The New York Knicks are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, finishing 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record. Despite an impressive regular season, the Knicks were hit hard by injuries during the playoffs, with key players like Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby missing crucial time. Still, they managed to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round before falling to the Indiana Pacers in seven games. The injuries continued to plague the Knicks, with Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson also going down in the playoffs.
This offseason, the Knicks made significant moves to bolster their roster, trading for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, and securing OG Anunoby to a long-term deal. These additions, along with the return of key players from injury, have positioned the Knicks as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Jalen Brunson
Reserves: Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, Damion Baugh
Jalen Brunson had a breakout season for the Knicks, solidifying his role as the team’s floor general and earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selections. Brunson averaged an impressive 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. Brunson has quickly become a beloved figure in New York, particularly after agreeing to a contract extension that included a rare act of loyalty—a massive $113 million pay cut. His leadership, scoring ability, and playmaking will be crucial to the Knicks’ continued success.
Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Damion Baugh provide depth behind Brunson. Payne, in particular, is a reliable veteran backup who can create off the dribble and run the second unit effectively.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: OG Anunoby
Reserves: Tyler Kolek, Kevin McCullar, Alex O’Connell
OG Anunoby, who the Knicks acquired last season from the Toronto Raptors, has quickly become a vital piece of the Knicks’ core. Anunoby averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. An elite “3-and-D” player, Anunoby’s defensive prowess and ability to space the floor make him indispensable on both ends of the court. The Knicks showed their faith in Anunoby by signing him to a five-year, $212 million contract extension, locking him in for the prime of his career.
Tyler Kolek, a promising young prospect, and Kevin McCullar, a gritty defender, will provide depth behind Anunoby. Alex O’Connell adds additional shooting and energy off the bench.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Mikal Bridges
Reserves: Pacome Dadiet, Landry Shamet, TJ Warren
Mikal Bridges, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade, is the Knicks’ newest star. Bridges is coming off a career-best season where he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc. Bridges’ combination of scoring, playmaking, and elite perimeter defense makes him an ideal fit in New York’s system. His ability to guard the opposition’s best wing players while contributing offensively will help the Knicks match up well against the top teams in the East.
Behind Bridges, the Knicks have several capable options, including Pacome Dadiet, Landry Shamet, and TJ Warren. Shamet adds shooting and spacing, while Warren provides veteran experience and scoring.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Precious Achiuwa
Reserves: Josh Hart, Jacob Toppin, Chuma Okeke
Precious Achiuwa steps into the starting power forward role following the trade that sent Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Achiuwa’s defensive versatility and athleticism will be critical in New York’s frontcourt. He has shown flashes of being a capable two-way player and will now get the opportunity to play a more prominent role.
Josh Hart, one of the Knicks’ most beloved players, remains a key part of the team’s rotation. Hart is known for his tenacity, hustle, and rebounding, especially for his position. Last season, Hart averaged 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 43.4% from the field. His all-around contributions make him a valuable piece off the bench, capable of playing multiple positions.
Jacob Toppin and Chuma Okeke provide further depth at power forward, with Toppin showing potential as an athletic, high-energy player.
Center (C)
Starter: Karl-Anthony Towns
Reserves: Jericho Sims, Ariel Hukporti, Mitchell Robinson (Out)
Karl-Anthony Towns is the centerpiece of the Knicks’ offseason moves, and his arrival brings immense talent to New York’s frontcourt. Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season while shooting an incredible 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from three-point range. One of the best shooting big men in NBA history, Towns gives the Knicks another elite scoring option and will add a new dimension to their offense. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently from all areas will complement Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges well.
Jericho Sims is a solid backup center known for his rebounding and defense, and Ariel Hukporti provides depth behind Towns. Unfortunately, Mitchell Robinson will be out for the start of the season due to injury, but the Knicks hope to have him back later in the season.
The New York Knicks have built one of the most complete rosters in the Eastern Conference. With Jalen Brunson leading the charge, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges providing elite two-way play on the wings, and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the frontcourt, the Knicks are poised to challenge the best teams in the league.
The addition of Towns gives the Knicks an offensive weapon in the frontcourt that they haven’t had in years, and his ability to stretch the floor will open up more opportunities for Brunson, Anunoby, and Bridges. Defensively, the Knicks have multiple elite perimeter defenders in Anunoby, Bridges, and Josh Hart, which will be critical when matching up against teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Knicks are now serious challengers for the Eastern Conference crown. Their roster has the depth, versatility, and talent to compete with any team in the league. Health will be key for New York, as injuries derailed their playoff hopes last season. However, if they can stay healthy, the Knicks have a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run and contending for the NBA championship.
With their offseason moves and improved depth, the Knicks are ready to take on the top teams in the East, including the Boston Celtics, in what promises to be one of the most exciting rivalries in the conference.
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