Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
This edition of Knicks’ MailBag features NBA Insider Ian Begley from SNY, who is ready to tackle your questions about the Knicks. Let’s dive in.
Q: What’s the plan for backup point guard when Jalen Brunson sits? Will it be a committee approach with McBride, Hart, and Clarkson sharing ball-handling duties? Is Kolek expected to have a regular bench role, or will he spend most of the season inactive? – @ctorres04
Based on the moves so far, Tyler Kolek seems to be outside the Knicks’ rotation starting the season. New York currently has a nine-man rotation including Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Miles McBride. Unless head coach Mike Brown wants to play ten players regularly, a spot for Kolek doesn’t appear likely.
The Knicks also have salary cap space for one veteran minimum contract and one newcomer deal before hitting the second apron. They are actively engaging with free agents who can fill the backup guard role, potentially limiting Kolek’s opportunities further. Among veterans they’ve contacted is Ben Simmons, and they’ve also explored options involving veterans like Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Marcus Smart. The Knicks don’t seem to be exclusively prioritizing a ball-handler for that last roster slot. They are also keeping an eye on Landry Shamet, who remains open to coming back to New York.
Q: What’s Mike Brown’s approach to reducing Brunson’s workload without sacrificing offensive efficiency? – @shemirock
Great question. Brown hasn’t disclosed specifics since his introductory press conference, but his interest in hiring James Borrego—known for a system emphasizing ball and player movement—signals openness to an offense with fluidity. This style could naturally lessen Brunson’s burden. Last season, Hart, Bridges, and others shared ball-handling duties on the court with Brunson, and under Brown, we might see them doing so more consistently. Alternatively, the offense’s inherent movement could organically reduce Brunson’s workload. This will be an intriguing development to watch as Brown implements his system.
Q: Does Mike Brown have a preferred assistant coach from his time as an assistant or head coach? It’s common for head coaches to bring trusted staff members, right? – @captainpearlnyk
It’s common for head coaches to have trusted assistants they bring along. Brown is expected to add an associate head coach and at least one key staff member from his previous coaching circles. While there is hope that last year’s Knicks assistants—Rick Brunson, Mark Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, and Darren Erman—might stay, Brown was also given full autonomy to build his own staff. It would be unrealistic to assume all four remain if he has a clean slate. If any from that group stay, it would be because Brown specifically chose to keep them.
Fan Take: This insight into the Knicks’ roster and coaching plans offers basketball fans a glimpse into how a team rebuilds and balances experience with fresh talent. Watching how Mike Brown manages Brunson’s role and assembles his staff will be key to understanding the Knicks’ strategic direction this season and its impact on team chemistry and success.
