The New York Knicks are actively seeking to enhance their roster with a veteran point guard as part of their push for a championship. Following the contract extension of starting forward Mikal Bridges, and additions like guard Jordan Clarkson and forward-center Guerschon Yabusele, the team is focused on finalizing their rotation to solidify their chances this upcoming season.
Evaluating the Knicks’ Depth and Lineup Needs
The new arrivals—Clarkson and Yabusele—are expected to join the second unit alongside players such as Miles McBride, Josh Hart, or Mitchell Robinson, depending on head coach Mike Brown’s starting lineup preferences. If McBride secures a starting role, the Knicks will require a dependable backup point guard. Although second-year player Tyler Kolek could fill that role, skepticism remains regarding his readiness for high-stakes playoff basketball. Sports analyst James Edwards III expressed doubts about Kolek and suggested the Knicks will seek an experienced guard to complete their rotation.
Veteran Point Guard Options Under Consideration
Edwards indicated New York plans to use its veteran minimum salary slot on a point guard, with multiple candidates on the radar. He said,
I’m expecting New York to use its veteran’s minimum spot on the point guard position, with names like Simmons, Malcolm Brogdon, Delon Wright, and Monté Morris worth monitoring.
—James Edwards III, Sports Analyst
Among these, Ben Simmons is the most notable target. A former No. 1 overall draft pick and three-time All-Star, Simmons has drawn interest from the Knicks since free agency began. However, his career has recently been marred by challenges off and on the court, including mental health struggles and persistent back injuries. His recent performance has fallen short of expectations; in his stint with Brooklyn last season, Simmons averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over 33 games. His brief time with the Clippers saw further declines, with averages dropping to 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 17 games.
Comparing Potential Veteran Point Guard Candidates
While Simmons offers exceptional defensive skills and playmaking ability, other candidates have their own strengths and weaknesses. Malcolm Brogdon, a former Rookie of the Year, can contribute offensively and defensively but has faced significant injury issues. Brogdon played only 24 games last season, continuing a trend of limited availability since his time with the Boston Celtics ended. In 2023, after moving to the Portland Trail Blazers, he appeared in just 63 games over two seasons. Most recently with the Washington Wizards, Brogdon averaged 12.7 points, shooting a disappointing 28.6% from three-point range, along with 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Delon Wright delivered a more stable presence for the Knicks last season, contributing 4.3 points and 2.1 assists off the bench. However, his shooting inconsistency, particularly from beyond the arc—33.3% in the regular season and 16.7% during the playoffs—limited his offensive impact.
Monté Morris, once a reliable starter for the Denver Nuggets with a career-best 12.6 points and 4.4 assists in 2021-22, has seen his role diminish. Now 30 years old, Morris has moved through four teams recently, recording modest stats of 5.2 points and 1.6 assists with the Phoenix Suns last year.
Impact of Final Roster Decisions on Knicks’ Championship Aspirations
As the Knicks continue fine-tuning their roster, the addition of a veteran point guard remains a priority to ensure stability and experience in critical moments. Whether the choice falls to Simmons or another veteran, this position is crucial for balancing the team and supporting a deep playoff run. The front office’s decisions on this front will be a key factor in determining New York’s ability to contend for a championship this season.