The New York Knicks are heading into the new NBA season with a hopeful outlook and a roster that appears strong on paper, ready to contend for a title. Under new head coach Mike Brown, who replaces Tom Thibodeau, the team faces a critical decision on who will fill the final starting spot. This choice will shape their lineup and could impact the Knicks’ ambitions of reaching the NBA Finals.
The team’s starting lineup already includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, leaving the last position open for either Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson. Each player offers distinctive skills that could influence the overall team dynamics and success.
Why Josh Hart Deserves the Starting Role
Josh Hart emerged as a key starter during last season, leading the entire league in minutes played per game, highlighting his endurance and value to the Knicks. Beyond statistics, Hart stands out for his relentless hustle, consistently diving for loose balls, winning crucial rebounds, and executing the tough plays that often go unheralded but contribute significantly to winning games.
His versatility and strong work ethic place him among the Knicks’ top players. Hart’s impact extends beyond scoring; his ability to contribute across multiple areas underscores why he is considered a strong candidate for the starting lineup this season.
The Argument for Mitchell Robinson’s Starting Spot
Mitchell Robinson’s case for starting is supported by his potential to make a big impact, particularly following his recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined him much of the previous season. Had he remained healthy, the Knicks coaching staff might have paired him with Karl-Anthony Towns earlier. By the end of last season, Robinson was gaining form, starting only three games before the playoffs but playing a vital role thereafter.
When the team found itself down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, adjustments by former coach Tom Thibodeau led to Robinson starting in Games 3 to 6. This change sparked a positive response from the team and showed promising results that suggest Robinson could be an important asset in the starting lineup moving forward.
Looking Ahead: What This Decision Means for the Knicks
Whether Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson secures the fifth spot, the Knicks enter the season as one of the NBA’s top teams, ready to face stiff competition from Eastern Conference rivals like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. The decision on this final starting position will be integral to how the team performs and advances its championship goals.
With a blend of established talent and emerging energy, New York is preparing for a season that could mark critical progress toward winning an NBA title, keeping fans energized and optimistic about the team’s future.
“He led the league in minutes per game, a testament to his relentless work ethic and importance to the team.” —Mike Brown, Head Coach
“Robinson stepped into a starting role for Games 3 through 6, and the results were encouraging.” —Tom Thibodeau, Former Head Coach