Knicks Under New Coach Brown: A Fresh Look for the Bench

The Knicks are set for a revamped bench, not just because Mike Brown has taken over as head coach from Tom Thibodeau.

The second unit is also reshaped, featuring new signings such as the high-scoring guard Jordan Clarkson and promising player Gershon Yabusele.

During his introduction, Brown enthusiastically highlighted both players. “Leon [Rose, the president] has done a great job with versatility,” he told MSG Network. “Jordan brings a solid offensive game. He’s experienced and, importantly, eager to win. He can score in various ways, which is exciting for us. Plus, he’s got more playmaking skills than people realize. I can’t wait to see how we can integrate him into our plans to play fast.”

As for Yabusele, Brown described him as “an incredible young man” and praised his ability to play multiple positions.

Last season, the Knicks really struggled with bench depth.

They ended up at the bottom of the league in bench scoring with only 21.7 points per game (the Lakers were slightly better at 26.2).

Now, the bench could see improvements, possibly with rookies Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, or Josh Hart playing a significant role.

Brown expressed a desire to push the tempo, hinting that he wants a more dynamic game style. Last year, under Thibodeau, the Knicks ranked 26th in pace. Expect that to shift.

“We have to play fast,” he said. “Spacing is key for us, as it helps create opportunities.”

While Brown is considering how to utilize both Karl Anthony Towns and Robinson in larger lineups, he wasn’t very specific about his plans.

“If we bring the right staff together, we can explore different avenues,” he mentioned. “I’m genuinely excited to have both players on board as they offer unique skills. Mitch is a vertical threat, while Cat spaces the floor effectively.”