As the New York Knicks approach the new NBA season, discussions intensify about adjustments to their starting lineup. Among the key questions is who will secure the final spot alongside established players Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The competition has narrowed down to Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, with emerging insights favoring Robinson’s inclusion for his defensive strengths, a critical factor for the team’s strategy.
Defense Prioritized with Robinson’s Inclusion
NBA insider James Edwards III points out that head coach Mike Brown is likely to emphasize defense when setting the five-man group. Edwards suggests that Robinson’s defensive capabilities will give him the edge over Hart for the starting position. This move appears especially geared toward complementing Towns, who is more known for his scoring rather than defensive intensity.
I believe that Brown will start both Robinson and Towns together and then insert Yabusele into one of the frontcourt spots early in the game,
Edwards shared.
Ultimately, I think Brown ends up valuing defense with that starting group, and putting Robinson with the starters says more about needing to protect Towns than it does about Hart’s ability on that end of the floor.
—James Edwards III, Insider
Potential Impact on the Bench Unit
If Robinson secures the starting nod, Josh Hart’s role would shift primarily to the bench, creating a strong second unit that includes Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, and Guerschon Yabusele. This lineup could become one of the NBA’s most effective reserve groups, blending energy and versatility. Hart remains ready to embrace whatever role the team requires, drawing on his flexible experience across rotations.
I’ve been the 15th man, I’ve been the third man, I’ve been the sixth man, I’ve been whatever,
Hart reflected during the Eastern Conference Finals.
I truly feel like I’m a starter in the league. I think I’ve played amazing this year. So, if he does [bench me], cool.
—Josh Hart, Knicks player
Hart also acknowledged the importance of a team-first attitude in navigating lineup decisions, adding,
I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that and then, a decision like that is made, then be mad at it.
—Josh Hart, Knicks player
Looking Ahead to the Knicks’ Upcoming Training Camp
Training camp set to begin next month will be pivotal for finalizing the Knicks’ starting lineup. Fans and analysts alike await to see how the defensive-minded adjustments featuring Mitchell Robinson will influence the team’s chemistry and performance. These decisions come amid high expectations for the Knicks, as they aim to solidify their identity and contend strongly in a tough NBA landscape.
The choices made early will shape the entire season’s trajectory, with the Knicks placing a clear emphasis on defensive resilience alongside scoring talent. How Robinson and Hart adapt to their roles could play a defining part in the team’s quest to build on recent successes and pursue deeper playoff runs.