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Is the Knicks Dream Offseason a Reality?

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Highlights courtesy of NBA on YouTube, embedded under fair use for editorial purposes.

The Playoff Fall – Again

In 2024, the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Indiana Pacers in 7 games. This year in 2025, they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals — also to the Pacers, this time in 6. Hosting one of the best starting fives in basketball featuring Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, O.G. Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, expectations were sky-high.

As great as their starting five is, however, their problems come from two words — bench depth. While they have solid bench players including Miles “Deuce” McBride and Mitchell Robinson (ironically the longest-tenured Knick), as well as Landry Shamet and Delon Wright, it just wasn’t enough. A team like Indiana — with their level of depth — simply outlasted the Knicks.

Another issue was coach Tom Thibodeau’s excessive use of starters. Despite these concerns, with the talent on the roster, the championship window is now. Needing to address those concerns, the Knicks have made moves — and addressed them in various ways.

The Pieces – Roster Upgrades

Jordan Clarkson

The Knicks added veteran sixth man Jordan Clarkson for a vet minimum of around $3.6 million. Clarkson is a dream signing for the Knicks. While he was inconsistent at times in Utah, much of this can be blamed on the lack of competitiveness in the organization.

On a team like New York, with a clearly defined role and a real goal to play toward, Clarkson can be a key piece to the Knicks’ championship aspirations. Providing a backup ball-handler as well as a shot creator behind Brunson will help keep defenses on their toes — and keep Brunson fresh for his time to shine: the fourth quarter.

While his defense is not great, a team with elite wing defenders in Bridges and Anunoby — as well as an improved Josh Hart — will help fill this void in lineups Clarkson plays in. Clarkson should fit naturally into a sixth man/backup point guard role and overall provide a great backup scorer for the Knicks.

Guerschon Yabusele

In addition to Clarkson, the Knicks also made a somewhat surprising signing of French power forward Guerschon Yabusele. Yabusele was originally drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2016, where he played for two years before falling out of the NBA.

For most, the story ends there — but not for Yabusele. He revitalized his career in an epic showing for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics and earned a contract to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. This time, he showcased his much-improved skills despite the team’s struggles due to injury.

Yabusele will provide excellent size off the bench, as well as add a number of skills to the team — as he showcased with the Sixers. He adds another dynamic bench scorer and rebounder behind the Knicks’ elite starting five. While he fell out of the league before, Yabusele has proved he belongs and deserves to stay. His next quest? The one all players seek: a championship.

The Coaching Pivot

Despite bringing the Knicks to their first Conference Finals in 25 years — and likely their best stretch of basketball this century — the Knicks decided to move on from head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Despite his success, the Knicks likely felt Thibodeau’s reliance on starters was not conducive to winning a championship, and sought a new voice to push this core over the mountaintop.

The new problem, however, became finding a qualified replacement. Unlike in recent years, there were not as many proven head coaches available. Last year for example, names like Kenny Atkinson, J.B. Bickerstaff, and JJ Redick found new homes and overachieved in their respective situations. However, this year was not quite the same. The Knicks reportedly reached out to various teams in an attempt to pry away a new head coach — to no avail.

Eventually, the Knicks made their decision: hiring two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown. Brown was in a similar position as Thibodeau with the Sacramento Kings — delivering strong seasons before surprisingly being fired after a brief rough patch.

Despite some skepticism, Brown’s track record speaks volumes: a career record of 454–304, with just three losing seasons across 11 years (one of which was a 5-game stint).

As with any new coach, adjustments will be needed. But both the Knicks and Brown are in a similar position: successful but still chasing greatness. Perhaps together, they’ll finally take that next step into basketball glory.

The Future: Contenders or Champions?

For a team like the Knicks, the time is now to make a championship run. With numerous injuries around the East — including Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum — the Knicks have one of the strongest rosters in the conference.

They have offense in Brunson, Towns, and Clarkson, and defense in Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart. They also now have a deeper bench with Clarkson, Deuce McBride, Mitchell Robinson, and Yabusele.

Still, several key questions remain:

  • Will they pursue a two-way center to offset Towns’ defensive issues and Robinson’s offensive limitations?
  • Should Mitchell Robinson continue starting — or does Josh Hart return to the starting five for his hustle and versatility?
  • Could younger players like Ariel Hukporti, Pacome Dadiet, or Tyler Kolek break into the rotation?

Kolek, in particular, is one to watch. Despite being a bit older than most prospects (24), he was a standout point guard at Marquette and could add even more guard depth.

While these questions won’t be answered right away, they’ll be key as the Knicks look ahead to a pivotal season.

Conclusion

The Knicks have had one of the more eventful offseasons in the NBA. From signing high-impact bench players to replacing their head coach, they’ve taken major steps toward contending for a championship.

With one of the best starting fives in basketball, improved depth, and a new coaching voice, the Knicks are no longer just aiming to make the playoffs — they’re aiming for the Finals.

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