Knicks to expand rotation as Hart open to bench role, Brown says
Mike Brown plans a nine-to-ten-man rotation as New York weighs starting five; Josh Hart says he’ll sacrifice for the team while four starters appear to be set.
New York is moving toward a deeper, more flexible rotation as the Knicks head into training camp, with coach Mike Brown signaling a nine- to ten-man approach and Josh Hart prepared to accept a reserve role if that best serves the roster. Brown spoke Tuesday, about 24 hours before camp opened, and emphasized a methodical process to determining the starting five rather than announcing a fixed lineup ahead of workouts. "The starting lineup will materialize throughout camp," Brown said. "The front office did a fantastic job putting together a talented and deep roster, and so you have to have a methodical approach when it comes to saying, ‘Hey these guys are going to start.’"
Four players are widely expected to begin the season in the starting five: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns. The fifth spot remains unsettled, with Hart the incumbent but not a guaranteed starter. Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride and Guerschon Yabusele are among the other logical candidates for the lineup, depending on how the minutes shake out. Hart, who publicly pressed for sacrifice last season while leading the league in minutes per game and setting a Knicks record for triple-doubles, said Tuesday he would embrace a reserve role if that helps the team win. "I think I’m a starter in the league. I think I deserve to be a starter in the league, but at the end of the day, it’s what’s best for the team. Last year, I talked about sacrifice the whole time and kind of being that separate mentality and being a good steward of my gifts and those kinds of things. So I think it would be extremely selfish for me to go out there and demand to start and all those kinds of things. So, whatever Mike wants to do or doesn’t wanna do, I’m cool with. And time will tell what that is, but I’m gonna figure it out." The Knicks have added frontcourt depth with Robinson healthy again and the acquisitions of Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, giving Brown multiple rotation options as he builds his lineup.
Hart’s season last year included a league-leading minutes total and a franchise-record run of triple-doubles, but his playoff role fluctuated. In the conference finals he moved to the bench after suggesting the move to former coach Tom Thibodeau, with Robinson moving into the starting lineup and Towns shifting to power forward. Towns is quick to note his own preference lies in winning, rather than any particular role. When asked about his position, Towns replied, "My preference is winning." The dynamic of a deeper bench keeps the Knicks from over-relying on a small core as they push deeper into the season.
Even with a starting group mostly set, Brown intends to lean on his bench more than in recent years. He described a philosophy of using nine and a half to ten players, aiming to give as many contributors an opportunity as possible and ensure the team remains fresh throughout a long season. "If you look at what I’ve done in the past, it’s usually 9 ½ to 10 guys. I try to play as many guys as I can," Brown said. "Even when I was in [Sacramento] and we had an injury during the season, there was a point in time when I started a two-way [contract] guy in Keon Ellis. So I’m going to try to play who is going to help us win, and I’m going to try to get guys an opportunity. So hopefully with as deep as our roster is, everybody will get an opportunity at some point in the course of the season." He added that players who prove themselves in camp and practice will earn minutes, rather than a guaranteed role.
The roster construction reflects a broader shift from last season, when Thibodeau guided the Knicks through a stretch with a heavy reliance on a seven- or eight-man rotation and faced heavy criticism for it after losing in the playoffs. Thibodeau was fired in the offseason after the team advanced to its first conference finals in 25 years. Brunson and Bridges publicly acknowledged Thibodeau’s contributions, while Hart conveyed continued respect for the former coach as the new staff prepares to implement a different approach. Brunson noted the change as a meaningful turning point for the franchise. "I think obviously it’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization, but he’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him, publicly and personally. Yeah, he’s meant a lot to my career up to this point," Brunson said. Bridges added a human perspective, saying he has always felt for someone who loses their job and that Thibodeau was a good operator and person.
Hart, who has spoken about the importance of sacrifice on multiple occasions, emphasized that his relationship with Thibodeau remains positive and that his focus now is on contributing to Brown’s system. "Obviously, I love Thibs. I’m always gonna have love for Thibs for the things that he helped me with and putting me in a position to get paid. So I always got love for him. Hope he’s doing well right now. But obviously, we have Mike and we’re extremely excited about what he brings to the table offensively and defensively." Tuesday marked the first time the Knicks spoke with the media since Thibodeau’s departure in June, and owner James Dolan’s presence at exit meetings last season has been cited as part of the impetus for the coaching change.
As the team heads into camp, the Knicks hope a smoother, deeper rotation will reduce wear and improve performance in the playoffs. The mix of veterans and versatile forwards, along with a robust group of guards, points to a lineup that can adapt to multiple styles and opponents. Hart’s willingness to contribute in a reserve role adds another layer of flexibility for Brown as he works to determine a lineup that balances offensive efficiency with defensive cohesion.
The Knicks’ training camp began on Wednesday, with players addressing the media on Tuesday and preparing to start practice the following day. With a roster that includes core players and new depth pieces, New York aims to cultivate a balanced rotation that can sustain a demanding schedule and provide multiple looks for opponents. The evolution of the starting five and the impact of Hart’s willingness to accept a bench role will unfold as camp progresses and, ultimately, as the regular season begins.