are still evolving late in the season, it can impact cohesion at the most critical time.
Knicks-Celtics Matchup Could Decide the East
GettyJalen Brunson of the New York Knicks drives past Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.
Green believes the Eastern Conference could ultimately come down to a Knicks-Celtics showdown.
“I think Boston and New York will have to face each other at some point,” he said. “And the winner of that matchup is going to the Finals.”
Despite acknowledging the Knicks’ upside, Green said Boston’s continuity gives them a slight edge entering the postseason.
Timing Could Be the Difference for Knicks
For the Knicks, the challenge is not talent — it’s timing.
Teams that win championships often peak at the right moment, and Green suggested New York may still be searching for that rhythm.
“If the chemistry isn’t there at the right time of year, it’s tough,” he said. “Especially against a championship-level team.”
With Game 1 approaching — and a potential second-round showdown looming — the Knicks have an immediate opportunity to prove that those concerns are misplaced or risk validating them under postseason pressure.
Knicks Get Major Playoff Warning From 3-Time NBA Champion