The New York Knicks have had an extremely successful summer by trading for star wing Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby to a long-term deal. The Knicks, headlined by superstar point guard Jalen Brunson, are primed for a deep playoff run in the 2024-25 NBA season and have the flexibility in their roster to employ three different starting lineups.
Starting Lineup No 1: Traditional Lineup
Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson
The traditional lineup of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson offers the Knicks a balanced approach both offensively and defensively. Jalen Brunson, coming off a season where he averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, continues to be the engine that drives the Knicks’ offense. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others ensures that the team has a reliable primary ball handler. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges bring elite perimeter defense and the capability to guard multiple positions, with Anunoby leading the league in steals (1.7 per game) and Bridges renowned for his defensive versatility.
Julius Randle anchors the frontcourt with his impressive rebounding and scoring ability, having averaged 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season. His physical presence in the paint complements Mitchell Robinson’s shot-blocking prowess, as Robinson posted 1.1 blocks per game in 31 appearances. This combination provides the Knicks with a formidable defensive presence inside. Offensively, Randle’s improved three-point shooting (31.1%) allows him to stretch the floor, while Robinson’s rim-running and lob-catching abilities offer a vertical threat that keeps defenses honest.
This lineup emphasizes a traditional approach with a strong defensive backbone, rebounding, and interior presence. The blend of perimeter defense from Anunoby and Bridges, along with the paint protection from Randle and Robinson, makes this lineup tough to score against. Offensively, the mix of playmaking, shooting, and inside scoring ensures a well-rounded approach which is essential in the playoffs where defensive intensity and rebounding often determine the outcomes of games.
Starting Lineup No. 2: New York Death Lineup
Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Julius Randle
The New York Death Lineup, featuring Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Julius Randle, prioritizes speed, versatility, and defensive tenacity. This small-ball lineup sacrifices size for agility and quickness, allowing the Knicks to switch seamlessly on defense and push the pace offensively. Josh Hart, known for his relentless hustle and rebounding from the guard position, averaged 8.3 rebounds per game last season, providing an extra dimension to this lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions and crash the boards makes him an invaluable asset in this configuration.
Offensively, this lineup can stretch the floor with Randle and Hart, both capable shooters from beyond the arc. The presence of three elite perimeter defenders in Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart creates a defensive wall that can suffocate opposing offenses. This defensive versatility is crucial for a team that aims to disrupt the rhythm of high-powered offenses. The lineup’s speed and agility also translate to a faster tempo, optimizing transition opportunities and fast breaks, areas where the Knicks can exploit mismatches and score efficiently.
While this lineup might struggle against bigger, more physical teams, it excels in a fast-paced, modern NBA game. The ability to switch on defense, coupled with strong rebounding from the guard positions, makes this lineup dynamic and tough to guard. Offensively, the improved floor spacing and ball movement are significant upgrades, aiming to boost the Knicks’ assist numbers, which ranked 29th in the league last season (24.4 APG).
Starting Lineup No. 3: 5-Out Shooting
Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle
The 5-Out Shooting lineup, consisting of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Julius Randle, focuses on maximizing floor spacing and shooting efficiency. DiVincenzo, who shot 40.1% from three-point range last season, adds another reliable perimeter threat, complementing the shooting capabilities of Bridges (37.2%) and Anunoby (38.2%). This lineup is designed to spread the floor, creating driving lanes for Brunson, who thrives in isolation and pick-and-roll scenarios.
Julius Randle, capable of playing inside and out, stretches the defense with his improved three-point shooting (31.1%), pulling opposing bigs away from the paint and opening up space for drives and cuts. The five-out configuration means that all players are a threat from beyond the arc, which can dismantle traditional defensive schemes and force constant rotations. This lineup aims to improve the Knicks’ three-point shooting percentage, which was a decent 36.9% last season, ranking 14th in the league.
Defensively, this lineup might not be as stout as the traditional lineup, but the offensive firepower more than compensates for it. The Knicks can exploit mismatches and create high-quality shots with the floor spread wide. Brunson’s playmaking, combined with the shooting prowess of DiVincenzo, Bridges, and Anunoby, makes this lineup a nightmare to defend.
Which Lineup Should The Knicks Use?
Ranking the lineups, the Knicks should prioritize the 5-Out Shooting lineup, the Traditional Lineup, and the New York Death Lineup. The 5-Out Shooting lineup offers the best balance of offensive firepower and spacing, crucial in today’s NBA where three-point shooting and floor spacing are paramount.
With multiple shooters and versatile defenders, this lineup can exploit mismatches and maintain defensive integrity. The Traditional Lineup is a close second, providing a strong defensive foundation and reliable rebounding, essential for controlling the game tempo and excelling in playoff scenarios. While exciting and fast-paced, the New York Death Lineup may struggle against bigger, more physical teams, making it more situational. Overall, the Knicks should start with the 5-Out Shooting lineup to maximize their offensive potential and adaptability on defense.
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