Head coach Mike Brown might have revealed the full New York Knicks playoff rotation when asked about the upcoming playoff plans. New York has improved their depth this season due to a couple of offseason additions and a coaching change. Previous head coach Tom Thibodeau liked to play his top stars for a lot more minutes at the expense of the bench, but Brown has gone with a deeper rotation.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported the following message from Brown:
“Asked about playoff rotation, Mike Brown said his nine-player rotation in ATL is close to what’s expected in postseason. ‘The top nine, those guys are probably our top nine. When you’re talking about playoffs, it’s hard to play more than nine guys.”
Begley referenced that popular backup guard Jose Alvarado did not play in that game and appears to be in Brown’s doghouse right. New York’s bench will see Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Miles McBride as the four players getting consistent playing time in the first round.
The same rotation played in the Knicks game tonight against the Boston Celtics, with no other bench players getting time. Alvarado had a hot start to his New York run, but lackluster play in recent weeks led to Brown trusting other players more than him.
How Jose Alvarado Can Get Playing Time
Matchups are always important in the playoffs for teams to make changes based on their opponents. Alvarado’s best bet is to get minutes as a good defender against a great team’s top guards.
New York often has wing players OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges guard All-Star guards, but a faster point guard would require someone with Alvarado’s skill set. Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers are one matchup that would give Alvarado a better chance in playoffs.
Another route for Alvarado to get playing time comes from other bench players struggling. Clarkson and Shamet are streaky players who become less valuable if they are having a cold stretch of games. Alvarado could easily replace one of these two or McBride if his energy and defensive personality are more needed.
Why This Is A Great Problem For Knicks
Last season saw the Knicks running into the issues of playing the same players too much and being tired by the time of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Indiana Pacers had a deeper team of trusted rotation players to gain an advantage and win the series.
Alvarado not even being in the current rotation just proves the team is at least 10 players deep right now. Many playoff teams would have Alvarado playing 20+ minutes, but New York has the problem of too much depth this season compared to not enough depth last year.
A good problem will see Brown getting the chance to mix and match players into the rotation when adjustments are needed. The Knicks need to have their players energized enough for tough matchups in the second round and beyond. Most expect New York to easily get past the first round, but they may be underdogs in every other series they play in.
Popular Knicks Player Not Expected To Be In Playoff Rotation